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The Wave
Your Pinellas County Government Newsletter
April 2026
| | A glance at people, programs & news from Pinellas County! | |
Extreme Water Shortage Order in Effect
Severe drought conditions continue to push our region’s water supplies to critically-low levels. In response, the Southwest Florida Water Management District has issued a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order, and stricter watering rules are now in effect.
Pinellas County Utilities customers should continue to only water one day per week on their assigned day. Watering hours are reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties less than one acre in size may only use one of these windows. To protect the remaining water supply, Pinellas County Utilities staff is authorized to issue fines of $193 for violations of the watering restrictions.
If you're unsure of your watering day or want to learn how you can best conserve water, visit our website. Residents who do not receive their water from Pinellas County should verify their watering days and restrictions with their water supplier.
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County and community officially open new Dansville Park
Pinellas County celebrated the new Dansville Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday. The 12-acre park is located in the unincorporated Greater Ridgecrest area at 12701 Wilcox Road.
Marking the opening were Pinellas County Commission Chair Dave Eggers, Parks and Conservation Resources Director Paul Cozzie, Friends of Ridgecrest President Wanda McCawthan, and David Baldwin (grandson of neighborhood founder Dan Henry).
The new Dansville Park includes the Dansville retention pond (Mill Pond), a multi-use path, sidewalks, benches, a picnic shelter, restrooms, a parking lot, and open green space. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset.
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Animal Services extending Saturday adoption hours for the summer
Pinellas County Animal Services is making a splash this summer with new operating hours! Starting May 4, we’re shifting our hours to give you more time to visit our adoption center on Saturdays.
Our new hours will be Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This will impact adoption center and front lobby services like our pet food bank.
Need assistance before 11 a.m.? Our customer service phone lines will remain open at their normal time – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Recognizing the voices behind your emergency
The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing April 12 – 18, 2026, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
Every 911 call made in Pinellas County is answered by the amazing team at the County’s Regional 911 Center. Each year they answer approximately 1 million calls. You can learn more about the center by visiting our website.
Check out our social media this week as we announce the recipients of the Lifesaving Award and this year’s Telecommunicator of the Year.
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Free National Arbor Day Tree Giveaway
Celebrate National Arbor Day early by accepting a new *FREE* tree at the Pinellas County Urban Forestry and Landscape Services campus on Saturday, April 18.
Pinellas County residents are eligible for up to two trees per household. Facility gates will open at 8:30 a.m. for queueing, and the drive-through tree distribution will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Trees available are Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress), Ilex cassine (Dahoon Holly), Quercus virginiana (Live Oak), Pinus palustris (Longleaf Pine), Pinus elliottii var. densa (South Florida Slash Pine) and Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia).
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Free Countywide Tire Disposal Event
Got old tires lying around? We're hosting a free tire collection event on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring up to 12 tires (no rims and no tires over 36 inches) to one of three drop-off locations:
- Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) North, 29582 U.S. Highway 19 N., Clearwater
- Walsingham Park, 12615 102nd Ave., Seminole
- Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th Street N., St. Petersburg
Waste tires left in the environment collect water where mosquitoes breed. In fact, one scrap tire can lead to thousands of mosquitoes in a single season. Removing these tires helps reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses and keeps our community healthier.
This event is for Pinellas County residents only. Tires from commercial entities will not be accepted. A government-issued ID is required to verify Pinellas County residency. Learn more.
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Home Repair Program offers up to $75,000 for roofs, windows and more
To help residents stay in their homes and maintain property, we've reopened our state-funded Home Repair Program offering a fully forgivable loan up to $75,000 for critical needs like roofs, windows & AC replacements.
The program is available for homes in unincorporated Pinellas and most cities, except for Belleair Shore, Largo, Clearwater and St. Pete. Income limits do apply. Check city websites for info on their home repair programs.
The County’s program temporarily closed in early 2025 to redirect funds to emergency home repair needs following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. After launching the People First Hurricane Recovery Programs, funded by an $813-million federal disaster recovery grant, the County now has capacity to help homeowners with non-storm related repairs.
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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:
- Economic Development Manager
- ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) Project Manager
Learn more about what we offer and apply today at pinellas.gov/careers.
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Residents celebrate Graduation Day for Pinellas County University
More than two dozen civic-minded residents completed the Pinellas County University, a six-week course educating residents on the programs and services Pinellas County provides.
Participants got an inside look at various Pinellas County operations each week and spoke to the experts as they explored a wide range of county functions. The annual program will be offered again in Spring 2027. Registration is free and includes snacks, a graduation ceremony, a class photo and a diploma.
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