By Nicole Galasso, AICP
Have you ever found yourself wondering: What does Forward Pinellas actually do? Why do we need a countywide planning agency? What does it mean to integrate land use and transportation planning? How do all their plans, studies, and policies affect my daily life, and how can I have a say in the process?
From the streets you drive on to the neighborhood you call home, planning plays a behind-the-scenes but essential role in shaping our experiences—from where we live to where we’re going once we walk out our doors. It influences how we travel from place to place, where new homes and businesses are built, and how communities prepare for growth and change. Planning decisions throughout our county’s history shaped the options you have for where you live, work, gather, and get around. Yet most people don’t know what planning is or who’s behind this work, let alone how it manifests as tangible outcomes that influence how we move about the world (literally).
Forward Pinellas, Explained StoryMap
But this isn’t just a story about maps and plans—it’s about connection. It’s about how we are all connected to the places we live, work, and love to visit through transportation networks, how Forward Pinellas connects our county’s 25 local governments to coordinate how we can best use our shared resources to support the needs of our many distinct communities, and how you can have a greater sense of connection to the plans and decisions that shape our communities. With this interactive, user-friendly tool, we aim to explain Forward Pinellas’ work and how planning supports a connected, resilient, and prosperous Pinellas County.
Bringing Planning Into Focus
At Forward Pinellas, we strive to make the planning process more transparent and accessible for all. But transparency is just the beginning—our ultimate goal is collaboration. We believe the most effective plans are shaped by the people they’re meant to serve. Whether we’re supporting local governments in developing community-driven plans or helping neighborhoods realize their vision for safer, more connected streets, our goal has always been to shed light on what we do and bring more people to the table so their priorities can be reflected in our plans and guide our decisions.
The Forward Pinellas, Explained StoryMap supports that mission by providing a one-stop-shop for learning about the plans, programs, and projects we undertake in our dual roles as the Pinellas Planning Council (PPC) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). But it isn’t just a resource for learning—it’s an invitation to get involved. Regardless of how much (or little) you know about the planning profession, our agency, or Pinellas County, we hope this StoryMap brings our work into sharper focus and empowers you to join the conversation to have your voice heard on the topics that matter most to you. After all, staying informed is the first step to getting involved, and shaping the future starts with knowing how it’s built.
How to Use the StoryMap
The easy-to-use interface takes you through sections sequentially—each peeling back another layer of what Forward Pinellas is and does. Within the StoryMap you can:
- Explore at your own pace by scrolling through each section or using the menu to jump ahead.
- Get a closer look by clicking on project highlights, maps, and other graphics to see them in greater detail.
- Dive deeper by using the hyperlinks and buttons to learn more about our plans, projects, and programs on our website.
- Share and spark conversation by sending this StoryMap to family, friends, neighbors, or anyone curious about Forward Pinellas and planning in Pinellas County.
Get Started Today
Click below to explore Forward Pinellas, Explained, and discover how we guide land use and transportation planning across Pinellas County. We hope this interactive experience deepens your understanding of our work and inspires you to join in moving Pinellas forward!
For questions, please contact Nicole Galasso at ngalasso@forwardpinellas.org or 727-464-5643.
