Labor Day is just around the corner.

Given that the Bureau of Labor Statistics is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2009, it seems appropriate, with this post, to recognize Pinellas County for its commitment to preserving our area’s natural beauty and for having a vision for the future.  This achievement is the direct result of the dedication and hard work of many people-from residents to local, state, and federal government officials.

In recognition of Labor Day, it is fitting to offer a tip of the hat to Mother Nature, for the natural beauty she bestowed upon our area, and to Pinellas County officials for adopting a “Gateway to the Future” plan.

Here are a some highlights about Pinellas County worth celebrating . . .

Pinellas County was designated as the first “Green County” in Florida in 2007.  (Source:  Florida Green Building Coalition).

Two Pinellas County beaches have been named the #1 beach in the continental US, including Ft. De Soto County Park (North Beach) in 2005 and Caladesi Island State Park in 2008.

According to Pinellas County’s official website, future plans call for supporting economic and employment potential with County projects and plans, a recreational plan, an intermodal transportation hub, international airport master plan update, and plans for other County projects.

With regard to the environment, County officials, working in conjunction with community leaders, volunteer groups, residents, and representatives from every level of government, are committed to natural resource protection and public use opportunities for parks and waterways throughout Pinellas County.

Historical preservation is another priority.   Karen Williams Seel, currently a member of the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners, chairs the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, in a post on the County’s website, says:

Pinellas County enjoys a rich and diverse culture and historic past. The historical, cultural and aesthetic heritage is among its most valued assets. Few urban areas today boast such unique perspectives of the past. Because of widespread growth and redevelopment in recent years, it is critical to the future of our County that we preserve and maintain significant elements of its history.

With this in mind, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) took the initiative to establish a countywide policy to address historical protection and redevelopment issues among local communities. In June 2005, the BCC by resolution created the Historic Preservation Task Force (HPTF) to develop a historic preservation plan inclusive of all jurisdictions . . .

. . . Now established as the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, members look forward to addressing future objectives. Such objectives include:

• Establishing and maintaining a County Register of Historic Places;
• Developing and promoting preservation regulations and programs,
• Providing educational outreach and technical assistance (e.g. “Tool Box Kits” on historic preservation) to interested groups and citizens;
• Exploring financial incentives to preserve historic resources;
• Enhancing possible grant opportunities through participation in the Florida Certified Local Governments (CLG) Program;
• Integrating and maintaining consistent historic preservation policy in Pinellas County planning processes;
• And, researching, evaluating, and developing an ordinance to restrict demolition of significant historic resources.
  

I am honored to serve as Chair of the Advisory Board and to be a part of perpetuating the culture and history of our County into future generations. The Advisory Board welcomes input from all citizens and the perspectives of those who can continue to enhance the rich heritage of Pinellas County.

The future of Pinellas County and our area’s breathtaking natural beauty are very bright, indeed!

Thinking about Labor Day . . . it takes time and energy to explore the many parks, beaches, waterways, nature trails, and historic landmarks that exist in Pinellas County.

But it’s worth the effort and is the best kind of work–because it’s fun!

I wish everyone a Happy Labor Day!

Feeling proud (and lucky) to live . . . in Paradise Found!

PHOTO CREDIT:  Photos appearing in this post are courtesy of Pinellas County.