Subject:
Title
Municipal Services Taxing Unit Special Project funding for Keep Tierra Verde Beautiful Median Enhancements located within the Monte Cristo, Entrada, East Shore, and West Shore neighborhoods in Tierra Verde.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) Special Project funding request, in the amount of $20,000.00, for Keep Tierra Verde Beautiful, Inc. (KTVB) Median Enhancements including irrigation services and repairs, and beautifications.
Additionally, delegate to the County Administrator the approval and execution of the KTVB 2025 MSTU Funding Agreement, which will allow for a grant in the amount of $20,000.00 to be advanced to the Keep Tierra Verde Beautiful to support Median Enhancements.
• The MSTU funding request is intended to support one year of irrigation services, necessary repairs, and beautification efforts within the County-owned medians. This request does not include the Pinellas Bayway, as it falls under the state-owned highway system. Additionally, the requested services are above and beyond the County’s standard maintenance, which currently includes mowing 14 times per year.
• The goal of this project is to support a KTVB in enhancing the County-owned medians by replacing the existing high-maintenance plants with low-maintenance, Florida-friendly alternatives. Depending on the extent of replanting achieved through this initial grant, the nonprofit may later request an additional grant to fund plant purchases.
• KTVB is a private, non-profit organization for the purpose conserving and beautifying the natural and man-made environment in and around the Tierra Verde, Florida area by means of community engagement and education with hopes to one day join the Keep America Beautiful organization.
• Grant funds will be advanced to the applicant upon execution of the attached Funding Agreement.
• Funding for this project is included in the current-year General Government Budget in the General Fund. With approval of this special project for $20,000.00, a total of $116,733.94 will remain available for Board approved MSTU projects.
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Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.4 Improve environmental quality.
1.5 Strengthen resilience and adaptation.
1.6 Ensure sustainable water management
Summary:
Summary
Approval is requested for a $20,000 MSTU Special Project grant to Keep Tierra Verde Beautiful, Inc. (KTVB) to support one year of irrigation services, repairs, and beautification of County-owned medians, excluding the state-owned Pinellas Bayway. The project aims to replace high-maintenance plants with low-maintenance, Florida-friendly alternatives. Funds will be advanced upon execution of the 2025 MSTU Funding Agreement, with delegated authority to the County Administrator for its approval and execution. KTVB, a nonprofit focused on conservation and beautification in Tierra Verde, may request additional funding based on the progress of this initial effort. Funding is included in the current General Government Budget, leaving a balance of $116,733.94 available for other Board-approved MSTU projects.
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Background Information:
The MSTU Special Projects Funding opportunity was created by the Board of County Commissioners for the purpose of supporting projects that enhance community and neighborhood opportunities in unincorporated areas of Pinellas County. These MSTU Special Projects Awards are intended to support culture, recreation, and community engagement opportunities for residents in unincorporated areas that are comparable to those opportunities which municipalities typically provide to their residents.
Fiscal Impact:
This request for funding in the amount of $20,000.00 is a one-time expenditure of budgeted MSTU Special Project funds. Funding is included in the General Government MSTU cost center within the General Fund and is consistent with the FY25 estimated expenditures in the FY26 Proposed Budget.
Staff Member Responsible:
Audrey Ables, Assistant to the County Administrator, County Administration
Partners:
Keep Tierra Verde Beautiful, Inc.
Attachments:
MSTU Special Projects Funding Application
Keep Tierra Verde Beautiful 2025 MSTU Funding Agreement
Quotes for Intended Purchases