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NewsSt. Pete CatalystNovember 2, 2026Pinellas County

Pinellas County rejects all redevelopment proposals for 25 acres in downtown Clearwater

Photo: St. Pete Catalyst

Pinellas County rejected both private development proposals for nearly 25 acres of county-owned land in downtown Clearwater, pausing efforts to transform the properties into a mixed-use district. The county stated an intent to explore additional options but has not disclosed its specific reasons or whether bidding will reopen.

Economic DevelopmentReal EstateLocal Government
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Why It Matters

The decision stalls a plan to sell government-owned properties intended to help offset the $33 million cost of a new county government complex and return land to the local tax rolls.

Key Facts

  • Pinellas County rejected both proposals to redevelop nearly 25 acres of county-owned property across 34 parcels in downtown Clearwater.
  • The rejection was announced in an Oct. 13 letter from the county's Office of Management and Budget.
  • The county cited an intent to explore additional options for the property but did not disclose reasons for rejecting the bids due to legal parameters.
  • The 17 county properties encompass approximately 24.5 acres intended for a mixed-use district with residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and public spaces.
  • The redevelopment effort is tied to relocating county government operations to a new complex near Ulmerton Road and Icot Boulevard by 2029.
  • The county purchased 21 acres at 13600 Icot Blvd. in 2023 for $33 million.
  • Selling downtown properties was planned to help offset construction costs, reduce borrowing amounts, and return tax-exempt government properties to the tax rolls.
  • Commercial real estate firm CBRE Inc. was hired to help structure the solicitation and evaluate developers.
  • The county previously anticipated reviewing submissions in October, starting negotiations in November, and selecting a partner in April 2027, a timeline now called into question.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationPinellas County“Government body that rejected redevelopment proposals.”locationCleveland Street“Downtown Clearwater street connected to public and private investments.”locationClearwater“City where the county-owned properties are located.”locationCoachman Park“Redevelopment project in downtown Clearwater.”PersonMerry Celeste“Purchasing Division Director who signed the rejection letter.”PersonTony Fabrizio“Pinellas County's Interim Communications Director.”OrganizationCBRE Inc.“Commercial real estate firm hired to help structure the solicitation.”locationIcot Boulevard“Area near the new government complex location.”locationOsceola Avenue“Location of recent urban improvements.”locationUlmerton Road“Area near the new government complex location.”