ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As many have noticed of the last few years, there’s been a population boom, bringing in thousands of new homeowners to Tampa Bay. In many cases, more new ownership means higher property values. But are buyers getting an accurate price tag while they’re shopping?

Behind the keyboard of Pinellas County Property Appraiser, Mike Twitty, is where residents could get the answers to those pressing property pricing questions.

“The worst thing you want to do is buy something and then get punched in the nose later. Because nobody told them it wasn’t fully disclosed,” Twitty said.

After eight years in office, he’s come up with a number of initiatives. One of his passion projects involves getting home-buying websites to link directly to the property appraiser’s website where the property is listed. It’s a way to make sure buyers are getting accurate estimates.

“When you go to an online listing platform today, they typically show the sellers taxes. It can be completely deceptive to a new buyer,” Twitty said.

He also holds classes for new homeowners twice a month to educate them on the different fees. But that’s not the only thing he’s doing to get people to listen.

In his free time, he’s using his voice with the help of his band, Code Red, to reach even more people.

“This is almost a form of outreach because I’m able to interact with the public in a different way,” he said. “And many times I’m bringing cards and phone numbers back and then I hand those off or make those contacts with those people later, even after events.”

Twitty is the band’s lead singer. It’s a role he said he has helped get into the groove of serving in public office.

“I never considered myself a public speaker,” he said. “Then I realized how much being on stage and being comfortable in front of a microphone helped me when I got into the political world.”

Twitty is running unopposed in his current re-election bid. He said performing is a way for him to reach a wide variety of people in a different way, no matter their political beliefs.

“Everybody likes to express themselves and have some recreation time and work hard and this is a way for me to do that and bring people together.,” he said. “Doesn’t matter what political party they’re affiliated with or aligned with, you’ll see all stripes here.”

It’s a harmony he’s hoping serves as an important reminder of the work he’s doing and resources his office provides. Especially as the property business continues to strike the right chord with buyers.

Twitty also wants to remind buyers that this month his office is sending out the notice of proposed property taxes also known as trim notices.