[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6365071,"mediaKeyId","2160338-3b957ae3314f5ed1240a761db9c0e3b2","parentId",2160338,"title","Board approves consultant contracts, housing and infrastructure grants and ordinances in Jan. 28 meeting","audioSeconds",6676,"startMs",4340000,"endMs",11016000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2160338-3b957ae3314f5ed1240a761db9c0e3b2&start=4340&end=11016","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2160338-3b957ae3314f5ed1240a761db9c0e3b2/thumbnail_4340000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6365071/Pinellas-County/Florida/Board-approves-consultant-contracts-housing-and-infrastructure-grants-and-ordinances-in-Jan-28-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6365071-57857560609781dae52f266d77f439bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176007&Signature=cVXX9c4xKVT1Lldxcv7fOPG~L65FkplsGvCcITnER6cgIaxYDHacy6F0Y23RRWhmFbAZ7rvwzy9XNnAaHHasZcZ7wbXNVSXr1nALgKWVrLxOupB-td-ECoApf5I~c~qAilpbESZwF-P22Y4niK~sxxLCRDN9RncXYaMOgvqAKkvq9oPq9nEnsNc-Ce0BScpLudW~zlI0BOP9eLrlb80jEiGHaeGFJ34s98I39HoHVFSnmQtn2PLoFUwGl-8UXeMUNGapeTs09rw4dgmGhM2QOcNFPOAm9A85yNoKt2Vcar83ChIBAWhiCMKBrLeYI6gu9AkPAXUhKuKRsJOsuXK9iQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pinellas County, FL","date","2025-01-28T23:43:17Z","article","At its Jan. 28 meeting the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved multiple agenda items ranging from consultant contracts for disaster recovery planning to affordable housing awards and countywide ordinances on dunes and water navigation.

Why it matters: The votes move forward planning and spending authority on several items tied to recovery work, public infrastructure and regulatory changes that could affect development and coastal protection across the county.

Votes at a glance (selected items approved):

- Consent agenda: approved (motion: Commissioner Eggers; second: Commissioner Peters) — voice vote, passed unanimously.

- Item 14 — Affordable housing program funding recommendation for OLEA (126 By Lincoln Avenue communities, 144 units): motion to approve (mover: Commissioner Flowers; second: Commissioner Peters) — passed unanimously.

- Item 15 — Funding recommendations and agreements for alcohol and drug abuse programs (four nonprofit subrecipients): motion to approve (mover: Commissioner Peters; second: Commissioner LaVella) — passed unanimously.

- Item 16 — Grant funding agreement for Boyd Centers (treatment services for people experiencing homelessness): motion to approve (mover: Commissioner Peters; second: Commissioner Flowers) — passed unanimously.

- Item 17 — Eligible write‑offs for uncollectible debts (annual accounting write‑offs across departments): motion to approve (mover: Commissioner Peters; second: Commissioner Flowers) — passed unanimously.

- Item 18 — Ranking and approval of agreements for comprehensive disaster recovery management consulting services (multiple firms): motion to approve (mover: Commissioner Ragers; second: Commissioner Peters) — passed unanimously.

- Item 19 — Second amendment to agreement with APTAM for coastal management consulting (increase to continue beach and coastal work): motion to approve (mover: Commissioner Peters; second: Commissioner Flowers) — passed unanimously.

- Items 20–23 — Restore Act and other infrastructure consultant agreements (Gulf Coast Consortium, Mead & Hunt contracts for multiple projects): motions to approve — passed unanimously.

- Item 24 — Ratify litigation filed for animal custody/neglect petition (approved under emergency authority): motion to ratify (mover: Commissioner Peters) — passed unanimously.

- Item 28 — Land Development Code amendment (zoning code updates): motion to approve (mover: Commissioner Eggers; second: Commissioner Flowers) — passed unanimously.

- Item 29 — Zoning change for 23100 State Road 580 (Dunedin; GEO to C2): quasi‑judicial, motion to approve (mover: Commissioner Eggers; second: Commissioner Flowers) — passed unanimously.

- Item 30 — Authorize tax‑collector collection method for downtown Palm Harbor street lighting district assessments (county request): motion to approve (mover: Commissioner Eggers; second: Commissioner Flowers) — passed unanimously.

- Item 31 — County code updates for water and navigation regulations: motion to approve (mover: Commissioner Eggers; second: Commissioner Flowers) — passed unanimously.

- Item 32 — Countywide dune protection ordinance (creates chapter 58, coastal protection, dunes): motion to approve (mover: Commissioner Peters; second: Commissioner Flowers) — passed unanimously.

What officials said: Commissioners and staff discussed program details, consultant procurement and coastal permitting during the meeting, and staff frequently reported unanimous board support for the listed items. Several items were pulled from consent for clarification; staff agreed to return with additional information on those items when requested.

Ending: The actions advance recovery planning, affordable housing and coastal protection efforts; individual contract awards and ordinance texts will return to staff for implementation steps and any required administrative follow‑up.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners 2 p.m. Regular Meeting & 6 p.m. Public Hearing 1-28-25","oneSentenceSummary","The Pinellas County Board approved multiple funding recommendations, contract awards and ordinances, including disaster‑recovery consulting agreements, affordable housing funding and countywide dune and water‑navigation rules. Commissioners voted unanimously on the listed items.","taxTitle","Pinellas County, Florida","taxId",2867,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6365075,"Public commenters and commissioners raise safety concerns about e‑bikes, motorbikes on the Pinellas Trail",660,10320000,10980000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2160338-3b957ae3314f5ed1240a761db9c0e3b2&start=10320&end=10980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2160338-3b957ae3314f5ed1240a761db9c0e3b2/thumbnail_10320000.jpg","/articles/6365075/Pinellas-County/Florida/Public-commenters-and-commissioners-raise-safety-concerns-about-ebikes-motorbikes-on-the-Pinellas-Trail","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6365075-3cd5895a5bff8761696a42684ce2288a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176007&Signature=ZIfHOqn1YmRqS-4TOvTrgRUf2ST1Ekuzney88HdskDZWEyjZCbK5wRCYtKiuWjPBjI4ZTVUFXwaUQXEQLjfw5eQhA~Mn2sNLLny2G2FSI5nJCPcvYslAtiTnSHoHaL47cUUKVTn0MnnqqufD7ar4f7S3UbrsHoor37Pu9Bi13kX6uoqjEh9yr1j50nWQcjsCezI1eR3OfdkgcRTWr1tQqb2jkFpdBoTQxGEKRfMq1L7uoOO5xzTrJH2725VEcB6qpiVgxBA86a9G~BbiYD0PBtLeAjRLz3hAZiiZ2wUs8JJKjeP9VFWKPMMpnQgxcXc27hbv6Xrnk7R2oe88FrJchQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Dunedin resident urged county leaders on Jan. 28 to address what she described as aggressive and dangerous behavior by groups riding gas‑powered minibikes and electric bikes on the Pinellas Trail.

Irene Davis, who identified herself as a Dunedin resident, told commissioners she has seen riders perform wheelies, speed toward crowds, spit on people and knock cyclists and pedestrians off the trail. \"They're purposely terrorizing people,\" Davis said, describing dozens of reports shared on neighborhood message boards.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said the incidents undermine a well‑used regional trail and can deter residents and visitors from using it. Public safety, tourism and liability were raised as concerns.

What residents and staff asked for: Residents and the Friends of the Pinellas Trail have requested stepped‑up enforcement, more cameras and clearer separation between slower pedestrians and faster bicycles as possible solutions. Davis urged the county to consider cameras and increased patrols and warned that civil litigation risk could exceed preventive costs.

County response and next steps: Commissioners said the issue is being discussed by a Pinellas Trail Security Task Force, which includes municipal police, the sheriff’s office, the Friends of the Pinellas Trail, park rangers and county risk management. Commissioners asked staff to share today’s comments with that task force. One commissioner said the county will ask Forward Pinellas and law enforcement partners to return with a proposed enforcement plan.

Ending: Commissioners said they will continue to press law enforcement partners for targeted enforcement and noted a quarterly task force that will review options and coordinate municipal and sheriff resources.","A Dunedin resident described aggressive behavior by groups using motorized bikes on the Pinellas Trail and urged cameras, patrols and separate lanes; commissioners said a task force and law enforcement are working on targeted enforcement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6365079,"County reports major backlog on manufactured‑home substantial‑damage reviews; permits rising for single‑family and condos",905,1674000,2579000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2160338-3b957ae3314f5ed1240a761db9c0e3b2&start=1674&end=2579","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2160338-3b957ae3314f5ed1240a761db9c0e3b2/thumbnail_1674000.jpg","/articles/6365079/Pinellas-County/Florida/County-reports-major-backlog-on-manufacturedhome-substantialdamage-reviews-permits-rising-for-singlefamily-and-condos","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6365079-b98b6ab8852deefcad96c4be8cb38848/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176007&Signature=gjycFtRSwtuN8aEX3wo5Xp~sI18oHsAVbQlAYx05gQeugXfIytE1QwUQ2bh9BVQuOzFu57qVfKpHZQYfLnnG1OTOT-pFBEvDuOGx3Ja5k751ZYyCYQsWDuPM58YxP5hTN6frNz55KE76iDBMX0YM2YuW4jNpnAQ8i4c0SPM7VewKPsUV3sp~MJAH2yzxw9U7M754HqJlOcC2sXF25fUP0AXVPN4OdCThGVbAykofSD3-6ILWpIBgd1wsPXDQfCuUr01SbAt9~uGZ77sHgkWqYl-IGsFnHOX~b2sMqAF2fP84~Fo65ryoSZhyHckwb60gASbNZ17g6vFCMJYfC-OVAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pinellas County Building and Development Review Services told commissioners on Jan. 28 that manufactured homes are the largest technical challenge in the county’s substantial‑damage and reassessment process after recent storms.

Kevin McCandrew, director of Building and Development Review Services, said the county processed roughly 3,900 residential structures through FEMA estimator tools in the initial phase, then broke that total into single‑family, condominium/townhouse and manufactured/mobile home categories to clarify results.

Key numbers: McCandrew said just under 3,000 single‑family homes were processed through the FEMA estimator tool and that about 430 single‑family properties (roughly 14%) initially were identified as substantially damaged. By contrast, of about 823 manufactured homes processed, roughly 95% — about 782 units — received initial substantial‑damage determinations.

Why manufactured homes differ: McCandrew said industry studies and field experience show that when a manufactured home takes on water above the living‑floor elevation the under‑floor sheathing and structural elements typically render the unit \"substantially damaged\" for repair and rebuilding rules. He warned owners that private appraisals can be costly and often will not change determinations because many units are older and heavily depreciated.

Reassessments and permitting: McCandrew described the reassessment process that lets property owners seek reversal of an initial substantial‑damage finding. He said 244 reassessment files exist (unincorporated county), with 163 in review and 54 withdrawn; 27 reassessments have been reversed from substantially damaged to not substantially damaged, and he said none that reached final review have remained as substantially damaged.

On condominiums, McCandrew said multistory condominiums had been cleared for substantial‑improvement permitting after a policy decision; single‑story condominium/townhouse units processed (35 buildings, 375 units) have not been deemed substantially damaged in unincorporated Pinellas County. He said condominium permitting is expected to rise quickly as large condo associations engage contractors; staff cited a contractor representing up to 700 units and expected roughly 100 condominium permits in the next month.

Manufactured‑home approach and communications: The county said it is finalizing a hybrid policy to process manufactured‑home cases, providing in‑office, in‑person support and a specialized team (cost estimator, certified appraiser, certified floodplain manager) to handle reassessments. McCandrew said the county had increased direct callbacks from subject‑matter experts to applicants and contractors and had issued some 2,247 building permits across rebuild activity, with the in‑person support hub helping residents with permitting and reassessments.

What it means for owners: Staff emphasized that many manufactured homes are decades old and that elevation or repair funding and eligibility for increased cost‑of‑compliance payments (up to $30,000) will depend on documentation and appraisal results. McCandrew said owners considering private appraisals should be warned that depreciation and low market value often make the 49% repair threshold difficult to meet.

Ending: County staff said the goal is to drive down the reassessment backlog quickly and to support condominium repairs and single‑family permitting while rolling out a distinct process for manufactured homes that reflects their construction standards and depreciation.","Building‑review staff said manufactured and mobile homes show very high initial substantial‑damage designations and described a tailored reassessment and permitting process. County staff also reported hundreds of permits issued for single‑family homes and a resumption of condominium permitting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6365084,"Pinellas officials outline steps to spend $813 million in HUD disaster recovery money, warn federal pause could slow aid",1118,534000,1652000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2160338-3b957ae3314f5ed1240a761db9c0e3b2&start=534&end=1652","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2160338-3b957ae3314f5ed1240a761db9c0e3b2/thumbnail_534000.jpg","/articles/6365084/Pinellas-County/Florida/Pinellas-officials-outline-steps-to-spend-813-million-in-HUD-disaster-recovery-money-warn-federal-pause-could-slow-aid","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6365084-b03bf1f23a9d28bf63ee9f8c78c7dd22/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176007&Signature=IA2Y8Esv~WTXicaw~hd6z28MwPctzlUZOdVi-ttG4qTMGt2D7rtfW6jRm0oRDZUx6Knpg4xlZvG4FwdL96D3Za~YhsLKUyNam2FyUwOc7euQTQUN30IEAFJpX9sho5C6lcmbkfgpXtfczwelA63OAAkzNBFgMZ3OHcBt7uSBaocge5xSTJyQx~DwX12FJpGsr4DK-hI6tEkEqK4285vv0CL1jnoQTMOF8mp7lHPvv2dim0eEC16FyVj3SA8fpawvZPy1T7CPveuLb0EJ7kffWE7WeXOaQLiHkbSKAp-QH6ASFtVFsJQ6brxfAs9Jo8Sj3Z2slxFsUvumzALg1zRSVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pinellas County officials told commissioners on Jan. 28 that the county has begun planning how to use $813,000,000 in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) disaster recovery funding and that hiring a consultant will be the first step in creating programs aimed largely at low‑ and moderate‑income residents.

County staff said the HUD money must follow federal rules and that, under HUD’s general definitions, programs generally must serve households at or below 80% of area median income (AMI). A staff member working the recovery update said the county will need to develop a program design and tracking systems that demonstrate households served meet those income tests. \"HUD's definition goes up to 80% of area median income,\" staff member Bruce said, noting examples for a family of four and a single person.

Why it matters: The funding is large and targeted — the county said 70% of the award must benefit low‑ and moderate‑income residents — but federal compliance could shape who is eligible, what projects win support and how quickly money reaches people who remain displaced after recent storms.

County staff cautioned commissioners that HUD rules include an \"immediate needs\" category and the agency allows waivers in specific cases, but documentation and program design will determine when waivers are allowed. \"There's an art to creating the program,\" a county staff member said, explaining the need to balance program flexibility with the administrative tracking HUD requires.

What staff said: Staff reported wide ongoing recovery work. A county staff speaker said that about 2,237 households remained in FEMA temporary shelter hotel placements and that FEMA can transition households with seven days’ notice; the county urged residents who receive FEMA letters to visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the Enoch Davis Center by Jan. 31 or to call FEMA directly. The county said 600 households had applied for the county’s income‑eligible hurricane home repair program (up to $30,000) and that the state’s Elevate Florida portal was expected to open in coming weeks.

Staff member Kathy described FEMA placements and inspections and said FEMA had placed 20 households under direct lease agreements and had 981 households pending placement. She also said FEMA had 338 travel‑trailer site inspections to complete and was working with the county to identify staging sites for trailers.

Commissioners’ focus and concerns: Several commissioners pressed staff about whether the HUD programs could help residents on barrier islands and renters in impacted apartment complexes. Commissioner Lavella asked what income thresholds would be used to determine eligibility; county staff (Bruce) replied that HUD’s low‑and‑moderate‑income threshold generally means up to 80% of AMI, with exact dollar amounts varying by household size.

Commissioner Flowers urged staff to explore census‑tract approaches used in other programs that can qualify island neighborhoods if the census tract meets low‑moderate income thresholds.

Federal pause and next steps: Staff also warned commissioners about a contemporaneous federal pause on new grants that could slow some program activity or reimbursement. A county staff update listed multiple federal funding streams and projects that could be affected by the pause, including FEMA reimbursements, HUD CDBG‑DR funds, Restore Act and airport project dollars.

County staff recommended approving a competitive contract to bring in consulting firms to help quickly design eligible programs and manage the substantial reporting and outreach work HUD requires. Staff said the consultant will help prepare a 90‑day program framework the county must develop and will support later, more detailed program rules.

What’s next: Staff said they will post preliminary information about the HUD program online by Jan. 31 and will use outreach channels such as a recovery text line (text \"RECOVER\" to 888‑777) and the county recovery website. Staff urged residents with FEMA questions to use DisasterAssistance.gov or the FEMA hotline for case help.

Ending: Commissioners did not vote on program design at the meeting; staff said they will return with consultant recommendations and program specifics once the competitive selection is complete and more federal guidance is available.","County staff described early plans for spending $813 million in HUD disaster recovery funds for low- and moderate‑income households, warned about federal requirements and a temporary federal pause on grant activity, and said a consultant will be hired to help design programs and outreach.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves consultant contracts, housing and infrastructure grants and ordinances in Jan. 28 meeting

Public commenters and commissioners raise safety concerns about e‑bikes, motorbikes on the Pinellas Trail

County reports major backlog on manufactured‑home substantial‑damage reviews; permits rising for single‑family and condos

Pinellas officials outline steps to spend $813 million in HUD disaster recovery money, warn federal pause could slow aid