Pinellas County reviews proposed consolidated campus in Largo with security, parking and downtown disposition plans

County staff and HOK/CBRE and construction manager Ajax presented an evolving site plan for a consolidated Pinellas County government and justice campus on land at Ulmerton and Ulmerton/ICOP. Leanne Kors (CBRE) and HOK principals described a plan centered on a protected central courtyard, two principal buildings (Justice and Administration), a separate Development Services building, a central energy plant and a parking garage sized for about 1,100 vehicles.

Blaine and Jonathan Ray of HOK said the public would use a single secured lobby off the courtyard while development services would remain a standalone, publicly accessible building. "That would be where everyone would be coming through the building, that one secure point," one presenter said. The design includes secure fenced parking for judicial staff, visitor wayfinding, and space planned to allow future expansion of buildings and garage capacity.

Commissioners focused on circulation, emergency vehicle access, and the feasibility of getting an FDOT signal at the main entrance. Commissioner Flowers (speaker) and others asked whether separate judge and commissioner parking and covered walkways would be provided; the project team said secure staff parking and multiple ingress/egress points are planned and that the team is coordinating with the sheriff—s office and the fire marshal to refine circulation and security.

Staff noted an RFP for the disposition of 14 downtown Clearwater properties will proceed concurrently with campus design work. CBRE said the county has sought to allow the City of Clearwater to shape downtown redevelopment proposals and indicated the county may bring guaranteed maximum price(s) to voters in early 2027.

The commission directed staff to continue site permitting, complete blocking/stacking (floor program) and return with schematic designs and financial options, including long‑term leasing vs. sale options, as a part of spring budget and later guaranteed maximum price approvals.