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2020 State Legislative Program

Guiding Principles

  1. Maintain the integrity of home rule power which allows the development and implementation of community-based solutions to local problems, without state limitations.
  2. Oppose unfunded mandates that impact local government’s ability to control its budget.
  3. Support adequate state funding for constitutional officers required to perform duties on behalf of the state.
  4. Support Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund be used exclusively for housing.
  5. Support a dedicated recurring source of funding for beach nourishment.
  6. Support the development of a Statewide Climate Resiliency Plan.
  7. Oppose any and all oil drilling or exploration efforts in state waters.
  8. Maintain the integrity of Tampa Bay Water as the regional water supplier.
  9. Support state funding for the Arts and cultural institutions.
  10. Support priorities of our partner organizations and agencies when aligned with the Board’s priorities.
  11. Support state funding to assist local infrastructure improvements including septic to sewer conversion and damaged sanitary sewer laterals.

Priorities

Tampa Bay Innovation Center $2,000,000

Design and construction of 45,000-square-foot purpose built, state-of-the-art facility to house the Tampa Bay Innovation Center incubator. The project will lead to the formation of new high-wage primary employers throughout the Tampa Bay area and the creation of quality jobs for citizens of Florida. The U.S. Economic Development Administration recently awarded a $7.5 million grant to support the project which will total $12 million.

Pinellas County Marchman Act $1,549,025

Support Central Florida Behavioral Health Network’s funding request for ten (10) secure Marchman beds in Pinellas County.

Highpoint Community Recreation Complex $800,000

In partnership with Pinellas County School Board and the City of Largo construct a recreation facility to include multi- purpose fields, park shelters, and playground equipment to serve a low-income community which currently lacks access to recreational opportunities. The need for recreation fields is the number one priority in the Highpoint community.

Private Provider Audits

As a result of HB 7103 which was passed in 2019, under F.S. 553.791(18) a local building agency may only perform up to four inspections on work performed by a private provider per year. This provision severely diminishes the local building agency‘s ability to ensure Florida building codes are being followed. The Board supports the removal of this cap as a critical step for accountability and consumer protection.

For more information, please contact Brian Lowack, Pinellas County Intergovernmental Liaison, by calling (727) 464-5758 or e-mailing Blowack@pinellas.gov.