By Chelsea Favero, AICP We’ve all been there. Maybe you’re trying to get your kids to school in Pasco and then drive through rush-hour traffic to your job in Tampa. Maybe you’re looking forward to making that cross-county trip to hit the beaches or see a show this weekend. Maybe you can’t wait to go…
By Christina Mendoza The Gateway Area of Pinellas County is an economic engine for the County, a home to many, the 2nd largest employment district in the region, and when combined with Westshore across the bay, is the largest employment area in the Southeast after Atlanta. But behind this beautiful stage brimming with economic potential…
By Amy Elmore I want to tell you a secret. I’m terrified of social media. I know… I know… I’m a communications & outreach manager – how can I fear social media? But the truth is, I see the power behind it. One post on Twitter can calm a protest or panic a city. It…
By Chelsea Favero, AICP The most common question I get asked is, what does Forward Pinellas do? That’s quite a loaded question because we’re involved in so many facets of our community, but my usual answer is first and foremost doing whatever we can to make a better quality of life for our community now…
By Linda Fisher Who decides whether the house next door to yours can be used as an Airbnb? Or a home-based business? Or whether a new house needs to fit in with the neighborhood character? If your first thought is to turn to your city council or town commission, think again. Each year, Florida…
Florida is in the middle of its legislative session for 2021, which ends on April 30. During this time each year, state lawmakers debate whether to pass bills that could have far-reaching consequences for local communities—intended or otherwise. Forward Pinellas tracks bills that may affect how our member local governments plan for land use and…
“Traffic just keeps getting worse!” This is a phrase that we hear a lot at Forward Pinellas because one of our primary responsibilities is to plan for a transportation system throughout our county that works for everyone. With nearly 1 million residents and almost 7 million overnight visitors in 2019 alone, getting people around regardless…
Forward Pinellas Division Manager Al Bartolotta is retiring next month after a 32-year career in urban planning. He started with the Pinellas County Planning Department in 1988, where he worked on assignments for both land use and transportation planning, and joined Forward Pinellas in 2015 as a result of the Pinellas Planning Council/Metropolitan Planning Organization…
Interactive Survey Demonstrates the Downtown St. Petersburg Community’s Preferences, Needs and Opportunities Plans to improve mobility and accessibility in Downtown St. Petersburg are well underway! Earlier this year, Forward Pinellas launched the Downtown St. Petersburg Mobility Study in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg and the Florida Department of Transportation, and we’ve already received insightful feedback from the community. Nearly 500…
The 2020 Census is important for all of us and the communities in which we live. There is something in it for everyone and a reason for each of us to connect with the 2020 Census. Step up to the challenge and Make Pinellas Count! I learned about the census through my work as an…
Calling artists of all ages! We need your help to design artwork for Safe Streets Pinellas. Now through August 31, 2020, create and submit your artwork depicting what #SafeStreets means to you. Artwork can include a drawing, painting, photo, computer graphic, or other piece of art. Get creative! The Winner’s art will be featured on…
In 2020, we’ve already seen 50 people lose their lives on our roadways. Everyone in Pinellas County should be able to walk, bike, take public transit and drive on streets that are safe. No one should be killed traveling our roadways. Throughout the country and world, Vision Zero communities ask for a commitment to work…