Subject:
Title
Funding recommendations for the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant-Countywide and related grant administration documents.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of funding distribution recommendations by the Substance Abuse Advisory Board (SAAB) for the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Countywide (JAG-C). Additionally, delegate authority to the County Administrator to sign all associated grant applications, award agreements, and administration documents for JAG-C.
• The JAG-C is a formula-based U.S. Department of Justice pass-through grant administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). It supports projects that help reduce crime and improve the criminal justice system. The JAG-C will provide $232,520.00 in funding to support six projects in Pinellas County. The grant award will be for one-year project period.
• The SAAB reviewed 12 applications for JAG-C requesting a total of $474,696.50. On June 25, 2025, following rank and review process the SAAB voted to recommend six projects for funding awards. this does not include the Human Services Planning Position, which automatically allocates 10% of the grant funding to support administration.
• A delegation of authority letter is requested by FDLE to allow the County Administrator to complete the application process. To meet FDLE deadlines and requirements, the following documents are included for the County Administrator’s signature:
o Delegation of authority (Board Chair must also sign),
o JAG-C 51% approval letter,
o Lobbying Debarment and Drug-Free Certificate, and
o Subaward Management Questionnaire.
• Based on crime and population statistics, FDLE has allocated $232,520.00 for Pinellas County. This is a decrease over last year ($270,837.00). No local match is required.
• Funding to support this program was anticipated and is included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Requested Budget in the General Fund of the Human Services Department.
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Strategic Plan:
Health and Safe Communities
2.2 Enhance community safety
Summary:
The JAG-C is a formula-based pass-through grant of federal funds awarded to Pinellas County by the FDLE through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. JAG-C applications were received through a competitive solicitation and reviewed by the SAAB. On June 25, 2025, the SAAB approved the recommendation of six (6) projects for funding.
JAG-C has a multistep process that requires a Certificate of Participation, coordination of 51% letters from the community, facilitation of award recommendations, and application submissions, acceptance of awards, and award administration. The delegation letter provides documentation to FDLE regarding the authority to sign JAG-C-related documents that do not require Board approval.
Background Information:
The JAG-C is a recurring DOJ pass-through grant administered by FDLE. JAG-C Projects must fall within a specific federal purpose area that reduces crime and/or improves the criminal justice system. Florida’s JAG-C program represents 60% of the state’s total federal Justice Assistance Grant award. The program is governed by Rule 11D-9 of the Florida Administrative Code (Code 11D-9) and funds are allocated to the County based partially on population and crime statistics.
The SAAB was established in 1989 to comply with Code 11D-9, stating Florida counties should appoint a substance abuse policy board that represents all components of the criminal justice system. The SAAB serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of County Commissioners and one of its primary duties is to review applications and recommend projects to be funded by JAG-C.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding in an amount not to exceed $232,520.00 is provided by the JAG-C to support six (6) projects in Pinellas County. Of these projects, three (3) will be directly administered by Human Services. These projects have a combined total of $104,900.00, individual funding amounts are as follows:
$50,000 to Homeless Empowerment Program
$30,000 to MORE Health, Inc., and
$24,900 to Personal Enrichment for Mental Health, Inc., dba Eleos Wellness (Eleos)
The City of St. Petersburg, City of Pinellas Park, and the City of Clearwater will administer their own projects directly with FDLE. These projects have a combined total of $104,368.00.
The remaining $23,252 is allocated to the Human Services Planning Position.
Funding to support this grant program was anticipated and is included in the FY26 Proposed Budget request.
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Homeless Empowerment Program
MORE Health, Inc.
Eleos Wellness
City of St. Petersburg Police Department
City of Pinellas Park Police Department
City of Clearwater Police Department
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement
U.S. Department of Justice
Attachments:
Project Recommendations
Delegation of Authority
51% Approval Letter
Lobbying Debarment and Drug-Free Certificate
Subaward Management Questionnaire
Certificate of Participation with Chair Signature
JAG-C Applications Submitted Summary
JAG-C Applications