Board of County Commissioners - 2026-03-24
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners meeting on March 24, 2026 focused primarily on affordable housing program updates, with the board committing $91.2 million to 18 multifamily projects producing 3,164 housing units. The board approved $6 million for Skyway Flats (174 units) and $2.5 million for a 35-unit homeless empowerment project. Staff recommended closing the penny-funded affordable housing program to new applications due to limited remaining funds ($2.9 million). The board also discussed future plans for county-owned properties in Downtown Clearwater, with commissioners agreeing to hold public town hall meetings before issuing development RFPs.
Key Decisions (12)
Skyway Flats Affordable Housing - $6 Million Land Acquisition
Approved $6 million from penny funds for land acquisition for Skyway Flats, a 174-unit multifamily affordable housing development in St. Petersburg. The HFA will acquire the land and lease it back to the developer, keeping it permanently affordable. Total construction cost approximately $436,000 per unit.
Homeless Empowerment Program Housing - $2.5 Million
Approved approximately $2.5 million for a 35-unit multifamily development for homeless empowerment program in Clearwater. Specialized units at approximately $285,000 per unit.
North County Service Centers GMP Contract
Approved guaranteed maximum price contract for North County Service Centers construction project. Board requested staff bring back bonding options analysis at April 2 work session as alternative to using penny funds.
Palm Harbor Recreation Center Construction Bid
Awarded construction bid for Palm Harbor Recreation Center project.
County-Owned Properties Surplus Declaration Postponed
Postponed decision on declaring county-owned properties in Downtown Clearwater as surplus to April 7 agenda to allow more time for stakeholder input and commissioner discussion.
Creative Pinellas Competitive Arts Tourism Grant Program - $500,000
Approved $500,000 funding agreement with Creative Pinellas for competitive arts tourism grant program. Amended to provide $100,000 upfront for administration, with remaining $400,000 released upon Brian Lowack's approval of grant programs.
Saint Pete Pier Powerboat Grand Prix Lead Event Funding
Approved fiscal year 2026 lead event funding recommendations for Saint Pete Pier Powerboat Grand Prix.
Affordable Housing Program Closed to New Applications
Staff directed to close penny-funded affordable housing program to new applications effective March 25, 2026 due to limited remaining funds ($2.9 million). Applications in progress may be completed. Program has committed $91.2 million to 18 projects producing 3,164 units.
Dunn Causeway Repairs - Federal Highway Administration Agreement
Approved local agency program agreement with FDOT for construction engineering inspection services for Dunn Causeway repairs from hurricane damage. Approximately $1.314 million in damage sustained from Hurricane Helene.
Heritage Village Landmark Designations
Approved designation of House of Seven Gables and Plant Sumner House at Heritage Village as landmarks, recognizing their second period of significance (50 years at Heritage Village).
Ninth Cent Fuel Tax Reauthorization
Approved ordinance reauthorizing the ninth cent fuel tax levy on motor fuel and diesel fuel sold in the county.
Future Land Use and Zoning Change - 6201 150th Avenue North
Approved future land use map amendment from commercial neighborhood/employment to commercial general/industrial general, and zoning change from C-1/E-1 to E-2/I Heavy Industry on 1.87 acres at 6201 150th Avenue North and 15097 63rd Street North in unincorporated Largo for Vasant LLC and Green Energy Transport LLC.
Zoning Changes (2)
6201 150th Avenue North and 15097 63rd Street North, unincorporated Largo
Vasant LLC and Green Energy Transport LLC
3470 Adrian Avenue, unincorporated Largo (City of Largo request)
City of Largo
Development Activity (8)
Skyway Flats
174 multifamily affordable housing units, 5-story structural concrete building with parking garages, permanently affordable. Total cost approximately $436,000 per unit. Received state Live Local funding.
Homeless Empowerment Program Housing
35-unit single-story multifamily development for homeless population, specialized units at approximately $285,000 per unit
North County Service Centers
New county service center facility, GMP contract approved with potential bonding discussion for April 2
Palm Harbor Recreation Center
Recreation center construction project, bid awarded
Baypoint Tower
Multifamily housing project, $15.7 million HFA bond issuance
Wingate Apartments
Multifamily housing project, $25 million HFA bond issuance
Largo Multifamily Housing
Multifamily housing project, $19 million HFA bond issuance
Pasco County Senior Housing
86 affordable units for seniors, contract pending through Area Agency on Aging
Market Signals (6)
Housing Demand
County's penny-funded affordable housing program is fully subscribed with $91.2 million committed to 18 projects, and $37.4 million in pending applications competing for only $2.9 million in remaining funds.
Housing Demand
Construction costs for multifamily affordable housing continue to climb, with 5-story concrete buildings over parking reaching $436,000 per unit compared to $285,000 for single-story construction.
Infrastructure
New Florida stormwater requirements are increasing development costs for multifamily projects.
Commercial Demand
Downtown Clearwater county-owned properties (22 acres total) represent significant redevelopment opportunity, with commissioners planning public input sessions before issuing development RFPs.
Sentiment
Strong community interest in Downtown Clearwater redevelopment with citizen group collecting 8,000 petition signatures; commissioners emphasize transparency and public engagement before property disposition.
Infrastructure
Tampa Bay Water has implemented new restrictions including one-day watering, car washing only on watering day, and restaurants must serve water only upon request, indicating regional water supply constraints.