Table of Contents

Welcome to Pinellas County! New residents of the area quickly discover why so many people choose to make Pinellas County their home-the sunny weather, the natural attractions, the healthy economic climate and the benefits and services provided by local government.

For your convenience, County agencies are organized in alphabetical order and listed in the table of contents. All of these areas are funded by Pinellas County government. Many services are included which are not directly under the Board of County Commissioners such as Circuit and County Courts, Constitutional Officers and others. An alphabetical index has been provided to assist you with getting your questions answered. The index will help you find the department or division which can help you.

Pinellas County Geography, History & Facts About Pinellas

Pinellas County, on Florida's West Coast, is a 280-square mile peninsula bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. The County from tip to tip is 38 miles long and 15 miles wide at its broadest point.

Pinellas got its name from the Spanish "punta pinal" or "point of pines". Its history dates back to 1528 when Panfilo de Narvaez discovered the Pinellas peninsula. Narvaez and the 600 soldiers with him probably were the first large group of Europeans in this area. Earliest inhabitants of Pinellas were Native Americans and many large Indian mounds have been found throughout the County. One of these shell mounds is located at Pinellas County's Philippe Park in Safety Harbor.

Pinellas, originally a part of Hillsborough County, became a separate county in 1912. When it was first formed, its population was 13,193. In 2002, Pinellas County's estimated year-round population ranked fifth in the state. Pinellas is second smallest in land area when compared with Florida's 67 other counties, making it the most densely populated county in the state. Pinellas' location provides the area with an ideal year-round climate. Cold winds are tempered in winter and warm breezes cooled in summer as they blow over the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, providing natural air conditioning for the land and its people.With attractions appealing to couples and family groups, Pinellas also enjoys a year-round reputation as a tourist destination. Retirement living is also important to Pinellas County's economic health. Many of the retirees who move to Pinellas to live have previously visited the County as tourists. A third major factor of Pinellas County's continued growth is increasing industrialization. Types of industry range widely from electronics to cigar manufacturing to precision machinery and instruments.

Pinellas County is served by one major east-west and two north-south highways. Interstate 4 connects Pinellas with Florida's East Coast and Interstate 75 and U.S. 19 are major routes to the north and south.

For general questions about County government, the Communications Department is available to assist you. They can be reached by calling 464-3000. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Constitutional Officers

Clerk of the Circuit Court
Property Appraiser
Public Defender
Sheriff
State Attorney
Supervisor of Elections
Tax Collector

Citizen Service Areas

Airport
Animal Services
Board of County Commissioners
Building & Development Review Services
Business Technology Services
Communications
Community Development
County Connection Centers
County Administrator - Organizational Chart
County Attorney
County Connection Centers
Construction Licensing Board
Convention & Visitors Bureau (SP/CLW)
County Court
Cultural Affairs
Development Review Services
Economic Development Council (SP/CLW)
Emergency CommunicationS-911
Emergency Management
Emergency Management Services (EMS) and Fire Administration
Environmental Management
    Air Quality
    Coastal Management and Information Systems
    Environmental Lands Division
    Watershed Management Division
    Brooker Creek Preserve & Weedon Island Preserve
Extension
Fleet Management
Health Department/Vital Statistics
Heritage Village - Historical Museum
    Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
    North Pinellas Historical Museum
Human Rights
Health & Human Services
Justice and Consumer Services
Management & Budget
Parks & Recreation
PCC-TV
Personnel
Planning
Public Works
    Construction Management
    Engineering
    Mosquito Control
    Public Works Highway
    Right of Way
    Survey & Mapping
    Traffic Control
Purchasing
Real Estate Management
Risk Management
Utilities
    Drinking Water System
    Solid Waste Operations
    Wastewater and Reclaimed Water
Veterans Services
Volunteer Service Program

ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

COURT STRUCTURE IN PINELLAS COUNTY

Circuit Court
County Court
District Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District
Florida Supreme Court

COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

School Board
School Superintendent

LIST OF MUNICIPALITIES

CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Phone 464-3341 - Fax 464-4162 - TDD 464-4303
Administration
315 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

The Clerk of the Circuit Court is a Constitutional Officer who derives authority and responsibility from constitutional and statutory provisions. The Clerk is elected to serve a four-year term by the voters of Pinellas County. The Clerk of the Circuit Court has multiple other diversified duties as an elected official. The Clerk serves as Clerk of the Circuit Court, Clerk of the County Court, Recorder of Deeds, Clerk and Accountant to the Board of County Commissioners and County Auditor.

The Clerk of Circuit Court handles domestic relations cases such as dissolution of marriage (divorce), domestic, dating, sexual and repeat violence, adoption and child support, probate cases involving estates, guardianship of a person and/or property, mental health issues, and maintaining wills. All juvenile dependency and delinquency cases, civil cases involving monetary amounts in excess of $15,000, felony actions, and appeal cases from county court to circuit court to the District Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court are processed by the Clerk.The Clerk handles small claims actions where the monetary amount is less than $2,500, County civil actions and misdemeanor charges, as well as County and municipal ordinance violations, boating, game and fresh water fish and Marine Patrol citations, and all traffic related issues including parking tickets written in the twenty-four municipalities.In exercising the authority and responsibility of auditor and custodian of all county funds, the Clerk provides a check and balance function on behalf of the citizens of Pinellas County. The Clerk pre-audits invoices before they are paid and serves as "watchdog" for the citizens in making sure funds are expended only for a public purpose and for the benefit of the public as a whole.

• CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Branch Offices

  North County Branch Office
  Phone 464-8700 - Fax 464-8703
  29582 U.S. Highway 19 North
  Clearwater, Florida 33761

  St. Petersburg Branch Office
  Phone 582-7771 - Fax 582-7215
  545 First Avenue North
  St. Petersburg, Florida 33701

  South County Branch Office
  Phone 582-7681 - ax 582-7677
  1800 66th Street
  St. Petersburg, Florida 33710

• Civil Court Records Department
  Circuit, County Civil and Small Claims - Appeals - Mortgage Foreclosure Cases, Landlord/Tenant Evictions, Medical Malpractic

  Child Support
  Phone 464-3267 Fax 464-4070
  

  Child Support Payment Inquiries
  Phone 464-4845

  Domestic, Dating, Sexual and Repeat Violence
  Phone 464-3267
  315 Court Street
  Clearwater, Florida 33756
  Circuit Criminal Court Records Department
  Felony, Juvenile Delinquency, Juvenile Dependancy, Termination of Parental Rights, Jimmy Ryce cases

  Felony & Juvenile
  Phone 464-6793 - Fax 464-6233
  14250 49th Street North
  Clearwater, Florida 33762

• County Criminal Court Records
  Phone 464-7000
  Ordinances, Parking Tickets, Boating Violations, Game & Fresh Water Violations
  Misdemeanor & Traffic - Fax 464-7040
  14250 49th Street North
  Clearwater, Florida 33762

• Jury Management
  Phone 464-6423 - Fax 464-7149
  Criminal and Civil
  14250 49th Street North
  Clearwater, Florida 3376

• Probate Court Records Department
  Phone 464-3321 - Fax 464-4434
  Estates, Guardianship, Mental Health, Baker Act, Marchman Act, Probate Audits
  315 Court Street
  Clearwater, Florida 33756

• Recording Services Department
  Phone 464-4876
  Official Records, Marriage Licenses, Passports
  

• Marriage Licenses
  Phone 464-4700
  Passports
  Phone 464-4700 - Fax 464-4281
  315 Court Street
  Clearwater, Florida 33756
• Clerk's Official Records Center
  Phone 464-6171 - Fax 464-6848
  14155 49th Street North
  Clearwater, Florida 33760

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PROPERTY APPRAISER

Phone 464-3207
315 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

The Property Appraiser's responsibility is that of placing fair, equitable and just value on all real and tangible personal property in Pinellas County. This office establishes the value of your property but does not set your tax rates. These are set by the Board of County Commissioners, City Commissioners, the School Board and other tax levying boards. Florida Statutes provide that a permanent and legal resident of the State may apply for Homestead Exemption. This exempts the first $25,000 of real property value from taxation. Other exemptions are granted for widows and disabled persons upon meeting certain qualifications.The Property Appraiser runs on a partisan ticket and is elected to a four-year term at the time of the presidential election.

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PUBLIC DEFENDER

Phone 464-6516
14250 49th Street N
Clearwater, FL 33760

The Public Defender is charged under Chapter 27, Florida Statutes, with responsibility for providing legal representation for those persons determined by the court to be indigent. The office represents persons charged with a broad spectrum of crimes in the areas of misdemeanors and felonies, including capital cases. Defendants in traffic cases are also represented by the Public Defender when conviction carries a jail sentence of one day or more.The Public Defender runs on a partisan ticket and is elected to a four-year term at the time of the presidential election. 

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SHERIFF

Phone 582-6200 - TDD 584-3323
10750 Ulmerton Road
Largo, Florida 33778

The Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer in Pinellas County, and this constitutional official's powers, duties and obligations are established by State law. Although the Sheriff is a County officer, this official represents the executive or administrative power of the State within the County.The Sheriff is designated by State law as a conservator of the peace within the County and maintains close liaison with municipal police departments, the Florida Highway Patrol, other sheriffs in the State, Federal law enforcement officers, and any other law enforcement agencies which may be required to carry out responsibilities.The Sheriff is responsible for security at the County's courthouses, and executes all judicial processes, both civil and criminal, within Pinellas County.The Sheriff provides primary law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas of the county and by contract to many cities. The Sheriff is also responsible for the operation of the Pinellas County Jail.The Sheriff runs on a partisan ticket and is elected to a four-year term at the time of the presidential election.

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STATE ATTORNEY

Adult Phone 464-6221
Juvenile Phone 464-6916 - TDD 464-7328
14250 49th Street North
Clearwater, Florida 33762

The State Attorney represents the State of Florida in the Circuit and County Courts within the Sixth Judicial Circuit and prosecutes on behalf of the State all suits, applications, or motions, civil or criminal, in which the State is a party except as provided in Chapters 39 and 959, Florida Statutes. The Sixth Judicial Circuit encompasses Pasco and Pinellas Counties. Whenever required by the grand jury, the State Attorney appears for the purpose of examining witnesses in their presence or for giving legal advice in any matter, and prepares bills of indictment.The State Attorney is authorized to appoint and employ Assistant State Attorneys, investigators and other personnel who are paid from funds appropriated by the Legislature.The State Attorney runs on a partisan ticket and is elected to a four-year term at the time of the presidential election.

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SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

Phone 464-3551 - TDD 1-800-955-8771
315 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

The Supervisor of Elections is a County office established by Article VIII, Section 1 of the Constitution of the State of Florida. The term of this elected partisan office is four years and is open to election at the time of the presidential election.This County official is responsible for registering voters, maintaining registration figures and statistical data, and recommending the establishment of precinct boundary lines to the Board of County Commissioners.The Supervisor of Elections conducts all elections within the County, including preparation of ballots, selection of polling places, and assembly and distribution of voting equipment and supplies. This office also recruits, selects and trains poll workers.The Elections office is responsible for qualifying candidates for election to County offices and maintaining all records related to the conduct of elections. This office is responsible for maintaining the County's voting equipment and determining the number of voting devices and the amount of supplies required in each precinct for municipal, county, state, federal and special elections.

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TAX COLLECTOR

Phone (727) 562-3262 - TTY (727) 562-3264
315 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756
taxcollector@taxcollect.com

The Tax Collector is the chief revenue official in the county and is responsible for billing, collecting, accounting and distributing all ad valorem taxes for County government, the municipalities, the School Board and all other separate taxing districts, as well as fire districts.

The Tax Collector is a limited and specialized agent of the State, independently elected at the county level to a four-year term at the time of the presidential election, and not an employee of county government or any other local government. As an agent for the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR), the Tax Collector collects real and personal property taxes. The amount of these taxes is based on the assessed value and the millage rate, which is set by the many and various taxing authorities. The Tax Collector is also an authorized agent for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) who issues State driver licenses, handicap parking permits, registration licenses and titles for motor vehicles, mobile homes, and vessels. As an agent for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) the Tax Collector issues fishing and hunting licenses. Also, the Tax Collector collects the Pinellas County Tourist Development tax.

This is a fee office, which means the office operates directly from the fees and commissions collected from doing this work and submits an annual office budget to the DOR for approval. Any unused commissions and fees, often called excess fees, are turned over to the Board of County Commissioners at the end of the fiscal year in September.

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CITIZEN SERVICE AREAS

AIRPORT

Phone 453-7800 - Fax 453-7846
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport
Administration Building, Suite 221
Clearwater, Florida 33762The airport provides modern high quality facilities to airlines, charter operators, cargo operators, corporate and private aviation, and military users.

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ANIMAL SERVICES

Phone 582-2600 - Fax 582-2637 - TDD 582-2636
12450 Ulmerton Road
Largo, Florida 33774

This department provides service to the community through programs which ensure compliance with the County Animal Control Code, promotes public awareness of animal welfare, and protects public health and safety. The department works to reduce animal overpopulation by offering free spay/neuter services to county citizens enrolled in public assistance programs, and it operates an animal shelter which offers dogs and cats for adoption.

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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Phone 464-3377
315 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

In Florida, counties are considered political subdivisions of the State. The Pinellas County Commission establishes policy for the county within the scope of the State Constitution and State laws. In addition to the Seven-member Board's policy-making powers, the County Commissioners have law-making and ordinance powers. To provide for this, Article VIII of the 1968 revised Florida Constitution states that the Board of County Commissioners "may enact in a manner prescribed by general law, county ordinances not inconsistent with general or special law."Another important task the Board of County Commissioners is charged with is to approve the County budget each year. Basically, the Board establishes the requirements for its departments then combines these with the requirements of other Constitutional Officers and other agencies operating under State laws. In addition to serving as the Board of County Commissioners, members of the Board act as other boards for the County. Two of these boards are the Water and Navigation Control Board and the Emergency Medical Services Authority.The Pinellas County Commission appoints the County Administrator, who implements and administers the policies established by the Board.

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Phone 464-3241 - Fax 464-3886
310 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

The Building Department ensures that buildings are built, remodeled or added to in conformance to the Florida Building Code. Compliance with code requirements is safe-guarded through building, plumbing, gas, electrical, mechanical and fire code plan review, and inspections during the different stages of construction or alteration. This department grants permits for construction or improvements to both residential and commercial properties.

Zoning Permits 464-3401 (fax 464-3358)
Building Permits 464-3287 
Tree Permits 464-3480
Building Information  464-3241 fax 464-3886

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BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Phone (727) 464-3395
Support Center (727) 464-4357 or Email us at: supportctr@pinellascounty.org.
400 South Ft. Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, Florida 33756

The Business Technology Services Department partners with Constitutionals, the Board of County Commissioners, Agencies, and the Courts to enable business strategies that enhance the mission of Pinellas County Government.  Internal centers of competency are developed to protect information assets, ensure business continuity, and leverage financial resources through shared business services.  In response to citizen demands for more responsive and self service government, strategies are implemented that enable more ubiquitous access to public information.  The adoption of strategic planning and service management best practices add value to county operations in the form of cost effective service delivery and support.  Internet services also promote world-wide branding, tourism and positive economic impact to the county.

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COMMUNICATIONS

Phone 464-4600 Fax 464-4432 TDD 464-4431
333 Chestnut Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

This department provides information on all phases of County government to citizens, and assists all departments, boards and commissions in the development, planning, production and dissemination of informational materials concerning programs, services, policies, regulations, procedures and plans. The department responds to requests for information and handles public concerns and requests relating to County government.

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Phone 464-8210 Fax 464-8215
600 Cleveland Street, Suite 800
Clearwater, Florida 33755

This department administers the Community Development Block Grant, Home and SHIP Programs, operates the County Connection Centers and serves as staff to the Housing Finance Authority. The department plans and finances a variety of housing programs as well as neighborhood and municipal improvement projects.

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COUNTY CONNECTION CENTERS
Phone 453-7394
E-mail: connect@pinellascounty.org

County Connection Centers can give you personalized assistance to solve a wide range of problems including traffic safety, stormwater drainage, code enforcement, land use, public safety and more. For a location near you, please call 453-7394.

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CONSTRUCTION LICENSING BOARD (PCCLB)

Phone 536-4720 Fax 538-4797
11701 Belcher Road, Suite 102
Largo, Florida 33773

This board provides uniform, countywide building-related codes, regulations and licensure of contractors and journeymen. It also conducts examinations for certification of contractors, registers noncertified contractors, assists in enforcing licensing laws, holds public hearings for amendments to the construction codes, supervises public liability and property damage insurance coverage for all contractors, and investigates consumer complaints in the contracting and home improvement field.

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COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

Phone 464-3485
315 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

Pinellas County was the first county in Florida to adopt the Commission -Administrator form of government. Authorized by State law in 1963, the Commission-Administrator system was approved by a Pinellas voter referendum in 1964.

The County Administrator supervises the day-to-day operation of the departments under the Board of County Commissioners. All County departments providing related services are grouped into divisions headed by an assistant to the County Administrator. This increases coordination between service areas and allows for greater monitoring and control of departmental operations. The system provides the Administrator with communication lines to departments through the assistants.

The County Administrator prepares County Commission agendas, attends meetings, prepares the annual operating budget, capital budget and capital improvement programs. The County Administrator establishes schedules and procedures to be followed by the various County departments. This official supervises the acquisition, disposition, care and custody of all County government property and negotiates leases, contracts and other agreements including consultant services.

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COUNTY ATTORNEY

Phone 464-3354
315 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

This department conducts legal research, prepares legal opinions, ordinances, and legislation, initiates or defends county lawsuits and prepares and reviews contracts, deeds, leases, resolutions and other legal documents as required. The office of County Attorney is responsible for the representation of Pinellas County government, the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, constitutional officers and all other departments, divisions, regulatory boards and advisory boards of County government in all legal matters relating to their official responsibilities. The office of County Attorney prosecutes and defends all civil actions for and on behalf of County government and reviews all ordinances, resolutions, contracts, bonds and other written instruments.

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COUNTY COURT

Phone 464-8700 Fax 464-8703
29582 U.S. Highway 19 North
Clearwater, Florida 33761

Phone 464-7000 Fax 464-7040
14250 49th Street North
Clearwater, Florida 33762

Phone 582-7681 Fax 582-7677
1800 66th Street North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33710

This court handles violations for all County and city issued traffic offenses. Fines or money due to the court can also be paid at any traffic location. If you need to obtain a copy of a Pinellas County driver record, you can purchase a copy for a nominal fee. Copies of any files including: civil, small claims, probate, criminal, etc., can be purchased from any Clerk's office that has a Public Access Computer Terminal.

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CULTURAL AFFAIRS

Phone 453-7860 - Fax 453-7855
13805 58th Street North, Suite 2-450
Clearwater, FL 33760-3733

The Cultural Affairs Department serves artists, arts administrators, educators, elected officials, and the general public. Their mission is to support and encourage the growth and development of the arts in Pinellas County. Services include professional assistance to artists and arts organizations, arts-in-education programming, arts advocacy, and public art, as well as the compilation and dissemination of information about advocacy, funding, competitions, exhibits, performances, lectures, workshops, and other arts activities.

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DEVELOPMENT REVIEW SERVICES

Phone 464-3888 - Fax 464-3981
310 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

Development Review Services was created April 1, 1995, by combining key staff from Zoning, Engineering, Environmental Management and the Building Departments for the purpose of providing permit customers with a "one-stop shopping service" for permits. Permitting and site development review was previously under the domain of several different County agencies. At the recommendation of a Quality Improvement team and citizens committee, the County Administrator created DRS to serve permit customers more efficiently and effectively from a single department structure.

The department reviews all applications for building permits, site development review, rezoning requests and variances to the Zoning Regulations.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Phone 464-7332 - Fax 464-7053
13805 58th Street North, Suite 1-200
Clearwater, Florida 33760

The new Economic Development Department was created in late 1997 by the Board of County Commissioners and the County Administrator. The mission of the department is to retain existing businesses, to attract new high-quality businesses paying a "living wage," to improve the business climate in the county, to act as a facilitator between public, private and business agencies to deliver support to the county’s businesses and to facilitate the availability of a qualified workforce. The mission is accomplished through the initiatives of five sections in the department: Business Assistance, Business Communication & Marketing, International Business Development, Business Recruitment and Business Research. top

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER/9-1-1

Phone 464-3835 - Fax 464-3265 - TDD 464-4431
400 South Ft. Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, Florida 33756

Operates and maintains the 9-1-1 system for Pinellas County and handles emergency calls for police, fire or EMS needs. It dispatches Fire and EMS personnel, maintains computer and data systems and provides public education regarding 9-1-1 to groups of all ages.

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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Phone 464-3800 - Fax 464-4024 - TDD 464-4431
400 South Ft. Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, Florida 33756

Emergency Management administers, develops and coordinates emergency preparedness (planning), response, recovery and mitigation for natural and man-made disasters as well as providing public education regarding emergencies.

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EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES & FIRE ADMINISTRATION

Phone 582-2000 - Fax 582-2039 - TDD 582-2088
12490 Ulmerton Road
Largo, Florida 33774-2700

EMS administers the County’s Sunstar Paramedic Ambulance Service contract and FirstCare ambulance membership program. EMS contracts with municipal and special district providers for EMS and fire coverage throughout the county. Fire Administration contracts for fire protection and code enforcement services in the unincorporated areas of the County.

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Phone 464-4761 - Fax 464-4103 - TDD 464-4106
512 South Ft. Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, Florida 33756

Manatee Watch Line Phone 464-4077

This department enforces environmental ordinances relating to tree protection, landscaping, noise, abandoned vehicles, lot clearing, solid waste disposal, roadside markets, drainage and zoning regulations. Environmental Management is also charged with analysis and coordination of county improvement projects, watershed plan development, surface water monitoring, air quality monitoring and enforcement as well as environmental liaison and policy coordination.

• Air Quality Division
  Phone 464-4422 - Fax 464-4420
  300 South Garden Avenue
  Clearwater, Florida 33756
• Coastal Management Division
  Phone: 464-4761 - Fax 464-3174
  512 South Ft. Harrison Avenue
  Clearwater, Florida 33756
• Watershed Management Division
  Phone 464-4425 - Fax 464-4420
  300 South Garden Avenue
  Clearwater, Florida 33756
• Water & Navigation Division
  Phone 453-3385 Fax 453-3371
  512 S. Ft. Harrison Avenue
  Clearwater, FL 33756
  
• Environmental Lands Division
  Phone (727) 453-6900 Fax (727) 453-6902
  3620 Fletch Haven Drive
  Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
• Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center
  Phone (727) 453-6800 Fax (727) 453-6801
  3940 Keystone Road
  Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
• Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & Natural History Center
  Phone 453-6500 - Fax 217-7202
  1800 Weedon Island Drive
  St. Petersburg, Florida 33702

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EXTENSION

Phone 582-2100 Fax 582-2149
12520 Ulmerton Road
Largo, Florida 33774

This department provides the latest research information from the University of Florida/IFAS on topics related to horticulture, health and nutrition, financial management, 4-H youth development, and natural resource conservation. Faculty members of the University of Florida provide educational information via phone, group meetings, workshops, television and newsletters. The Florida Botanical Gardens is located on the campus with Extension and provides an outdoor classroom for educational programs, tours and nature walks.

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HEALTH DEPARTMENT, PINELLAS COUNTY

The primary function of the Pinellas County Health Department is to protect the health of the county's residents from both natural and man-made hazards. The department offers many services in areas of health care and environmental monitoring. The Primary Care Program offers outpatient family health care for the medically indigent, maternity care, pediatrics, family planning, sexually transmitted disease clinics, screening for the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), tuberculosis treatment, immunization services, screening for chronic disease, nutritional counseling, dental care, sexual assault investigation and follow-up, and distribution of prescription drugs to medically indigent individuals with certain chronic diseases. Environmental services include inspections of restaurants, establishments that sell food, food processing plants, trailer parks, public buildings, health care institutions to assure their compliance with sanitary codes, individual sewage disposal sites, swimming pools, devices emitting radiation and toxic waste disposal for adherence to legal standards; monitoring of water systems; investigation of animal bites and provision of occupational health services.

• Phone 824-6900 - Fax 893-5600
  500 7th Avenue South
  St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
  
• Phone 469-5800 - Fax 469-4288
  310 North Myrtle Avenue
  Clearwater, Florida 33755
  
• Phone 942-5457 - Fax 942-5467
  301 South Disston Avenue
  Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689
  
• Phone 547-7780 - Fax 547-7793
  5800 77th Avenue North (Nursing)
  Pinellas Park, Florida 34665
  
• Phone 507-4330 X-1200
  Bureau of Vital Statistics-Birth/Death Records
  4175 E. Bay Drive, Ste. 160, Largo

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HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Phone 582-7781 - Fax 582-7912 - TDD 582-7713
St. Petersburg Office 647 First Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33701

• Phone 582-7781 - Fax 582-7912 - TDD 582-7713
  St. Petersburg Office
  647 First Avenue North
  St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
• Phone 464-8400 
  Clearwater Office
  2189 Cleveland Street, Suite 230, Clearwater, FL 33765
• S.T.A.R.S. 
  Phone 464-8486 - Fax 464-8491 
  2189 Cleveland Street, Suite 263  Clearwater, FL 33765 
• S.T.A.R.S.
  Phone 453-6530 - Fax 552-1736
  300 – 31st Street N, Suite 100
  St. Petersburg, FL 33713

The Health & Human Services Department provides medical and dental services for low-income uninsured persons. Interim financial assistance is available to qualified residents confronted with health and/or financial crisis through financial assistance programs. Utility assistance, blankets and fans are available to qualifying elderly. Grants and aid to not-for-profit agencies are administered through Social Action Funding. The Mobile Medical units provide on-site medical, dental and outreach services to the uninsured/underinsured and homeless. STARS (Success Training & Retention Services) is an attitudinal program working with individuals to become and remain employable.

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HERITAGE VILLAGE - PINELLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Phone 582-2123 Fax 582-2455
11909 125th Street North
Largo, Florida 33774

Heritage Village was established to preserve the county's historical resources and cultural heritage through the operation of a 21-acre, open-air exhibit. This exhibit represents a village in Pinellas County at the turn of the century with 28 historical structures. The Museum houses the County archives and serves as a repository for historical resources. The various exhibits and structures provide visitors with a better understanding of the county's history and development, and an insight into Pinellas County's cultural heritage. (Open to visitors Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

GULF BEACHES HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Phone 552-1610 Fax 363-6704
115 10th Avenue
St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706

This Museum was established in 1993 as a satellite facility of Heritage Village - Pinellas County Historical Museum. The Museum itself is located in a building which was the earliest church on the barrier islands and was donated to the County by Mrs. Joan Haley. The mission of this Museum is to educate visitors about the history of the barrier islands from Indian cultures to present day.

(Open to visitors Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00p.m.)

Phone (727) 724-3054
2043 Curlew Road
Palm Harbor, Florida 34683

The North Pinellas Historical Museum opened on November 7, 1998, and is operated by the Palm Harbor Historical Society.This historic home was built about 1915 by "Judge" Thomas William Hartley, a justice of the peace, Methodist lay minister, and businessman who originally settled in this area in the early 1880's.

The museum features a variety of exhibits on the history of the Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach, and the Ozona and Curlew communities, focusing on the period from when these areas of Pinellas County were first settled in the 1800s up to the present day.

(Open to visitors Tuesday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

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HUMAN RIGHTS

Phone 464-4880 - Fax 464-4157 - TDD 464-4062
400 South Ft. Harrison Avenue, 3rd Floor
Clearwater, Florida 33756

The Human Rights Department coordinates enforcement of two sections of the County Code. The first concerns review of all personnel policies, practices and actions in order to eliminate the effects of past discrimination and to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons seeking County employment. The second concerns enforcement of the ordinance that prohibits discrimination by Pinellas County on the basis of race, color, religion, natural origin, sex, age, marital status or handicap in the areas of employment, public accommodations, and all housing and real estate transactions.

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JUSTICE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Phone 453-7441
15251 Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 209,
Clearwater, Florida 33760

Investigators in this department mediate informal complaints and conduct criminal investigations for violations of Florida law. The department also has a regulatory unit which is responsible for the licensing of Charitable Solicitations, Bingo, and Adult Use establishments, and the enforcement of the Moving and Price Gouging Ordinances. In addition, the department maintains a five year history of complaints filed on businesses and the result of the complaints. The department also conducts a consumer education program through the news media, local organizations, business associations and schools. Studies are conducted to recommend new laws or modifications to existing County, State, or Federal laws.

This Department supports several working committees that review and make recommendations on inter-agency policy relative to justice services in Pinellas County. In addition, the department manages a wide range of Justice Programs and develops regular reporting and monitoring status reports for normal justice operations. The department conducts budgetary reviews and advises the Board of County Commissioners and the County Administrator on justice-related expenditures and program development with fiscal impact. Finally, the department provides internal support through due diligence review and facilitation of livescan fingerprinting and background searches. 

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PARKS & RECREATION

Phone 464-3347 - Fax 464-3379 - TDD 464-4194
631 Chestnut Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756

This department acquires, develops, preserves and protects areas and facilities for public passive parks. Department activities include grounds maintenance, operation of a nursery to produce and sustain plant material for the parks, construction and maintenance of park structures, solid waste collection and disposal, and beach supervision. Park staff is also responsible for the Pinellas Trail.

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PCC-TV
Phone 464-4724 -Info Line Phone 464-4809
333 Chestnut Street
Clearwater, FL 33756

PCC-TV is your Pinellas County Connection Television, seen on channels 622 on Bright House, channel 18 on Knology Cable systems, and channel 44 on Verison. Live, gavel-to-gavel coverage of Board of County Commissioners meetings and work sessions is also in closed captioned for the hearing impaired. Most shows can be watched from the convience of your computer with video on demand. A list of programs can be seen on the PCC-TV website.... View PCC_TV Live....TV shedule

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PERSONNEL

Phone 464-3367
400 South Ft. Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, Florida 33756

The Personnel Department is responsible for recruitment and examinations for employment throughout Pinellas County. This department administers and coordinates training and development, educational assistance, and benefits awareness programs for employees throughout the County. The department coordinates new-hire and pre-retirement orientation, maintains the Pinellas Pen newsletter as well as other publications. In addition, the department is responsible for employee compensation, benefits administration, and maintenance of employee records. Finally, this department works closely with others to ensure fair and equal treatment of applicants and employees throughout the County.

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PLANNING

Phone 464-8200 - Fax 464-8201
600 Cleveland Street #750
Clearwater, FL 33755

This department provides short- and long-range planning to accomplish managed development in Pinellas County. Comprehensive planning includes land use planning, economic planning, community facilities planning, demographic studies, managed growth, environmental planning, general planning and a data bank. The department provides documents, maps and information on a variety of subjects. The staff also handles transportation planning and serves as the staff to the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the transportation agency for the County.

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PUBLIC WORKS

Phone 464-3251 - Fax 464-3577 - TDD 464-4093
440 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756 The Public Works Department is comprised of several sections and provides varied services:

• Construction Management
  Phone: 464-8880 - Fax 464-8880
  Provides inspection for projects under contract and administers progress payments.
• Engineering
  Phone: 464-3251 - Fax 464-3577
  Designs and prepares construction documents for roads, bridges, drainage structures, County parks, Community Development projects, Coastal Management projects, the Pinellas Trail and major drainage planning.
• Right Of Way
  Phone: 464-3672 - Fax 464-5251
  Acquires right of way and easements for roads and drainage projects and provides this information to the public. Assists public with information regarding any County right of way question.
• Public Works Highway
  Phone: 464-8900 - Fax 464-8905 - TDD 464-8940
  Maintains County-numbered roads, local major streets, subdivision streets, and all associated right of way. Maintains 62 bridges with operational responsibilities for three bascule bridges. Maintains all signage and pavement markings on County-maintained facilities. Constructs and maintains local and major drainage ways within unincorporated Pinellas County. Coordinates street lighting districts and permits for work in right of way.
• Survey & Mapping
  Phone: 464-8904 - Fax 464-8906
  Provides survey data and accurate records for the public, consultants, and other governmental agencies. Land Survey also prepares design and construction survey services for County projects.
• Mosquito Control
  Phone 464-7503 - Fax 464-7704
  Works to abate and suppress all mosquitoes and other selected arthropods, of public health importance, whether disease bearing or merely pestiferous, for the comfort, health, welfare and prosperity of the people of Pinellas County; monitors the environment for the presence of disease producing organisms which are capable of being transmitted by mosquitoes to people and domesticated animals.
• Traffic Control
  Phone: 464-8922 Fax 464-8908
  Maintains traffic signalization and investigates traffic problems.

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PURCHASING

Phone 464-3311
400 South Ft. Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, Florida 33756

This department purchases all commodities and services for County departments, offices and agencies under the Board of County Commissioners.

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RISK MANAGEMENT

Phone 464-3664
400 South Ft. Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, Florida 33756

The Department of Risk Management develops, implements and provides leadership for a comprehensive loss control program for Pinellas County which includes, but is not limited to, the participation of employees at all levels in the organization. The department and its staff is responsible for maintaining third party claim files and participates in the investigation of all claims as they are initially presented against the County and the independently elected constitutional officials. Further, it continues with the investigation and development of case files in conjunction with the County Attorney’s office when litigation ensues. The department is responsible for administering the County’s Workers’ Compensation Program as is required by statute and is also involved in areas of other claims handling specialization such as matters concerning ADA, court ordered mediation, and EEOC claims and litigation. The department is responsible for administering the County’s commercial drivers license (CDL) program, including random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with federal motor vehicle laws. The department developed and maintains a comprehensive training, monitoring, accident investigation and awards program for drivers of County vehicles and developed and maintains various chemical management and occupational safety programs, providing regulatory training, which addresses work place safety and those type of issues in accordance with state and federal regulations. The department administers and directs the various safety and action team committees throughout County government and also provides consultation to other departments and offices of the elected officials, the County Administrator and the County Attorney regarding insurance, contracts, safety, loss control, environmental concerns and speculative risks. The Department of Risk Management also develops, implements and obtains commercial insurance for those risks and exposures that the County does not wish to include in its self-insurance program. The Director of Risk Management is responsible for obtaining and implementing commercial insurance where necessary.

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ST. PETERSBURG/CLEARWATER AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Phone 464-7200 - Fax 464-7222
14450 46th Street North, Suite 108
Clearwater, Florida 33762

The St. Petersburg / Clearwater Area Sports Foundation is the sports marketing arm of the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Its primary goal is to bring major sporting events and conventions to the Pinellas County area.

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UTILITIES

Phone 464-4000 - Fax 464-5061 - TDD 464-3718 -Customer Service
14 South Ft. Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, Florida 33756

Pinellas County Utilities (PCU) is County-owned and self-supporting, generating revenue through fees and charges. PCU is comprised of three enterprise operations: Solid Waste, Drinking Water, and Wastewater. PCU plays an essential role in maintaining and protecting our environmental resources.

• Drinking Water
  Pinellas County Utilities supplies an average of 66 million gallons of drinking water per day to more than 600,000 citizens. The water system utilizes a chloramines disinfections process, encompasses 1,994 miles of pipeline. Per capita water consumption is 89 gallons per person per day, one of the lowest in Florida. In 1989, the per capita water usage rate was 153 gpd. Citizen efforts and aggressive water conservation education and planning helped achieve a more than 40-percent reduction.
• Solid Waste Operations
  Utilities Solid Waste operates the Waste-to-Energy plant, accepting waste from all over the county. The facility incinerates combustible waste, substantially reducing its volume and conserving landfill space. In addition, the process generates electricity that powers nearly 45,000 local homes. Valuable resources, such as aluminum and other metals, are separated and sold for recycling. Serving more than one million customers, it is one of the largest operating facilities in the world. The department recently began collection of residential solid waste in East Lealman. Environmental programs include the collection of household electronics and chemical waste, artificial reef construction using building debris, and recycling yard waste into mulch.
• Wastewater and Reclaimed Water
  Pinellas County’s sewer system serves over 240,000 people. PCU maintains more than 1,458 combined miles of wastewater and 300 miles of reclaimed water pipes. Currently, between the South Cross Bayou and Dunn water reclamation facilities, more than 29 million gallons of wastewater are treated per day. Keeping pace with demand requires creative solutions and state-of-the-art technology. Reclaimed water keeps lawns and a number of golf courses healthy while conserving our drinking water.  

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VETERANS SERVICES

• Veterans Services 
  Phone 464-8460 - Fax 464-8407 
  2189 Cleveland Street, Suite 201 Clearwater, FL 33765 
• Veterans Services
  Phone 582-7828 - Fax 582-7813
  501 – 1st Avenue N, Suite #517
  St. Petersburg, FL 33701

The Department of Veterans Services was created by the Board of County Commissioners to improve access to services for Pinellas County veterans and their dependents. The department provides complete veterans assistance, information, and counseling for filing, developing, and appealing claims pertaining to the full spectrum of veterans' entitlements. The department also visits clients at home (or in nursing homes) through its Outreach Program. This program is especially helpful to older veterans and their surviving spouses.

The Pinellas County Veterans Services Office assists veterans, their widows, and their eligible dependents with a variety of needs. Assistance is available for: developing claims with the Veterans Administration to procure rightful benefits; obtaining discharge papers, marriage, divorce, death, birth certificates; doctor’s reports; and filing appeals with the Veterans Administration.

We offer guidance and assistance in applying for and obtain