Aerial of Pinellas County looking from downtown Saint Petersburg Florida

The Wave

Your Pinellas County Government Newsletter

August 2024

A glance at people, programs & news around the county!

County Commission approves historic Rays stadium partnership

The Pinellas Board of County Commissioners recently approved an historic partnership with the City of St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Rays to build a multipurpose ballpark that will anchor the City’s transformative Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment project. The Commission voted to contribute bed tax revenues toward the stadium design and construction. Those are tourist-generated funds that, by law, cannot go toward services such as: affordable housing, schools, salaries or other non-tourism related priorities. Learn more about this agreement on our website.

Weathering Debby and peak hurricane season: How Pinellas County prepares

As Hurricane Debby reminded us all, peak hurricane season has arrived, with most tropical storms and hurricanes happening between mid-August and mid-October. As we dry out from Debby, review your preparedness plan. What part of your family's plan worked and what may need updating for any future storms? Check your evacuation zone and learn about ways to prepare now.

If you need more supplies for your hurricane kit, you can get them tax-free during the second Florida Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday of the year, from Aug. 24 through Sept. 6.

Here at Pinellas County, we're always getting ready and learning from past storms as well. Watch the video above for an inside look at some of the ways we prepare our community for hurricane season.

Pass-A-Grille beach restoration underway

We're full steam ahead with beach nourishment along Pass-a-Grille. The project will restore wide sandy beaches and storm protection to this beautiful strip of Pinellas paradise. What do you need to know? The beach south of Paradise Grille is closed for about the next two months, except for about 40 parking spots. But all businesses and the north end of the beach remain open. Check the status any time at Pass-a-Grille Beach Nourishment.

Expanded Bayside Health Clinic reopens

Our Human Services department is working to help improve access to healthcare for Pinellas residents experiencing homelessness through the Health Care for the Homeless Program. Last month, they celebrated the expansion of the Bayside Health Clinic, which will allow staff to better provide these vulnerable patients with primary medical and dental care while adding mental health and substance use services. Check out how this team meets clients where they are.

Celebrating our Parks Month photo winners

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of the Pinellas County Parks Month Photo Contest!

Beaches: “Flamboyance” by Nancy Shivers

Florida Friendly Plant Life: “Summer Skyscape Over the Boat Launch at Philippe Park” by Stephen Garrett

Landscapes: “Lake in the Morning” by Butch Knudsen (pictured above)

Playgrounds: “BEE Hive” by Travis Cool

Recreation: “The Early Bird Catches the Fish” by Lauren Clark

Wildlife: “Deer in Chestnut Park” by Butch Knudsen

Click here to see the rest of these stunning snapshots. Thank you to everyone who voted and to the talented photographers who dazzled us with incredible images that truly brought our parks to life.

New: Virtual tour of our Solid Waste facility

Ever wonder what happens to your garbage after you put it in the bin? You can find out by taking the award-winning interactive virtual tour of the Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Complex. From the comfort of your own home, "travel" around the site to learn how we manage over one million tons of garbage as a resource each year and why it’s important we reduce our waste.

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

Aug. 13: Board of County Commissioners meeting

Aug. 24: Household Chemical North County Collection Event

Aug. 24-Sept. 6: Florida Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday

Sept. 5 & Sept. 19: FY25 proposed budget goes before the BCC. Read about the proposed budget now.

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