Pinellas County has rejected both proposals to redevelop nearly 25 acres of county-owned property in downtown Clearwater, putting a major redevelopment effort back in limbo just weeks after the bidding deadline.
In an Oct. 13 letter, the county’s Office of Management and Budget announced that “Pinellas County is rejecting all proposals for the subject RFN with the intent of exploring additional options moving forward.”
Following legal parameters, the county has not disclosed why the proposals were rejected or whether it plans to reopen the bidding process.
“County staff are continuing to review the options for a sale that helps activate downtown Clearwater,” said Tony Fabrizio, Pinellas County’s Interim Communications Director.
The decision follows months of planning to find a private developer for 17 county properties encompassing 34 parcels and approximately 24.5 acres in downtown Clearwater.
The county sought a master developer capable of transforming the properties into a mixed-use district with residential, commercial, retail, hospitality and public spaces.
The effort is tied 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, the county purchased 21 acres at 13600 Icot Blvd. for $33 million. The new government center is expected to be completed in 2029.
Selling the downtown properties would help offset construction costs and reduce the amount the county needs to borrow. Redevelopment would also return currently tax-exempt government properties to the tax rolls.
The county hired commercial real estate firm CBRE Inc. to help structure the solicitation and evaluate developers.
County officials initially anticipated reviewing submissions in October, beginning negotiations with qualified developers in November and selecting a development partner in April 2027.
The rejection now raises questions about that timeline.
The properties represent a significant redevelopment opportunity in downtown Clearwater, where public and private investments have sought to bring more residents, businesses and year-round activity to the urban core.
Those investments include the redevelopment of Coachman Park, improvements along Osceola Avenue and planned hotel and residential projects.
County and city officials have emphasized connecting those developments with Cleveland Street and the waterfront while attracting industries beyond Clearwater’s tourism economy.
The Oct. 13 rejection letter, signed by Purchasing Division Director Merry Celeste, offered no further explanation of the county’s decision.