Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pinellas County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in business jobs
Construction Licensing Board Changes
Proposed changes to the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board could affect how contractors are licensed and regulated in the county.
Small business and nonprofit recovery programs
$138.2 million in small business, nonprofit, planning and infrastructure programs should launch by year-end. Commissioner Peters warned the delay has already killed beach-community businesses.
Employment Sites Program sewer infrastructure funding
The county's penny-funded jobs program would put $750,000 into Pinellas Park's lift station and $2.2 million into St. Petersburg's San Martin Bridge sewer relocation — expanding sewer capacity in the Gateway corridor where thousands of jobs are projected by 2050.
Allegiant operating agreement and airport finances
A new five-year deal boosts airport airline revenue 61% to about $22.8 million and locks in service from the airport that carried 2.8 million passengers last year.
Downtown Clearwater redevelopment RFQ
A $25 million bond for the new campus is pitted against a potential $184 million budget cut if the property tax referendum passes. Commissioners ultimately decided to keep moving forward with developer proposals.
Largo CRA and crime concerns
A candidate for county office urged the board not to give the Largo CRA 'a penny,' alleging entrenched drug activity in the target area — though commissioners take such claims with appropriate skepticism and no board action resulted.
Phillies BayCare Ballpark lease renewal funding
The county is putting $85 million of tourist tax money into renovating BayCare Ballpark and the Phillies complexes, keeping spring training in Clearwater through 2047. Critics call it too much public subsidy; supporters point to hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania visitors driving tourism.
Dunedin downtown redevelopment funding
Dunedin got county approval to increase CRA debt and spending for downtown projects, mainly a needed parking garage, with the city's general fund covering about 57%.
Competitive arts tourism grant program
The county is spending $500,000 in tourist development tax dollars on a fall "Month of the Arts" to draw visitors during slow seasons. Commissioner Scherer questioned paying an organization $500,000 upfront instead of reimbursing after the fact.