Forward Pinellas gets $400K
Forward Pinellas has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program.
The funds will be used to update the county agency’s Safe Streets Pinellas Action Plan.
First adopted in 2021 as a countywide roadmap to eliminate traffic injuries, the plan is set for an 18-month project to update crash data, refine safety strategies and explore new tools to improve roadway safety, officials said.
As part of the project, Forward Pinellas will host a series of community workshops starting next spring.
Board names officers
The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County recently announced a new slate of officers, with each serving two-year terms.
Division Chief James Millican now serves as the JWB Board chair. He was appointed to the JWB Board by former Florida Gov. Rick Scott in 2017.
Kristen Gnage was named board vice chair. She was appointed to the JWB Board in 2023 by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Bruce Bartlett continues to serve in the role of JWB board secretary. He served as chief assistant state attorney for 28 years until his appointment as the state attorney of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court by DeSantis in 2021.
Patrice Moore, Circuit Court judge with the Sixth Judicial Circuit, concluded her term as JWB Board chair on Sept. 20. She continues to serve as an ex-officio member of the JWB board.
Alzheimer’s walks raise $250K
Hundreds of families affected by Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia gathered Oct. 4 for Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Events took place at Poynter Park in St. Petersburg and Sims Park in New Port Richey.
Supporters walked with brightly colored flowers, each representing a connection to the disease, raising funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Una Kistner was surrounded by family and friends at the St. Petersburg Walk.
“I walk because I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 57 and I am only 59 years old now,” Kistner said. “Alzheimer’s is not an old person’s disease. It has changed my life forever.”
More than 7 million Americans are estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s, a progressive brain disease that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Florida has the second-highest number of residents living with the disease, making local support and fundraising efforts critical.
Jemith Rosa walked at the Pasco County event for her mother who recently passed from Alzheimer’s.
“I walk to honor a great lady who gave her heart to everyone around her,” Rosa said. “We need to find a cure and there is no way my family will stop until we do.”
To date, the two walks have raised more than $250,000 to benefit research, care and educational initiatives. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 31 at alz.org/walk.
Vacancy announced on Historic Preservation Board
Applications are being accepted for an alternate position on the Pinellas County Historic Preservation Board. The HPB is seeking candidates who have expertise in historic preservation or are currently a historic preservation professional.
Service on this board is a volunteer position.
The Historic Preservation Board comprises nine members and two alternate members, who each whom serve a three-year term. Each member of the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners nominates one member, and the BCC jointly nominates two at-large members and two alternates. The BCC also annually appoints one county commissioner to the Historic Preservation Board to serve as its chair and ex-officio, non-voting member.
The HPB is composed of community advocates, municipal representatives and historic preservation professionals with expertise and/or knowledge in the fields of archaeology, preservation architecture, history, architectural history, historical museum studies and preservation planning.
Applications can be found at pinellas.gov/boards-councils-and-committees. Applicants will need to provide a current resume. Applications must be received by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
The Board of County Commissioners will review all applications and make its selection at an upcoming meeting.
JWB’s final KidsFirst Award winner is ‘Toddler Whisperer’
Johanny Crisostomo, an infant/toddler teacher at R’Club Early Learning Academy, has been named the final “KidsFirst” award winner by the Juvenile Welfare Board.
Crisostomo has taught at the Academy, a JWB-funded agency, for 17 years.
She started with a high school diploma and a love for children. Over the years, while raising her own family, she earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, an Associate’s degree with honors, and most recently her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education Leadership—Summa Cum Laude! All while working full time and mentoring others.
Her impact is felt daily, JWB said in announcing her selection. “She is a respectful and caring individual who builds trust not only with her ‘littles,’ but also with the families she serves, creating intentional lesson plans, guiding families through the ups and downs of toddlerhood, and ensuring every child feels safe, seen, and celebrated!”
She excels at creating a safe and nurturing yet stimulating environment for the children, JWB said, using play and structured activities based in age-appropriate curricula Johanny fosters their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Her team even refers to her as the “Toddler Whisperer” because of results like these.