Pinellas County drops two bids for Clearwater downtown land

Pinellas County has rejected both proposals to redevelop nearly 25 acres of county-owned land in downtown Clearwater. The decision places a major urban planning project on hold just weeks after the initial bidding deadline.

An Oct. 13 letter from the county’s Office of Management and Budget stated that Pinellas County is rejecting all proposals for the request for nominations with the intent of exploring additional options. The document, signed by Purchasing Division Director Merry Celeste, did not provide specific reasons for the rejection. Under legal parameters, the county has not disclosed whether it plans to reopen the bidding process.

The solicitation sought a master developer to transform 17 county properties into a mixed-use district. The plan included residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality spaces along with public areas. The 34 parcels encompass approximately 24.5 acres in the urban core.

This effort is linked to the county's plan to move 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 to house that new center. Construction of the government facility is expected to be finished in 2029.

Selling the downtown properties would help offset construction costs and reduce borrowing. The sale would also return currently tax-exempt government land to the tax rolls. The county hired commercial real estate firm CBRE Inc. to structure the solicitation and evaluate the developers who submitted bids.

Officials originally expected to review submissions in October and begin negotiations with qualified developers in November. The selection of a development partner was scheduled for April 2027. The rejection now disrupts that timeline.

Tony Fabrizio, the county’s Interim Communications Director, said staff are continuing to review options for a sale that helps activate downtown Clearwater. The properties are part of a wider push to bring residents and businesses to the area, alongside improvements along Osceola Avenue and the redevelopment of Coachman Park.