MAYOR KING UNVEILS SANDY SHORES RECOVERY AND REBUILDING INITIATIVE

SANDY SHORES, BLAINE COUNTY — Mayor Frank King Sr. announced a townwide recovery plan today, his first major initiative since the recount confirmed he'd actually won last week's election, calling it a "comprehensive effort to restore our community stronger than ever before."

In a statement released by his office, King said the riots "caused damage to public property, businesses, and neighborhoods" but "did not break the spirit of our town or the people who call it home." He said his administration is coordinating with BCSO, the Blaine County Fire Department, EMS, and other public safety partners to keep neighborhoods secure while cleanup continues.

The Sandy Shores Recovery and Rebuilding Initiative lists eight priorities, including immediate repair of damaged public buildings and infrastructure, accelerated road work, an overhaul of the town's water system, support for businesses hit by the unrest, and continued backing for the first responders King said "stood on the front lines protecting our town." The plan also pledges improved emergency coordination between agencies, and — in a line likely to draw some scrutiny given the state of the town's books — a commitment to "increasing transparency and ensuring taxpayer dollars are invested responsibly in rebuilding efforts."

King framed the initiative as bigger than repair work. "The events of recent days do not define who we are," he said. "They remind us that strong communities overcome adversity by standing together." He said his administration would "lead with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to every resident," and pledged to create new avenues for residents to weigh in on the town's recovery.

The announcement lands as investigators continue digging through partially burned financial records pulled from the Mayor's Office fires, and as WeazelTech's recount process remains under federal review. King's office did not say whether the Recovery and Rebuilding Initiative has an estimated cost, or how it will be funded alongside the audit of his predecessor's spending.

King closed his statement with a pledge to residents: "Together, we rebuild. Together, we move Sandy Shores forward."