Aerial of Pinellas County looking from downtown Saint Petersburg Florida

The Wave

Your Pinellas County Government Newsletter

July 2026

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

Wondering About Data Centers in Pinellas?

Data centers are currently not allowed within the unincorporated county. Pinellas County Attorney Jewel White clarified this at a recent Board of County Commissioners meeting. “The way the Pinellas County code is currently written,” she said, “it specifically states that if a use is not allowed under the code, it’s prohibited.” Some municipalities may have different guidelines.

Manifesting the Best 250th Celebration

Three firefighters stand together in a fire station. Text reads, "A quiet 4th of July."

First responders in Pinellas County need your help to make this 4th of July the best one yet.

Every year, firefighters and emergency medical services respond to 911 calls for fires, injuries and other emergencies from fireworks gone wrong. With dry conditions still affecting our area, even a small spark can have serious consequences.

This year, celebrate America's 250th by going big at one of the many professional fireworks shows in the county.

Watch to see how local firefighters are hoping to spend their holiday weekend.

Keep the Independence Day Family Fun Going at the All-American 50 at 250 Bash

Step into a festive, red-white-and-blue celebration at Heritage Village’s family-friendly All-American 50 at 250 Bash on Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This festival honors the park's 50th anniversary alongside the nation's 250th with a community reading of the Declaration of Independence, live Americana music, a community time capsule ceremony, and a dedicated kids' craft zone.

Re-energizing Downtown Palm Harbor

BCC Chair Dave Eggers and Commissioner Brian Scott joined Duke Energy, downtown business leaders and the Palm Harbor community to celebrate the installation of 95 new decorative streetlights to bring brighter, more consistent and attractive lights to downtown Palm Harbor.

BCC Chair Dave Eggers and Commissioner Brian Scott flip a giant mock switch to the ON position for a street light illuminated behind them.

The improvements include new underground electrical work to improve the reliability and appearance of the lights. With improved lighting, residents can expect enhanced safety and accessibility for residents, visitors and businesses.

The project was made possible through Pinellas County spearheading the creation of the Downtown Palm Harbor Street Light District as a part of a long-term investment in the safety, walkability, character and economic vitality of the community.

Water Shortage Order Extended

Due to persisting drought conditions and below-average rainfall, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has extended the Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order through October 1. Reduced watering hours remain between 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. to minimize water evaporation. Make sure your irrigation system is set to the correct day and time.

If you’re a Pinellas County Utilities customer, visit pinellas.gov/water-conservation to find your updated watering day, water conservation tips and Florida-Friendly Landscaping guidance.

UF IFAS Extension employee points to a wall-mounted irrigation timer.

If you do not receive water from Pinellas County Utilities, please verify your watering days and restrictions with your water supplier.

Pinellas Recovers: Income Limits Go Up as 600+ Households Get Hurricane Help

More than 600 households have now been approved for hurricane recovery awards totaling more than $45 million as the program continues to expand to include more impacted people.

The federal government recently increased the maximum income limits for the Pinellas Recovers program, while the County has adjusted policies to serve more people, particularly mobile homes. Since launching in October, the County has also tripled its case management staff to handle more applications.

The multimillion-dollar recovery program still has plenty of funding for Pinellas residents impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton. Apply at recover.pinellas.gov.

Adoptable Dogs Like Lady Still Looking for forever homes
The Board of County Commissioners is keeping the spotlight on the wonderful dogs waiting for homes at Pinellas County Animal Services. Most recently, Commissioners Vince Nowicki and Brian Scott featured the adorable Holland and Lady! Holland was adopted just 11 days after being featured, but Lady is still eagerly waiting to find her forever home. Lady has been waiting for more than 250 days at Animal Services. You can check out Lady and other adoptable dogs at Pinellas.gov/dogs.

Commissioner Brian Scott pets a adoptable dog on a porch chair. The dog is wearing a bandana that reads "Adopt Me".

Kids Have Strokes, Too

Every year, between one and three kids per every 1,000 will have a stroke. Pinellas County EMS Medical Director, Dr. Angus Jameson, shares the signs to watch for and when to call 911.

He also shares how Pinellas County EMS was recognized by the Florida Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program for excellence in pediatric emergency care.

Pinellas County Medical Director speaks directly to the camera with a radio in his hand.

This Gold Tier designation demonstrates how we are continually seeking ways to advance pediatric emergency care through initiatives like mass casualty planning, specialized training for first responders and pediatric stroke protocols.

Find Your Next Favorite Park this July During Parks and Rec Month

A Pinellas County Parks employee crouches down in a luscious green area and points to new growth.

Whether you explore a familiar favorite or venture to a park you've never visited before, there's always something to discover in Pinellas County's parks.

Our Parks & Conservation Resources Department proudly maintains more than 20,000 acres of parks and preserves, miles of scenic trails and three major beach parks.

These preserves, trails, campgrounds, playgrounds, education centers, and world-class beaches are simply waiting for you. Visit Pinellas.gov/parks to discover your next favorite county park today!

Join the Pinellas County team!

We offer competitive pay, with salaries starting at $18/hour and above. Our benefits package, ranked among the top in the area, includes medical coverage starting at $13.09 per paycheck, participation in the Florida Retirement System, leave time starting at 15 days annual/sick leave in the first year, a wellness program, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement and more.

This month’s featured jobs include: