[{"_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",6175158,"mediaKeyId","5361714-9d16131b8bae42d572c749b07a72716e","parentId",5361714,"title","Largo presents corridor study with options to narrow lanes, add buffers and improve crossings near Mildred Helms Elementary","audioSeconds",2586,"startMs",4400000,"endMs",6986000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5361714-9d16131b8bae42d572c749b07a72716e&start=4400&end=6986","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5361714-9d16131b8bae42d572c749b07a72716e/thumbnail_4400000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6175158/Pinellas-County/Florida/Largo-presents-corridor-study-with-options-to-narrow-lanes-add-buffers-and-improve-crossings-near-Mildred-Helms-Elementary","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175158-32e8a6b5d0f0df1453a31c6ac344face/orig.mp4?Expires=1770804026&Signature=Dg6sXyugRlyudJHyPtql7JePUBhp8M17Rzp4Lxo~tdQNoQ0~qwaWI3FnsvYV1bsjriO-EH-xihlBers~WcQcjPA0TXQg~8nAA6A94qasCIaF5sEz9kWc~cJyUNAD8wJgkeQI2JzlkR-RSZ8VTzssWlKxpu3KZWOHzydxV6wZSKWAdu2jBFIPe0t68S1F1xP3QSRNpK2WYR7CK71H-~NmUNBUCspoB~OogCeZlw4nHS05GsFkVyh0PSU480IxzvbITI06-HL4fTKuiBMxJPczHk8KQxOwk~tJtKnMehbSqFIb1jIqFakDw3emlmYjfVYx1Gg3ECfoqGotpH5VF0cAzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pinellas County, FL ","date","2025-07-11T06:59:52.157Z","article","The City of Largo and consultant Kimley‑Horn presented findings from a corridor improvement study for a half‑mile section of Clearwater‑Largo Road immediately south of West Bay Drive, near Mildred Helms Elementary School. The study offers three scenarios to address speeding, crash history and a five‑foot sidewalk immediately adjacent to the travel lane where students walk.

Study options and findings
- Scenario A — incremental: targeted landscape medians and a mid‑block crossing. Lower cost; addresses a single crossing but would not provide corridor‑wide buffers.
- Scenario B — repurpose one northbound and one southbound travel lane to create a four‑lane roadway with an on‑street bicycle facility, wider sidewalks and buffers. The consultant reported a reduction in fatal and incapacitating crashes of roughly 67% in model results and estimated substantial reductions in crash frequency.
- Scenario C — repurpose lanes to create a four‑lane roadway with wider sidewalks and landscape medians (buffered pedestrian realm rather than on‑street bike lanes). Scenario C produced comparable modeled reductions in crashes and was the preferred concept in the project’s public survey.

Consultants emphasized the corridor is heavily used (about 17,000 vehicles per day in the section analyzed), has speeding issues and recorded crashes. The presentation noted the different character of Clearwater‑Largo Road north and south of West Bay Drive, with landscaped medians and four lanes to the north and a six‑lane “gateway” feel in the segment under study.

Board input and focus areas
Board members and staff focused on two themes: safety improvements that can be implemented quickly, and ensuring any lane‑repurposing maintains intersection capacity to avoid causing congestion. Members recommended interim “quick wins” such as improved striping, re‑marked school‑zone striping, better crossings, lighting upgrades and outreach with the school and local businesses. Several board members and attendees urged designs that provide physical separation between people walking and bicycles and moving traffic rather than only paint. Commissioners also asked staff to test options with consistent intersection treatments so operations remain acceptable.

Cost and next steps
The study estimated scenario costs rising from the lower end for a single median and crossing to several million dollars for corridor‑wide repurposing with sidewalks, medians, lighting and additional infrastructure. Consultants recommended phased implementation—immediate low‑cost safety actions, a midterm package of targeted improvements, and a long‑term design and funding pursuit for a full reconstruction. Forward Pinellas staff noted local governments can apply for planning and construction grants through Forward Pinellas’ call for projects and cited a construction fund program that can award up to $3 million for eligible projects.

Why it matters: The corridor passes an elementary school and board members said the corridor’s current configuration places pedestrians and children near high‑speed traffic. Improving the pedestrian realm and crossings would address documented crashes and community safety concerns while preserving vehicle operations at intersections.

Proposed immediate actions mentioned at the meeting: enhanced crosswalk markings, school‑zone striping, temporary pavement treatments or colorized pavement to draw driver attention, improved lighting, and coordination with the school PTA for outreach and short‑term safety programs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Forward Pinellas Board Meeting 7-9-25","oneSentenceSummary","The City of Largo and consultant Kimley‑Horn presented a corridor study July 9 that models three options to improve safety for students and pedestrians on Clearwater‑Largo Road near Mildred Helms Elementary.","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},6175163,"Forward Pinellas introduces proposed Countywide Rules amendments to support housing toolkit and clarify rules",1435,2995000,4430000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5361714-9d16131b8bae42d572c749b07a72716e&start=2995&end=4430","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5361714-9d16131b8bae42d572c749b07a72716e/thumbnail_2995000.jpg","/articles/6175163/Pinellas-County/Florida/Forward-Pinellas-introduces-proposed-Countywide-Rules-amendments-to-support-housing-toolkit-and-clarify-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175163-e9b00f5b0c1c049ab49f4d90b18b49d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770804026&Signature=ULn0dIkJaLl0gSPMaMW8HAQ27QLC6G-JScqloVaQmF0SYJfm78fzRumUegKLkqHLvE-NuO2z6UUSdSbTsp8YxbETDS41~Pz41~gycIRvz7b6AWN0D8KTHv7DOZyioAhrQFbXIuCEVeuY39CEAaSNMHknPiROqUDQfnyKgAole~hrIlsW5g3Dr-wyI6sLLYLIbOd0VBW4tiekS1f0JRRb3wAvrhROQ3SxWSpyXnqAyPzAsHPKvMiOu2SfrkUlc5qs3oOqtjpRNt8~4cizwBBdrB-6iJxL9tOM8JQXHCqVtIDtLfdYvZApZNjzN543RM0OkE8XjseoAllgmm~xG93UDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forward Pinellas staff presented proposed amendments to the Countywide Rules at the July 9 meeting, aimed at implementing recommendations from the Housing Regulatory Toolkit, refining the MAX Index used for countywide plan map reviews, clarifying the Target Employment Center (TEC) provisions adopted in 2023 and making several housekeeping edits including new definitions for recreational vehicles.

The proposed housing‑related amendments would add two toolkit‑recommended incentives: allowing horizontal mixed‑use for parcels under 5 acres (different uses in adjacent, connected buildings) and expanding the senior‑housing bonus to include an option for universal design. Staff said most toolkit recommendations already exist in the rules as bonuses; the amendments primarily add clarity and common definitions.

A key change discussed was expanding the MAX Index criteria and committing staff to provide technical assistance to applicants. The MAX Index discourages increased density in underperforming multimodal areas unless applicants commit to multimodal improvements such as bike lanes, bus shelters or other facilities. Linda (Forward Pinellas staff) told the board that the policy has generally worked but local governments asked for added flexibility and more technical support.

Board members raised questions about images used in the toolkit materials, the practical implications of universal‑design certification, how the amended TEC language would affect local projects, and whether the proposed recreational vehicle definition would encompass converted vans and farm‑use trailers. Staff said local governments retain authority to refine definitions for local code enforcement and that the Countywide Rules aim to be general and permissive rather than prescriptive.

Why it matters: The rule changes guide how local governments and developers use bonuses and incentives for housing, set expectations for transportation improvements tied to map amendments, and shape how employment centers balance job growth with complementary uses. Changes to definitions — including recreational vehicles — could affect local code interpretation and enforcement.

Next steps: Staff will begin the formal amendment process in September, starting with a Planners Advisory Committee recommendation followed by a public hearing to this board and two public hearings before the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. If adopted on schedule staff estimated completion in October or November.

Quotes from the meeting
- \"We are proposing to add two new bonuses recommended by the toolkit,\" said Linda, summarizing staff recommendations. \"We are also proposing to expand the bonus for senior housing, to add an option for something called universal design.\"
- \"We'll look for a different image,\" Linda said in response to a commissioner’s accessibility critique of a sample kitchen image used in the presentation.

What staff will carry forward: clearer language and definitions for bonuses, technical assistance for MAX Index applicants, clarifications to the TEC rules and several non‑substantive housekeeping edits to notice and submittal timing.","Staff introduced a package of proposed amendments to Forward Pinellas’ Countywide Rules to support the recently adopted Housing Regulatory Toolkit, refine the Multimodal Accessibility (MAX) Index, clarify Target Employment Center rules and add selected definitions; a public hearing is planned for September.",{"_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},6175166,"Forward Pinellas approves consent agenda, a planning request and FY‑26 budget",6795,894000,7689000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5361714-9d16131b8bae42d572c749b07a72716e&start=894&end=7689","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5361714-9d16131b8bae42d572c749b07a72716e/thumbnail_894000.jpg","/articles/6175166/Pinellas-County/Florida/Forward-Pinellas-approves-consent-agenda-a-planning-request-and-FY26-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175166-fd854bdee44d3fed2d30c96378eb0fff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770804026&Signature=bg-De5UogjmLTzFHY83UfmogUDOJgn6qa~Qq19gLwCBZL59BciKo3mGWoC1hZwGu6kQzRpTNCHC2pjQHiXAziRmfIFmBl8l7rIBeMZecrKjR2Hr40eMIfXB4IOnsKBMnNBycSA2L2eJoNkDRKQtocWBGFOgeCQHYglEPL-SpUTMFPEH78zvLZc3f14502rFXPlEgfQoCePE5iUSlsgdWEoFg-Qm-GgJtmg~49ZI6v4L6YSUwF65P8Z0uz8MlutI7zfNfeBhcJl--3Ek728Zk4MVRHRGbAf3cg2GaGjScZAhMSiY13DjehpK6ndGJcNIIDdEAiUMqJZiRBDKTFg19Bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forward Pinellas approved routine business and its fiscal 2026 budget during its July 9 meeting in St. Petersburg, along with a public‑hearing planning item after staff presentation and without public speakers.

The board voted to adopt the consent agenda by voice vote. Later in the meeting members voted to approve a planning request that was the subject of a public hearing and, by a separate vote, approved a fiscal year 2026 Planning Council budget that reduces the agency millage to 0.0175 mills and carries planned reserve lines for contingency and potential regional start‑up costs.

Why it matters: The budget vote sets Forward Pinellas’ recommended millage and spending priorities for submission to the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, which will hold its own public hearings in September. The planning‑item approval advances a countywide land‑use request that was presented to the board and had no proponents or opponents signed up at the hearing.

Key details
- Consent agenda: The board approved the consent agenda by voice vote after no members requested items be pulled for separate consideration.
- Public hearing item: After staff confirmed no public comments had been filed and recommended approval, a member moved to approve the request and the board voted to carry the motion. The transcript records the motion being moved by Commissioner Dave Eggers; a second was recorded but not named in the transcript. The board approved the request by voice vote.
- FY‑26 budget: The board approved a recommended FY‑26 Planning Council budget and the 0.0175 millage rate for transmittal to county staff; the budget reduces the agency millage for a second consecutive year and carries contingency and reserve lines intended for statutory contingencies and any regional start‑up funds that may be needed. Rodney Chapman, division manager, presented budget highlights prior to the vote.

What the budget includes: Forward Pinellas officials said the FY‑26 draft budgets funds continued work on the county multimodal impact fee update, support for local implementation of recommendations from the Housing Regulatory Toolkit, funding for planning assistance to up to two local governments, matching funds for a federal safety grant and allowances for potential regional MPO start‑up costs. The board was told county budget staff have built a 3% salary adjustment into the agency budget.

Next steps: Forward Pinellas will transmit its recommended budget and millage tables to the county, which is scheduled to consider the agency’s budget at two public hearings in September.","At its July 9 meeting, the Forward Pinellas board approved the consent agenda, voted to approve a public‑hearing planning request and adopted its fiscal year 2026 budget and millage recommendation for transmittal to the Board of County Commissioners.",{"_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},6175153,"Forward Pinellas unveils an online StoryMap to explain agency roles, plans and services",1427,1545000,2972000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5361714-9d16131b8bae42d572c749b07a72716e&start=1545&end=2972","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5361714-9d16131b8bae42d572c749b07a72716e/thumbnail_1545000.jpg","/articles/6175153/Pinellas-County/Florida/Forward-Pinellas-unveils-an-online-StoryMap-to-explain-agency-roles-plans-and-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175153-eeca43692d64aa96143432321976a442/orig.mp4?Expires=1770804026&Signature=L35A2a4Duz4odOX1FCKj77MYvhL9P-Dvk9ol~viMa4ar2TWH0ZhneCTfheyuplSo-OfDbBW5noPXpIFyRftQ8eSjhbUSmGIa6clO7nLdz-2sF4lEgIB6mKHfIFcOFBU9b7Cker07o4T5y8sv7Xo2nfnPcPx~gQikJN4QlkVeXwfb9yIymxJz~SgYcztiv2OKRpBif0PZmeeNs2BhXSHKP~~2574T7S0DxBjQh~QWbKhmw~Pw8O7UpCOv00IV7KAJPRY6yvZuiYBKDnja-hnG-UZmoX~wSSJ7Dl1r9HlA2LOe5~p1O6QmfE5WcbnoDzQPTa8bKoiTJkb~2gMSF2DAog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forward Pinellas staff introduced a new StoryMap on July 9 intended to explain what the agency does, how it is organized, and how local governments and residents can engage. Nicole Galasso, who joined Forward Pinellas in March and led the project, presented the StoryMap as a plain‑English, shareable resource to onboard new board members, municipal staff and the public.

What it contains
- Agency overview: description of Forward Pinellas’ dual role as the Pinellas Planning Council and the Metropolitan Planning Organization and how the agency coordinates land use and transportation across 25 local governments.
- Project highlights: examples such as the Target Employment and Industrial Land Study (TEALS), investments in the Howard Frankland Bridge replacement planning, Gulfport waterfront technical assistance and countywide data stewardship (traffic counts, crash data).
- How the rules and process work: explanations of the countywide plan map, amendment tiers, and links to the countywide rules, guidance and document archives.
- MPO programs: long‑range transportation planning, active transportation initiatives, the annual Bike Your City event and the investment corridor strategy.
- Get involved: links to meeting calendars, social media, emails and a blog post to accompany the StoryMap launch.

Board comments: Board members praised the tool for onboarding new officials and staff, suggested distributing it to local universities and chambers of commerce, and asked staff to consider a staff‑profile or career‑path section so students and potential applicants better understand jobs at Forward Pinellas. Staff said the StoryMap will be publicly available via the link in the board packet and will be included in a blog post and social media roll‑out.

Why it matters: Board members said the StoryMap will reduce repeated explanations about the agency’s role and provide a consistent resource for elected officials, municipal staff, advisory committee members and the public.","Staff introduced a StoryMap designed to explain Forward Pinellas’ role as the countywide planning council and metropolitan planning organization, provide project highlights, and serve as an onboarding and outreach tool for elected officials, staff and the public.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Largo presents corridor study with options to narrow lanes, add buffers and improve crossings near Mildred Helms Elementary

Forward Pinellas introduces proposed Countywide Rules amendments to support housing toolkit and clarify rules

Forward Pinellas approves consent agenda, a planning request and FY‑26 budget

Forward Pinellas unveils an online StoryMap to explain agency roles, plans and services