ST. PETERSBURG, FL (May 17, 2017) – Citizens wishing to learn more about Penny for Pinellas projects in St. Petersburg will be able to do so via a new, interactive GIS map tool. The map, available at www.stpete.org/penny, features examples of the Penny projects completed or underway from 2010 to present in four funding categories: improvements to city facilities, public safety, recreation and culture, and citywide infrastructure as well as an all-inclusive project tab; a drop-down menu will also allow users to select each of the eight council districts to view Penny projects in their specific district.
The city is launching the GIS map as a way to inform St. Petersburg and Pinellas County voters about Penny for Pinellas, which will appear on the November 7 ballot and, if approved, will reauthorize the Penny to cover the years 2020-2030. The current Penny will expire in 2020 unless it passes in November. The one percent tax is applied on the first $5,000 of all non-tax-exempt items sold in Pinellas County and funds long-term infrastructure improvements. Voters first approved the Penny by referendum in 1989, before reauthorizations in 1997 and 2007. Information about the Penny is available at www.stpete.org/penny,and includes current Penny projects, Penny facts, informational fliers, videos, and a link to Pinellas County’s Penny website. Neighborhood associations, community and civic groups wishing to schedule speakers to learn more about Penny for Pinellas may contact the city Budget Department at 727-893-7436.
Interested citizens are invited to become informed about the Penny for Pinellas and proposed projects for the 2020-2030 extension during a St. Petersburg City Council Committee of the Whole meeting tomorrow, May 18, at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be held at City Hall, 175 Fifth St. N., in Room 100. City Council will consider a proposed list of representative projects for the next round of Penny for Pinellas funding (2020-2030).