St. Pete-Clearwater Sun

Pinellas County government is preparing to leave nearly 25 acres of downtown Clearwater real estate, consolidating 17 properties into a new government center at US-19 and Ulmerton Road.

County officials say the move is driven by aging buildings and operational inefficiencies, and they project the consolidation will save approximately $150 million in upkeep costs over the next 50 years.

The 17 properties slated for vacating include the current courthouse and several county buildings along Court Street. All are expected to be made available for sale or long-term lease.

County Commissioner Chris Latvala said several major developers have already expressed interest in what would be the largest redevelopment project in Clearwater’s history. He noted the county could pursue a 99-year lease arrangement or an outright sale, adding that the City of Clearwater might also offer some of its own properties as part of a broader deal.

The prospect of redevelopment has drawn attention beyond the development community. Latvala disclosed that shortly after the county first went public with relocation plans, a representative of the Church of Scientology reached out to him, though he said it has not been a focus of his discussions since.

Some residents are urging the county to retain ownership through a long-term lease rather than selling outright, viewing the properties as a rare opportunity to shape downtown Clearwater’s future independent of outside influence.

The county plans to issue a request for negotiations with developers within the coming weeks. A public town hall was held on Wednesday evening at 333 Chestnut Street, and officials say the final decision on the properties’ future will take more than a year and will include additional opportunities for community input.

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