Pinellas Prepares
While the Tampa Bay area last took a direct hurricane hit in 1921, it doesn’t mean that our area is immune from hurricane impacts. We still need to be prepared for these storms and the potential damage they can bring, so that we can respond quickly to threats, maintain important resources like fire stations and shelters, and protect the Pinellas community.
To ensure that we’re ready, Pinellas County has invested in new facilities designed to withstand Category 5 hurricane winds (155 mph-plus) and storm surges. We’ve also taken steps to improve other existing facilities so they can better survive hurricanes.
Pinellas County Public Safety Complex
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
- Year Built: 2014
- Cost: $81.4 million, Penny for Pinellas funded
- Houses the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Regional 9-1-1 Center and Emergency Operations Center
- Located in a non-evacuation zone
- Designed for an emergency staffing level of 700 employees
Emergency Response Building
- Year Built: 2010
- Cost: $30 million, Penny for Pinellas funded
- Houses Public Works Highway department, Traffic Engineering, and the Primary Control Center for the Intelligent Transportation System
- Equipped with backup power, wastewater and drinking water supplies
- Can protect 32 county heavy construction vehicles used for debris removal and repairs
Hardening Existing Facilities
We have hardened our existing facilities with hurricane-resistant features, including:
- Hurricane shutters.
- Equipment tie-downs.
- Storm-rated windows and doors.
- Reduced openings.
- Structural tie-downs.
- Roof improvements.
Additional Information
- Contact Emergency Management
- Contact Safety & Emergency Services
- Contact Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office