Pinellas Park council approves conditional-use for used-car lot, clears consent agenda

The Pinellas Park City Council unanimously approved a conditional-use request for an automobile dealer at 6767 U.S. Highway 19 North (Case CU0325-00009) and approved a 17-item consent agenda during its July 10 meeting.

Why it matters: The conditional-use approval allows vehicle sales on a property previously used for other commercial purposes and adds to several routine land, easement and contract actions that the council approved in a single vote.

Council voted to approve the conditional-use application, which staff said meets the city's land-development criteria for an automobile dealer in the General Commercial (B-1) zoning district. Michael Cariglio, associate planner, presented the case and said the proposed site plan includes 31 parking spaces (where 13 would be required), roughly 4,200 square feet of new landscaping and 19 new trees. Cariglio said the application expands an existing operation, Creel Motors Inc., d/b/a Automex, and that the conditional-use approval "runs with the land." The council closed the public hearing at first and final reading and approved the case by voice vote. The motion passed unanimously.

Also on the consent agenda, the council approved Resolution No. 2025-06 updating the city investment policy; accepted utility and sidewalk easements for multiple properties; authorized agreements with Pinellas County for multimodal impact fees and with Duke Energy for an assistance program; approved annexation-related ordinances (first readings for two related ordinances), awarded several repair and design contracts, authorized a lease, and accepted change orders and final payments for two public-works contracts. One consent item (C-6) was withdrawn before the vote. The consent agenda (items C-1 through C-17, with C-6 withdrawn) passed unanimously.

The council also approved minutes of the June 12, 2025 regular meeting by motion and voice vote. There was no substantive public comment on the contested items during the votes.

What the staff record shows: Planning staff cited the adopted comprehensive plan and land development code in recommending approval of the conditional use; the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval on June 5. The council relied on staff findings when they voted.

Votes at a glance: CU0325-00009 (conditional use for automobile dealer at 6767 U.S. Hwy 19 N.) — approved (unanimous). Consent agenda C-1 through C-17 (C-6 withdrawn) — approved (unanimous). Approval of minutes (06/12/2025) — approved (unanimous).

For more details: The full staff report and site plan are on file with the City Clerk and were referenced during the hearing.