Nothing more than a clubhouse was built on the 96 acres — , counting the mangroves and wetlands. The property abuts the acre Boca Ciega Millennium Park, which is a state-recognized birding trail and the site of a major archaeological find of Pleistocene-age fossils. A bald eagle was spotted there twice this week, said Clearwater Audubon Society president Barb Walker.
Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? According to Tim Scofield, principal planner with Pinellas County, Paleoindian-era fossils dating to the earliest period humans appeared in Florida are also thought to be buried on the Tides property. The former golf course is now a habitat for a variety of wildlife like herons, gulls and softshell turtles. Most of the 5, acres of private open space left in Pinellas County are taken up by golf courses, which makes protecting them from development a critical issue, said Richard Gehring, a veteran Tampa Bay planning official hired by Save the Tides to represent their effort.
If the county grants a land use change at the Tides from recreation open space to residential, Gehring fears other developers would be able to use the case as precedent to pave over more green space.
Two other local golf courses recently were spared from development. In January the Pinellas County Commission bought the abandoned acre Baypointe Golf Course in Seminole to preserve as a park and a regional stormwater management area. Carpenter had been under contract to buy Baypointe for a housing project but walked away when it was determined the property had no development rights.
And the owner of the acre Bardmoor Golf and Tennis Club, also in Seminole, was under contract last year to sell the property to Wheelock Communities and Gentry Land, companies that developed the sprawling Starkey Ranch in Pasco County. Golf courses disappear as developers seek a new kind of green.
When it comes to privately owned open space, the plan explicitly discourages zoning changes. There are also significant flooding risks, according to the county report. County projections also show much of the southern portion affected by sea-level rise in the coming decades. Carpenter declined an interview request, citing the quasi-judicial nature of the upcoming county hearing on his application.
Taylor Morrison, the last developer to apply for a land use change of the property, submitted plans to the county before buying the golf course; its purchase depended on the land use change and rezoning being granted. Established January 1, after a local referendum passed calling for the separation from Hillsborough County. There are 3, people per square mile in Pinellas County.
The next closest county with a highly concentrated population is Broward with 1, people per square mile. Clearwater is the County Seat, St. Petersburg is the largest city with a population of ,, and Tarpon Springs was the first incorporated city in It is the 2nd smallest county in the State of Florida. Sun-drenched beaches, tranquil lakes, and lush emerald green expanses of native habitat along with playgrounds, learning centers, and convenience facilities provide park visitors immeasurable opportunities for relaxation and recreation!
In addition, Pinellas County has 15, acres of preserves. There are 4, miles of paved roads in the county, which cross bridges. Almost a third of the county is unincorporated and the residents living in these areas are governed by, pay taxes to and receive services directly from the Pinellas County government.
Within some of the city boundaries, there are areas called enclaves that are unincorporated and receive services from the County government. Residents who live in these enclaves are not eligible to vote in municipal elections on municipal issues.
There are also taxing districts which meet specific needs not addressed in the general countywide millage. The affected residents vote a specified millage to be used for a special purpose. Examples of these would be the Palm Harbor Library District, various fire districts, and street lighting districts. Taxing districts are created by an act of the Legislature with a confirming referendum by residents. For more taxing information visit our website - Citizens Guide to the Budget.
Residents of Belleair, for instance, have a Clearwater address.
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