Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Board of County Commissioners meeting focused primarily on EMS personnel recognition and proclamations, with two land use amendments approved for the City of Largo. The board unanimously approved Case CW2605 to amend 540 acres along Clearwater Largo Rd to Activity Center designation, and Case CW2606 to amend the planning framework for the 316-acre West Bay Dr Activity Center. The board also reached consensus to release an RFN (Request for Negotiation) for redevelopment of the downtown Clearwater county campus, with options for either ground lease or fee simple sale with deed restrictions.
Key Decisions (7)
Largo Activity Center Land Use Amendment (CW2605)
City of Largo amendment to countywide plan map from activity center, residential medium, retail and services, office, employment, public, semi-public, and recreation open space to activity center for approximately 540 acres along Clearwater Largo Rd between Bel Air Rd and Rosary Rd, including portions of alternate US Highway 19 and surrounding properties.
West Bay Dr Activity Center Framework Amendment (CW2606)
City of Largo amendment to planning framework governing the West Bay Dr Activity Center while retaining existing activity center designation for approximately 316 acres in the vicinity of West Bay Dr and alternate US Highway 19.
Hazard Mitigation Grant for Traffic Control Cabinets
Revised hazard mitigation grant of $9.5 million with local match of $3.1 million for total project cost of $12.7 million for traffic control cabinets to mitigate storm impacts.
Lake Dan Parcel Surplus and Donation to Hillsborough County
Resolution declaring one county-owned parcel of land on Lake Dan in Hillsborough County as surplus with property donation agreement to Hillsborough County.
Authorization to File Lawsuit for Contractor Damage
Authority granted to file suit regarding damage to county facilities by a contractor.
Settlement Approval
Board approved staff's recommendation in confidential item relating to settlement.
Downtown Clearwater Campus RFN Release Consensus
Board reached unanimous consensus to release Request for Negotiation (RFN) for redevelopment of downtown Clearwater county campus. RFN will allow developers to propose either ground lease or fee simple sale with legal protections and controls. Release planned for June 2026.
Zoning Changes (2)
Clearwater Largo Rd between Bel Air Rd and Rosary Rd, including portions of alternate US Highway 19
City of Largo
Vicinity of West Bay Dr and alternate US Highway 19
City of Largo
Development Activity (1)
Downtown Clearwater County Campus Redevelopment
Multiple county-owned parcels including buildings along Fort Harrison and Court streets. RFN to be released June 2026 seeking proposals for mixed-use development with activation requirements. Options include ground lease up to 99 years or fee simple sale with deed restrictions.
Market Signals (5)
Commercial Demand
County pursuing mixed-use redevelopment of 22-acre downtown Clearwater campus with emphasis on retail, restaurant, and entertainment activation to revitalize downtown.
Housing Demand
RFN for downtown Clearwater campus will include residential components, with discussion of condominiums and apartments as potential development types.
Infrastructure
$12.7 million hazard mitigation project approved for traffic control cabinets indicates ongoing storm resilience investments.
Sentiment
Strong community sentiment expressed at town hall meeting for county to retain long-term control of downtown Clearwater properties through ground lease rather than outright sale.
Commercial Demand
City of St. Pete moving forward with feasibility study for convention or conference center downtown, with county paying half of study costs.