Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pinellas County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in roads
Gulf Boulevard Improvement program timeline
Clearwater and St. Pete Beach are behind on their beach roadwork, and the BIG-C interlocal agreement expired September 30. New interlocal agreements would give both cities extra time to finish.
Roads, box culverts and flooding
Commissioners Peters and Scott pushed back on cutting the third infrastructure millage, citing failed roads and 60 uninspected box culverts that contributed to flooding during Hurricane Milton.
PSTA federal bus and bus facilities grant
PSTA is seeking $2 million in federal money to build bus pull-out bays so buses stop blocking travel lanes. The board agreed the county will send a letter of support.
Third infrastructure millage transfer
Commissioners discussed diverting half — or all — of the third millage (~$3 million) that funds local roads, sidewalks, and bridges to fund a property tax cut. Road resurfacing has improved dramatically, but costs per lane mile have more than doubled.
Local Road and Bridge Millage Levels
Commissioner Scott asked whether the two level-of-service road millages are still needed now that failing lane miles are down from 1,200 to 200. Staff said bridges and culverts still need work, but winding one down may be on the table if the tax amendment passes.
East Lake Road Construction Grant Application
The county is applying for up to $71 million in federal surface transportation money for East Lake Road, though the match figure far exceeds realistic awards.
Keystone/East Lake Emergency Access Improvements Grant
A federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant application of $7.96 million would fix the congested Keystone/East Lake intersection, adding turn lanes and through lanes to help Fire Station 58's emergency vehicles get in and out safely.