Applications open for ambulance membership
Applications remain open for a 2026 Sunstar FirstCare ambulance membership.
Membership covers 100% of expenses associated with deductibles and co-payments, and 50% of medically necessary trips denied by insurance.
Enroll now for coverage up to March 31, 2027.
The estimated average cost of a single ambulance transport is $1,037. Annual membership fees for the Sunstar FirstCare Ambulance Membership plan are $89 for a Single Membership and $133 for a Family Membership.
Applications can be found online at www.pinellas.gov/firstcare or by calling 727-582-2008 to receive an application by mail.
Membership covers 100% of expenses associated with deductibles and co-payments and 50% of medically necessary trips denied by insurance. Uninsured members receive a 20% discount on medically necessary ambulance transportation.
The Sunstar FirstCare Ambulance Membership is not an insurance plan. It is a Pinellas County government program that works with an individual’s insurance company to minimize out-of-pocket ambulance expenses.
Current members who have changed addresses should contact 727-582-2008.
For more information and detailed plan coverage, call 727-582-2008 or visit www.pinellas.gov/coverage.
Clerk’s Office offers options for license reinstatement event
CLEARWATER — The Pinellas County Clerk of the Court is offering a choice of dates and times to people to pay their fines and fees in order to get their driver’s license reinstated.
The event, named Operation Green Light, allows residents with suspended drivers licenses to pay overdue court and traffic fines in full while saving 25% on collections fees.
The event will take place at the Pinellas County Justice Center, 14250 49th St. N., Clearwater, from April 20 to 24. Appointment hours are:
• Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday and Thursday: 8:30 a.m. -6:30 p.m. (extended hours).
An appointment is required to participate. Registration for 15‑minute appointment times will be open from April 6–10. Customers may check back during that period for the appointment link and will be able to select an available time slot for an in-person appointment.
In many cases, customers who pay their financial obligations in full may be eligible to reinstate their suspended driver licenses. Customers are not eligible to participate if they have previously taken part in any prior Operation Green Light event in Pinellas County.
Applications sought for Justice Coordination funds
Pinellas County is accepting applications for funding through the federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Countywide (JAG-C).
JAG-C is a pass-through grant of federal funds awarded to Pinellas County by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. JAG-C funds programs within Pinellas County that offer a high probability of preventing and controlling crime and/or improving the criminal justice system.
To be eligible for JAG-C funding, applicants must be a local unit of government, a political or law enforcement agency, or a not-for-profit organization. Projects must also serve one of several federally approved purpose areas.
The grant is for projects to be performed between Oct. 1, and Sept. 30, 2027. Pinellas County typically funds several projects with an average program budget of approximately $25,000.
Applications for this grant must be submitted by April 8 at 2 p.m. Organizations interested in applying can access full grant solicitation and application instructions at https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/pinellascountyfl/participant.
Potential applicants are invited to attend an information webinar March 25 at 9 a.m. For more information, please email questions to Amanda Craft at acraft@pinellas.gov by March 25. All answers will be shared online April 1.