[{"_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",6273456,"mediaKeyId","2998746-81369d320285e6e42dedb4f5a5fe0a4a","parentId",2998746,"title","Commission signals support for modest reallocation to 'Elevate Florida' residential program","audioSeconds",592,"startMs",7528000,"endMs",8120000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2998746-81369d320285e6e42dedb4f5a5fe0a4a&start=7528&end=8120","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2998746-81369d320285e6e42dedb4f5a5fe0a4a/thumbnail_7528000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6273456/Dunedin/Pinellas-County/Florida/Commission-signals-support-for-modest-reallocation-to-Elevate-Florida-residential-program","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273456-ea21d8ac83e0150116418b650e8ef5ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140520&Signature=Vgitb-FL2T4GphPt8v4v17~wLQZXTjwD9It16U2wKGBRyDlWewsP1Wz3Nd-0eKJ9nxLrFXPn6iY2AtfYnNm8ALO85U8zniSUK7cwpSvY1W9HvVHigVnsHFFXH6Ak1BdMaF4K2ROYIFfSWioXvARLyN19tg0str8R4armlw0wowZO7BjV6F3dQSp0nI-1GMOmKULkdDsiwXx32FVJKSFDb~n2sqxFCqCfWd2afsL4YIBu~T1E4evUedBRIhRhAs56tqcCOT3781pdexuCjAejakDPYjKEnEC0f5zqAW5ORMR68RmRNZJEsyZn8k6YP4-~bI0CfpFFsgGqcdmIuMZeGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Dunedin, FL","date","2025-04-15T15:44:48Z","article","City staff asked the commission for consensus direction on April 15 to support a modest reallocation — roughly 5% — of local Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds toward Elevate Florida, a state program that helps residential property owners elevate, demolish or acquire homes at risk from storm damage.

City Manager and staff described two separate federal/state programs: the HMGP administered at the county level for municipal infrastructure projects, and Elevate Florida, a state‑administered program for residential mitigation. Staff noted a large statewide Elevate application pool (about 6,200 applications statewide; roughly 2,300 in Pinellas County, 82 in Dunedin) and explained that several Pinellas municipalities are recommending a small reallocation so more local residential applications can be funded.

Staff recommended a 5% reallocation as a starting point to increase residential assistance without materially reducing funding for municipal hazard‑mitigation projects; commission members expressed support for intergovernmental cooperation and for balancing municipal infrastructure needs with homeowner assistance. Commissioners directed staff to report back through county processes; the county will make final allocation decisions.

Staff cautioned that FCT and other grant timelines remain relevant for projects already submitted and that reallocation requests to state/federal administrators are possible but not guaranteed. Commissioners indicated consensus support for a 5% reallocation, and staff said they will continue to pursue the city’s HMGP project list while coordinating with the county and state on Elevate Florida requests.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Work Session 4.15.25","oneSentenceSummary","The commission gave consensus direction on April 15 to support a modest reallocation (about 5%) of local hazard‑mitigation grant funds toward Elevate Florida, a state program that assists homeowners with elevation or acquisition to reduce flood risk.","taxTitle","Dunedin, Pinellas County, Florida","taxId",50865,"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},6273461,"Dunedin extends Committee on Aging; members highlight senior programs and outreach",1204,1718000,2922000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2998746-81369d320285e6e42dedb4f5a5fe0a4a&start=1718&end=2922","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2998746-81369d320285e6e42dedb4f5a5fe0a4a/thumbnail_1718000.jpg","/articles/6273461/Dunedin/Pinellas-County/Florida/Dunedin-extends-Committee-on-Aging-members-highlight-senior-programs-and-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273461-b4706c2c64b7f74147fccad603b2649a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140520&Signature=IFavX0Rd61hgacBi2MlzGrJMQGrlP-Gh2w7ii2chHMJVMkk7BPxZvX8THILZxwSy3-4jOmRbSbJsulCI2ffwF20iuVAARa-gJti8Cqif4sGYzH0htkrAf7h1wSsVdULxy9hD9ouii1g7rOAeK7ALVtg8lfBrMW0AzBNZFTaX~TL~ua6fKXqY8EpjlQorTTQ34LyrEP5olQL-UhmhOb96kQwCNYqK4sEncCXA8RfQ60v6SKq8tWGiUf2olqVEAefuECcc2Ml8Po3nZ502S9JqlGWZXQ7Qm86XsgHbcWSZ0~4P6rmE-4hJNu-Fr-e~yPg7ctbsEn6gIErdrlqQ1awIhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission voted unanimously on April 15 to continue the Committee on Aging for another three years after the committee’s chair and members described a sustained schedule of programs and outreach for seniors.

Cindy (committee chair) and Brett Montanet presented the committee’s recent work, including technology training classes for seniors, the intergenerational art and essay contest that drew 49 entries, Meals on Wheels volunteer coordination via Neighborly Network and plans for a Senior Hall of Fame luncheon on May 7. The committee said it holds regular meetings the fourth Monday of each month and is preparing a community survey to better gauge senior needs.

Commissioners praised the committee’s energy and work on practical services such as caregiver resources, employment referrals for older adults and Dementia/Alzheimer’s awareness. The commission approved the committee’s continuance without dissent and encouraged staff to publicize the May 7 Senior Hall of Fame event so commissioners could attend.","The commission unanimously approved a three‑year continuance of the Committee on Aging after members highlighted senior programs, an intergenerational contest and a May 7 Senior Hall of Fame luncheon.",{"_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},6273467,"Commission extends Arts and Culture Advisory Committee; members cite public art growth",774,926000,1700000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2998746-81369d320285e6e42dedb4f5a5fe0a4a&start=926&end=1700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2998746-81369d320285e6e42dedb4f5a5fe0a4a/thumbnail_926000.jpg","/articles/6273467/Dunedin/Pinellas-County/Florida/Commission-extends-Arts-and-Culture-Advisory-Committee-members-cite-public-art-growth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273467-e33e5bb35e2b4f9e9fc3b316da82b19d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140521&Signature=mol20cIDzfd2718fMy8YvMmDpoxZOrrMS2lLwJKYewB6uztgvy872~2rsDo0TtDXq6ahU4KjE4nQbMqesGDHsB51oy0-B7q7sTOpQ4r2GMG1f~mrrnJE1QPIHBsCchYFrI62T4iC~EZ0QdEc~kQ25HB8ydBKeym6mQ-lm82npsug50abeiLgpKMj2brzI1bH2Eay~nGUozZlChfSaQN11GvXrtyZ~GJClwvSChxuX~isRfXysmSkM7pW~kEqbXeQlZR4OhIJvzrqt2khS4EnGN2RFBqgnILL8ffV1TmyiGTyoNavKpnOAYLfqZo96zwtPEZylfql153~uXoxDtlJPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners voted unanimously on April 15 to continue the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC), endorsing the committee’s role overseeing the city’s Public Art Master Plan (PAMP) and public‑art funding formula.

Cindy Coleman, ACAC chair, reviewed the panel’s history, noting the committee’s role in producing 13 installations in the past three years, ongoing projects such as additional murals and signal box wraps, and the committee’s use of structured subcommittees to manage artist selection, RFPs and installations. Nicole Delfino, strategy and sustainability manager and ACAC liaison, introduced Coleman.

Commissioners praised the committee’s process‑driven approach and its contribution to Dunedin’s identity and economic vitality. The motion to continue the committee passed without dissent. Staff said the committee’s work follows the city’s public‑art funding ordinance, which implements a 0.5% public art funding formula on eligible above‑ground development costs.","The City Commission unanimously approved continuation of Dunedin’s Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, citing the Public Art Master Plan and more than a dozen installations in three years as justification.",{"_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},6273472,"Dunedin commission awards Virginia Street water main replacement contract",515,2975000,3490000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2998746-81369d320285e6e42dedb4f5a5fe0a4a&start=2975&end=3490","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2998746-81369d320285e6e42dedb4f5a5fe0a4a/thumbnail_2975000.jpg","/articles/6273472/Dunedin/Pinellas-County/Florida/Dunedin-commission-awards-Virginia-Street-water-main-replacement-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273472-95102f108b4168bc561c7bb81c51ef43/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140521&Signature=fWPQqCr1BWPStRHNW2YCxBBIR6YTC2VTind9DsQX8AGg4TAljmBkbRf3NiNVewRnjvGe9Q0IqmoYcqlB8tZb~W7W~ybAr1-QbwWYJgrXlvevwbfOkV01JOsMPWA7enqJ4zGhpfajMI61A-7QtsxRh7CazVue3KQjUBkcVxgIcux~-7yfck5-LxpQxscWPpprfjhAjwS~gRsGKmrrcoIh0L6MTssuYxVMTsIpzmUZW0rk2dkTr53HUw007ejVlo4eM9katAFjHxpZN5FXWZ4pXfGDiTIUiejAVAHormuBAcQKtnj3NPacFiHfS7euAYxmVNwx54g9KDkgRcQxXjSo~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission on April 15 voted unanimously to award construction of the Virginia Street water main replacement project to the lowest responsive bidder, authorizing a contract in the amount of $920,810.

Clay Watkins, utilities and engineering, told the commission the project will replace an aging 12‑inch cast‑iron main that has experienced three breaks in the past two years — including a break on March 15 — and will improve water quality and fire protection. The project will install roughly 2,000 linear feet of new PVC main from Lake Haven to Keene, and include 8‑inch and 6‑inch tie‑ins on adjacent streets. Staff reported 13 bids were received; award recommendation went to the apparent low, responsive and responsible bidder identified in the staff report.

Commissioners asked about construction timing and traffic impacts. Staff estimated the contractor will start within two to three months and allow about six months for completion; periodic lane restrictions and flagging are likely, but staff does not expect the road to be fully closed for extended periods. The commission approved the award and asked staff to continue work to sequence water‑system replacements as part of the city’s ongoing infrastructure program.

The contract award was presented as a routine infrastructure maintenance action to address documented reliability problems on an older cast‑iron section of the system; staff said many replacement decisions are driven by break history, leakage testing and field inspections.","Commissioners approved awarding the Virginia Street water main replacement project to the lowest responsive bidder, authorizing a $920,810 contract to replace 2,000 linear feet of aging 12‑inch cast‑iron main to improve reliability and fire protection.",{"_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},6273477,"Dunedin awards Phase 2 design contract for Gladys E. Douglas Preserve",1485,4105000,5590000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2998746-81369d320285e6e42dedb4f5a5fe0a4a&start=4105&end=5590","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2998746-81369d320285e6e42dedb4f5a5fe0a4a/thumbnail_4105000.jpg","/articles/6273477/Dunedin/Pinellas-County/Florida/Dunedin-awards-Phase-2-design-contract-for-Gladys-E-Douglas-Preserve","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273477-002c83eb4ed5eb2451405bd8f24bc9cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140521&Signature=mQD99nYanHx5jxEJXVzZiq5BVbposP1Eb0chx~XYG4Re8fTv65h0BTAj-IJiONqicB25foNgvb8RdRuxNZQQKZtNpDuKhZho4qTBA19vTrI6yPJ4wtOw2OhR~UP~sMbbp5ZBvDPa7QevA6fVEOl6f9L2PQuy0LGHpyVGZZprtdPkDfan1zspqz-xkdWrdze43xLsFaLZAM3djpDoa4Kt-BzbLXyaRBJs2L4OtXenUrBmInTt-fxe9~otZz38TPa8vDf79Om3QQPtMNhRWn3HFNgn13dM~av7XJ8i2cUNxdc54uSu7qx4~40dGFJV7xyacnJLOWXrBBDI-o-iWI9WAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission on April 15 approved a $416,377 contract with Wanamaker Jensen Architects of St. Petersburg to provide architectural and engineering design services for Phase 2 of the Gladys E. Douglas Preserve.

The commission’s approval, 4‑1, authorizes schematic design, design development, construction documents, permitting, bidding and construction administration for parking, utilities, a kayak/canoe launch, observation platform, picnic pavilion and permanent restrooms on the preserve’s eastern parcel. Jocelyn Broadhead, interim parks and recreation director, and Chase Myers of Wanamaker Jensen described the plan as a “limited‑impact” approach that prioritizes passive recreation while meeting requirements tied to the property’s prior grant funding.

The preserve was purchased through a community fundraising effort and a Florida Communities Trust (FCT) grant; staff said about $2.4 million of FCT funding helped secure the property. Broadhead told the commission Phase 1 (the western portion) opened in February 2023 with trails, interpretive signs and temporary parking. Phase 2 will add permanent site infrastructure, including potable water and fire protection lines, because existing structures used a private well and septic system.

Commission members and staff discussed specific constraints built into the property’s acquisition: deed and grant restrictions require certain elements and limit development to low‑impact amenities. Commissioners asked about the potential for LEED or similar green design for new restrooms and facilities; Wanamaker Jensen said the design will push for sustainability and could be positioned to achieve certification later if the commission chooses to pursue that path.

Commissioner Sandberg voted no and expressed concern about advancing a $3 million‑plus construction estimate while other city projects compete for funding. Staff said the $416,377 is the professional services fee for design and that the firm’s current opinion of probable construction cost is roughly $2.65 million; final construction estimates will be updated during the construction documents phase. Staff also said the city has set aside Penny for Pinellas funds to support implementation in addition to the FCT money used to acquire the land.

Broadhead and project staff said county partners will manage invasive‑species removal and that the city will prepare a long‑term management plan for the preserve’s vegetation and trail maintenance. The planned kayak/canoe launch will be limited to non‑motorized craft; staff said motorized vessels are not permitted under the grant restrictions. The commission approved the contract and authorized Deputy City Manager Jorge Quintas to execute the task assignment.","The City Commission approved a $416,377 contract with Wanamaker Jensen Architects to design Phase 2 access and amenities for the Gladys E. Douglas Preserve, part of a multi‑agency effort that previously secured $10 million to buy and protect the property. The vote was 4‑1.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission signals support for modest reallocation to 'Elevate Florida' residential program

Dunedin extends Committee on Aging; members highlight senior programs and outreach

Commission extends Arts and Culture Advisory Committee; members cite public art growth

Dunedin commission awards Virginia Street water main replacement contract

Dunedin awards Phase 2 design contract for Gladys E. Douglas Preserve