Subject:
Grant Award Agreement for Philippe Park interpretive signs.
Recommended Action:
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Grant Award Agreement (25. h.sm.300.052) received from the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources.
• The County has been awarded a $45,000.00 historic preservation grant by the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.
• The grant will fund the design, fabricate, and install a minimum of ten (10) interpretive signs relating to the history of Philippe Park and produce a webpage that can be accessed via a QR code on each sign.
• The County was ranked second of 69 agencies and organizations statewide selected to receive funding from this program for FY25.
• A grant match is not required because the County is a Certified Local Government in good standing with the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service.
• Project work will be completed by the University of South Florida, Department of Anthropology who has experience with creating similar interpretive signs at state historic sites after an agreement is executed with Pinellas County.
• Project work associated with this grant must be completed by June 30, 2025.
• Funding for this agreement is not included in the FY2025 Operating Budget for Housing Community Development. A budget amendment will be proposed to recognize unanticipated revenue and appropriate operating expenses.
Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.2 Preserve and manage environmental lands, beaches, parks, and historical assets.
Deliver First-Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach.
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources.
Background/Explanation:
The Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources provides state and federal funding for historic preservation through its annual grant program. The purpose of the program is to assist local, regional, and statewide efforts to identify, designate, and preserve significant historical and archaeological resources and to promote awareness and appreciation of the history of Florida. Grants are awarded to governmental and non-profit organizations for historic resource surveys, preservation planning, and heritage education projects. The maximum annual grant award is $50,000 per project. Applications are evaluated on a competitive basis by a Grant Review Panel appointed by the Florida Secretary of State. The Florida Legislature determines the amount appropriated each year for the grant program.
Grant funds in the amount of $45,000 have been awarded to Pinellas County for this heritage education project. Project work will be completed under an agreement with the University of South Florida, Department of Anthropology whose staff has conducted extensive historical research on historical occupations of the site and performed archaeological excavations in the park. The university will be responsible for preparation of text and selection of images for the signs and webpage along with fabrication and installation of the interpretive signs after an agreement is executed with Pinellas County. The project will be managed by the Planning Division of the County Housing and Community Development (H&CD) Department with support and guidance from the Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources Department. Project updates will be provided to the Pinellas County Historic Preservation Board. Input will be sought from the Florida Public Archaeological Network Regional Office and the Museum & Cultural Center operated by the City of Safety Harbor.
The deadline for completion of project work is June 30, 2025, with an extension of one (1) month available, if needed.
Fiscal Impact:
It is anticipated that the cost of the project will be covered by the grant award amount not to exceed $45,000.00 during the term of the Grant Award Agreement.
Funding for this agreement is not included in the FY25 Operating Budget for HCD. A budget amendment will be proposed to recognize unanticipated revenue and appropriate operating expenses.
Delegated Authority:
The County Administrator is authorized to execute these agreements for the County under Sec. 2-62(a)(1), Pinellas County Code.
Staff Members Responsible:
Glenn Bailey, Interim Director, Housing & Community Development
Tom Scofield, Principal Planner (Project Manager)
Partners:
Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources Department
Pinellas County Historic Preservation Board
Florida Public Archaeology Network
Safety Harbor Museum & Cultural Center
Attachments:
FDHR Grant Award Agreement 25.h.sm.300.052 - unsigned