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The Wave

Your Pinellas County Government Newsletter

November 2026

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

Give a shelter pet a home for the holidays!

8-year-old Lil' Bit, a long-term shelter dog, lays on a couch with a stuffed reindeer toy.

For dogs like 8-year-old Lil' Bit, who've spent months waiting in a kennel, even a temporary stay in a home can mean a world of difference. 

Pinellas County Animal Services' A Home for the Holidays program gives adoptable dogs and cats a chance to take a break from shelter life and spend up to 30 days in a temporary home this holiday season. And it gives you a chance to bring a little extra joy into your home.


We'll provide the supplies. You provide the home. No long-term commitment required.

 

And if you fall in love with your foster, you can start the adoption process at any time!

 

The program runs Nov. 1 through Dec. 30. Ask our Animal Support representatives about our longest residents or walk through the adoption kennels and find a shelter pet you connect with.

Ready to give a fur-ever home? Check out our ongoing adoption promotions at pinellas.gov/adoption-center-dog-cat-adoption/.

Take care of you during this holiday season

Care About Me logo

The holidays can be a beautiful time of connection, joy and thankfulness; but they can also bring stress and difficult emotions for many.


You don’t have to navigate difficult moments alone.

Wherever this season finds you, please know that Care About Me is here to connect our residents with support for mental health, substance use and/or addiction. 

Call or text our trained Care About Me specialists at 727-333-CARE (2273) or visit our website careaboutme.org.

Dengue: Helicopters treating areas for mosquito larvae

A Lee County helicopter flies over Lee County.

Mosquito Control has partnered with Lee County Mosquito Control to provide aerial larvae treatments for areas of St. Pete and Clearwater.


The helicopters fly low in a pattern in targeted areas between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. They have Lee County branding (as shown in the photo) and spray a fine mist of Bti, a natural bacteria found in soil that targets only mosquito larvae and black flies, mixed with water. Bti is the active ingredient found in mosquito dunks and bits. It is EPA-approved and is not harmful to humans, pets or other pollinators when used properly.


Register for Alert Pinellas to receive notifications of aerial larvae treatments planned in your area.


Find the answer to many of your questions about aerial treatments, other mosquito control efforts and what you can do to protect yourself at Pinellas.gov/dengue.

Mark your calendar!

A gazebo is lit up at night in the Florida Botanical Gardens for holiday lights in the gardens.

Holiday lights return

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the Florida Botanical Gardens' annual holiday wonderland!


Starting Nov. 27, enjoy one million twinkling lights, dazzling laser projections, festive displays, live entertainment, and holiday treats as you stroll the beauty of the gardens nightly, 5:30-9:30 p.m. through Jan. 2, 2027! 

No ticket needed. A $10 donation is suggested, and proceeds support garden maintenance and horticulture, children’s education, and year-round events and programs. 

Learn more at flbgfoundation.org/holiday-lights/

Monthly Movie and market night in Lealman

An evening market and movie event is coming to Lealman. Lealman Nights will be the second Saturday of each month from October through May, 6 to 9 p.m., at Raymond H. Neri Park, 4300 Duval Park Blvd, weather permitting. Each event will feature a free outdoor movie, shown on a 33-foot screen, with local food and vendors.


Admission and parking are free!

Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket for the movie. Outside food and alcohol are not permitted. More information about Lealman Nights can be found here: Lealman Nights Brings Families Together at Raymond H. Neri Park - Lealman Exchange

Five more free events you shouldn't miss:


Find more fall and holiday events happening around Pinellas County at visitstpeteclearwater.com.

Be Seen. Be safe.

Graphic reading “Be Seen. Wear bright, reflective clothes when walking at night,” with two people walking a dog.

As we move into Eastern Standard Time and the days get cooler and shorter, more of our walks, events and activities happen after sunset.


Keep yourself safe by wearing bright or reflective clothing and carrying a light, so you’re easier to see by passing cars. Whether you’re walking the dog or heading to a fall event, make visibility part of the plan.

Protect yourself from fraud

A Pinellas County employee takes a box of papers to be shredded from a Pinellas County resident.

Scammers are always looking for new ways to take advantage of people, especially during the hustle of the holidays. Protect yourself from scams and fraudulent transactions with tips from Pinellas County Consumer Protection.

You can also take part in several events, like free shredding, hosted by Consumer Protection in recognition of Fraud Awareness Week, Nov. 15-21. 

Bring up to 3 boxes/bags of papers to be shredded from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or until the truck is full.


  • Nov. 14, at East Lake High School, 1300 Silver Drive, Tarpon Springs.
    
  • Nov. 21, at the Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport.

Find all the Fraud Prevention Week events at pinellas.gov/department/consumer-protection/

Join the Pinellas County team!

A 911 telecommunicator smiles and waves in the Regional 911 Center with the text "Apply today Pinellas.gov/join911"

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:

  • 911 Telecommunicator
  • Public Works Field Inspector
  • Senior Security Analyst
  • Stormwater Engineering Section Manager

Learn more about what we offer and apply today at pinellas.gov/careers.

 
Head shots of the Board of County Commissioners with the words "Board of County Commissioners" on a blue background

Upcoming County Events & BCC Meetings

Nov. 11: County offices closed for Veterans Day holiday

Nov. 12: Board of County Commissioners work session

Nov. 14: Household chemical collection at HHW North
Nov. 17:
Board of County Commissioners regular meeting

Nov. 20: Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Complex Tour

Nov. 26-27: County offices closed for Thanksgiving holiday

Check out the full county calendar at
pinellas.gov/events.

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