Tax collector changes software
The Pinellas County Tax Collector’s Office has announced the upcoming implementation of a new tax management and cashiering system projected to save taxpayers some $1 million annually.
The system is scheduled to go into effect on Oct. 1, 2026.
“We are always seeking ways to improve the way we operate while remaining mindful of the public resources entrusted to us,” county Tax Collector Adam Ross said.
SunRunner celebrates third anniversary
ST. PETERSBURG — The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s SunRunner celebrated its third birthday Oct. 21. The rapid transit system, made possible thanks to a federal grant, had more than 2.5 million riders since its inception.
Recent data clearly shows SunRunner has both reduced overall crashes as well as decreased the number of severe accidents including those involving fatalities, PSTA says. SunRunner has also helped reduce congestion and improve travel times along the Central Avenue corridor.
Data compiled by Forward Pinellas shows that the SunRunner corridor is measurably safer and more efficient for all users since the October 2022 launch:
• The SunRunner corridor has experienced an overall decrease in crashes, with a nearly 40% reduction in crashes resulting in a death or serious injury along sections of the corridor where lanes were repurposed.
• The re-timing of traffic signals along the corridor has resulted in significant time savings for all drivers, with a reduction of more than six minutes during the morning rush hour and over three minutes during the afternoon rush hour.
• The semi-dedicated BAT lanes and Transit Signal Priority technology enable SunRunner buses to travel faster and more reliably, moving more people (each SunRunner bus can take up to 50 cars off the road) and reducing overall traffic congestion.
• Total ridership in three years has topped 2,551,745 passengers with an average of 70,883 passenger trips per month.
Volunteers, sponsors sought
Pinellas County is sponsoring a Nov. 8 cleanup of Joe’s Creek and is looking for both volunteers and sponsors.
Register by Nov. 6 with Pinellas County Environmental Management or under the events tab at Facebook.com/PinellasEnviroNews.
Volunteers should meet at 8 a.m. at the Joe’s Creek Access Site, corner of 78th Street N. and 70th Avenue N.
Part of the Intercoastal Cleanup Campaign, the event involves removal of trash and debris in and along Cross Bayou Canal and Joe’s Creek. Volunteers wanting to help on the water can bring their own watercraft or reserve a canoe when registering (while supplies last). Life jackets are required and will be provided to those borrowing a canoe. Volunteers must be 18 or over and paddleboards are not permitted.
Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at the Pinellas County property at the intersection of 78th Street North and 70th Avenue North near Crash Champions Collision Repair on Park Boulevard. Enter the gate and follow signs. A water truck will be available for volunteers to clean their watercraft following the event. Lunch and a free raffle drawing will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen and bring a chair or towel to sit on. Trash grabbers, bags, gloves and drinking water will be provided.
Pinellas County is also recruiting sponsors for this event. Interested parties can contact Ryan Ryczek at 727-464-4462 or at rryczek@pinellas.gov.
Hurricane recovery programs set
Applications are now open for Pinellas County’s People First Hurricane Recovery Programs.
The five new programs provide millions of dollars to help local homeowners and renters repair or replace their home, find a safe, affordable place to live or recoup disaster-related expenses not covered by other programs.
The live application, along with program information including income qualifications and what documents you need, is posted online at recover.pinellas.gov.
Residents can choose which program best suits their needs or request help from a case worker to determine which assistance is the right fit for their situation.
Help is available by phone or in-person. Call 727-606-3307 or meet with a case worker at one of these locations:
• 2600 McCormick Drive, Suite 100, Clearwater
• 5000 Park St., Suite 4, St. Petersburg
Case workers will also be visiting community centers and other locations countywide at pop-up sites in the coming months. Check the website for dates/locations or text “RECOVER” to 888777 to opt in for updates.