Board of County Commissioners - Work Session - 2026-04-02
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Board of County Commissioners work session focused on three major topics: a proposed $85 million TDC funding commitment for BayCare Ballpark renovations to extend the Philadelphia Phillies' spring training lease through 2047, the disposition strategy for Downtown Clearwater county properties (with consensus favoring fee simple sale over ground lease), and stormwater infrastructure planning across 19 watershed plans identifying $1 billion in potential capital projects.
Key Decisions (4)
Phillies Spring Training Facility TDC Funding Direction
Board provided direction to staff supporting $85 million in Tourist Development Tax funding for BayCare Ballpark renovations, up from the Phillies' original $80 million request. This would reduce City of Clearwater's contribution to approximately $30 million. The funding supports a 20-year lease extension through 2047. Five commissioners expressed support for the $85 million figure.
Downtown Clearwater Property Disposition - Fee Simple Direction
Board provided direction to proceed with fee simple sale structure for approximately 25 acres of county-owned Downtown Clearwater properties rather than ground lease. CBRE consultants recommended fee simple to maximize buyer pool and property value. Properties include Court Street assemblage and various county facilities being vacated for new Ulmerton campus.
Downtown Clearwater Town Hall Meeting Approval
Board approved holding a public town hall meeting in April at the Palm Room before releasing the Request for Negotiations (RFN) for Downtown Clearwater properties. Vice Chair Latvala to chair the meeting. Additional public input opportunities planned after developer proposals received.
North County Service Center Bonding Inducement Resolution Direction
Board provided direction to bring forward an inducement resolution declaring intent to potentially bond $50 million for the North County Service Center project. This would preserve the option to bond rather than use penny funds, with annual debt service estimated at $3.3 million over 30 years at 4.97% interest rate.
Development Activity (6)
BayCare Ballpark Renovation
$205 million total project including video board replacement, field lights, larger concourse, West Plaza upgrade, new fan seating, center field fan deck, retail store expansion, restroom upgrades, suite renovations, and player development facilities. Phillies have already invested $49 million including berm structural improvements and scoreboard. Southwest building designed for emergency response housing.
Joe's Creek Restoration
Strategic channel widening, bank restoration, culvert upsizing at 34th Street. Project at 60% design. Will potentially remove up to 14 buildings from flood plain and reduce flood depths by over half a foot.
Cross Bayou Regional Stormwater Facility
Regional stormwater facility to create bank of stormwater credits for redevelopment. Partnership project with City of Largo and Pinellas Park for channel restoration, erosion control, and sediment removal.
McKay Creek Operable Lake Structure
Project to allow remote drawdown of Walsingham Reservoir and Taylor Lake ahead of storms. HMGP grant funded design, construction grant pending. Would remove approximately three miles from floodplain and four homes.
Pinecrest Golf Course Stormwater Facility
Master stormwater facility for medical arts district with flood control, water quality improvements, and Pinellas Trail connection. Involves restoration of channelized creek that makes 90-degree turn.
Downtown Clearwater County Properties Redevelopment
Mixed-use redevelopment of county-owned properties being vacated for new Ulmerton campus. Minimum $250 million investment expected. RFN to be released with 90-day response period.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Philadelphia is the number one feeder market for hotel revenue in Pinellas County, doubling revenue from any other major market except New York City, driven by the 80-year Phillies spring training relationship.
Infrastructure
Pinellas County has identified 383 potential stormwater capital projects totaling over $1 billion from 19 watershed plans, with 24 active projects totaling $277 million currently in the CIP.
Commercial Demand
Downtown Clearwater described as an 'emerging market' with positive momentum from recent city investments including the Gotham project and new hotel development, making timing favorable for major redevelopment.
Sentiment
Board expressed strong preference for using Tourist Development Tax dollars over ad valorem property taxes for major projects, citing affordability concerns and potential state property tax changes.
Infrastructure
County received 150% of average annual rainfall (76 inches) in 2024 storm season, with compound flooding from hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton exposing infrastructure vulnerabilities in channelized creek systems.