Subject:Title
Termination of the Agreement with Suncoast Center, Inc. for the Sexual Assault Victim Examination Program.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the termination of the Agreement with Suncoast Center, Inc. for the Sexual Assault Victim Examination Program effective December 31, 2026, with signature of the termination letter.
• This service agreement was signed on December 16, 2025, with an original termination date of September 30, 2028.
• Consistent with Florida Statute 395.1021, any licensed facility which provides emergency room services shall arrange for the rendering of appropriate medical attention and treatment of victims of sexual assault. This includes medical examinations, gathering of forensic evidence and ongoing training of staff responsible for this service. Based on this responsibility being assigned to local hospitals, the reliance on County funding under this agreement can be avoided.
• The Fiscal Year 2027 County budget includes the amount for the quarter ending December 31, 2026, as noted in the letter, in the amount of $85,030.00.
• This extension of funding will allow Suncoast Center time to work in collaboration with local hospitals and law enforcement on a transition plan for residents.
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Strategic Priorities:
Smart Service Delivery
4.2 Achieve and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
4.4 Pursue continuous improvement.
Summary:Summary
The Agreement permits for termination without cause by providing thirty (30) day notice, as outlined in Section 26(a) of the Suncoast SAVE Agreement.
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Background Information:
This agreement was signed on December 16, 2025, by the Board of County Commissioners, Legistar item # 25-1457A.
Florida Statutes require hospitals to provide sexual assault victim examinations in the emergency department, and reimbursement for forensic physical examination services are available through the Florida Office of the Attorney General’s Division of Victim Services. Accordingly, Pinellas County will no longer continue financial support.
Fiscal Impact:
The FY27 County budget includes the amount for the quarter ending December 31, 2026, as noted in the letter, in the amount of $85,030.00
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Suncoast Center, Inc.
Attachments:
Termination Letter
Agreement