Historic Preservation Advisory Board

Pinellas County enjoys a rich and diverse culture and historic past. The historical, cultural and aesthetic heritage is among its most valued assets. Few urban areas today boast such unique perspectives of the past. Because of widespread growth and redevelopment in recent years, it is critical to the future of our County that we preserve and maintain significant elements of its history.

With this in mind, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) took the initiative to establish a countywide policy to address historical protection and redevelopment issues among local communities. In June 2005, the BCC by resolution created the Historic Preservation Task Force (HPTF) to develop a historic preservation plan inclusive of all jurisdictions.

The Task Force developed and refined (based on feedback obtained in public work shops and meetings with local municipalities) a proposed historic preservation ordinance. In February 2008, the BCC adopted the ordinance, establishing historic preservation as stated public policy. By this ordinance, the Task Force was established as the Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB) to implement and direct the county historic preservation program.

Past accomplishments of the Task Force include: obtaining input and cooperation from local municipalities; updating the historic resources inventory; contracting with a historic preservation consultant firm to conduct field surveys for possible historic resources and to update the established inventory database; and compiling criteria guidelines for designating future properties of historic significance.

Now established as the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, members look forward to addressing future objectives. Such objectives include:

• establishing and maintaining a County Register of Historic Places;
• developing and promoting preservation regulations and programs,
• providing educational outreach and technical assistance (e.g. “Tool Box Kits” on historic preservation) to interested groups and citizens;
• exploring financial incentives to preserve historic resources;
• enhancing possible grant opportunities through participation in the Florida Certified Local Governments (CLG) Program;
• integrating and maintaining consistent historic preservation policy in Pinellas County planning processes;
• and researching, evaluating, and developing an ordinance to restrict demolition of significant historic resources.

I am honored to serve as Chair of the Advisory Board and to be a part of perpetuating the culture and history of our County into future generations. The Advisory Board welcomes input from all citizens and the perspectives of those who can continue to enhance the rich heritage of Pinellas County.
Karen Williams Seel, Chair

If you have comments, questions, ideas or concerns please
Contact the Advisory Board
phone 727-464-8200