Board of County Commissioners

Tuesday, April 9, 2024 9:30 A.M. 333 Chestnut Street, Palm Room Clearwater, FL 33756 Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners pinellas.gov Kathleen Peters, Chair Brian Scott, Vice-Chair Dave Eggers Rene Flowers Charlie Justice Chris Latvala Janet C. Long Barry A. Burton, County Administrator Jewel White, County Attorney Ken Burke, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda ROLL CALL INVOCATION by Reverend Whitney Burton-Smith, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Dunedin. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS 1. Fair Housing Proclamation: - Ronisha Jackson-Taylor, Wage Theft Coordinator, Office of Human Rights 24-0235A 2. Water Conservation Month Proclamation: Utilities Department - Frank Roberson, Water Conservation Coordinator - Charles Richards, Program Coordinator - Shane McGahan, Water Conservation Compliance Officer - Amanda Knoblock, Wastewater Plant Operator 3 - Keith Jakacky, Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee 24-0025A 3. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Proclamation: - Michelle Peterson, Operations Manager, Regional 911 Division - Dillon Bean, Lead Public Safety Telecommunicator, Regional 911 Division 24-0234A 4. Employee Recognition Award: - Adam Pedzich, Health and Human Services Program Lead, Emergency Management - Jessica Geib, Emergency Disaster Preparedness Manager, Human Services 24-0282A CITIZENS TO BE HEARD 5. Citizens To Be Heard - Public Comment.24-0239A Page 2Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda PUBLIC HEARINGS AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS AND COUNCILS Countywide Planning Authority 6. Case No. CW 24-05 - City of Tarpon Springs (continued from March 5, 2024) Countywide Plan Map amendment from Retail and Services to Public/Semi-Public, regarding 0.88-acre more or less, located at 1201 Gulf Road. 24-0340A Sitting as the Countywide Planning Authority, adopt an ordinance approving Case No. CW 24-05, a proposal by the City of Tarpon Springs to amend the Countywide Plan Map from Retail and Services to Public/Semi-Public, regarding 0.88-acre more or less, located at 1201 Gulf Road. · Although the property is currently vacant, it is the planned location for the new Tarpon Springs Fire Station 70. The fire station is currently in the design phase. · Tarpon Springs is requesting an amendment to Public/Semi-Public for this proposed use. · The property is located in the Coastal High Hazard Area. However, the proposed Public/Semi-Public designation would substantially lower the maximum density from 24 units per acre to 12.5 units per acre. · The Multimodal Accessibility (MAX) Index score for the subject property’s grid cell is 2.5, which is below the countywide average score of 9.7. However, the Sunset Connector is a local project that when completed will result in a continuous bicycle and pedestrian trail. The project would extend from the Pinellas Trail at East Klosterman Road to local beaches and schools to the west. The completion of this project will result in a MAX Index score increase for the proposed amendment area grid cell. · Forward Pinellas and the Planners Advisory Committee each unanimously recommended approval of the requested amendment. Recommendation: Page 3Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda 7. Case No. CW 24-06 - City of Safety Harbor Countywide Plan Map amendment from Public/Semi-Public to Residential Low Medium, regarding 0.8-acre more or less, located at 675 Elm Street. 24-0341A Sitting as the Countywide Planning Authority, adopt an ordinance approving Case No. CW 24-06, a proposal from the City of Safety Harbor to amend the Countywide Plan Map from Public/Semi-Public to Residential Low Medium, regarding 0.82-acre more or less, located at 675 Elm Street. · This request includes multiple parcels located at 675 Elm Street that are intended for development by Habitat for Humanity. · The northern part of the parcel is owned by the city. · In June of 2023, the City Commission adopted an agreement with the Pinellas County School Board for the purchase of the subject property, and an Agreement for Purchase and Sale between the City of Safety Harbor and Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County, Inc. · In the future, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County, Inc. will build six homes these parcels. · The city proposes to amend their future land use map for this site as part of an effort to locally increase maximum density to allow for Habitat for Humanity homes to be developed. · The Multimodal Accessibility (MAX) Index score for the subject property’s grid cell is 5.75, which is below the countywide average score of 9.7. However, the proposed Countywide Plan Map amendment will result in a decrease in both density and intensity which exempts it from the MAX index criteria for an underperforming grid cell. · Forward Pinellas and the Planners Advisory Committee each unanimously recommended approval of the proposal. Recommendation: Page 4Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda 8. Case No. CW 24-07 - City of Safety Harbor Countywide Plan Map amendment from Public/Semi-Public to Recreation/Open Space, regarding 5.07 acres more or less, located west of Elm Street and south of Cedar Street. 24-0342A Sitting as the Countywide Planning Authority, adopt an ordinance approving Case No. CW 24-07, a proposal by the City of Safety Harbor to amend the Countywide Plan Map from Public/Semi-Public to Recreation/Open Space, regarding 5.07 acres more or less, located at west of Elm Street and south of Cedar Street. · The subject property is owned by the Pinellas County School Board. · The Safety Harbor Secondary School was located on the property until it was demolished in 2009. · The subject property is being conveyed to the City of Safety Harbor for a future park use. · The Multimodal Accessibility Index score for the subject property’s grid cell is 5.56, which is below the countywide average score of 9.7. However, the proposed Countywide Plan Map amendment results in a decrease in both density and intensity. · Forward Pinellas and the Planners Advisory Committee each unanimously recommended approval of the proposal. Recommendation: Page 5Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda 9. Case No. CW 24-08 - City of St. Petersburg Countywide Plan Map amendment from Residential Medium to Multimodal Corridor, regarding 1.35 acres more or less, located at the southeast corner of Hartford Street North and 32nd Avenue North. 24-0343A Sitting as the Countywide Planning Authority, adopt an ordinance approving Case No. CW 24-08, a proposal by the City of St. Petersburg to amend the Countywide Plan Map from Residential Medium to Multimodal Corridor, regarding 1.35 acres more or less, located at the southeast corner of Hartford Street North and 32nd Avenue North. · The 1.35-acre site is located approximately 200-feet from 34th Street North, also known as U.S. Highway 19, which is a primary corridor on the Countywide Land Use Strategy Map. · The property is currently vacant with scattered pine and oak trees and has been owned by the St. Petersburg Housing Authority since 2016. · The purpose of the proposed amendment is to allow the St. Petersburg Housing Authority to construct multifamily housing that is affordable to eligible citizens of the City of St. Petersburg, while enhancing and promoting resident self-sufficiency. · The intended use is consistent with the permitted uses and locational characteristics of the proposed Multimodal Corridor category. · Forward Pinellas and the Planners Advisory Committee each unanimously recommended approval of the proposal. Recommendation: Page 6Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda 10. Case No. CW 24-09 - City of St. Petersburg Countywide Plan Map amendment from Public/Semi-Public to Residential Medium, regarding 5.24 acres more or less, located at 7045 Burlington Avenue North 24-0344A Sitting as the Countywide Planning Authority, adopt an ordinance approving Case No. CW 24-09, a proposal by the City of St. Petersburg to amend the Countywide Plan Map from Public/Semi-Public to Residential Medium, regarding 5.24 acres more or less, located at 7045 Burlington Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL. · The property has been owned by St. Petersburg College since 1989 and has functioned as an accessory wellness center to the college campus located two blocks to the north at 6605 5th Avenue North. · The intended use is the construction of approximately 105 housing units and offering to make available up to 30% of the workforce housing units to St. Petersburg College students and staff on a right-of-first-refusal basis. · The City of St. Petersburg has submitted a Letter of Intent to St. Petersburg College, offering to the purchase of the property for the sum of $4,000,000.00. · Forward Pinellas and the Planners Advisory Committee each unanimously recommended approval of the proposal. Recommendation: Page 7Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda CONSENT AGENDA - Items 11 through 18 CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT AND COMPTROLLER 11. Minutes of the regular meeting held March 5, 2024.24-0559A 12. Vouchers and bills paid from March 3 through March 16, 2024.24-0560A Reports received for filing: 13. Division of Inspector General, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Report No. 2024-03 dated March 6, 2024 - Audit of Sunstar Ambulance Contract. 24-0561A 14. Division of Inspector General, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Annual Report for the Year Ending December 31, 2023. 24-0563A Miscellaneous items received for filing: 15. Correspondence from the City of Dunedin regarding voluntary annexation of certain property. 24-0562A COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR DEPARTMENTS Administrative Services 16. Declare surplus and authorize the sale or donation of miscellaneous County-owned equipment. 24-0309A Declare miscellaneous County-owned items and equipment as surplus. This declaration of surplus will enable the County to donate or auction the items listed in the attached files. · This action declares the listed items as surplus and authorizes their donation to partner agencies or sale to the highest bidder. · The usefulness of the identified surplus items (miscellaneous equipment) has been exhausted. · All surplus items are listed and sent to various agencies and non-profits such as Social Action Funding designees, Pinellas County School Board, Board Dependent Districts, and other agencies such as the Florida Dream Center, Vincent House, Seminole Junior Warhawks, and others to determine if this equipment can be utilized before sending for sale at auction. · The revenue generated from the sale of these assets is not budgeted for in Fiscal Year 2025. Recommendation: Page 8Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda Public Works 17. Award of bid to Gibbs & Register, Inc. for the Raymond H. Neri Community Park - American Rescue Plan Act. 24-0478A Approval of the award of bid to Gibbs & Register, Inc. for the Raymond H. Neri Community Park (PID 002201A) - American Rescue Plan Act. · This project will provide passive and active recreational opportunities for the communities in the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area. · One responsive bid was received in the amount of $8,469,352.00 from Gibbs & Register, Inc. and is 7.8% over the Engineer’s Estimate of $7,858,624.47. · An analysis comparing submittal pay item pricing with the Engineer’s Estimate (some higher/some lower) concludes that the bid is equitable and balanced. The Engineer of Record recommends proceeding with award. · All work is to be completed within 510 consecutive calendar days. · The Small Business Enterprise commitment is 8% for this contract. · Funding is budgeted under the Raymond H. Neri Community Park Project 002201A, included in the Fiscal Year 2024 - 2029 Capital Improvement Program Plan. Funding sources include the American Rescue Plan Act, Local Infrastructure Sales Surtax and a grant through Florida Department of Environmental Protection for a total of $10,181,000.00. Contract 24-0191-ITB-C in the amount of $8,469,352.00 with all work to be completed within 510 consecutive calendar days; Authorize the Chairman to sign and the Clerk of the Circuit Court to attest. Recommendation: Page 9Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda 18. Award of bid to Keystone Excavators, Inc. for the Roosevelt Creek Channel 5 improvements - American Rescue Plan Act. 24-0432A Approval of the award of bid to Keystone Excavators, Inc. for the Roosevelt Creek Channel 5 improvements; PID 002123A - American Rescue Plan Act Project (ARPA). · This project will hydraulically connect Roosevelt Creek Channel 5 to Old Tampa Bay to provide more habitat for marine life while also lowering upstream flood elevations. · One responsive bid was received on February 15, 2024. The bid of $7,668,068.00 received from Keystone Excavators, Inc. was 32% over the office estimate of $5,788,853.26. · A full constructability review was completed as well as negotiations with the contractor. The difference between the low bid and the Engineer’s Estimate reflects the means and methods on the mobilization, dewatering, and the length and quantities of sheet pile necessary for the project. The contractor provided a letter on February 20, 2024, stating that their costs could not be reduced to properly construct the project. · The County and the Engineer of Record has reviewed the bid for consistency on remaining pay items and recommends award of the contract. · All work is to be completed within 440 consecutive calendar days. · The Small Business Enterprise commitment is 10% for this contract. · Roosevelt Creek Channel 5 improvements; PID 002123A is budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Program plan and funded by the ARPA, Local Infrastructure Sales Surtax (Penny for Pinellas), and local grants. Contract 23-0814-ITB-C in the amount of $7,668,068.00 with all work to be completed within 440 consecutive calendar days; Authorize the Chairman to sign and the Clerk of the Circuit Court to attest. Recommendation: Page 10Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR DEPARTMENTS Administrative Services 19. Purchase authorization and agreements for requirements of heavy and light duty vehicles and equipment pursuant to the pricing of each cooperative contract. 23-1894A Approval of the purchase authorization and agreements for the requirements of heavy and light duty vehicles and equipment pursuant to the pricing of each cooperative contract. · The agreements are pursuant to the pricing of each cooperative contract (Omnia Partners, Sourcewell and Florida Sheriff’s contract). · This purchase authorization is for the replacement of heavy, medium, and light duty vehicles that have exceeded end of life capacity. Factors to determine end of life include but are not limited to age; mileage/hours of operation, operating cost per mile and anticipated an ongoing repair including overall condition. · This is a large purchase necessitated due to manufactures supply chains becoming whole and the ability to now produce and fill orders for non-consumer equipment such as heavy-duty utility trucks, heavy trucks, and other equipment. · Funding for these agreements is included in the Fiscal Year 2024 Adopted Budget for the Vehicle Replacement Plan, Economic Development, Public Works, Safety and Emergency Services, Solid Waste, Parks and Conservation Resources and Utilities. · This request contains (32) Golf Carts $550,696.63, (11) SUVs and Vans $491,004.16, (49) Pick-ups $2,505,341.31, (26) Utility Trucks $2,899,265.07, (11) Heavy Trucks $2,644,456.52, (6) Mowers $208,577.81, (3) Electric Mowers $106,340.78, (28) Offroad Equipment $2,641,385.98. (166 total units). Contract No. 24-0226-PB in the not-to-exceed amount of $12,047,068.26; Authorize the Chairman to sign and the Clerk of the Circuit Court to attest. Recommendation: Page 11Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda Convention and Visitors Bureau 20. Recommendation from the Tourist Development Council to revise the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council Bylaws. 24-0469A Approval of the revisions to the Tourist Development Council (TDC) Bylaws. · Revisions to Bylaws include: o Provision for the Board of County Commissioners (Board) Vice-Chair to be a non-voting member of the TDC. o Miscellaneous clarifications. · The Board approved the current Bylaws on April 27, 2021. · The TDC discussed the proposed revisions on February 21, 2024, and had no objections. Recommendation: Page 12Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda 21. Revisions to the Elite Event Funding Program Guidelines from the Tourist Development Council. 24-0496A Approval of the revisions to the Elite Event Funding Program Guidelines. · The Elite Event Funding Program provides funding for eligible major events that generate attendees or room nights in the County. · Recommended revisions were unanimously approved by the Tourist Development Council on March 20, 2024. · Substantive revisions include: 1.) Renaming program to include Destination Enhancement Events which are category 3-5 events that typically do not meet any room night criteria. 2.) Board of County Commissioners (Board) will approve a total maximum funding amount for Destination Enhancement Events. 3.) Convention and Visitors Bureau staff is authorized to approve Destination Enhancement Events. 4.) Destination Enhancement funding awards will be reported to the Board on the County Administrator’s Receipt and File Report. 5.) Destination Enhancement Tourism Promotion Agreements will be approved by the Director of Administrative Services and included in the Purchasing Department’s Receipt and File Report. 6.) Destination Enhancement funding cycle will run on a bi-annual basis, subject to funding availability. 7.) Defined “Broadcast” and Broadcast Criteria for category 1 events to include receiving in excess of 100,000 views, in addition to established room night/attendance requirements. 8.) Clarified “Marketing” as pre-event expenditures and “Sponsorship” as on-site brand exposure. Recommendation: Page 13Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda County Administrator 22. Municipal Services Taxing Unit Special Project funding for the Seminole Junior Warhawks Athletic Association Sports Complex Improvements. 24-0359A Approval of the Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) Special Project funding request, in the amount of $16,980.00, for the Seminole Junior Warhawks Athletic Association (SJWAA) Sports Complex Improvements. · The MSTU funding is requested to reimburse SJWAA for repairs to the irrigation system and to fund the replacement of two drinking water fountains that are currently inoperable. · The SJWAA Sports complex is over 40 years old and is run by volunteers. · During that time, the irrigation system was maintained and repaired on an as-needed basis. · In 2023 the irrigation system suffered catastrophic failures that needed immediate attention for the sports schedule to carry on for the season. The unexpected repair cost of $13,020.00 and the necessity to replace the water drinking fountain have placed a financial strain on SJWAA. · The quote for the drinking water fountain is $3,960.00. · The total project funding request is $16,980.00. · The request for funding in the amount of $16,980.00 is a one-time expenditure of budgeted MSTU Special Projects funds. Funding is included in the General Government MSTU cost center within the General Fund and is consistent with the Fiscal Year 2024 approved budget. · With approval of this special project for $16,980.00, a total of $615,140.98 will remain available for Board approved MSTU projects with $1,383,716.82 spent and or committed to date. Recommendation: Page 14Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda Housing & Community Development 23. Resolution approving the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Local Housing Assistance Plan for State Fiscal Years 2024-2025, 2025-2026, and 2026-2027 for submission to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. 24-0271A Adopt a resolution approving the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) for State Fiscal Years (FY) 2024-2025, 2025-2026, and 2026-2027 for submission to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) by May 2, 2024. · The LHAP outlines locally developed strategies for addressing affordable homeowner and rental housing needs over the next three years. · The three-year LHAP allows the County to access funding from FHFC to provide affordable housing programs that benefit very-low, low, and moderate-income. · The first year of the LHAP coincides with the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget. The first-year amount of $4,816,567.00 is included in the Housing and Community Development Department FY25 SHIP Fund budget request. Authorize the Chairman to sign and the Clerk of the Circuit Court to attest any necessary documents and certifications needed by the State; Authorize the Housing and Community Development Department Director to submit reports, certifications, and other necessary documents needed by the State; and authorize submission of the LHAP for review and approval by the FHFC. Recommendation: Page 15Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda Management and Budget 24. Grant funding agreement with the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management regarding a Federal Emergency Management Agency public assistance grant for disaster relief funding associated with Hurricane Idalia. 24-0164A Approval of the federally funded sub-award and grant agreement with the State of Florida, Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) for reimbursement through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for public safety costs related to the response to and damage from Hurricane Idalia. · Execution of this grant funding agreement with the FDEM is necessary for the State to fund eligible disaster relief costs. · As of January 23, 2024, the County expects to expend approximately $2,600,000.00 on Hurricane Idalia emergency response, resident sheltering, and debris cleanup and expects to expend approximately $105,000.00 on permanent facility repairs. · The County will continue to utilize FEMA funding for reimbursement of emergency response and permanent repair activities. · Approximately $2,600,000.00 of these reimbursable funds apply to Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, while $105,000.00 of permanent work expenditures apply to FY24. Authorize the Chairman to sign the agreement. Recommendation: Page 16Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda Public Works 25. Air Pollution Control Specific Operating Agreement with the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 24-0487A Approval of the Air Pollution Control Specific Operating Agreement with the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). · Pinellas County has been in agreement with FDEP under a General Operating Agreement (GOA) since 1986. The GOA stipulates that FDEP enter into a separate Specific Operating Agreement (SOA) for the County’s Air Quality Division to act on FDEP’s behalf as an approved local air pollution control program. · The existing SOA will expire in August 2024. The new agreement has been prepared in conjunction with FDEP and largely mirrors the existing SOA. Expiration of the new agreement is in August 2027. · Per the agreement, the County can provide the administrative organization, staff, financial resources, and other resources necessary to carry out its program. · As an approved local air pollution control program, the County is eligible to receive a portion of state tag fee monies. · The agreement is consistent with and included in the Fiscal Year 2024 adopted budget in the Air Quality Tag Fee Fund. Recommendation: COUNTY ATTORNEY 26. County Attorney Reports.24-0236A COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR 27. County Administrator Reports.24-0237A COUNTY COMMISSION 28. Appointment to the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee (Board of County Commissioners as a whole). 23-2001A Approve one appointment to Lealman Community Redevelopment for a three-year term beginning on the date of appointment. · Only one application was received for this position. · Applicant’s name: Kenneth Williams. · No ballot is necessary, voice vote will suffice. Recommendation: Page 17Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda 29. County Commission New Business: Pertinent and timely Committee/Board updates, policy considerations, administrative/procedural considerations, and other new business: 1.) BCC appointment of City of Clearwater TDC representative 24-0238A ADJOURNMENT Page 18Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024

April 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting Agenda Special Accommodations Persons with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to effectively participate in this meeting are asked to contact Pinellas County’s Office of Human Rights by e -mailing such requests to accommodations@pinellas.gov at least three (3) business days in advance of the need for reasonable accommodation. You may also call (727) 464-4882. Public Participation Procedures Persons wishing to comment regarding a specific agenda item should do so: In person - by preregistering at https://comment.pinellas.gov or by filling out a comment card with the County staff person in the meeting room; or, Virtually - in advance in accordance with the instructions in the notice of this meeting, or on the virtual platform or phone after preregistering. Members of the public wishing to make comments on the virtual platform or by phone must preregister by 5 p.m. the day before the meeting. At the scheduled section of the meeting when the item is before the Board of County Commissioners (Board), the Chairman or Clerk will call on each individual, one by one, to be heard. Each individual may speak for up to three minutes as may be modified by the Chairman. Comments or behavior that violate Pinellas County Commission Public Participation and Decorum Rules will be disconnected. Members of the public who cannot attend at the time an agenda item is before the Board may offer comments during the Citizens to Be Heard section near the beginning of the meeting. More information is available at https://pinellas.gov/participating-in-a-BCC-meeting or by calling (727) 464-4400. Public Hearing Procedures The procedure used by the Board in conducting Public Hearings is to have a staff presentation followed by the applicant presenting the specific proposal. The Board will then hear comments from the proponents, the opponents and a staff summary. The applicant will then be given an opportunity to close and the Board will decide on the matter. Public Hearings before the Board are governed by the provisions of Section 134 -14 of the Pinellas County Land Development Code as may be modified by Pinellas County Emergency Order. That code provides that at the conclusion of each person’s presentation, any speaker may seek the Chairman’s permission to ask questions of staff. Specifically: 1. At the conclusion of the presentations by the applicant and any proponents, all affected parties may seek the Chairman’s permission to ask questions of or seek clarification from the applicant and/or the proponents. 2. At the conclusion of the presentation by the opponents, all affected parties may seek the Chairman’s permission to ask questions of or seek clarification from any opponent. The applicant’s closing comments will address testimony subsequent to his or her presentation. Continuing rebuttal of other than directly preceding testimony will not be allowed. Because much testimony has already been submitted in writing, the following guidelines accommodate efficient presentations: 1. The applicant should present his or her entire case, including rebuttal, in no more than 20 minutes. 2. Persons wishing to speak regarding a Public Hearing item may speak for up to three minutes each. 3. Persons wishing to attend virtually must preregister at https://comment.pinellas.gov by 5 p. m. the day before the meeting. Appeals Persons are advised that, if they decided to appeal any decision made at this meeting/hearing, they will need a record of the proceeding, and, for such purposes, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. If a Board meeting beginning at 9:30 A.M. has not concluded by noon, a recess will be taken from noon to 12:30 P.M., and the remainder of the meeting will continue at 12:30 P.M. If a Board meeting beginning at 2:00 P.M. has not concluded by 5:30 P.M., a recess will be taken from 5:30 to 6:00 P.M. The remainder of the afternoon agenda will resume at 6:00 P.M., followed by Public Hearings. Page 19Pinellas County Printed on 3/28/2024