Pinellas County rejects both bids for downtown Clearwater redevelopment

Pinellas County has rejected both proposals to redevelop nearly 25 acres of county-owned land in downtown Clearwater, putting plans to transform the properties into a mixed-use district on hold.

The decision was first reported by St Pete Catalyst. In an Oct. 13 letter, the county's Office of Management and Budget notified bidders that it was rejecting all proposals submitted through its Request for Negotiation (RFN).

"Pinellas County is rejecting all proposals for the subject RFN with the intent of exploring additional options moving forward," wrote Purchasing Division Director Merry Celeste.

The letter did not explain the decision. County officials have not disclosed why the proposals were rejected or whether another solicitation will be issued, citing legal restrictions.

Nearly 25 acres available for redevelopment

The county owns 17 properties comprising 34 parcels and approximately 24.5 acres in downtown Clearwater. On June 16, it issued a request seeking a master developer to turn the properties into a mixed-use district featuring housing, offices, retail, hotels and public spaces.

Two developers submitted proposals, but neither was selected.

The redevelopment is connected to the county's plans to relocate most of its downtown government operations to a new complex near Ulmerton Road and Icot Boulevard.

In 2023, Pinellas County purchased 21 acres at 13600 Icot Blvd. for $33 million. The new government center is expected to be completed in 2029, according to St Pete Catalyst.

Selling the downtown properties would help offset construction costs and reduce the amount the county needs to borrow. Redevelopment would also place currently tax-exempt government properties back on the tax rolls, generating future property tax revenue, according to the county's project page.

Developer selection timeline now uncertain

County officials had originally planned to evaluate proposals in October, begin negotiations with qualified developers in November and select a development partner by April 2027.

The rejection leaves that schedule uncertain.

Tony Fabrizio, the county's interim communications director, told St Pete Catalyst that "county staff are continuing to review the options for a sale that helps activate downtown Clearwater."

He did not provide a revised timeline or identify which options the county is considering.

Decision affects broader downtown revitalization plans

The county-owned properties are part of a larger effort to revitalize downtown Clearwater and encourage private investment.

Other projects include the redevelopment of Coachman Park, improvements along Osceola Avenue and planned residential and hotel developments. County and city officials have sought to connect these investments with Cleveland Street and the waterfront while expanding downtown's economic activity beyond tourism, according to St Pete Catalyst.

Pinellas County hired commercial real estate firm CBRE Inc. to help develop the solicitation and evaluate proposals.

For now, the county has not announced another bidding process, a revised development schedule or a date for further public discussion of the properties.