VISIONS FOR 2020
Pinellas County Sheriff
Bob Gualtieri
Clarity of vision is the key to achieving your objectives. We have reduced Pinellas
County crime 43% over the past 10 years, while also shifting our efforts beyond
traditional policing. We have become responsible for mental health issues, effective
alternatives to incarceration, strong community partnerships, and so much more.
We continue to evaluate new technology and methodology to enhance our proactive
approach to crime fighting because there is no service government provides to its
citizens that is more important than public safety. Those who wear our star had
many successes in 2019 because of hard work and dedication and I look forward to
many more accomplishments in leading the way to a safer Pinellas in 2020.
Florida Senate President Bill Galvano
(R) 21st District (Manatee and Hillsborough)
Heading into 2020, the Tampa Bay region has much to look forward to. We will be
completing the vital regional infrastructure projects already underway. Additionally,
the ongoing MCORES program prioritizes critical infrastructure enhancements and
combines those efforts with innovations that will enhance communities throughout
our region, while providing new opportunities for job creation in our rural legacy
communities. We are continuing to explore innovative, research-based solutions
that will help Florida address ongoing environmental concerns including red tide
and toxic algae blooms, among others. As we do each year, we will work to pass
a balanced budget that provides funding for essential government services, while
keeping taxes low and maintaining ample state reserves to ensure our state has the
resources needed for any storm or other emergency situation that may come our
way.
Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long, District 1
Exciting developments for the Tampa Bay region in 2020 will center on climate
resiliency work and transportation improvements. The first Tampa Bay Regional
Resiliency Coalition Leadership Summit will take place in Pinellas County. Tampa
Bay will finally define a regional action plan for transforming our communities over
the next 5-10 years to address major economic, social, and environmental challenges.
In addition, the Central Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in St. Petersburg
will begin construction. This BRT will serve as an important connection between St.
Pete Beach and downtown St. Petersburg while spurring economic development
in all of Pinellas County. This exciting new project is also the first leg of a much
larger, regional BRT network now being developed with other transit agencies and
planning organizations throughout the region.
Pinellas County Commissioner Pat Gerard, District 2
I look forward to serving as commission chair in 2020. I am honored to be working
with such a committed and talented group of people on our staff and our commission.
It promises to be a busy year as we work to improve lives in our county in the
areas of affordable housing, economic development, transportation, mental health
services and a number of other issues. In addition, we will be looking to the future
with solutions to how sea level rise will affect our infrastructure, what technology
will be needed to carry out the many responsibility of county government, and
whatever other challenges arise, as we make Pinellas an even greater place to live,
work and play.
54 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020