Resolution 26-83 – Order Extending Local State of Emergency for Mosquito Borne Illness
WHEREAS, in response to the increase in locally acquired Dengue Fever infections and West Nile viral activity, the Florida Department of Health issued a Mosquito Borne Illness Advisory on August 11, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Mosquito Borne Illnesses continue to present a threat to public health, and cases have been identified in Pinellas County; and
WHEREAS, in order to fully and effectively respond to the developing threats posed by Mosquito Borne Illnesses, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners (Board) passed Resolution 26-76 declaring a state of local emergency in Pinellas County (Resolution); and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Florida Statute 252.38(3)(b)(5) such declarations are limited to a duration of 7 days, after which they may be extended for additional periods of 7 days, as necessary; and
WHEREAS, in order to support and accomplish the public health goals required by the response to Mosquito Borne Illnesses, an order extending the state of local emergency in Pinellas County is necessary; and
WHEREAS, Pursuant to §252.38(1), Florida Statutes, and Pinellas County Charter section 2.04 (k), the County has jurisdictional authority over the entire county for emergency management purposes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND DECLARED by the Board of County Commissioners of Pinellas County, Florida, this 1st day of October 2026:
1) That in light of the foregoing conditions and the serious threat to the residents of Pinellas County posed by Mosquito Borne Illnesses, the Board of County Commissioners finds that a factual basis exists for the County to remain under a State of Local Emergency until 3:00 P.M. Thursday, October 8, 2026, and the State of Local Emergency is hereby extended until such time. This extension hereby exercises its authority and waives the procedures and formalities required by law of a political subdivision, as provided in Section 252.38(3)(b)5, Florida Statutes, by extending a state of local emergency.
2) That, unless expressly rescinded by another action of the Board, all previous resolutions and orders of the Board of County Commissioners, the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, or the County Administrator issued in furtherance of emergency response to Dengue Fever, are hereby ratified, restated, readopted, and extended throughout the State of Local Emergency.
Effective Date; Duration.
This Order is effective immediately upon filing with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
This Order applies to incorporated and unincorporated areas within Pinellas County, but has no application outside of Pinellas County.
This order and prior resolutions and emergency orders remain in force and effect unless modified or superseded.
Ordered this 30th day of September, 2026 at 1:33 p.m.
Approved as to form by Keiah Townsend, Office of the County Attorney
PCAO 590804
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