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County seeks development proposals for downtown Clearwater parcels

Pinellas County invited experienced developers to submit proposals for redevelopment of parcels totaling 24.66 acres of County-owned land in downtown Clearwater today, June 16, advancing long-term goals to create a vibrant, mixed-use downtown that benefits residents, businesses and visitors.

Developers will have 90 days to submit their proposals, which are due by 3 p.m. on Sept. 18, 2026.

The RFN process is designed to encourage competition, ensure transparency and protect the public interest while positioning the sites for thoughtful private investment. The County’s vision calls for a walkable district with residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, civic, and public realm uses that create an active environment for residents and visitors alike.

“Downtown Clearwater represents an important opportunity to build on past public investments and support long-term economic growth,” said County Administrator Barry Burton. “This process allows the County to evaluate development proposals openly and select a partner that can deliver lasting community benefits.”

This opportunity is part of the County’s broader modernization strategy, supported by the planned relocation of County operations to a new Administration and Judicial Complex, with occupancy anticipated in mid-2029. Pinellas County and the City of Clearwater are aligned in their goals for placemaking, connectivity, fiscal sustainability, and long-term community benefit. CBRE, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm, serves as the County’s real estate advisor and, together with the County’s procurement department, is helping lead a transparent and competitive process for this transformational downtown redevelopment opportunity.

The County held a public town hall on April 29 to gather public input on the goals for this project. The county will schedule additional input opportunities following review of the developer proposals. Updates and additional information will be posted at https://pinellas.gov/projects/new-pinellas-county-government-center/the-future-of-the-countys-properties-in-downtown-clearwater/.  The RFN and due diligence information are available in the Virtual Deal Room (VDR) on CBRE’s project website, www.PinellasCountyDowntownClearwaterRedevelopment.com.

Goals for downtown redevelopment

Through this effort, the County aims to:

  • Create an active, mixed-use downtown serving residents year-round
  • Attract new industries that complement the area’s tourism economy
  • Expand the long-term tax base that supports public services
  • Strengthen connections between downtown, the waterfront and surrounding districts
  • Leverage existing City and County infrastructure investments

How the RFN process works

The Request for Negotiations is a structured public procurement process that allows the County to review proposals from qualified developers before selecting a preferred partner. The County is not obligated to select any proposal if submissions do not meet expectations.

Key steps include:

  • Public release of the RFN (June 16, 2026)
  • Approximately 90 days for development teams to prepare proposals
  • Detailed evaluation of qualifications, financial capacity and project concepts
  • Interviews and clarifications with top-ranked teams
  • Public discussion and recommendation by the Board of County Commissioners
  • Negotiation of binding development agreements

Evaluation criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on several factors, including:

  • Developer experience and successful completion of comparable projects
  • Financial strength and verified funding sources
  • Compatibility with redevelopment goals and community vision
  • Realistic development timelines and long-term operational plans