Subject:
Title
Municipal Services Taxing Unit special project funding for Whispering Souls African American Cemetery, Inc. to support the establishment of irrigation infrastructure and the acquisition of a storage shed.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) special project funding request, in the amount of $6,625.00, to support the establishment of irrigation infrastructure and the acquisition of a storage shed.
Additionally, delegate to the County Administrator the approval and execution of the Whispering Souls African American Cemetery, Inc. (Whispering Souls Cemetery) Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 MSTU Funding Agreement, which will allow for a grant in the amount of $6,625.00 to be advanced to the Whispering Souls Cemetery to support the establishment of irrigation infrastructure and the acquisition of a storage shed.
• The Whispering Souls African American Cemetery, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization for the purpose of caring for the site and ensure its preservation for the African American community in unincorporated Clearwater.
• This project will allow the caretakers to install an irrigation system to support the establishment and maintenance of trees and landscaping within the cemetery. In addition, funds will be used to purchase a storage shed for equipment.
• This investment will directly benefit the community by promoting historic preservation of the Whispering Souls African American Cemetery, Inc.
• The $6,625.00 request for funding is a one-time expenditure of budgeted MSTU Special Projects funds.
• Since FY16, an annual allocation of $220,000.00 has been budgeted for potential MSTU projects, subject to Board approval. Cumulative allocations for the eleven years from FY16 to FY26 total $2,420,000.00. With approval of this special project for $6,625.00 a total of $310,108.94 will remain available for Board approved MSTU projects with $2,109,891.06 spent and or committed to date.
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Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.3 Increase access to green space.
1.4 Improve environmental quality.
Summary:
Summary
Approval is requested for the Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) special project funding in the amount of $6,625.00 the establishment of irrigation infrastructure and the acquisition of a storage shed at the Whispering Souls African American Cemetery, Inc., a private nonprofit dedicated to preserving this historic site for the African American community in unincorporated Clearwater. This project will enable caretakers to install an irrigation system for tree maintenance and landscaping maintenance and provide storage for necessary equipment, directly contributing to the cemetery’s preservation. Approval is also requested to delegate to the County Administrator the authority to execute the Fiscal Year 2026 MSTU Funding Agreement, which provides for advancement of the $6,625.00 grant.
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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 $6,625.00 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 FY26 Adopted Budget.
Staff Member Responsible:
Audrey Ables, Community Coordinator, County Administration
Partners:
Whispering Souls African American Cemetery, Inc.
Attachments:
MSTU Special Projects Funding Application
Quotes for Intended Purchases
FY26 MSTU Funding Agreement - Whispering Souls African American Cemetery, Inc.