Pinellas marks opening of 80 new affordable homes for seniors

RIDGECREST — Pinellas County commissioners joined the Pinellas County Housing Authority and Newstar Development on Jan. 8 to celebrate the first phase in a broader redevelopment of Rainbow Village, an aging public housing community in unincorporated Ridgecrest.

The ribbon-cutting at Heritage Oaks is first of four events this winter that will celebrate 554 new affordable homes in Pinellas County opening or starting construction.

The new 80-unit affordable senior housing community not only marks a major milestone in the long-term revitalization of Ridgecrest, it’s also the first of several new developments in the new year bringing hundreds more affordable homes to Pinellas County.

The new one- and two-bedroom apartments located at 13060 Washington Drive, Largo, nearly double the 48 public housing units that once stood here, with longer term plans on the site to replace 200 aging units with approximately 400 new affordable apartments for seniors, individuals and families.

Over the next two months, Pinellas County will also join partners in the cities of St. Petersburg and Largo in celebrating a total of 554 new affordable and workforce homes opening or starting construction.

The $31-million Heritage Oaks development was made possible by funding from Raymond James Affordable Housing Investments and Raymond James Bank, $3.36 million in Pinellas County HOME Investment Partnerships Program, State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, low-income tax credits allocated by Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Housing Authority funds, and HUD rental assistance.

All apartments are reserved for seniors earning 60 percent or less of the area median income — that’s $43,890 for an individual. The apartments are all fully occupied.

Pinellas sets Career Fair at Botanical Gardens

LARGO — Pinellas County will host a countywide career fair on Friday, Jan. 30, from 1-4 p.m. at Florida Botanical Gardens (Magnolia Room), 12520 Ulmerton Road. Hiring managers from Pinellas County government, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and Pinellas County Schools will meet with candidates in-person, and candidates can also apply on the spot.

Career seekers are encouraged to bring copies of their resume. Veterans are encouraged to attend and bring their DD-214 or appropriate veterans’ preference documentation.

Human Resources staff will also be on hand to discuss Pinellas County’s benefits, including health and wellness, tuition reimbursement, retirement and more. Staff can also discuss volunteer opportunities.

For more information, visit www.pinellas.gov/career-fair.

Vacancies announced for Housing Finance Authority

Applications are being accepted for two appointments to the Pinellas County Housing Finance Authority. These appointments will begin on April 1, and end on March 31, 2030.

Applications due by 3 p.m. Feb. 18.

The mission of the Housing Finance Authority is to ensure that financing for affordable housing remains available to residents of Pinellas County. This is accomplished through the issuance of single-family and multifamily bonds and programs that support housing needs in the community. Applicants with multifaceted work experience are strongly desired and should have experience with affordable housing. Applicants must be registered to vote in Pinellas County.

This working board seeks members who can dedicate the time to attend monthly meetings consistently. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m.

Housing Finance Authority board members also serve on the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, which meets three to five times per year.

For a full description of the powers and responsibilities of the Authority, visit pinellas.gov/hfa.

Applications can be found at pinellas.gov/boards.

County clerk to hold Passport Day

The Pinellas County Clerk’s office will host a 2026 Passport Day Event on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at multiple locations. This annual opportunity offers extended hours to assist residents who are unable to apply for passports during regular weekday business hours.

The following Clerk’s office locations will be open for this special event:

• Downtown Clearwater Courthouse – Recording Services Department, 315 Court St., Room 150

• Downtown St. Petersburg Judicial Building, 545 First Ave N.

• North County Customer Information and Service Center, 3165 McMullen Booth Road, Fessler Center, Building B, Clearwater.

Passport applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and standard passport fees will apply. All applicants, regardless of age, must appear in person and bring the following:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship

• Proof of Identity

Two forms of payment are required:

• The U.S. Department of State’s passport fee must be paid by check or money order.

• The Clerk’s processing fee can be paid by check, cash, money order, or credit card.

Passport photos will be available for $15. However, U.S. military veterans and active-duty personnel can receive their passport photos free of charge by presenting one of the following:

• CAC card (active duty)

• Military ID card (veterans)

• Driver license with veteran designation

Applicants are encouraged to complete their passport application in advance by visiting travel.state.gov.

For more information, visit www.mypinellasclerk.gov or contact the Clerk’s Recording Services Department at 727-464-4551.