Aerial of Pinellas County looking from downtown Saint Petersburg Florida

The Wave

Your Pinellas County Government Newsletter

August 2025

A glance at people, programs & news from Pinellas County!

County staff and leadership cut the ribbon on new medical facility with adoptable dog..

Feeling the breeze! Animal Services celebrates air conditioned kennels & new medical hospital

The staff and animals at Pinellas County Animal Services are staying cool this summer, thanks to the completion of two major renovations at the shelter funded by the Penny for Pinellas.

The kennel renovation adds air conditioning, new larger kennels and a speaker system to play relaxing music, thanks to a generous donation. Plus, it strengthens the buildings to withstand a Category 4 hurricane. The new medical hospital allows the veterinary staff to deliver first-class care on site with new tools and more space. Tour the upgrades with one of our adoptable dogs on Facebook or Instagram now!

Peak Hurricane Season is here. Make a plan and prepare now with tax-free supplies

Peak hurricane season is here, running through mid-October. Now is a good time to make sure your hurricane plan and emergency kit are complete. As of Aug. 1, many disaster prep items are permanently tax-free in Florida, including batteries, fire extinguishers, insect repellent, life jackets, portable gas or diesel cans, portable generators, waterproof tarps, sunscreen, smoke detection devices and carbon monoxide alarms.

For a checklist of items to include in your emergency kit, visit Pinellas.gov/Kit. And don't forget to plan for your furry family members! Watch the video below for tips to prepare your pets.

Black and white dog on screen next to text that reads pet prep for hurricane season

Thank you for joining us at the fourth annual Deaf Fest

We had a great time at the fourth annual Deaf Fest at the Lealman Exchange Community Center! The event provides helpful resources and information for our Deaf and hard-of-hearing community each year, including hurricane preparedness tips, back-to-school supplies, Text-to-911 demos, wellness screenings and more. We also celebrated the Family Center on Deafness’ new home at the Lealman Exchange with a ribbon cutting. Thanks to everyone who joined us and to the Pinellas County Deaf Collaborative and other partners who made this event a success!

Students with backpacks talking in front of lockers at school

Making the start of school commute safe for everyone

The new school year is underway in Pinellas County, and we all have a role to play in making sure it's a great, safe year.

For drivers, let’s take out the rush. Leaving yourself extra travel time helps everyone’s commute. To drive carefully, we can put our phones away, slow down, stay alert and watch for students near schools.

Parents, if your child bikes to school, remind them to always wear their helmet. And if they bike or walk, teach them to look left-right-left and have them take out their earbuds so they can be present in their surroundings.

Hartley House Historical Marker unveiled in Palm Harbor

County Commission Chair Brian Scott, Vice Chair Dave Eggers, the Palm Harbor Historical Society President Bob Fortner and dozens from the community attended the ceremony to unveil the new historical marker at Palm Harbor's Hartley House.

The Hartley House, one of Pinellas County’s locally designated historic properties, is now recognized as a Florida Heritage Site sponsored by the Palm Harbor Historical Society, Pinellas County Historic Preservation Board, and the Florida Department of State. Read the marker online now!

Helping first responders help you

Provide first responders quick access your vital medical information during an emergency through Pinellas County's free Yellow Dot and Vial of Life programs. All you need to do is request a kit and place an information packet in your vehicle’s glove compartment and on your refrigerator at home. The kit comes with decals for your vehicle and front door so first responders know you are a participant. Learn more about the programs.

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