|
 MY
COMMUNITY--- My
County Neighborhood
Known nationally for its progressive service delivery and innovations,
Pinellas County government strives each day to provide friendly, efficient
programs and services for you---no matter which of the wonderful communities
you call home.
Pinellas
County is home to 24 municipalities,
and Pinellas County government provides
a wide variety of services to the residents
of those municipalities. Some examples
include countywide 9-1-1 emergency
communications, Animal Services and
a very popular Parks and Recreation
program.  Listing
of County Services
Nearly
300,000 residents do not live in a
city, but live in neighborhoods in
unincorporated areas (outside municipal
boundaries). If you live in one of
these areas, your Pinellas County Board
of County Commissioners is proud to
serve as you directly as your local
government. Through the county's Municipal
Services Taxing Unit (MSTU), funding
is devoted solely to providing services
to unincorporated areas (like yours)
that are over and above the services
provided to the county as a whole.
KEY
SERVICES IN MY AREA
Personalized
Assistance to Meet Your Individual
Needs Right Where You Live
One call or visit to your local County Connection
Center can provide
the personalized assistance you need in solving a wide range of
problems--- everything from how to get
a stop sign installed on the corner to dealing with drainage problems
and more. In the Seminole area, call Center |
 |
Manager
Jane Gillespie at (727) 549-6441. The SW
County Connection Center is located at
8202 113th Street in Seminole.
Support
for Your Neighborhood - Services
and Enhancements
When
it comes to showing special pride in
your community, Neighborhood Enhancement
Grants are available for citizen-initiated
neighborhood projects. Each year, several
dozen projects receive up to $10,000
for entry signs and landscaping, restoration
of amenities and safety/education projects.
|
|
A
desirable quality of life begins
right in your own neighborhood.
Pinellas County also supports
your community with ongoing services
such asTraffic Control, Sidewalks,
Stormwater/Drainage and Code
Enforcement.
And,
Neighborhood Clean Up days
can be organized with County
assistance through the Community
Development Department.
|
Parks,
Trails and Recreational Opportunities
Abound
Whether it's enjoying a romp with Rover at Boca Ciega Millennium Park's
Paw Playground or boating on Lake Seminole or taking a breather along
the Pinellas Trail at 102nd Avenue, Pinellas County Parks offer something
for everyone.
 |
To
further enhance recreational
opportunities, the county is
providing a $2 million recreational
grant program in FY03. Through
partnerships with schools, cities,
and not-for-profit organizations,
Pinellas County is able to leverage
these funds to support many more
programs. Locally, $ 180,000
in grants are allocated
for community enhancements such
as lighting, an extra bathroom
and concession roof overhang
at ballfields.
|
 |
Another
very popular program with your
neighbors is Recreational
Reimbursements, which allow
people living in the unincorporated
communities the same benefit of
joining recreational programs offered
by cities at the same rate city
residents enjoy. With recreational
reimbursements, the County covers
the differential fees charged by
cities when unincorporated residents
take part in municipal recreation
programs. In fact, more reimbursements
are currently going toward covering
the costs for memberships with
the City of Seminole than any other
city. |
| Fire,
Police and Emergency Medical
Care that are Unsurpassed |
 |
When you need emergency medical help, you need a fast, high quality
EMS response regardless of municipal boundaries. In Pinellas
County, help from the closest available units-both fire department
rescue vehicles and Sunstar paramedic ambulances-arrive within
four and a half minutes on average. |
 |
Your safety is our primary concern. County law enforcement services
are provided by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, dedicated
to bringing skilled, professional law enforcement and investigative
services to Pinellas County citizens. |
|
Help
with Building your Dream Home
|
Need help in acquiring a permit for some home improvements? The
Pinellas County Building Department will handle the job with
ease and convenience-for homeowners and contractors alike. |
 |
|
Countywide
Libraries
|
The Pinellas Public Library Cooperative allows residents of the
unincorporated areas to use the services of municipal libraries.
Your library card allows unincorporated residents to access
virtually any city library and a wonderful array of reading
programs and other activities.
|
 |
|
Clean
Water Every Time you turn on
the Tap
|
Pinellas County Utilities maintains a network of water and sewer
lines to meet the needs of unincorporated residents as well
as customers of many municipalities. The County water system
covers more than 1/2 of all county taps; County sewer lines
reach 1/3 of all households.
|
 |
All
This for a Price that Compares Favorably
to What Your City Neighbors Pay
For all these services, residents of unincorporated Pinellas County
often pay less in taxes and fees than their neighbors living within
city limits. When considering annexation, it's beneficial to know if
other fees and charges, such as franchise fees and utility taxes for
electricity and gas, will be passed on to you as a City resident. Another
item to think about: if you live in a city, you may face more code
or zoning restrictions that will affect what you can do with your property.
Also, if you have a home business, you may be subject to restrictions
and will most likely need an Occupational License.
Top
of Page
|
