Aerial of Pinellas County looking from downtown Saint Petersburg Florida

The Wave

Your Pinellas County Government Newsletter

July 2025

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

It's here! New bridge connects more of the Pinellas Trail

Pinellas County completed the northern segment of the Pinellas Trail Loop last week with the opening of the Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal Bridge! The new pedestrain bridge at McMullen Booth Road and Tampa Road in Palm Harbor creates 65 contiguous miles of trail. Eventually, the loop will encircle Pinellas. See our announcement video on Instagram and read more about the project on our website!

Aerial photo of Pass-a-Grille beach renourishment project from August 2024

County-led beach nourishment project to begin by late summer

The Pinellas County Commission recently authorized funding for a one-time emergency beach nourishment project. The project will place sand on the island of Sand Key (Clearwater Beach to Belleair Beach and Indian Rocks Beach to North Redington Beach), Treasure Island and Upham Beach. Learn more about the project at Pinellas.gov/signforsand.

Get sandbags ahead of peak hurricane season

If you want sandbags for your home this year, now is the time! Pinellas County will host two self-serve sandbag events from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at the Lealman Exchange Community Center in St. Petersburg and Wall Springs Park in Palm Harbor.

Residents can fill up to 10 bags per vehicle. A limited number of shovels will be available. Public Works staff will be onsite to provide guidance, information, traffic control and assistance to those physically unable to fill their own.

Keep in mind: Sandbags are only effective against flooding less than 15 inches and only when placed properly. A growing number of companies are offering alternate flood barriers. Residents in surge- or flood-prone areas are encouraged to research those options.

Visit our upgraded Lake Seminole Park Trail

Lake Seminole Park’s beloved trail just got even better! A new extension connects a winding, scenic, three-mile path. Crosswalks and shady oak canopy give walkers, runners, skaters and casual cyclists more room to roam, explore and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month and discover the natural beauty of Pinellas County. Watch the video below to see the new trail in action!

Photo of ranger crossing a bridge with the text "Lake Seminole Park's Trail just got an upgrade."

Photo of trees and grass with the sunrise behind them in the background with a sign reading "habitat restoration for future generations" in the foreground.

Build Together, Play Together for Parks & Rec Month

It’s National Park & Recreation Month! From scenic trails and peaceful preserves to classes and community events, Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources helps create spaces where everyone can explore the great outdoors. This year’s theme — Build Together, Play Together — honors the dedicated staff, volunteers and community members who make it all possible. Follow our social media pages this month for videos, staff highlights, events and fun ways to get involved!

Brown dog wearing pink lei around her neck.

Find a pet without adoption fees!

The dog days of summer have brought lots of animals to Pinellas County Animal Services (PCAS). To help them find great homes as quickly as possible, PCAS is waiving adoption fees. Every adoption comes with a spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccines, a microchip, a small bag of food, a toy or treat and a FREE week of dog training.

All adoptions require a background check to ensure every pet is going to a good home!

Find the perfect pet for you in our adoption center now!

Breaking ground on an EMS facility on barrier island

There's a new Emergency Medical Services building coming to North Redington Beach! Recently, we broke ground in partnership with Madeira Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Beach and Redington Shores. This new, hurricane-hardened, 7,000 sq ft building will be outfitted to run medical calls, water rescues and assist with fire-related calls. It'll also provide worksites and equipment space for public works staff from Redington Shores and North Redington Beach. Construction is funded in part by Penny for Pinellas.

Brightening Lealman with two new murals

The Pinellas County Lealman Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the additions, created in partnership with Creative Pinellas as part of an ongoing public art project. The project also includes three new utility box wraps in the community.

Sweet Disposition mural by artist Ashley Cassens