Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pinellas County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
3 issues in business jobs with high priority
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.
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.
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.