Forward Pinellas gets $400K<\/p>\n
Forward Pinellas has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Safe Streets and Roads for All program.<\/p>\n
The funds will be used to update the county agency\u2019s Safe Streets Pinellas Action Plan.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
As part of the project, Forward Pinellas will host a series of community workshops starting next spring.<\/p>\n
Board names officers<\/p>\n
The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County recently announced a new slate of officers, with each serving two-year terms.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Kristen Gnage was named board vice chair. She was appointed to the JWB Board in 2023 by Gov. Ron DeSantis.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Alzheimer\u2019s walks raise $250K<\/p>\n
Hundreds of families affected by Alzheimer\u2019s and other types of dementia gathered Oct. 4 for Walk to End Alzheimer\u2019s. Events took place at Poynter Park in St. Petersburg and Sims Park in New Port Richey.<\/p>\n
Supporters walked with brightly colored flowers, each representing a connection to the disease, raising funds and awareness for the Alzheimer\u2019s Association.<\/p>\n
Una Kistner was surrounded by family and friends at the St. Petersburg Walk.<\/p>\n
\u201cI walk because I was diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s at age 57 and I am only 59 years old now,\u201d Kistner said. \u201cAlzheimer\u2019s is not an old person\u2019s disease. It has changed my life forever.\u201d<\/p>\n
More than 7 million Americans are estimated to be living with Alzheimer\u2019s, 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.<\/p>\n
Jemith Rosa walked at the Pasco County event for her mother who recently passed from Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n
\u201cI walk to honor a great lady who gave her heart to everyone around her,\u201d Rosa said. \u201cWe need to find a cure and there is no way my family will stop until we do.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Vacancy announced on Historic Preservation Board<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Service on this board is a volunteer position.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n