Pinellas County launches new Resilient Pinellas Action Plan
Pinellas County has completed its Resilient Pinellas Action Plan, the County’s first comprehensive plan to guide its sustainability and resiliency initiatives for years to come. The plan sets multiple goals based on data and public feedback, with steps that will make the County and its residents more prepared to handle a range of challenges, from sea level rise to hurricanes.
The 56 initiatives outlined in the action plan are either in progress or will be considered for inclusion in departmental work plans. Their aim: make emergency response infrastructure more resilient, help reduce energy and water use, promote healthy ecosystems, and keep the economy thriving, among others.
Pinellas County’s Sustainability and Resiliency Program developed the plan with community and partner organizations’ input. The program will launch a leadership committee to assist with the implementation of the plan across departments in collaboration with partners.
A few of the upcoming and in-progress initiatives in the plan include:
- Continuing to improve adaptability of water and wastewater systems to withstand environmental threats and hazards, such as flooding and hurricanes.
- Increasing resilience and capacity of emergency shelters.
- Implementing a new program to reduce invasive species on public lands.
- Switching more County vehicles from traditional gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) where feasible.
- Improving resource efficiency of County facilities by conducting energy audits.
“We are proud to announce this comprehensive plan, which reflects our commitment to creating a brighter future for Pinellas County for generations to come,” said County Commission Chair Janet C. Long. “This plan will help guide our efforts to support our residents and visitors, improve and protect our environment, and maintain a strong economy.”
The Resilient Pinellas Action Plan was developed over the course of two and a half years. The process included:
- An extensive review of County programs and policies, with input from internal advisory committees to consider all aspects of County operations.
- Public outreach through a public opinion survey and an external advisory committee.
- A greenhouse gas inventory to measure the carbon footprint of County operations and unincorporated Pinellas County communities.
To learn more about the Resilient Pinellas Action Plan, visit: resilient.pinellas.gov