Republican Nick DiCeglie is holding a fundraiser next week to get his House District 66 campaign off the ground, and Tuesday he released a host committee showing dozens of local officials who will come to show their support.
Former U.S. Rep. David Jolly on Wednesday presented an American flag to Laura Neri, the widow of community activist Ray Neri, who died Jan. 3. The flag was one that U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis had had flown over the Capitol especially for Mrs. Neri. “Ray Neri was a special person,” Jolly said. “Ray touched peoples’ lives.” Jolly was only one of many of Pinellas’ political leaders who came to Neri’s memorial service. Others included Pinellas County commissioners Pat Gerard, Karen…
Forward Pinellas, the transportation and land use planning agency for Pinellas County, has new board leadership and several new members going into 2017. Pinellas County Commissioner John Morroni will serve as the board’s chair; Clearwater Commissioner Doreen Caudell, vice chair; Indian Rocks Beach Commissioner Cookie Kennedy, treasurer; and Pinellas County Commissioner Dave Eggers, secretary. All votes were unanimous. Forward Pinellas is the organization formed by the merger of the Pinellas Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Pinellas Planning Council. Forward Pinellas is…
Pinellas County commissioners unanimously approved a list of projects that will be funded by about $7.07 million of BP settlement monies. Among the 30 projects: $1 million each for sewer lining/sewer/stormwater capacity/upgrades and affordable housing. Other projects include $150,000 for a metro wellness center, $294,000 for land preparation for a Palm Harbor recreation center, and $250,000 for a pedestrian-bicycle bridge at Phillippe Park in Safety Harbor. Commissioners also approved $500,000 for “arts support.” The exact form that might take is…
Pinellas residents can expect to hear a lot next year about the number of roads, fire stations, parks, buildings and other projects the county and cities have constructed during the past 30 years. Residents will also hear a lot about construction planned for Pinellas’ future. It’s all part of an education campaign that the county and municipal governments will undertake as they try to persuade Pinellas voters to renew the Penny for Pinellas sales tax for the fourth time. If…
In an effort to minimize the impact of foreclosed properties that may not be properly maintained, the Pinellas County Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved an ordinance requiring the registration, inspection and maintenance of foreclosed homes. “It’s long overdue. Some of the houses in our neighborhoods are horrible,” Commissioner Dave Eggers said. “I’m tired of these banks not taking care of these houses and ruining neighborhoods.” The ordinance, which goes into effect Jan. 1, applies to properties in unincorporated Pinellas that…
Pinellas County commissioners unanimously agreed Tuesday to sign an agreement with the state Department of Transportation for a project designed to improve transportation in the Gateway area. “It’s going to greatly improve transportation in mid-county,” Commissioner Karen Seel said. “Hooray.” Commissioner Dave Eggers agreed, saying, “This is truly an exciting day.” Seel “enthusiastically” made the motion to accept the deal. The Gateway Expressway has been under development for 15 to 20 years, officials said. Construction is expected to cost about…