KNOW YOUR COUNTY

Citizens are affected by government at many levels and in many ways. Questions often arise about who to call for help, where to go for facts, or what agency of government is responsible. This booklet is designed not only as a guide to County government organization and services, but also as a source of information on many aspects of life in Pinellas County.

The League of Women Voters is a national nonpartisan political organization dedicated to the belief that informed citizens can and should play an active role in the governing process. To that end, this publication on the structure and functions of Pinellas County government was initially researched and developed by the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area and the League of Women Voters of North Pinellas County, in cooperation with the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners/Department of Communications and the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Throughout the text you will find County, State, and Federal capitalized when referring to governmental bodies rather than land boundaries. Unless otherwise indicated, all telephone numbers are in area code (727).

This publication is produced for the citizens of Pinellas County--both new and long-time residents--as a resource to better understand how their government works.

top

Government in Pinellas County is a unique, complex mix of 25 governmental bodies: one each for the 24 municipalities and one for the unincorporated area.

Almost half of the county is unincorporated. The residents living in these areas are governed by, pay taxes to, and receive services directly from Pinellas County government. The chapters that follow define how this government functions and explain the vast array of services it provides.

There are 24 separate incorporated municipalities within Pinellas County. These municipalities assess taxes and provide services to their residents or contract with the County or private companies to provide them. There are areas called enclaves within city boundaries that remain unincorporated and are subject to County government. Therefore, residents who live in these enclaves are not eligible to vote in municipal elections nor on municipal issues.

There are also taxing districts which meet specific needs not addressed in the general countywide millage. The affected residents vote a specified millage to be used for a special purpose. Examples of these would be the Palm Harbor Library District, the Clearwater Downtown Development District, various fire districts, and street lighting districts. Taxing districts are created by an act of the Legislature with a confirming referendum by residents. To prevent double taxation, the County adjusts the tax rate to deduct for services provided by municipalities, i.e. those which have their own police department will not be assessed County millage for the County Sheriff's Department.

Post Office addresses do not necessarily correspond to boundaries of municipalities. Residents of Belleair, for instance, have a Clearwater address. Palm Harbor and Ozona, on the other hand, are not incorporated municipalities but have their own post offices.

All citizens of Pinellas County, however, whether residents of an incorporated or unincorporated area, are affected by County government. All residents elect countywide officials, pay taxes to, and receive services from the County.

top

HISTORY OF PINELLAS COUNTY

Pinellas County is a peninsula bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on the west and by Tampa Bay on the east. The county is 38 miles long and 15 miles wide at its broadest point. Its land area covers approximately 264 square miles.

Pinellas is derived from the Spanish words Punta Pinal meaning "point of pines." That was an accurate description for this area when it was discovered by Panfilo de Narvaez in 1528, 36 years after Columbus arrived in the Caribbean and 37 years before the founding of St. Augustine. Narvaez and 400 soldiers, probably the first Europeans in this area, primarily came looking for gold and silver.

Instead they found the Tocobagan Indians, an agricultural tribe that had occupied the peninsula for hundreds of years. Narvaez and his crew treated them cruelly, ransacked their huts, pillaged their ceremonial mounds, but found no treasure. Hernando de Soto and other Spanish intruders also came to this area of Florida looking for treasures but fared no better.

It was another 300 years before the first white settler, Odet Philippe, landed on the shores of Tampa Bay sometime in the early 1830's. He established his plantation, St. Helena, on the site of what is now Philippe Park in Safety Harbor. Philippe is credited with planting the first citrus grove in the area and was instrumental in beginning Florida's citrus industry.

Federal homesteading legislation, passed in 1842, opened up the area to settlers who came to claim their 160 acres. Completion of the Orange Belt Railroad to St. Petersburg in 1888 assured continued growth and development of the peninsula. Entrepreneurs built elaborate hotels to entice wealthy investors and tourists. The Belleview, later the Belleview-Biltmore, and now the Belleview Mido, was finished in 1897. A famous Baltimore doctor, F.A. Davis, wrote glowing reports describing Clear Water Harbor as "the most healthful location." Many who came for their health decided to stay.

Before 1912, Pinellas was part of Hillsborough County and was known as West Hillsborough. Arduous trips to Tampa over marshy lands and often impassable wagon trails for meetings, plus a growing resentment at not getting a fair share of benefits for taxes paid, created pressure for secession. After years of political maneuvering and conniving, a bill finally passed both houses of the Florida Legislature. Following an overwhelming local referendum vote, Pinellas became a separate County on January 1, 1912. The population was 13,000. Clearwater was designated the County seat.

The growth of Pinellas County has been steady but with its share of ups and downs. The euphoria of boom times was frequently interrupted with the reality of "busts"-the stock market crash and depressions, hurricanes, wars, and over-speculation. The years after World War II brought thousands of new residents attracted by Florida's reputation as a tropical paradise and its promise of new opportunities. Pinellas County has grown steadily over the years. Its population in 1995 was 884,600 permanent residents with an additional 40,921 seasonal residents.

If the early explorers were to return today, they would find their "gold" in the form of tourism, which has become Pinellas County's most important industry. An estimated 3,891,592 visitors added almost $2 billion to the Pinellas economy in 1994.
top

11909 125th Street N.,
Largo 34644
582-2123

Heritage Village--Pinellas County Historical Museum offers an opportunity to visit the county's past. This 21-acre, living history village is operated and funded by Pinellas County government. The Pinellas County Historical Society also provides some financial assistance, as well as assistance for various historical projects. A large, trained volunteer staff is indispensable to the operation of the Village.

There are 23 structures, some dating back to the mid-19th century. The Village includes a school, church, railroad depot, and store, as well as a variety of houses. The homes range from the McMullen loghouse, the oldest existing structure in the county, to the magnificent Victorian-era Seven Gables House. The museum's exhibits trace the history of Pinellas County from the Indian-Spanish period to contemporary times. The museum also has a 2,000-volume library and an archive with over 10,000 items. Heritage Village is also the site of the Daniel McMullen Home for the Fiber Arts. Weaving, quilting, and other crafts are demonstrated at Heritage Village as part of its "hands-on" approach to history. A Country Jubilee is held annually in October; other events are scheduled throughout the year.

top

115 10th Avenue
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
552-1610

Officially opened on March 18, 1993, this newest museum of our local past is housed in what was the first church to be built on the barrier islands. Its focus is on the history of Pinellas County's beach communities. In 1995, the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum was recognized by St. Petersburg Preservation, Inc. and the St. Petersburg section of the American Institute of Architects as a historic site and was honored for Best Use of an Existing Structure.

top

COUNTY GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

"We are working to be the standard for Public Service in America."

In 1964, Pinellas was the first county in Florida to adopt the commission/administrator form of government. In 1980, voters approved the Home Rule Charter. Prior to that time, the County operated under laws passed by the State legislature; the charter allowed the County to go directly to the people for a vote on local issues.
top

315 Court Street, Clearwater 33756
464-3377 / TDD 464-4431

The Board of County Commissioners is the legislative and governing body of Pinellas County. Seven commissioners are elected to serve four-year staggered terms.

The State constitution gives the Board of County Commissioners the power to adopt ordinances (local laws), approve the County budget and set millages, and establish the requirements for the departments under its control. The Board governs all unincorporated areas of the county directly; municipalities may call upon the County for specialized services.

The Commission does not have control of the budgets or policies of the School Board. The Commission approves support funding for court services, insofar as County funds are concerned, and approves the budgets of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Sheriff, and Supervisor of Elections. Budgets for the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser are approved by the State Department of Revenue and filed with the Board of County Commissioners. The commissioners also serve as other Boards for the County, such as the Emergency Medical Services Authority, the Fire Protection Authority, the Mosquito Control Board, the Countywide Planning Authority, and the Water & Navigation Control Authority.

The Board of County Commissioners meets every Tuesday as the County's chief governing board. The meetings start at 9:30 a.m. except for the monthly public hearing, usually the third Tuesday of the month, which starts at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend these meetings which are held in the fifth floor Assembly Room of the County Courthouse, 315 Court Street, Clearwater. Special listening devices are available at the meetings upon request. Board meetings are televised LIVE and repeated during the week on the Pinellas County Government Access cable television station.These meetings are closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
top

315 Court Street, Clearwater 33756
464-3485 / TDD 464-4431

The Board of County Commissioners appoints the County Administrator, who supervises the day-to-day operation of the many divisions and departments under the Board's authority. Departments that provide related services are grouped into divisions; each division is headed by an assistant administrator appointed by the County Administrator. Assistant administrators deal with management of the Administrator's office and supervise divisions that deal with human services, legislative issues, county planning, and public works. Specific departments in each of these divisions are described in more detail in chapters that follow.

The Administrator also prepares the agenda for Commission meetings, attends these meetings and recommends a course of action, prepares the annual operating budget, prepares a capital improvements program and budget, supervises acquisition and care of all County property, and negotiates leases, contracts, and other agreements for the Board's consideration and approval. The Administrator implements and administers all policies established by the Board of County Commissioners.

top

315 Court Street, Clearwater 33756
464-3354

The County Attorney is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and is directly responsible to the Board. This office is not part of the judicial branch of County government. The County Attorney advises the Commission, constitutional officers, and all County departments in legal matters, and represents the County in any court proceedings.

top

CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS

In addition to the Board of County Commissioners, voters also elect five Constitutional Officers who serve as administrative officials: Clerk of the Circuit Court, Property Appraiser, Sheriff, Supervisor of Elections, and Tax Collector. Their duties are defined by the State constitution and law. They are elected on a partisan ticket to four-year terms at the time of the presidential election.
top

315 Court Street, Clearwater 33756
464-3341 / TDD 464-4303

The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the ministerial officer for Circuit and County Courts. The Clerk ensures that court orders, judgments, or directives are carried out; maintains court records; collects and disburses court fines and assessments; secures evidence entered in court; and collects and disburses court-ordered child support and alimony payments. The Clerk is responsible for summoning all prospective jurors for Circuit and County Courts.

The Clerk's office processes traffic and parking tickets for the 24 municipalities and the County, and collects all associated fines. In addition, the Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as Clerk and Accountant for the Board of County Commissioners, Custodian of County Funds (County Treasurer), and County Auditor (Comptroller).

As Recorder of Deeds, the Clerk maintains the official records for the County. The Clerk issues marriage licenses, and acts as an agent for the Federal government in processing applications for passports. These services are available in Clearwater and St. Petersburg.

Offices are located at:

315 Court Street, Clearwater 33756
Civil cases 464-3267
Probate cases 464-3321
Official Records 464-4876
Recording/Marriages/Passports 464-3204

545 1st Avenue N., St. Petersburg 33701
Civil cases 582-7771
Probate cases 582-7771
Official Records 582-7520
Recording/Marriage/Passports 582-7771

29582 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater 33761
Recording/Official Records/Marriage/
Passports/Traffic 464-8700

14250 49th Street N., Clearwater 33762
Traffic cases 464-7000
Criminal cases 464-6793
Misdemeanor/Ordinance cases 464-6800
Juvenile cases 464-6910

1800 66th Street N., St. Petersburg 33710
Traffic/Small Claims cases 582-7681

14155 49th Street N., Clearwater 33760
Records Center 464-6171

top

County Courthouse
2nd Floor
315 Court Street
Clearwater 33756
(727) 464-3207

The Property Appraiser determines the fair market value of all property in Pinellas County. These values are used by taxing authorities (the Board of County Commissioners, municipalities, the School Board, etc.) to determine millage rates for taxes. The Property Appraiser is also responsible for determining tax exemptions as granted by statute. Examples of such exemptions are homestead, widow's, widower's, disability, religious, and educational. Information on property values or exemptions is available from the main Appraiser's office as listed, or from these branch offices:

North County Office
Northside Square
29269 US HWY 19 N
Clearwater 33761
(727) 464-8780

Tyrone Office
Govt Services Ctr
1800 - 66th St N
St. Petersburg 33710
(727) 582-7652

Tangible Personal Property
Starkey Lakes Corp Center
12955 Starkey Rd. #3900
Largo 33773
(727) 582-3160

St. Petersburg Office
501 1st Ave N
Suite 519
St. Petersburg 33701
(727) 582-7760
NEW LOCATION!

top

10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo 34648
582-6200 / TDD 584-3323

The Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of Pinellas County. The Sheriff's Office provides primary law enforcement for the unincorporated areas of the county and by contract to many municipalities. The Sheriff's Office is also responsible for security at the County Courthouses and serves all process issued by the courts including witness subpoenas, warrants, repossessions, and other court orders. The Sheriff is the keeper of the county jail and provides backup law enforcement to all citizens in Pinellas County.

top

315 Court Street, Clearwater 33756
464-3551 / TDD 464-3551

The principal duties of the Supervisor of Elections are to register voters for all elections-local, County, State, and National-and to keep the voter lists up-to-date. The Supervisor prepares ballots, selects polling places, distributes and maintains voting equipment, recruits and trains staff to work the polls, qualifies candidates for County office, and checks and verifies all petitions requiring voter signatures.
(See also the Elections later in this publication)

top

315 Court Street, Clearwater 33756
464-3383

The Tax Collector is responsible for billing, collecting, accounting, and distributing all real estate and personal property taxes for Pinellas County government, all municipalities and taxing districts in the county, and the School Board. Tax amounts are based on assessed property value and the millage rate, which is set by the various taxing authorities. As an agent for the Florida Department of Revenue, this office collects delinquent taxes, sells certificates for unpaid taxes, and collects the Tourist Development tax.

As agent for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Tax Collector issues licenses and applications for titles of cars, trucks, boats, and mobile homes. Licenses for fishing and hunting, as well as parking permits, are also issued by this office.

Telephone numbers for all office locations are Phone (727) 562-3262 / TTY (727) 562-326
All office hours are 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri.
There are a total of eight locations: Main Office, North County, Gulf-to-Bay, Mid County, South County, 501 Building, Skyway Office, and Tarpon Springs

MAIN OFFICE
315 Court Street, 3rd Floor
P O. Box 1729, Clearwater, FL 33757-1729,
Phone (727) 562-3262 / TTY (727) 562-3264
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon-Fri.

NORTH COUNTY
29399 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 100,
Clearwater, FL 33761-2167
Phone (727) 562-3262 / TTY (727) 562-3264
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.- Fri.

GULF-TO-BAY
1663 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33755-1700,
Phone (727) 562-3262 / TTY (727) 562-3264
Hours: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Mon.- Fri.

MID COUNTY
13025 Starkey Rd., Largo 33773
Phone (727) 562-3262 / TTY (727) 562-3264
Hours: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Mon.- Fri.

SOUTH COUNTY
1800 - 66th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33710-4799
Phone (727) 562-3262 / TTY (727) 562-3264
Hours: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Mon.- Fri.

501 BUILDING
501 - 1st Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone (727) 562-3262 / TTY (727) 562-3264
hours: 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri

SKYWAY OFFICE
1067 - 62nd Ave. S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33705-5617
Phone (727) 562-3262 / TTY (727) 562-3264
hours: 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri

TARPON SPRINGS
743 South Pinellas Ave., Suite #A-7
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Phone (727) 562-3262 / TTY (727) 562-3264
hours: 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri

(All offices are closed on holidays)

top

COUNTY GOVERNMENT SERVICES

AND SOCIAL SERVICES

Most of the human and social services administered entirely or in part by County government are described in this chapter.

In addition, there are numerous private agencies that deal with matters such as abuse, day care, housing assistance, legal services, volunteer placement, and youth development. You'll find these listed in the Community Access pages of the telephone directory Yellow Pages.

top

Clearwater Office
2189 Cleveland Street, Suites # 230 & 266
Clearwater, FL 33765
Phone: 727-464-8400

St. Petersburg Office
647 1st Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-582-7781, Infoline - 727-582-7709

Tarpon Springs Outreach
301 South Disston Avenue
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Phone: 727-943-4743

Pinellas Park Outreach
6350 76th Avenue North
Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Phone: 727-547-7736/727-547-7814

Sanderlin Center Outreach
2335 22nd Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Phone: 727-893-5007

Ridgecrest Outreach Office
12420 130th Ave N.
Largo (located in the Largo Health Center)
Mon thru Fri from 8 am - 4:30 pm


Pinellas County's Social Services Department offers temporary, short-term financial and medical assistance to county residents in need who meet specific program criteria. These services may include assistance with rent/mortgage, utilities, food, medical care, dental treatment, prescriptions, and other related types of medical services. The department also operates a Mobile Medical Van which serves the homeless population, providing medical care as well as guidance regarding entitlement services.

Social Services also administers the Energy Assistance Program for the Elderly, a summer food program for children, and the Social Action Funding Program which provides funding for nonprofit social service agencies.

top

600 Cleveland Street, Suite 800
Clearwater, FL 33755-4159
(727) 464-8210 / FAX (727) 464-8254 / TDD (727) 464-8215

Pinellas County's Community Development Department is responsible for a variety of housing, neighborhood, and community development programs. This department operates the County Connection Centers and administers the Community Development Block Grant Program, Federal HOME Program and the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program. Through contracts with nonprofit organizations, the department offers down payment assistance for lower and moderate-income homebuyers, low-interest rate loans for home repairs, rental property improvements and various housing services. Working with residents, Community Development also plans and implements revitalization and enhancement projects in neighborhoods and Community Redevelopment Districts. Under the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County, the department administers mortgage bond programs for first-time homebuyers and multi-family rental developments.


top

12175 125th Street N., Largo 34633
582-2100

The Extension Service is Pinellas County's local branch of the University of Florida. It provides education and information services to residents of the county. Extension Service staff answer questions on subjects relating to horticulture and gardening, marine life, urban wildlife, family and consumer sciences, energy conservation, recycling in the home, and 4-H clubs.

The Extension Service is funded cooperatively by Pinellas County, the State of Florida, the University of Florida, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
top

Libraries in Pinellas County are individual municipal systems primarily funded by each municipality. However, voters in unincorporated areas approved a referendum establishing a tax to support countywide library services. The Pinellas Public Library Cooperative began operations on October 1, 1990 with 12 municipal-library members. Currently, 19 municipalities participate in the Library Cooperative.

This Cooperative is designed to improve services through automated catalog systems, increased book purchasing power, and improved interlibrary loan and information networks. From its headquarters, the Cooperative operates a subregional Talking Book Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

Residents of unincorporated areas or municipalities that belong to the Cooperative can now use their library cards at any of the participating libraries.

Residents of non-participating municipalities may purchase a Cooperative card for $100.00 a year. For information call a library listed below:

Cooperative Libraries

Clearwater:

• Main Library: 100 N. Osceola Avenue 33755 462-6800
• Beach Branch: 483 Mandalay Avenue (#106) 33767 462-6890
• Countryside: 2741 State Road 580 33761 669-1290
• East Branch: 2251 Drew Street 33765 669-1280
• North Greenwood: 905 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. 33755 462-6895

Dunedin: 223 Douglas Avenue 34698 738-1890

Gulf Beaches:

• 200 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach 33708 391-2828
• Gulfport: 5501 28th Avenue S. 33707 893-1074
• Largo: 351 East Bay Drive 34640 587-6715
• Oldsmar: 101 State Street W. 34677 855-5940
• Palm Harbor: 2330 Nebraska Avenue 34683 784-3332
• Pinellas Park: 7770 52nd Street N. 34665 541-0718
• Safety Harbor: 101 2nd Street N. 34695 724-1525
• St. Pete Beach: 365 73rd Avenue 33706 363-9238

St. Petersburg:

• Main Library: 3745 9th Avenue N. 33713 893-7724
• Azalea Branch: 7801 22nd Avenue N. 33710 893-7930
• James Weldon Johnson Branch:
• 1111 18th Avenue S. 33705 893-7113
• Mirror Lake Branch: 280 5th Street N. 33701 893-7268
• North Branch: 861 70th Avenue N. 33702 893-7214
• South Branch: 1201 Country Club Way S. 33705 893-7244
  
  
• Seminole: 9199 113th Street N. 34642 397-2112
• Tarpon Springs: Craig Park, Spring Boulevard S. 34689 942-5613
• Pinellas Talking Book Library for the Blind and Physically
• Handicapped:
• 12345 Starkey Road, Suite L, Largo 34643 538-9567
• TDD 538-8949

Other Libraries

East Lake Community Library:
3130 Tampa Road, Suite 23, Oldsmar 34677 786-9077
Indian Rocks Beach:
1507 Bay Palm Boulevard 34635 596-1822
Pinellas Tape Libraries for the Blind, Inc.:
401 5th Street N., St. Petersburg 33701 896-0904

top

15251 Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 209,
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727)464-6200
FAX (727)464-6129

The Department of Consumer Protection safeguards Pinellas County consumers against economic losses resulting from unethical or illegal business practices. The department has three divisions: Dispute Resolution (mediation), Special Investigations (criminal), and Regulatory (charitable solicitation, adult-use, and bingo). The department also offers speaker presentations on consumer protection.

To check a business's reputation, consumers may call this office to check the number of complaints filed against it. All closed complaints may be reviewed at the office during business hours.

To file a complaint, put the complaint in writing and send it to:

PINELLAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION
15251 Roosevelt Blvd.,
Suite 209,
Clearwater, FL 33760

Include copies of any contracts, transactions, and related materials.

top

Administrative Office/Clinic
500 7th Avenue S., St. Petersburg 33701
824-6900 / TDD 823-9801

The primary function of the Health Department is to protect the health of Pinellas County's residents and visitors. To this end, the department operates programs of disease prevention, health promotion, disease diagnosis and treatment, and environmental monitoring. Clinical services include family health care, maternity care, family planning, and communicable disease services. The latter includes immunizations, tuberculosis control, sexually transmitted disease identification and treatment, HIV testing and counseling, and AIDS patient care. The department provides public health nursing services, health education, and health services to children in schools, shelters, foster care, and at the Juvenile Detention Center. Additional programs, operated in cooperation with community partners, provide services for families at risk. These programs include Healthy Start, Healthy Families Pinellas, and Family Partners.

The many responsibilities of the Environmental Divisions include monitoring drinking water quality, verifying the water quality of public swimming facilities, and regulating the condition, licensing, and permitting of on-site waste disposal systems, such as septic tanks. The Health Department monitors indoor air quality, permits and monitors bio-hazardous waste generators, surveys underground fuel storage tanks for leakage, and conducts pre-construction review of plans for public swimming pools, public water supply systems, and sewage disposal systems. The department also cooperates with County agencies to control rabies.

The Health Department is administered by the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services and is funded by Federal, State, and local governments.

Other Health Department locations:
Clearwater Center
310 Myrtle Avenue N. 33755
469-5800

Tarpon Springs Center
301 S. Disston Avenue 34689
942-5457

Pinellas Park Center
6350 76th Avenue N. 34665
547-7780

top

12490 Ulmerton Road, Largo 34644
582-2000 / TDD 582-2088

Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was established in 1980 by an act of the Florida Legislature. This countywide paramedic ambulance service is funded from money collected for services rendered and application fees for the FirstCare Ambulance Membership Plan; all other expenses are covered by an ad valorem tax. All ambulance service in Pinellas County is provided by a single contracted ambulance company, operating under the name SUNSTAR.

In most municipalities, local fire departments also answer calls; EMS pays for their services. This means that for each emergency call, both the fire department paramedics and SUNSTAR paramedics respond. This medically superior, dual-response concept ensures that medical assistance is on scene in the quickest time possible. As a result, Pinellas County EMS is considered a model for the entire country.
top

HOSPITALS

There are no County or municipal hospitals in Pinellas County. All local hospitals are either nonprofit or for-profit institutions. Major facilities are:

St. Petersburg:
All Children's Hospital 898-7451
Bayfront Medical Center 823-1234
St. Joseph's-St. Anthony's Hospital 825-1100

Largo:
Columbia Largo Medical Center 586-1411
Suncoast Hospital (Osteopathic) 581-9474

Clearwater:
Morton Plant Hospital 462-7000

Dunedin:
Mease Hospital 733-1111

Pinellas County has many other hospital facilities, walk-in clinics, and special care institutions. These, along with physician referral services, may be found in the telephone directory Yellow Pages.

top

RELATED AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS

6698 68th Avenue N., Pinellas Park 34665
547-5600

The Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB) is an independent, special taxing district created by State legislation, approved by County voters, and dedicated solely to services for children and families. As the first taxing district of its kind, the Juvenile Welfare Board serves as a model for other counties, and has led the way in meeting the needs of families for 49 years. Rather than delivering services directly, the JWB plans and contracts for delivery of services through programs operated by various agencies countywide.

The Board's emphasis is on prevention and early intervention. The JWB offers training and technical assistance to the personnel providing the direct services. The JWB also advocates new legislation or changes in legislation to strengthen families and protect children, actively engages in the provision and exchange of information about the needs of children and families, and strives to build a sense of community which extends support to children and families. This sense of community was most recently affirmed with the passage of the 1990 Children's Services Referendum, which doubled the Board's taxing authority cap and permitted new programming in the areas of child care, family support and empowerment, neighborhood and community development, and youth development, among others.

The JWB is comprised of nine members, five of whom are appointed by the governor. The four additional members are ex officio: Juvenile Judges of the Circuit Court, Vice Chairman of the County Commission, and Superintendent of Schools.
top

6698 68th Avenue N., Suite C, Pinellas Park 33781
547-5800

26810 U.S. Highway 19 North, Clearwater 33761
725-9778

This License Board, a regulatory agency for child care, licenses more than 1,300 children's centers and family day care homes. Created for Pinellas County through a special legislative act and adopted by the Florida Legislature in 1961, it is funded by the Juvenile Welfare Board, Department of Children and Families, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

This Board ensures that all centers or homes providing child care meet minimum standards for health, safety, capacity, and staff educational standards. Services include guidelines and training for establishing a children's center or family day care home, parent access to the licensing history of their child's day care provider, and a child care food program.

top

6698 68th Avenue N., Suite B, Pinellas Park 34665
547-5700

Resource and Referral Services
547-5750

Coordinated Child Care was originally incorporated in 1969 as Project Playpen, a nonprofit organization formed to make licensed infant care available in southern Pinellas County. In 1990, the agency changed its name to more accurately describe its comprehensive services as Pinellas County's central agency for the distribution of Federal, State, and local child care funds. Today the agency serves 10,000 children annually with 4,000 children in subsidized child care at any given time. Services are provided through subcontracts with over 550 licensed child care facilities located throughout Pinellas County.

In partnership with Pinellas County License Board for Children's Centers and Family Day Care Homes, Coordinated Child Care is also responsible for Pinellas County's Child Care Resource and Referral Services. These services provide the public with a referral list of available child care facilities that meet their needs. Child care related consultation services are also available to families, small businesses, and corporations.

top

Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council
9455 Koger Boulevard, St. Petersburg 33702
577-5151

Senior Helpline 576-1533
1-800-861-8111 statewide

The Area Agency on Aging, a part of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, is responsible for planning, coordinating, and advocating services to meet the needs of senior citizens. Services to the elderly are also provided by the Florida Department of Health and the City of St. Petersburg through its Office on Aging.

Funding comes from Federal sources directed through the State. Neighborly Senior Services receives the majority of this agency's funds. Other programs include a Senior Helpline (576-1533) and a Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.

top

1100 Cleveland Street, Clearwater 33755
469-5700

Additional social services are provided by the State-funded Department of Health. These services include Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), food stamps, medically needy programs, and aging and adult services. Check the blue government pages of your telephone directory under State government for phone numbers of specific departments.
top

13650 Stoneybrook Drive, Clearwater 33762
573-9444

Neighborly Senior Services is a private, not-for-profit agency providing services that help people continue to live in their own homes and avoid the need for institutional care. The agency operates through private funding from the community, United Way, churches, businesses, service organizations, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs, as well as Federal, State, County, and municipal funds. Most program participants contribute toward the cost of services provided. The agency also offers services on a private-pay basis.

Services provided by Neighborly Senior Services include Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Care, Respite (caregiver relief), in-home care, transportation, group dining, Alzheimer's programs, caregiver support and education, and care management. The agency also operates a senior center in Palm Harbor.

Neighborly Senior Services has 23 locations, with its main office in Clearwater. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and operates with professionally trained staff and volunteers.

top

Main Office
2189 Cleveland St, Suite 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727)464-8460 / TDD (727) 464-4388
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (Call for appointment)

St Petersburg Office
501 1st Avenue N., Suite 517,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 582-7828
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (Call for appointment)

Tarpon Springs Office
Wednesday’s Only 8am-5pm
Worknet Pinellas – Tarpon Springs Office
38500 US Hwy 19 North
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (727) 324-2848

The Department of Veterans Services was created by the Board of County Commissioners to improve access to services for Pinellas County veterans and their dependents. The department provides complete veterans assistance, information, and counseling for filing, developing, and appealing claims pertaining to the full spectrum of veterans' entitlements. The department also visits clients at home (or in nursing homes) through its Outreach Program. This program is especially helpful to older veterans and their surviving spouses.

top

11479 Ulmerton Road Largo, FL 33778
443-7684

The Pinellas County Housing Authority is a nonprofit corporation created to develop, manage, and maintain low-rent housing and housing assistance programs. These programs serve low-income families and elderly citizens living in 22 municipalities and in the unincorporated areas of Pinellas County. St. Petersburg and Clearwater have their own housing authorities.

The five members of the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners are appointed by the governor. This Board sets policy and generally oversees the operation of the Housing Authority.

top

400 South Fort Harrison Avenue, Suite 300
Clearwater 33756
464-4880 / FAX 464-4157 / TDD 464-4062

The Office of Human Rights administers the Pinellas County Human Rights Ordinance prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and familial status. The office also administers Pinellas County government's Affirmative Action in Employment programs, and monitors the County's application of the Veterans' Preference program in the selection of applicants for employment. The office conducts internal investigations of issues based on any of the civil rights statutes and seeks appropriate corrective action. Also administered by this office is the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires physical accessibility to buildings and facilities, as well as delivery of benefits, programs, and services to affected citizens.

The Office of Human Rights provides training and outreach to the public on rights and remedies in Federal, State, and local human rights/civil rights laws. It also provides technical assistance to business and industry concerning compliance with such laws.
top

333 Chestnut Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-3945
FAX (727) 464-4384
TDD (727) 464-4431

The Volunteer Service Program matches people with volunteer opportunities in 40 departments or divisions within County government. Volunteers do not replace employees; rather, their efforts add support for County departments and expand services to the public.

Volunteers span a variety of ages, come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and have a multitude of skill levels. But they all have one thing in common-they care about their community. You can become an active participant in your government by volunteering to work in one of the many jobs available with Pinellas County. Call the Volunteer Service Program for help in determining which volunteer opportunity will be a fulfilling experience for you.

top

333 Chestnut Street, Clearwater 33756
464-4600 / TDD 464-4431
Pinellas 18 464-4724
County Information Desk 464-3000 / TDD 464-4431

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. The Communications Department is a full-service production facility specializing in Art/Graphics, Communications Specialists, Events, Marketing, Volunteer Services, and PCC-TV (television). All are available to help present a positive image for departments through print, video, web and community outreach programs.

The department staffs the Clearwater Courthouse Information Desk, produces publications, plans special events and programs, and operates the PCC-TV cable television channel. Pinellas County Connection TV (PCC-TV) provides LIVE closed captioned coverage of all Board of County Commissioners meetings and work sessions, and produces programming which features County services and personnel. Such programs include "Inside Pinellas", a news you can use program with consumer news, meeting highlights, updates on County departments and more; "Pick-a-Pet," featuring adoptable animals from Pinellas County Animal Services. PCC-TV produces many programs available on-line in streaming video. Call PCC-TV for information and a copy of the weekly TV schedule.

The department also oversees Pinellas County's Speakers Bureau, Speaking Out, which offers presentations about County departments, programs, and services to groups and organizations. Communication operates the Citizens Information Center which is activated during any emergency affecting major portions of the county. Citizen University (PCU) brings you face to face with county administrators and decision-makers. Through exciting field trips and hands on decision-making exercises, you learn first hand how Pinellas County provides services to nearly one million county residents. During this remarkable ten-week course, you’ll go behind the scenes at many Pinellas County operations and talk to the experts as you explore a wide range of county functions.

top

12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo 34644
582-2600 / TDD 582-2636
Rabies/Bite/Quarantine Line 582-2608
Lost or Found Pets Hotline 582-2604

Animal Services addresses animal welfare and overpopulation issues, encourages responsible pet ownership, and provides a Shelter & Adoption Center for lost or homeless animals. The center responds to approximately 700 calls from citizens daily, provides public awareness programs, promotes animal adoptions, and coordinates emergency programs affecting animals or people via animals. The Shelter & Adoption Center is open to the public seven days a week. An Animal Welfare Trust Fund has been established to provide extra services, such as special food, needed by some animals but not provided for in the department's budget. This Trust Fund is supported by donations from caring citizens.

top

PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND LAND USE

PINELLAS COUNTY PLANNING
14 South Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater 33756
464-8200

The Pinellas County Planning Department, operating under policies set by the Board of County Commissioners, is responsible for the general planning, growth management data and analysis, and transportation planning for Pinellas County.

This department has the lead role in the development of Pinellas County's Comprehensive Plan, in accordance with Florida's Growth Management Act. It develops and administers amendments and updates to the Plan, and is responsible for making recommendations as to the consistency of regulations and programs that implement the Plan. The department is the repository for considerable data and information on the county which is made available to the public and to other agencies. The department is also responsible for monitoring the comprehensive plans of municipalities to see that they are consistent with the County Plan. The Planning Department provides support staff to the Metropolitan Planning Organization (follows Planning Council).

top

512-514 South Fort Harrison Avenue
Clearwater 33756
464-4761 / TDD 464-4061

The Environmental Management Department works to protect the lakes, streams, air quality, and natural environment of Pinellas County. It is also involved in many urban environmental issues through the enforcement of various codes and regulations. It develops and implements management policies for the county's largest lakes, and creates habitat preservation and restoration projects on County property. The department also investigates environmental issues in response to complaints filed by citizens.

top

14 South Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater 33756
464-3855

The Pinellas Planning Council was created by a special act of the Florida Legislature in 1988 to establish a countywide planning process to guide the growth and improvement of Pinellas County as a whole. The PPC is comprised of 13 elected public officials which represent local governments of Pinellas County and the Pinellas County School Board. The PPC advises the Board of County Commissioners, in its role as Countywide Planning Authority, on countywide
planning matters.

While the PPC reviews and makes recommendations on proposed amendments to the Countywide Future Land Use Plan, it is the Countywide Planning Authority which takes final action on the proposed amendments. The PPC also provides planning assistance and mapping services to local governments.

top

14 South Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater 33756
464-8200

This countywide organization, mandated by the State to qualify for Federal funds, takes action on countywide transportation concerns. MPO responsibilities include long-range highway and mass transit plans, a five-year transportation improvement program, traffic signal reviews, bicycle and pedestrian programs, and other transportation issues that require County/City cooperation.

The 11-member Board is comprised of three County commissioners and eight elected municipal officials, one of which represents the Transit Authority. A 26-member Citizen Advisory Committee provides citizen input. The MPO's varied program is supported by 12 other specialized committees. The County Planning Department serves as the staff of the MPO.

top

2379 Broad Street, Brooksville 34609-6899
(352) 796-7211

Commonly known as "SWIFTMUD," this regional authority is responsible for managing our water resources. The Southwest District, created by the Florida Legislature in 1961, has jurisdiction over a 16-county area which includes Pinellas County. Its many functions include water use regulation and permitting, water conservation plans, aquatic plant control, public supply well construction, stormwater management, flood control, and water research. The 11-member Governing Board is appointed by the governor and approved by the Florida Senate.

top

9455 Koger Boulevard, St. Petersburg 33702
577-5151

This association for local governments in west central Florida includes Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties, and cities in these counties. Established in 1962, it works in partnership with the State of Florida to plan for long-term growth, and assists local governments with areawide comprehensive plans, helping resolve common problems and mediating conflicts that arise.

top

Tampa Bay Water is a special district created by interlocal agreement among Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa. The agency provides wholesale water to those member utilities, which in turn provide water to more than 2 million people in the tri-county region. Tampa Bay Water was created in 1998, with assistance from the Florida Legislature and governor, by restructuring the West Coast Regional Water Supply Authority from a cooperative association into a true regional utility.

Tampa Bay Water’s mission is to provide its members with reliable supplies of high-quality water to meet present and future needs in an environmentally and economically sound manner. To meet the region's growing water needs, Tampa Bay Water is currently developing diverse new supplies under a far-reaching Master Water Plan. By the end of 2002, a variety of new supplies serve the region’s needs and allow reductions in groundwater pumping at long-producing facilities. Projects under construction include withdrawal structures on the Tampa Bypass Canal and Alafia River, a 66-million-gallon per day surface water treatment plant, a 15-billion gallon off-stream reservoir, and a 25-million gallon per day seawater desalination facility. Additional projects are being evaluated to meet the region’s needs in 2007-2015.

top

Administration/Customer Service
14 South Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater 33756
464-4714 / TDD 464-3718

Solid Waste Operations
3095 114th Avenue N., St. Petersburg 33716
464-7565

Information Lines
Recycling 464-7777
Free Mulch 464-6001
Household Chemical Collection/Swap Shop 464-4623

Pinellas County Utilities incorporates the County's Water System, Sewer System, and Solid Waste Operations. Through these divisions the Utilities Department provides water, sewer, and solid waste management services to the majority of County residents.

The Water System serves unincorporated Pinellas County, Kenneth City, Largo, and all the Pinellas beach communities except Clearwater Beach and Sand Key. Pinellas Utilities also wholesales water to Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Pinellas Park, Safety Harbor, and Oldsmar from its own wellfield in northeast Pinellas/northwest Hillsborough Counties (Eldridge-Wilde Wellfield), and from the West Coast Regional Water Supply Authority's well-fields in Pasco County. This is an enterprise system meaning it is funded by fees generated by services provided. Public health through the safety of our water supply is the Water System's number one priority. To this end, the Water Quality Laboratory analyzes water samples from throughout the county for an extensive list of chemicals and bacteria. Continuous lab tests ensure that our water is in compliance with State and Federal regulatory requirements.

The Sewer System component of Utilities is responsible for collecting, pumping, and disposing of all wastewater generated in areas not serviced by municipal water systems. Pinellas Utilities has three sewage treatment plants: South Cross Bayou on 54th Avenue N. in St. Petersburg, McKay Creek on Walsingham Road in Largo, and the Northwest Treatment Plant just off Alternate U.S. 19 N. in Palm Harbor. The County also operates a State certified lab that tests ground water quality to ensure water is returned to the environment in compliance with County, State, and Federal laws.

Utilities' Solid Waste Operations resulted from the Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal and Resource Recovery Act, passed by the Florida Legislature in 1975. This act gave the Board of County Commissioners sole responsibility for disposal of solid waste within the county. (Collection of solid waste remained the responsibility of the municipalities and, in the unincorporated area, of private companies.) The Commission was also given the authority to build and operate a resource recovery plant. The Pinellas County Refuse-to-Energy Plant, which burns garbage to produce electricity, opened in 1983. This plant operates as an enterprise system, funded by "tipping" (disposal) fees, revenue from electricity, and sale of recovered metals.

A 13-member Solid Waste Technical Management Committee, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and municipalities, evaluates problems associated with solid waste disposal, exchanges information, and makes recommendations to the Commission.

Solid Waste Operations' integrated approach to solid waste management includes: the Refuse-to-Energy system, a sanitary landfill, a tire processing facility, an information library/resource center, used oil collection, enforcement of waste disposal regulations, waste reduction and recycling programs, and the permanent Household Chemical Collection Center (HC3) with its Swap Shop. The Swap Shop is a free-to-the-public assortment of still-usable household products, retrieved from items brought in to the HC3 for free disposal.

In 1988, the Florida Legislature passed the Solid Waste Management Act which mandated that by 1994 each county must reduce the solid waste it generates by 30%. To fulfill this goal, Pinellas County formed a RecyclaMat Partnership, bringing together County government, community organizations, schools, businesses, city governments, and citizens to reduce solid waste in the county. Pinellas County has exceeded its waste reduction goals every year since 1992. Successful, ongoing recycling programs include:

• Recycling drop-off centers throughout the county for newspaper, glass, aluminum, and plastic
• A yard waste recycling program which turns grass clippings, palm fronds, branches, and tree trimmings into a high quality mulch available to residents without charge at over 20 county locations
• An office paper recycling program for area governments, schools, and businesses
• Workshops for businesses and teachers (the 4R curriculum-Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Recover)
• The Artificial Reef Program, using concrete and other clean construction debris, to create artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico
• Brochures, pamphlets, and displays on reducing consumption and buying recycled products
• A speakers bureau providing specialists on all aspects of solid waste management for presentations to citizen groups and organizations

The Utilities Department, through its programs of energy and water conservation, environmental education, reclaimed water distribution, and xeriscaping works to protect our natural resources while providing needed services. In partnership with nonprofit, private, and civic organizations, Pinellas County Utilities encourages citizens to work together as an environmentally conscious community.

top

440 Court Street, Clearwater 33756
464-3251 / TDD 464-4093

After heavy rains, the water that runs off buildings and streets carries oil, fertilizer, and other pollutants into our streams, lakes, and bays. State and Federal laws mandate that these runoff waters must be cleaned through a series of drainage and stormwater runoff projects.

The Pinellas County Department of Public Works is responsible for stormwater management projects in unincorporated areas of the county. Municipalities are responsible for projects within their boundaries. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has delegated to Pinellas County the authority to issue permits for most stormwater projects. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection retains responsibility for stormwater projects of a more extensive nature as well as permitting dredge-and-fill operations and overseeing certain industrial facilities.

top

440 Court Street, Clearwater 33756
464-3665 / TDD 464-4093

With the Federal government, the State of Florida, and local communities along the county's sandy beaches, Pinellas County's Coastal Management acts as the local sponsor for beach enhancement projects. The intent of these projects is to make a more pleasurable vista and recreational opportunity for resident and visiting beach goers. Beach enhancement includes beach nourishment projects, construction and planting of dunes, dune protection, construction of dune walkovers, and development of beach access properties.

The County is responsible for protection and enhancement of the beach strand environment. Among its efforts in this regard, Coastal Management promotes sea turtle monitoring and protection.

In addition to its beach activities, Coastal Management is involved in the marking of navigation channels, and the creation of restricted boating zones and special environmental areas.

top

Pinellas County is served by a network of roadways facilitating transportation throughout the county.

Interstate 275 crosses from Tampa to mid-Pinellas County, running south through St. Petersburg and over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to Manatee County.

Three causeway bridges link Pinellas County to Tampa across Tampa Bay:

• The Courtney Campbell Causeway from Tampa to Clearwater
• The Howard Frankland Bridge (Interstate 275)
• Gandy Bridge from Tampa to St. Petersburg

Highways linking Pinellas County north and south:

• U.S. Highway19 is the major north-south corridor
• Alternate U.S. Highway 19 provides a north-south route along the west side of the county
• State Road 699 (Gulf Boulevard) follows the island beach communities from Clearwater south to St. Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille
• The McMullen Booth Road Corridor runs along the east side of the county from Pasco County, south across the Bayside Bridge, connecting with 49th Street, and continuing south to St. Petersburg and Gulfport

Roads crossing Pinellas County east and west:

• Gandy Boulevard and Park Boulevard from Gandy Bridge to the Gulf beaches
• Ulmerton Road (State Road 688) and Roosevelt Boulevard/Bay Drive (State Road 686) from Interstate 275 to the Gulf beaches
• Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard (State Road 60) from
• Tampa to Clearwater Beach
• Tampa Road from Tampa to Palm Harbor
• Keystone Road (County Road 582) from north Hillsborough County to Tarpon Springs
• The Lake Seminole Bridge connecting 102nd Avenue and Bryan Dairy Road

Highways and roads are funded and maintained by their specific governing authority. For example, the Pinellas County Highway Department maintains County Roads. The public works department of each municipality takes responsibility for its local network of streets.

top

14840 49th Street N., Clearwater 33762-2893
530-9911 / TDD 530-9911
PSTA InfoLine 530-9911