Pinellas Prepares

The last time the Tampa Bay area took a direct hit from a hurricane was 1921. While this has been a long time, it doesn’t mean that the area is immune from hurricane impacts. As the 2004 hurricane season proved, a community’s ability to quickly recover from storm damage is dependent on the steps it takes to prepare for the impact. For instance, Charlotte and Hardee counties both lost their Emergency Operations Centers during Hurricane Charley and many other buildings – from fire stations to public shelters.

 

To prevent the loss of such important community assets, Pinellas County has invested in new facilities designed to withstand Category 5 hurricane winds (155 mph +) and storm surge, and has taken steps to harden other facilities so they can better survive hurricanes.

Pinellas County Public Safety Complex
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office:

• Year Built:  2014
  
• Cost: $81.4 million, Penny for Pinellas funded
  
• Houses the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Regional 9-1-1 Center and Emergency Operations Center
  
• The facility is located in a non-evacuation zone and built to withstand Category 5 hurricane winds.
  
• Designed for an emergency staffing level of 700 employees
  
• Click here for more information

Emergency Response Building:

 

• Year Built: 2010
  
• Cost:  $30 million, Penny for Pinellas funded
  
• Houses Public Works Highway department, Traffic Engineering and the Primary Control Center for the Intelligent Transportation System
  
• Rated to withstand Category 5 winds (155 mph plus)
  
• Fully generated facility, with back up wastewater and drinking water supplies
  
• Can protect 32 county heavy construction vehicles used for debris removal and repairs
  
• Click here for more information

Hardening Existing Facilities:

 

• Installed hurricane shutters
• Equipment tie downs
• Storm rated windows or doors
• Reduced openings
• Structural tie downs
• Roof improvements
• Hardened County Facilities

For more information or questions:

• Contact Emergency Management
• Contact Safety & Emergency Services
• Contact the Sheriff's Office

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