Will Climate Change Affect County Budget?

Pinellas County officials said they might have to start thinking about the long-term budget impacts of climate change.

Forming the county budget is always a mixture of art and science. Pinellas County Administrator Robert LaSala says this year's budget is no different.  "This is like a mosaic," LaSala said at Tuesday's budget work session. "It's made up a lot of pieces … a lot of moving pieces."   There are definite numbers, such as the millage rate and fee schedules, that county officials can rely on to form the budget. However, many items like potential new state/federal mandates, a stagnant economy and ongoing housing crisis, are things county officials have to regularly brace for.  As of Tuesday, the county has added another item that could affect future budget forecasts — climate change.  County budget director Eric Naughton said it might be time for …

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Homemade Thanksgiving Decor is Quick and Easy

Check out these creative crafts that are good for all ages.

Whether you're a superfan of the holidays or a kid who needs a creative outlet, Largo Patch has rounded up some fun ideas that promise to bring a boost of fall vibes. Add some holiday cheer to your home decor with one of the many craft options below. Ehow offers a number of crafting experiences, but we picked two of our favorites: Sheknows Parenting offered some tips for parents during this crafty time of year. Here are two of our favorites:

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Pinellas County Budget Hearing Thursday

The Board of County Commissioners makes its final vote on the 2013 budget Sept. 18.

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners will hold two public budget hearings in September. Both public hearings will be held at 6 p.m., following the 2 p.m. regular meeting. The first public budget hearing is Thursday, Sept. 6. The second and final public hearing is Sept. 18. The commission also will consider final approval of the budget after that hearing. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.  Throughout the budget process, Pinellas County commissioners have invited the public to share their views, values and vision for the upcoming year and into the future. Outreach included the April 10 community forum, which was an open house and eTownHall, at St. Petersburg College, Seminole campus. For the convenience of citizens, the …

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Four Fired on Charges of Extreme Loafing at the Sheriff's Office

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri terminated three deputies and one sergeant for failure to work during their assigned shifts.

Imagine watching a movie, visiting family or going home while on the clock. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri fired three deputies and one sergeant and suspended two more deputies for not working. During their work shifts, a Pinellas County Sheriff's Office investigation found the deputies intentionally concealed their cruisers, disconnected their agency-required GPS and left their assigned posts. The deputies did respond to calls if dispatched, but they did not initiate law enforcement activities for hours at a time, according to the sheriff's office. The six-month investigation found the deputies actions cost taxpayers more than $24,600. Excessive inactivity was documented when a deputy did not work for more than one hour, according …

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Melissa Lattman

6:25 pm on Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Thanks for reading. The sheriff's office has 2,800 members, but we can check to see if numbers are available by the shift.   more ›

Largo City Commission

What Do You Value Largo?

Complete an online survey or attend a community values workshop to let the city know your views for upcoming budget decisions.

The City of Largo wants input from residents, property owners and business owners on values and priorities for the community. This public input will assist the city in future budgetary decisions. There are Two Ways to make sure your voice is heard. Attend one of three Community Values Workshops or complete the Community Values online survey. To register for a Community Values Workshop, visit Largo.com/values or call (727) 587-6790. Registration is limited to the first 30 individuals for each session. Anyone who is unable attend a workshop but would like to share their ideas can take the online survey at Largo.com/values. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and results will be posted May 1st at Largo.com. One lucky …

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Preview: City Commission Meeting, Feb. 21

Tonight's city commission includes a discussion on how to get the community more involved in upcoming city budget process.

What matters to city residents? The Largo City Commission will discuss tonight ways to encourage more public input in the upcoming city budget process. The goal is to get meaningful public input to help the commission learn more about the funding priorities of the community. The preliminary plan includes an electronic survey and three 90-minute roundtable discussions. The proposed electronic survey would ask residents to share what's important to them, what services they have used, and what they think of Largo. The survey questions focus around several topics: 1. Diverse and vibrant economy. (a variety of restaurants and stores, revitalization of Largo's business and shopping areas, quality of jobs, incentives for businesses to come to …

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County Approves EMS Tax Increase, Park Fees

Pinellas County commissioners approved the 2012 budget containing a controversial EMS tax and new park fees, but not without opposition from the public.

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved the final budget for fiscal year 2012 on Thursday evening by a vote of 6-1; the lone dissenting vote came from Commissioner Norm Roche. Along with the overall budget, which will have a general fund of more than $489 million, the board also approved a couple of controversial increases, including a 46 percent increase in taxes to cover emergency medical services and charging a fee for cars to enter some county parks. The board did agree to remove a portion of the second agenda item regarding user fees for services to be rendered by nonproprietary departments. Based on a recommendation from Commissioner Karen Seel, the BCC unanimously voted to remove the allowance for new fees for …

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