Gualtieri to lead national sheriff’s group

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has been sworn in as president of the Major County Sheriffs of America. He will hold the office for the next two years.

The swearing-in ceremony took place Feb. 5 during the opening ceremonies of the 2026 MCSA Policy Conference. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) administered the oath of office to Gualtieri and gave brief remarks. Scott had appointed Gualtieri as sheriff of Pinellas County in 2011 when he served as governor of Florida.

“I am honored by my colleagues who have faith in me to lead the Major County Sheriffs of America for the next two years,” said Gualtieri. “Law enforcement faces an unprecedented number of challenges and MCSA is well-positioned to make an impact through its advocacy, policy priorities, and expertise of its member sheriffs. I look forward to working with our fellow public safety associations as well as our federal, state, tribal, and local partners to lead the way for a safer America.”

MCSA is a professional law enforcement association of the largest Sheriff’s Offices in the country representing counties or parishes with a population of 400,000 or more. They are dedicated to preserving the highest integrity in law enforcement and the elected Office of the Sheriff. MCSA membership represents over 120 million citizens.

Public asked for input for safer streets

The Safe Streets Pinellas Survey for the Safe Streets Pinellas Action Plan Update is seeking advice from the public on how to update the county’s “Safety Action Plan” created by Safe Streets Pinellas.

The organization is asking residents to complete a short survey to better understand where and why serious crashes happen and how they can be prevented.

The survey can be found at https://tinyurl.com/22mjednj

The Safe Streets Pinellas Action Plan serves as a road map to reach the goal of zero fatalities and serious injuries on Pinellas County roadways.

Pinellas County University seeks applicants

Pinellas County residents can experience a behind-the-scenes look at how their county government provides first-class services by attending this year’s Pinellas County University.

The application window is open for the six-week course scheduled for Wednesday evenings from March 4 through April 8.

Participants will get an inside look at various Pinellas County operations each week and talk to the experts as they explore a wide range of county functions. Classes generally meet from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Enrollment applications are available online or by calling 727-464-4600. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 20. Registration is free and includes snacks, a graduation ceremony, a class photo and a diploma.

FEMA okays additional $480M for disaster recovery

TALLAHASSEE — FEMA has announced more than $480 million in federal funding to support more than 500 disaster recovery projects statewide in Florida.

These local and state-managed projects include $180 million for rebuilding or restoring critical infrastructure and public facilities, more than $136.6 million for emergency measures to protect life and property and $66.3 million for clearing debris from public roads.

Some notable announcements include:

• Nearly $83.9 million for permanent repairs or replacement of parks and recreational equipment, buildings, docks and facilities, including $16.5 million for the city of St. Petersburg for Tropicana Field

• An additional $37 million for Charlotte County for emergency work, beach repair and coastal protection.

• More than $35.8 million for the permanent repairs or replacement of buildings and equipment

• More than $26.7 million for permanent repairs or replacement to utilities, power generation and distribution facilities.

• More than $25.7 million for permanent repairs to water works facilities

• $9.3 million to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, $8.2 million to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and more than $5.9 million to Florida Department of Health for emergency measures to protect public safety.

Property Appraiser sets Q&A on exemptions

The Pinellas County Property Appraisers’ Office will provide information and answer questions about homestead exemptions Thursday, Feb. 12, noon-1 p.m. at 2500 34th St. N., second floor, St. Petersburg.

The event is open to all first-time home buyers who recently applied for Homestead Exemption. Exemption specialists will guide attendees through the qualifying criteria for these tax-saving benefits and answer questions. The office also has a new tool to help with storm damage rebuilding and repairing.

The event will be conducted in-person and virtually.