[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6081331,"mediaKeyId","2942839-2d2e74b9b6ffb4546c675d148223a900","parentId",2942839,"title","Votes at a glance: Key contracts, amendments and appointments approved unanimously; joint‑meeting date set","audioSeconds",11,"startMs",2465000,"endMs",2476000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2942839-2d2e74b9b6ffb4546c675d148223a900&start=2465&end=2476","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2942839-2d2e74b9b6ffb4546c675d148223a900/thumbnail_2465000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6081331/Pinellas-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Key-contracts-amendments-and-appointments-approved-unanimously-jointmeeting-date-set","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081331-9033b9befeedc31e1c3571cb8774506d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441741&Signature=JjbKxfLB277A6~HMkL4Z7c2SfiCA5HKq8sZmyE6Rnh4Z2vkwJA5YrZuhFwLc~J-YEEiQGN1SSZDUw5D8K5r7uaBTZ1riASizM3Ta4L4zOHECfvwEUvoOHF~PrCQhGBMLG2E8hVZBSItuaFlLLtc4xdIF3jCH4VN21A4~uG6K7VJpapByDjjNMr3mYQeJfSAB2Y6tY9DPPJordJtst8k1pkJaoRbUA6lnV2r4nXuYWiSx4jvpaT1~PcuMF92gFc4rnXwM6uvioPiUpYGYClZ7XIbeIVytWUebLSdQlchCEpkQ9VWTdSJOeqZloDzpCv8FibGGvZoySOTU-0hHwAYv8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pinellas County, FL ","date","2025-04-10T12:09:21.877Z","article","The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved multiple consent and new‑business items on April 8, most by unanimous vote. The actions below summarize motions, movers/seconders as recorded in the meeting, and outcomes.

Why it matters: These routine but consequential approvals finalize vendor agreements, contract amendments and citizen appointments that affect county operations, waterways, facilities and advisory boards.

Key votes and actions from the meeting (summary):

- Maintenance agreement with Honeywell (Item 9): Approved unanimously. Motion recorded; purpose: annual facility inspections and routine inspection services for in‑house construction processes.

- Change Order No. 1 with Southern Road & Bridge (Item 10): Approved unanimously. Purpose: additional bridge‑structure concrete maintenance and minor repairs after available milling amount allowed extra work.

- Second amendment with March Marine Construction (Item 11): Approved unanimously. Purpose: waterway markings and navigational buoys maintenance.

- Confidential settlement recommendation (Item 12): Approved unanimously. Motion recorded; details confidential as noted by county attorney.

- Appointments (Items 15–17): The board approved a series of appointments and reappointments to advisory bodies (Pinellas Opportunity Council, Suncoast Health Council, Historic Preservation Board) by voice votes; motions and seconds were recorded and items passed unanimously.

- Joint meeting with Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties (Item 20 18 a): Motion passed unanimously to hold the joint meeting May 2.

Ending: Most consent and routine new‑business items were approved without extended debate. Commissioners noted public comment on several items was on the record and staff were available to answer questions; no further board action was required during the April 8 meeting for these items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting 4-8-25","oneSentenceSummary","Several consent and business items passed unanimously at the April 8 meeting. The board approved maintenance and construction contract actions, a confidential settlement, multiple board appointments and set a joint meeting with neighboring counties for May 2.","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},6081336,"Saint Petersburg College student pitches 'Safe Stops' pilot to Pinellas commissioners to reduce school‑bus hazards",156,413000,569000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2942839-2d2e74b9b6ffb4546c675d148223a900&start=413&end=569","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2942839-2d2e74b9b6ffb4546c675d148223a900/thumbnail_413000.jpg","/articles/6081336/Pinellas-County/Florida/Saint-Petersburg-College-student-pitches-Safe-Stops-pilot-to-Pinellas-commissioners-to-reduce-schoolbus-hazards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081336-fc01f83232d14a0059649d0b152808b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441741&Signature=AnMmaOfCrGWZwC56FunXNsCYwRvKEBBAN-h9JxRs6A9d1I84lPCwEV8WXu91GE7Z1z4Or1WSo8nOMlDM51hYixJzsah7FNCNgqfJjubpoHvhAqIUvRcwtkkTnRc0ay05Hw-KbJ6jEHX78N54bRFpOdDad1h8jUckzQpXbKa8-OOp8Y7N2QHkrcgJwi0z5xQkdiIviDbZKOZXQ8H7TVzMxekxBPDkS8JTBaftp1uyqSt6e6HnOa1m7p6nxoOPYQgSWa9tVEarH7USiBwYXlwqKO2knYqfEzF3xglVWesAq5DGvToZKdXts-pBLAkq2D5yUqDnBKW3-qZfSybzCbJLjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Saint Petersburg College public‑policy student presented a capstone proposal during public comment on April 8 urging Pinellas County to pilot “Safe Stops” — designated school‑bus pick‑up zones integrated into new large residential developments.

Why it matters: The student argued that scattered bus stops force children to wait near fast‑moving traffic and increase congestion; incorporating designated safe pick‑up areas into development design could improve pedestrian safety and reduce inefficient bus routing.

The speaker identified himself as John Grama, a Pinellas County native and soon‑to‑be father, and said his research included interviews with transportation engineers, developers and planners. He described practical design ideas — elongated deceleration lanes, student waiting areas — and proposed a county work group including Development Review Services, the school board and local stakeholders to outline design standards, cost‑sharing models and incentives such as impact‑fee credits or fast‑track permitting.

Grama said his community survey found 52 percent support for Safe Stops and that nearly half of respondents said school bus locations are rarely or never considered during development review. “Safe Stops offer a forward thinking solution to protect children, ease traffic, and support smart, safe growth in Pinellas County,” he told commissioners.

Ending: Grama recommended the board launch a pilot program and form a work group to explore regulatory changes and incentives; no specific county action was taken at the April 8 meeting.","A public comment by a local college student proposed updating development regulations and offering incentives for designated school‑bus pick‑up areas in large residential projects to improve child safety and traffic flow.",{"_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},6081340,"Residents urge Pinellas commissioners to protect library access and diverse materials",340,606000,946000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2942839-2d2e74b9b6ffb4546c675d148223a900&start=606&end=946","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2942839-2d2e74b9b6ffb4546c675d148223a900/thumbnail_606000.jpg","/articles/6081340/Pinellas-County/Florida/Residents-urge-Pinellas-commissioners-to-protect-library-access-and-diverse-materials","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081340-f6d0dd4ab31329ca3aedbb95e6573524/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441741&Signature=d-U8Qw8zYHM5rPzmil2-lcs9j~IrhjcFl-VbttNff70bc9OLZlu9rt43OwJfQ1GUjbzDA1UJS6ApqvETreaUsXDHhWKMD4KR8KrlYrOR-Ae1DRLMW3TcsEnoYjOUu7o~tNL-pzeF24v~lWpPZvXPTO2hjAlQyC1OuYQsMebu5civWm4zMGB0bPRJWs1ctEvJ0uInCShEKmuqcP6z0D2Afpk6dlu5PBBopUHpuCMeOuQbGlHS6V6tD0Pho-dDHerIqjOgDa-0EGdNpTvAt-CqOnfrUq3uZYKtZkflBdZRv-44so0-ja92dKMysvklznCTPS8~xznPmh~wQjU4gRh07g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two Pinellas County residents used the public‑comment period on April 8 to urge commissioners to protect public library access and diverse materials after recent controversy over displays.

Why it matters: Libraries provide educational resources and representation for children and adults; residents argued changes to library displays or the removal of materials would harm inclusion and deny some residents access to information.

William Johnson, who identified himself as a 37‑year‑old LGBTQ+ resident of Clearwater and an alumnus of Pinellas County schools, told commissioners public libraries “are more than shelves of books” and help people “understand the world and just as importantly themselves.” He said if he had seen representation in books when he was younger it might have helped him come out earlier. “We must protect our public libraries regardless of politics or leadership,” Johnson said.

Greta Finney, a resident of unincorporated Largo, thanked the board for tabling a recent resolution and urged officials to focus on storm recovery and other pressing community needs rather than targeting library displays. She described a rainbow‑heart Lego set in a library that prompted an upset commissioner and said “hiding” or burying displays that reflect different family structures or identities would harm children’s ability to see themselves represented.

Ending: No action on library policy was taken at the meeting; the public commenters asked the board to avoid restricting materials and to prioritize libraries as inclusive community spaces.","Several speakers during public comment urged the county to preserve library materials and displays that reflect diverse identities, criticizing efforts they said targeted LGBTQ+ content and arguing libraries are essential community resources.",{"_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},6081344,"Pinellas commissioners approve resolution to cooperate with governor's review team, vote 6‑1",721,6369000,7090000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2942839-2d2e74b9b6ffb4546c675d148223a900&start=6369&end=7090","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2942839-2d2e74b9b6ffb4546c675d148223a900/thumbnail_6369000.jpg","/articles/6081344/Pinellas-County/Florida/Pinellas-commissioners-approve-resolution-to-cooperate-with-governors-review-team-vote-61","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081344-1e13a514b6f36d66b004a6e249b47f4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441741&Signature=k99MaMEEGtiWEBv~MIOTWBO6tmaVuSJJg5K6kNXdHvJkUQU7XnBeO4jz8KTQ~B5gpCTfyk4p4BM~t-Et2bLFKTLz62F5JGPzV-4cUDjfoMLBqaYMYRHRm5yXW1C-Pf1-bYlLLu7Ubv5n73eXOzkNyZ5KF7~xbhfrBL9NiqpZEx90IAJUYHhKN3yT-jcC3M1Fpes7Fqunu7~Li9FoqYo6T1cPb8fbTcAwJtwqxQhMQO8KEpN6aQaDfaDGGT3PZXoObaIFLQ80ObTn5gRd6Gbih5bkw3nyWg8gdrfXHzkdIuUVCDKxAE3DRlZ8ZoyT85ops6SLC8VUDGBSOalqQnoRUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners voted 6‑1 on April 8 to approve a resolution memorializing the county’s cooperation with the governor’s review team (referred to in the meeting as the DOGE team) and expressing the county’s interest in identifying efficiencies and best practices.

Why it matters: The resolution signals local cooperation with a state review that the chair said could identify redundancies, savings and implementation best practices; commissioners voiced differing views about whether a formal resolution was necessary.

Chair Scott introduced the resolution and described it as a statement of the county’s willingness to work with the governor’s team to identify efficiencies and potential savings. Commissioner Peters framed the effort as continuous quality improvement: “Anytime that we can find ways to embed efficiencies, is just good business practice,” he said.

Commissioner Flowers said she would oppose the resolution, not because she opposed efficiency reviews, but because she did not think a formal resolution was required. “I don’t think that a resolution is necessary because we’re doing it,” Flowers said, noting the county already subjects departments to budget scrutiny and has previously questioned grant recipients.

Other commissioners defended the action as a practical step to lock in cooperation and preserve local control while encouraging outside review. Commissioner Scott said the resolution would help the county work constructively with the governor’s team to identify opportunities to reduce waste and pass savings to taxpayers.

Motion and vote: The motion recorded in the transcript was “Move approval of the Pinellas County Board of Commission’s EOG resolution as presented by our chairman,” with the motion attributed to “Commissioner Lott Ball” and a second to “Commissioner Whitkey” in the record. The resolution passed 6 in favor, 1 opposed.

Ending: The board instructed staff to continue cooperating with the review team and to look for cost‑saving opportunities, while noting one commissioner’s preference for accomplishing the same work without a formal resolution.","After discussion about oversight and fiscal stewardship, the Board approved a resolution to work with the governor's document‑review team; Commissioner Flowers cast the lone no vote saying a resolution was unnecessary.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081349,"Pinellas County details reassessment process, temporary extensions for mobile-home owners after Hurricane Helene",2262,1330000,3592000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2942839-2d2e74b9b6ffb4546c675d148223a900&start=1330&end=3592","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2942839-2d2e74b9b6ffb4546c675d148223a900/thumbnail_1330000.jpg","/articles/6081349/Pinellas-County/Florida/Pinellas-County-details-reassessment-process-temporary-extensions-for-mobile-home-owners-after-Hurricane-Helene","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081349-46ebf08ee97f61c493e3661b8f823218/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441741&Signature=GVfA3AYrNiDDU2evppb~rWkUPZWM-vKxFDjtZaXZkQo277e7DHwAWKkPuxUaWO98jCDVDpwh2a-BtSFpC~tugV0Jmy6WAy25ohFRFSddS9HmOzdqMuXSpH3UygYo6jDO0tKgChz4iKGAhAW3dVvFw-RTBxRREQL-tlm3FbZLxSjDe5CDGAWUEwVlgc0Jm~vdzkOUTJAqFfr~PvBtMfs2P7~m7wEzASBZ~S~krOlb3PDxgG8MjdwD0M45trscXKjDjMtKc0PuWly~39cXLdLlqTaSd3CKR8SOdNotX9kUYWlIyg9rBjDjGU4J0GDowMM-hxWL0VTHnxW6e2oK81k2Ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pinellas County building and development director Kevin McAndrew told the Board of County Commissioners on April 8 that roughly 1,400 mobile-home units were identified for substantial-damage review after Hurricane Helene and that about 1,100 of those units received an initial substantial-damage determination letter.

Why it matters: Many mobile-home owners live on depreciated units from the 1960s–1980s. When an estimated repair cost exceeds 49 percent of a home's pre‑event asset cash value, the county’s process can trigger stricter rebuilding requirements, possible elevation or condemnation, and significant cost increases for residents who often lease land and must produce private appraisals.

McAndrew summarized the county’s outreach and reassessment work and described how the numbers evolved. About 30 percent of affected homeowners have pursued a reassessment. Staff identified a batch of roughly 205 marginal cases to recheck in the FEMA estimator when field inspections showed zero water intrusion; McAndrew said about 90 of those determinations were being reversed after rerunning the estimator with updated field data. He also explained why some homeowner repair estimates increased during review: intake scopes are often incomplete and professional reviewers add line items (undercarriage ductwork, insulation, electrical, vapor barriers, exterior components) that raise the like‑for‑like repair cost used in the substantial‑damage calculation.

“By the time the review is completed, the scope often ends up larger, with the cost increasing,” McAndrew said, describing the county review workflow that routes homeowner estimates to professional cost estimators, certified appraisers and the floodplain manager.

County staff acknowledged other sources of homeowner frustration. Several speakers described receiving initial “safe to occupy” placards and later getting substantial‑damage letters. The county withdrew the occupancy placards after they increased confusion but stressed that a substantial‑damage letter does not automatically displace residents. McAndrew said the county will not force residents from units that have safe‑home inspections and are habitable; only units deemed uninhabitable will be condemned. He said the county is prepared to provide relocation assistance when demolition is required.

Commissioners discussed timing and relief. The county is targeting completion of reassessments in May and cited June 1 — the start of hurricane season — as a planning milestone. McAndrew said staff will consider extensions for homeowners to remain in place through the next hurricane season (potentially until June 1, 2026) if homeowners show a good‑faith “path forward” such as pursuing elevation, relocation or other mitigation. Commissioner Flowers and others urged that fee waivers and other practical help be considered for owners required to rebuild; Commissioner Nowicki asked staff to analyze fiscal impacts before any countywide fee waiver for rebuild permits is enacted.

Residents described financial and logistical strain. Cynthia Barney, a resident of West Wind mobile home community, told commissioners that residents had repaired their units after initial county inspections in October but later received substantial‑damage letters in March and now face appraisals, higher assessed repair costs and uncertainty about whether they must elevate homes or relocate. Retired engineer Steve Lounsbury described repeated revisions to his submitted repair estimate — from about $6,000 to more than $29,000 after review and a local multiplier — and said he had not been given clear explanations for the changes.

The board highlighted available processes. McAndrew outlined the reassessment and appeal pathway, including a final appeal option involving special magistrates coordinated with the County Attorney’s Office and the Clerk of Courts. He reiterated that staff are offering virtual appointments, guidance documents for appraisers, and targeted outreach to mobile‑home parks. He said staff have met with six parks so far and are working to reduce displacement.

Ending: The county indicated it will continue reassessments through May, send revised letters where warranted, and consider extensions for owners who demonstrate progress toward a mitigation plan. Commissioners requested follow‑up information on fee waiver fiscal impacts and whether permitting fee relief for full rebuilds could be structured to prevent immediate resale for profit.","County building director gave a detailed update on substantial-damage determinations for mobile homes after Hurricane Helene, and commissioners discussed temporary extensions, appeal options and possible fee waivers for homeowners facing costly rebuild requirements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Key contracts, amendments and appointments approved unanimously; joint‑meeting date set

Saint Petersburg College student pitches 'Safe Stops' pilot to Pinellas commissioners to reduce school‑bus hazards

Residents urge Pinellas commissioners to protect library access and diverse materials

Pinellas commissioners approve resolution to cooperate with governor's review team, vote 6‑1

Pinellas County details reassessment process, temporary extensions for mobile-home owners after Hurricane Helene