Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION 

This web[age has been designed to provide you with a handy reference guide to Pinellas County government. Accompanying this guide is the Language Interpretation Assistance page which is a listing of employees who are willing to act as unofficial translators. If you encounter someone who needs language assistance, please refer to this list and contact the employee directly.For your convenience, County agencies are organized in alphabetical order and listed in the table of contents. All of these areas are funded by Pinellas County government. Many services are included which are not directly under the Board of County Commissioners such as Circuit and County Courts, Constitutional Officers and others. An alphabetical index has been provided to assist you with getting your questions answered. The index will help you find the department or division which can help you. In addition, two other sections are included: Internal Support Services to County government includes internal departments serving the needs of other departments. Advisory Boards and Commissions addresses how these entities serve County government by providing technical expertise and community involvement. 

For general questions about County government, the Department of Communications is available to assist you. They can be reached by calling 464-4600. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PINELLAS COUNTY - THEN AND NOW

OVERVIEW OF PINELLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Board of County Commissioners
County Administrator
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Property Appraiser
Public Defender
Sheriff
State Attorney
Supervisor of Elections
Tax Collector

CITIZEN SERVICE AREAS

County Administrator
Airport
Animal Services
Artificial Fishing Reefs
Building & Development Services
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Communications
Community Development
County Connection Centers
Construction Licensing Board
Convention & Visitors Bureau (SP/CLW)
County Court
Cultural Affairs
Development Review Services
Economic Development Council (SP/CLW)
Emergency Communications
Radio Systems Division
Emergency Management
    Brooker Creek & Weedon Island
EMS and Fire Administration
Environmental Management
    Air Quality
    Coastal Management and Information Systems
    Watershed Management Division
Extension
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
Health Department/Vital Statistics
Heritage Village - Historical Museum
Human Rights
Human Services
Justice and Consumer Services
Legislative Delegation
North Pinellas Historical Museum
Parks
Planning
Public Works
    Construction Management
    Engineering
    Mosquito Control
    Right of Way
    Public Works Highway
    Survey & Mapping
    Traffic Control
Social Services
Sports Organizing Committee (SOC) (SP/CLW)
Utilities
    Water System
    Sewer System
    Solid Waste Operations
Veterans Services

INTERNAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Board of County Commissioners Information Systems (BCCIS)
County Attorney
Employee Relations
Fleet Management
Facility Management Department
Information Technology (IT)
Justice Coordination
Management & Budget, Office of
Personnel
Purchasing
Risk Management
Volunteer Service Program

ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

COURT STRUCTURE IN PINELLAS COUNTY

Circuit Court
County Court
District Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District
Florida Supreme Court

COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

School Board
School Superintendent

List of MUNICIPALITIES

INDEX

PINELLAS COUNTY - THEN AND NOW 

Pinellas County, on Florida's West Coast, is a 280-square mile peninsula bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. The County from tip to tip is 38 miles long and 15 miles wide at its broadest point.Pinellas got its name from the Spanish "punta pinal" or "point of pines". Its history dates back to 1528 when Panfilo de Narvaez discovered the Pinellas peninsula. Narvaez and the 600 soldiers with him probably were the first large group of Europeans in this area.Earliest inhabitants of Pinellas were Native Americans and many large Indian mounds have been found throughout the County. One of these shell mounds is located at Pinellas County's Philippe Park in Safety Harbor.Pinellas, originally a part of Hillsborough County, became a separate county in 1912. When it was first formed, its population was 13,193. In 2002, Pinellas County's estimated year-round population ranked fifth in the state. Pinellas is second smallest in land area when compared with Florida's 67 other counties, making it the most densely populated county in the state.Pinellas' location provides the area with an ideal year-round climate. Cold winds are tempered in winter and warm breezes cooled in summer as they blow over the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, providing natural air conditioning for the land and its people.With attractions appealing to couples and family groups, Pinellas also enjoys a year-round reputation as a tourist destination.Retirement living is also important to Pinellas County's economic health. Many of the retirees who move to Pinellas to live have previously visited the County as tourists.A third major factor of Pinellas County's continued growth is increasing industrialization. Types of industry range widely from electronics to cigar manufacturing to precision machinery and instruments.

Pinellas County is served by one major east-west and two north-south highways. Interstate 4 connects Pinellas with Florida's East Coast and Interstate 75 and U.S. 19 are major routes to the north and south.

About Pinellas -- Fast Facts

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 OVERVIEW OF PINELLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Phone 464-3377
315 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

In Florida, counties are considered political subdivisions of the State. The Pinellas County Commission establishes policy for the county within the scope of the State Constitution and State laws. In addition to the Seven-member Board's policy-making powers, the County Commissioners have law-making and ordinance powers. To provide for this, Article VIII of the 1968 revised Florida Constitution states that the Board of County Commissioners "may enact in a manner prescribed by general law, county ordinances not inconsistent with general or special law."Another important task the Board of County Commissioners is charged with is to approve the County budget each year. Basically, the Board establishes the requirements for its departments then combines these with the requirements of other Constitutional Officers and other agencies operating under State laws. In addition to serving as the Board of County Commissioners, members of the Board act as other boards for the County. Two of these boards are the Water and Navigation Control Board and the Emergency Medical Services Authority.The Pinellas County Commission appoints the County Administrator, who implements and administers the policies established by the Board.

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COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

Phone 464-3485
315 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

Pinellas County was the first county in Florida to adopt the Commission-Administrator form of government. Authorized by State law in 1963, the Commission-Administrator system was approved by a Pinellas voter referendum in 1964.The County Administrator supervises the day-to-day operation of the departments under the Board of County Commissioners. All County departments providing related services are grouped into divisions headed by an assistant to the County Administrator. This increases coordination between service areas and allows for greater monitoring and control of departmental operations. The system provides the Administrator with communication lines to departments through the assistants.The County Administrator prepares County Commission agendas, attends meetings, prepares the annual operating budget, capital budget and capital programs. The County Administrator establishes schedules and procedures to be followed by the various County departments. This official supervises the acquisition, disposition, care and custody of all County government property and negotiates leases, contracts and other agreements, including consultant services. 

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CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Phone 464-3341
315 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

The Clerk of the Circuit Court is a Constitutional Officer who derives authority and responsibility from constitutional and statutory provisions. The Clerk is elected to serve a four-year term by the voters of Pinellas County. The Clerk of the Circuit Court has multiple other diversified duties as an elected official. The Clerk serves as Clerk of the Circuit Court, Clerk of the County Court, Recorder of Deeds, Clerk and Accountant to the Board of County Commissioners and County Auditor.

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PROPERTY APPRAISER

Phone 464-3207
315 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

The Property Appraiser's responsibility is that of placing fair, equitable and just value on all real and tangible personal property in Pinellas County. This office establishes the value of your property but does not set your tax rates. These are set by the Board of County Commissioners, City Commissioners, the School Board and other tax levying boards.Florida Statutes provide that a permanent and legal resident of the State may apply for Homestead Exemption. This exempts the first $25,000 of real property value from taxation. Other exemptions are granted for widows and disabled persons upon meeting certain qualifications.The Property Appraiser runs on a partisan ticket and is elected to a four-year term at the time of the presidential election.

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PUBLIC DEFENDER

Phone 464-6516
14250 49th Street N
Clearwater, FL 33760

The Public Defender is charged under Chapter 27, Florida Statutes, with responsibility for providing legal representation for those persons determined by the court to be indigent. The office represents persons charged with a broad spectrum of crimes in the areas of misdemeanors and felonies, including capital cases. Defendants in traffic cases are also represented by the Public Defender when conviction carries a jail sentence of one day or more.The Public Defender runs on a partisan ticket and is elected to a four-year term at the time of the presidential election. 

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SHERIFF

Phone 582-6200 TDD 584-3323
10750 Ulmerton Road
Largo, Florida 33778

The Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer in Pinellas County, and this constitutional official's powers, duties and obligations are established by State law. Although the Sheriff is a County officer, this official represents the executive or administrative power of the State within the County.The Sheriff is designated by State law as a conservator of the peace within the County and maintains close liaison with municipal police departments, the Florida Highway Patrol, other sheriffs in the State, Federal law enforcement officers, and any other law enforcement agencies which may be required to carry out responsibilities.The Sheriff is responsible for security at the County's courthouses, and executes all judicial processes, both civil and criminal, within Pinellas County.The Sheriff provides primary law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas of the county and by contract to many cities. The Sheriff is also responsible for the operation of the Pinellas County Jail.The Sheriff runs on a partisan ticket and is elected to a four-year term at the time of the presidential election.

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STATE ATTORNEY

Adult Phone 464-6221
Juvenile Phone 464-6916
TDD 464-7328
14250 49th Street North
Clearwater, Florida 33762

The State Attorney represents the State of Florida in the Circuit and County Courts within the Sixth Judicial Circuit and prosecutes on behalf of the State all suits, applications, or motions, civil or criminal, in which the State is a party except as provided in Chapters 39 and 959, Florida Statutes. The Sixth Judicial Circuit encompasses Pasco and Pinellas Counties.Whenever required by the grand jury, the State Attorney appears for the purpose of examining witnesses in their presence or for giving legal advice in any matter, and prepares bills of indictment.The State Attorney is authorized to appoint and employ Assistant State Attorneys, investigators and other personnel who are paid from funds appropriated by the Legislature.The State Attorney runs on a partisan ticket and is elected to a four-year term at the time of the presidential election.

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SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

Phone 464-3551 TDD 1-800-955-8771
315 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

The Supervisor of Elections is a County office established by Article VIII, Section 1 of the Constitution of the State of Florida. The term of this elected partisan office is four years and is open to election at the time of the presidential election.This County official is responsible for registering voters, maintaining registration figures and statistical data, and recommending the establishment of precinct boundary lines to the Board of County Commissioners.The Supervisor of Elections conducts all elections within the County, including preparation of ballots, selection of polling places, and assembly and distribution of voting equipment and supplies. This office also recruits, selects and trains poll workers.The Elections office is responsible for qualifying candidates for election to County offices and maintaining all records related to the conduct of elections. This office is responsible for maintaining the County's voting equipment and determining the number of voting devices and the amount of supplies required in each precinct for municipal, county, state, federal and special elections.

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TAX COLLECTOR

Phone (727) 562-3262 / TTY (727) 562-3264
315 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756
taxcollector@taxcollect.com

The Tax Collector is the chief revenue official in the county and is responsible for billing, collecting, accounting and distributing all ad valorem taxes for County government, the municipalities, the School Board and all other separate taxing districts, as well as fire districts.

The Tax Collector is a limited and specialized agent of the State, independently elected at the county level to a four-year term at the time of the presidential election, and not an employee of county government or any other local government. As an agent for the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR), the Tax Collector collects real and personal property taxes. The amount of these taxes is based on the assessed value and the millage rate, which is set by the many and various taxing authorities. The Tax Collector is also an authorized agent for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) who issues State driver licenses, handicap parking permits, registration licenses and titles for motor vehicles, mobile homes, and vessels. As an agent for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) the Tax Collector issues fishing and hunting licenses. Also, the Tax Collector collects the Pinellas County Tourist Development tax.

This is a fee office, which means the office operates directly from the fees and commissions collected from doing this work and submits an annual office budget to the DOR for approval. Any unused commissions and fees, often called excess fees, are turned over to the Board of County Commissioners at the end of the fiscal year in September.

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CITIZEN SERVICE AREAS

ADMINISTRATOR, COUNTY

Phone 464-3485 Fax 464-4384
315 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

This County official manages all departments under the Board of County Commissioners and administers all the affairs of the Board. The County Administrator prepares County Commission agendas, attends meetings, prepares the annual operating budget, capital budget and capital improvement programs. The County Administrator establishes schedules and procedures to be followed by the various County departments. This official supervises the acquisition, disposition, care and custody of all County government property and negotiates leases, contracts and other agreements including consultant services.

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AIRPORT

Phone 453-7800 Fax 453-7846
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport
Administration Building, Suite 221
Clearwater, Florida 33762The airport provides modern high quality facilities to airlines, charter operators, cargo operators, corporate and private aviation, and military users.

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ANIMAL SERVICES

Phone 582-2600 Fax 582-2637 TDD 582-2636
12450 Ulmerton Road
Largo, Florida 33774

This department provides service to the community through programs which ensure compliance with the County Animal Control Code, promotes public awareness of animal welfare, and protects public health and safety. The department works to reduce animal overpopulation by offering free spay/neuter services to county citizens enrolled in public assistance programs, and it operates an animal shelter which offers dogs and cats for adoption.

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  ARTIFICIAL FISHING REEFS Phone 464-4000 Fax 464-7713
3095 114th Avenue North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33716

This service of the Utilities Solid Waste Operations establishes artificial fishing reefs in the Gulf of Mexico that enhance fishing potential in this area and provides a desirable habitat for many varieties of marine life.

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Phone 453-7860 Fax 453-7855
13805 58th Street North, Suite 2-450
Clearwater, FL 33760-3733

The Cultural Affairs Department serves artists, arts administrators, educators, elected officials, and the general public. Their mission is to support and encourage the growth and development of the arts in Pinellas County. Services include professional assistance to artists and arts organizations, arts-in-education programming, arts advocacy, and public art, as well as the compilation and dissemination of information about advocacy, funding, competitions, exhibits, performances, lectures, workshops, and other arts activities.

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BUILDING & DEVELOPMENT REVIEW SERVICES (BDRS)

Phone 464-3241 Fax 464-3886
310 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

The Building Department ensures that buildings are built, remodeled or added to in conformance to the Florida Building Code. Compliance with code requirements is safe-guarded through building, plumbing, gas, electrical, mechanical and fire code plan review, and inspections during the different stages of construction or alteration. This department grants permits for construction or improvements to both residential and commercial properties.

Zoning Permits 464-3401 (fax 464-3358)
Building Permits 464-3287 
Tree Permits 464-3480
Building Information  464-3241 fax 464-3886

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CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

The Clerk of Circuit Court handles domestic relations cases such as dissolution of marriage (divorce), domestic, dating, sexual and repeat violence, adoption and child support, probate cases involving estates, guardianship of a person and/or property, mental health issues, and maintaining wills. All juvenile dependency and delinquency cases, civil cases involving monetary amounts in excess of $15,000, felony actions, and appeal cases from county court to circuit court to the District Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court are processed by the Clerk.The Clerk handles small claims actions where the monetary amount is less than $2,500, County civil actions and misdemeanor charges, as well as County and municipal ordinance violations, boating, game and fresh water fish and Marine Patrol citations, and all traffic related issues including parking tickets written in the twenty-four municipalities.In exercising the authority and responsibility of auditor and custodian of all county funds, the Clerk provides a check and balance function on behalf of the citizens of Pinellas CountyThe Clerk pre-audits invoices before they are paid and serves as "watchdog" for the citizens in making sure funds are expended only for a public purpose and for the benefit of the public as a whole.

• CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Administration
  Phone 464-3341 Fax 464-4162 TDD 464-4303
  315 Court Street
  Clearwater, Florida 33756
• CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Branch Offices

  Phone 464-8700 Fax 464-8703
  North County Branch Office
  29582 U.S. Highway 19 North
  Clearwater, Florida 33761

  Phone 582-7771 Fax 582-7215
  St. Petersburg Branch Office
  545 First Avenue North
  St. Petersburg, Florida 33701

  Phone 582-7681 Fax 582-7677
  South County Branch Office
  1800 66th Street
  St. Petersburg, Florida 33710

• Civil Court Records Department
  Circuit, County Civil and Small Claims - Appeals - Mortgage Foreclosure Cases, Landlord/Tenant Evictions, Medical Malpractic

  Phone 464-3267 Fax 464-4070
  Child Support 464-3267
  Child Support Payment Inquiries 464-4845

  Domestic, Dating, Sexual and Repeat Violence 464-3267
  315 Court Street
  Clearwater, Florida 33756 Circuit Criminal Court Records Department
  Felony, Juvenile Delinquency, Juvenile Dependancy, Termination of Parental Rights, Jimmy Ryce cases

  Phone 464-6793 Fax 464-6233
  Felony & Juvenile
  14250 49th Street North
  Clearwater, Florida 33762

• County Criminal Court Records
  Ordinances, Parking Tickets, Boating Violations, Game & Fresh Water Violations Phone 464-7000
  Misdemeanor & Traffic Fax 464-7040
  14250 49th Street North
  Clearwater, Florida 33762

• Jury Management
  Criminal and Civil
  Phone 464-6423 Fax 464-7149
  14250 49th Street North
  Clearwater, Florida 3376

• Probate Court Records Department
  Estates, Guardianship, Mental Health, Baker Act, Marchman Act, Probate Audits Phone 464-3321 Fax 464-4434
  315 Court Street
  Clearwater, Florida 33756

• Recording Services Department
  Official Records, Marriage Licenses, Passports
  Phone 464-4876

• Marriage Licenses 464-4700
  Passports 464-4700
  Fax 464-4281
  315 Court Street
  Clearwater, Florida 33756
• Clerk's Official Records Center
  Phone 464-6171 Fax 464-6848
  14155 49th Street North
  Clearwater, Florida 33760

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COMMUNICATIONS

Phone 464-4600 Fax 464-4432 TDD 464-4431
333 Chestnut Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

This department provides information on all phases of County government to citizens, and assists all departments, boards and commissions in the development, planning, production and dissemination of informational materials concerning programs, services, policies, regulations, procedures and plans. The department responds to requests for information and handles public concerns and requests relating to County government.

PCC-TV
Phone 464-4724 Info Line Phone 464-4809
333 Chestnut Street
Clearwater, FL 33756

PCC-TV is your Pinellas County Connection Television, seen on channel 622 on Bright House and channel 18 on Knology Cable systems. Live, gavel-to-gavel coverage of Board of County Commissioners meetings and work sessions is also in closed captioned for the hearing impaired.

COUNTY CONNECTION CENTERS
(727) 453-7394
E-mail: connect@pinellascounty.org

County Connection Centers can give you personalized assistance to solve a wide range of problems including traffic safety, stormwater drainage, code enforcement, land use, public safety and more. For a location near you, please call 453-7394.

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Phone 464-8210 Fax 464-8215
600 Cleveland Street, Suite 800
Clearwater, Florida 33755

This department administers the Community Development Block Grant, Home and SHIP Programs, operates the County Connection Centers and serves as staff to the Housing Finance Authority. The department plans and finances a variety of housing programs as well as neighborhood and municipal improvement projects.

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CONSTRUCTION LICENSING BOARD (PCCLB)

Phone 536-4720 Fax 538-4797
11701 Belcher Road, Suite 102
Largo, Florida 33773

This board provides uniform, countywide building-related codes, regulations and licensure of contractors and journeymen. It also conducts examinations for certification of contractors, registers noncertified contractors, assists in enforcing licensing laws, holds public hearings for amendments to the construction codes, supervises public liability and property damage insurance coverage for all contractors, and investigates consumer complaints in the contracting and home improvement field.

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COUNTY COURT

Phone 464-8700 Fax 464-8703
29582 U.S. Highway 19 North
Clearwater, Florida 33761

Phone 464-7000 Fax 464-7040
14250 49th Street North
Clearwater, Florida 33762

Phone 582-7681 Fax 582-7677
1800 66th Street North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33710

This court handles violations for all County and city issued traffic offenses. Fines or money due to the court can also be paid at any traffic location. If you need to obtain a copy of a Pinellas County driver record, you can purchase a copy for a nominal fee. Copies of any files including: civil, small claims, probate, criminal, etc., can be purchased from any Clerk's office that has a Public Access Computer Terminal. top

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW SERVICES

Phone 464-3888 Fax 464-3981
310 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

Development Review Services was created April 1, 1995, by combining key staff from Zoning, Engineering, Environmental Management and the Building Departments for the purpose of providing permit customers with a "one-stop shopping service" for permits. Permitting and site development review was previously under the domain of several different County agencies. At the recommendation of a Quality Improvement team and citizens committee, the County Administrator created DRS to serve permit customers more efficiently and effectively from a single department structure.

The department reviews all applications for building permits, site development review, rezoning requests and variances to the Zoning Regulations.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Phone 464-7332 Fax 464-7053
13805 58th Street North, Suite 1-200
Clearwater, Florida 33760

The new Economic Development Department was created in late 1997 by the Board of County Commissioners and the County Administrator. The mission of the department is to retain existing businesses, to attract new high-quality businesses paying a "living wage," to improve the business climate in the county, to act as a facilitator between public, private and business agencies to deliver support to the county’s businesses and to facilitate the availability of a qualified workforce. The mission is accomplished through the initiatives of five sections in the department: Business Assistance, Business Communication & Marketing, International Business Development, Business Recruitment and Business Research. top

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER/9-1-1

Phone 464-3835 Fax 464-3265 TDD 464-4431
400 South Ft. Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, Florida 33756

Operates and maintains the 9-1-1 system for Pinellas County and handles emergency calls for police, fire or EMS needs. It dispatches Fire and EMS personnel, maintains computer and data systems and provides public education regarding 9-1-1 to groups of all ages.

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RADIO SYSTEMS DIVISION

Phone 582-2509 Fax 582-2555
12490 Ulmerton Road
Largo, Florida 33774

The Radio Systems Division of the Emergency Communications Department is responsible for planning and management of radio communications requirements for all BCC departments and other participating departments, municipalities and agencies. The Division conducts strategic long-range planning for requirements, budgeting and implementation of radio communications plans. Also responsible for day-to-day management and maintenance of the County's 800 MHz radio and data systems, the division acts as the coordinating agency for all matters related to radio communications with the State of Florida, Federal Communications Commission and other state, federal and local government agencies as may be required.

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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Phone 464-3800 Fax 464-4024 TDD 464-4431
400 South Ft. Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, Florida 33756

Emergency Management administers, develops and coordinates emergency preparedness (planning), response, recovery and mitigation for natural and man-made disasters as well as providing public education regarding emergencies.

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EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES & FIRE ADMINISTRATION

Phone 582-2000 Fax 582-2039 TDD 582-2088
12490 Ulmerton Road
Largo, Florida 33774-2700

EMS administers the County’s Sunstar Paramedic Ambulance Service contract and FirstCare ambulance membership program. EMS contracts with municipal and special district providers for EMS and fire coverage throughout the county. Fire Administration contracts for fire protection and code enforcement services in the unincorporated areas of the County.

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Phone 464-4761 Fax 464-4103 TDD 464-4106
512 South Ft. Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, Florida 33756

Manatee Watch Line Phone 464-4077

This department enforces environmental ordinances relating to tree protection, landscaping, noise, abandoned vehicles, lot clearing, solid waste disposal, roadside markets, drainage and zoning regulations. Environmental Management is also charged with analysis and coordination of county improvement projects, watershed plan development, surface water monitoring, air quality monitoring and enforcement as well as environmental liaison and policy coordination.

• Air Quality Division
  Phone 464-4422 Fax 464-4420
  300 South Garden Avenue
  Clearwater, Florida 33756
• Coastal Management Division
  Phone: 464-4761 Fax 464-3174
  512 South Ft. Harrison Avenue
  Clearwater, Florida 33756
• Watershed Management Division
  Phone 464-4425 Fax 464-4420
  300 South Garden Avenue
  Clearwater, Florida 33756
• Water & Navigation Division
  510 Bay Avenue Clearwater, FL 33756
  Phone 453-3385 Fax 453-3371
• Brooker Creek Preserve
  Phone 453-6900 Fax 453-6902
  1001 Lora Lane
  Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689
• Weedon Island Preserve
  Phone 453-6515 Fax 217-7167
  1500 Weedon Island Drive
  St. Petersburg, Florida 33702

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HEALTH DEPARTMENT, PINELLAS COUNTY

The primary function of the Pinellas County Health Department is to protect the health of the county's residents from both natural and man-made hazards. The department offers many services in areas of health care and environmental monitoring. The Primary Care Program offers outpatient family health care for the medically indigent, maternity care, pediatrics, family planning, sexually transmitted disease clinics, screening for the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), tuberculosis treatment, immunization services, screening for chronic disease, nutritional counseling, dental care, sexual assault investigation and follow-up, and distribution of prescription drugs to medically indigent individuals with certain chronic diseases. Environmental services include inspections of restaurants, establishments that sell food, food processing plants, trailer parks, public buildings, health care institutions to assure their compliance with sanitary codes, individual sewage disposal sites, swimming pools, devices emitting radiation and toxic waste disposal for adherence to legal standards; monitoring of water systems; investigation of animal bites and provision of occupational health services.

• 500 7th Avenue South
  St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
  Phone 824-6900 Fax 893-5600
• 310 North Myrtle Avenue
  Clearwater, Florida 33755
  Phone 469-5800 Fax 469-4288
• 301 South Disston Avenue
  Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689
  Phone 942-5457 Fax 942-5467
• 5800 77th Avenue North (Nursing)
  Pinellas Park, Florida 34665
  Phone 547-7780 Fax 547-7793
• Bureau of Vital Statistics-Birth/Death Records
  Phone 507-4330 X-1200
  4175 E. Bay Drive, Ste. 160, Largo

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HERITAGE VILLAGE - PINELLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Phone 582-2123 Fax 582-2455
11909 125th Street North
Largo, Florida 33774

Heritage Village was established to preserve the county's historical resources and cultural heritage through the operation of a 21-acre, open-air exhibit. This exhibit represents a village in Pinellas County at the turn of the century with 28 historical structures. The Museum houses the County archives and serves as a repository for historical resources. The various exhibits and structures provide visitors with a better understanding of the county's history and development, and an insight into Pinellas County's cultural heritage. (Open to visitors Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

GULF BEACHES HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Phone 552-1610 Fax 363-6704
115 10th Avenue
St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706

This Museum was established in 1993 as a satellite facility of Heritage Village - Pinellas County Historical Museum. The Museum itself is located in a building which was the earliest church on the barrier islands and was donated to the County by Mrs. Joan Haley. The mission of this Museum is to educate visitors about the history of the barrier islands from Indian cultures to present day.

(Open to visitors Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00p.m.)

Phone (727) 724-3054
2043 Curlew Road
Palm Harbor, Florida 34683

The North Pinellas Historical Museum opened on November 7, 1998, and is operated by the Palm Harbor Historical Society.This historic home was built about 1915 by "Judge" Thomas William Hartley, a justice of the peace, Methodist lay minister, and businessman who originally settled in this area in the early 1880's.

The museum features a variety of exhibits on the history of the Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach, and the Ozona and Curlew communities, focusing on the period from when these areas of Pinellas County were first settled in the 1800s up to the present day.

(Open to visitors Tuesday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

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HUMAN RIGHTS

Phone 464-4880 Fax 464-4157 TDD 464-4062
400 South Ft. Harrison Avenue, 3rd Floor
Clearwater, Florida 33756

The Human Rights Department coordinates enforcement of two sections of the County Code. The first concerns review of all personnel policies, practices and actions in order to eliminate the effects of past discrimination and to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons seeking County employment. The second concerns enforcement of the ordinance that prohibits discrimination by Pinellas County on the basis of race, color, religion, natural origin, sex, age, marital status or handicap in the areas of employment, public accommodations, and all housing and real estate transactions.

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HUMAN SERVICES

Phone 582-7781 Fax 582-7912 TDD 582-7713
St. Petersburg Office 647 First Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33701

• Phone 547-7736 or 547-7814
  Pinellas Park Outreach
  6350 76th Avenue North Pinellas Park, FL 33781
• Phone 943-4743 or 943-4744
  Tarpon Springs Outreach
  301 S. Diston Avenue Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
• Phone 893-5007 Fax 893-5009
  Sanderlin Center Outreach
  2335 - 22nd Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33712
• Phone 518-3789 Fax 518-3791
  Largo/Ridgecrest Outreach
  12420 - 130TH Avenue North Largo, FL 33744

The Human Services Department provides medical and dental services for low-income uninsured persons. Interim financial assistance is available to qualified residents confronted with health and/or financial crisis through general assistance programs. Utility assistance, blankets and fans are available to qualifying elderly. Grants and aid to not-for-profit agencies are administered through Social Action Funding. The Mobile Medical units provide on-site medical, dental and outreach services to the uninsured/underinsured and homeless. The Connection Bus travels to sites throughout the County providing information, services and client referrals. STARS (Success Training & Retention Services) is an attitudinal program working with individuals to become and remain employable.

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JUSTICE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Phone 453-7441
15251 Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 209,
Clearwater, Florida 33760

Investigators in this department mediate informal complaints and conduct criminal investigations for violations of Florida law. The department also has a regulatory unit which is responsible for the licensing of Charitable Solicitations, Bingo, and Adult Use establishments, and the enforcement of the Moving and Price Gouging Ordinances. In addition, the department maintains a five year history of complaints filed on businesses and the result of the complaints. The department also conducts a consumer education program through the news media, local organizations, business associations and schools. Studies are conducted to recommend new laws or modifications to existing County, State, or Federal laws.

This Department supports several working committees that review and make recommendations on inter-agency policy relative to justice services in Pinellas County. In addition, the department manages a wide range of Justice Programs and develops regular reporting and monitoring status reports for normal justice operations. The department conducts budgetary reviews and advises the Board of County Commissioners and the County Administrator on justice-related expenditures and program development with fiscal impact. Finally, the department provides internal support through due dilligence review and facilitation of livescan fingerprinting and background searches. 

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LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION

Phone 464-3592 Fax 464-4386
311 South Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, Florida 33756

Assists all citizens and agencies in Pinellas County with legislative matters and directs the local bill process including preparing, advertising, filing and tracking the bill. It organizes and coordinates public hearings and informs the public of all delegation meetings and legislative activities.

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PARK DEPARTMENT

Phone 464-3347 Fax 464-3379 TDD 464-4194
631 Chestnut Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

This department acquires, develops, preserves and protects areas and facilities for public passive parks. Department activities include grounds maintenance, operation of a nursery to produce and sustain plant material for the parks, construction and maintenance of park structures, solid waste collection and disposal, and beach supervision. Park staff is also responsible for the Pinellas Trail.

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Phone 582-2100 Fax 582-2149
12520 Ulmerton Road
Largo, Florida 33774

This department provides the latest research information from the University of Florida/IFAS on topics related to horticulture, health and nutrition, financial management, 4-H youth development, and natural resource conservation. Faculty members of the University of Florida provide educational information via phone, group meetings, workshops, television and newsletters. The Florida Botanical Gardens is located on the campus with Extension and provides an outdoor classroom for educational programs, tours and nature walks.

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PLANNING

Phone 464-8200 Fax 464-8201
600 Cleveland Street #750
Clearwater, FL 33755

This department provides short- and long-range planning to accomplish managed development in Pinellas County. Comprehensive planning includes land use planning, economic planning, community facilities planning, demographic studies, managed growth, environmental planning, general planning and a data bank. The department provides documents, maps and information on a variety of subjects. The staff also handles transportation planning and serves as the staff to the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the transportation agency for the County.

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PUBLIC WORKS

Phone 464-3251 Fax 464-3577 TDD 464-4093
440 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756 The Public Works Department is comprised of several sections and provides varied services:

• Construction Management
  Phone: 464-8880 Fax 464-8880
  Provides inspection for projects under contract and administers progress payments.
• Engineering
  Phone: 464-3251 Fax 464-3577
  Designs and prepares construction documents for roads, bridges, drainage structures, County parks, Community Development projects, Coastal Management projects, the Pinellas Trail and major drainage planning.
• Right Of Way
  Phone: 464-3672 Fax 464-5251
  Acquires right of way and easements for roads and drainage projects and provides this information to the public. Assists public with information regarding any County right of way question.
• Public Works Highway
  Phone: 464-8900 Fax 464-8905 TDD 464-8940
  Maintains County-numbered roads, local major streets, subdivision streets, and all associated right of way. Maintains 62 bridges with operational responsibilities for three bascule bridges. Maintains all signage and pavement markings on County-maintained facilities. Constructs and maintains local and major drainageways within unincorporated Pinellas County. Coordinates street lighting districts and permits for work in right of way.
• Survey & Mapping
  Phone: 464-8904 Fax 464-8906
  Provides survey data and accurate records for the public, consultants, and other governmental agencies. Land Survey also prepares design and construction survey services for County projects.
• Mosquito Control
  Phone 464-7503 Fax 464-7704
  Works to abate and suppress all mosquitoes and other selected arthropods, of public health importance, whether disease bearing or merely pestiferous, for the comfort, health, welfare and prosperity of the people of Pinellas County; monitors the environment for the presence of disease producing organisms which are capable of being transmitted by mosquitoes to people and domesticated animals.
• Traffic Control
  Phone: 464-8922 Fax 464-8908
  Maintains traffic signalization and investigates traffic problems.

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SOCIAL SERVICES

• Phone 464-8400 Fax 464-8428 TDD 464-8435
  1100 Cleveland Street, Suite 1200
  Clearwater, Florida 33755
• Phone 582-7781 Fax 582-7912 TDD 582-7713
  St. Petersburg Office
  647 First Avenue North
  St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
• Phone 547-7736 or 547-7814
  Pinellas Park Office
  6350 76th Avenue North
  Pinellas Park, Florida 33781
• Phone 943-4743
  Tarpon Springs Office
  41 North Ring Avenue
  Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689
• Phone 893-5007 Fax 893-5009
  Sanderlin (St. Petersburg) Office
  2335 22nd Avenue South
  St. Petersburg, Florida 33712

The Department of Social Services provides interim assistance to residents who have been confronted with unexpected health and/or financial reverses. The goal of the department is to provide quality services in a cost effective and efficient manner, while ensuring that the applicant is treated with dignity and respect. Individuals may apply for assistance though a number of programs, including financial assistance, outpatient and inpatient medical care, medication, and dental care. Specialty programs include utility assistance for the elderly, distribution of food to summer day care sites that are located in low income areas, and a mobile medical van which is a fully equipped office serving the homeless.

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ST. PETERSBURG/CLEARWATER AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Phone 464-7200 Fax 464-7222
14450 46th Street North, Suite 108
Clearwater, Florida 33762

The St. Petersburg / Clea