Crystal Beach Drainage and Roadway Improvements (PID 003896A)

The objectives of this project are to alleviate flooding, improve water quality (potable water and stormwater), improve roadway conditions, upgrade potable and sanitary sewer systems, and implement green infrastructure. The CONSULTANT shall provide design plans and specifications, and all other professional engineering services that may be required to perform full and final design work, and post design services, for drainage, roadway and utility improvements within the Crystal Beach project limits.

The Crystal Beach project area is located within the Sutherland Bayou and Clearwater Harbor North watersheds. The project area is tidally affected and lies within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Zone X, as well as the Pinellas County Floodplain – Coastal 100 Year zone. Most of the roads and surrounding land is mostly flat with very little elevational relief. A drainage divide exists that diverts stormwater runoff to the east (Avery Bayou) and the west (St. Joseph’s Sound). The Crystal Beach neighborhood is a mix of small, old timey coastal Florida homes and larger, modern homes, with minimal stormwater infrastructure.

The COUNTY has been receiving flooding complaints from the Crystal Beach community as far back as 2008. Several complaints about the condition of the roads have also been received over the past several years. In 2008, the Pinellas County Public Works developed preliminary plans to address these issues. However, the project was not completed due to insufficient funding.

In September 2018, the Board of County Commissioners approved funds to complete a Project Development and a Preliminary Engineering Study for this area. The study referenced the 2016 Crystal Beach Community Overlay (Ordinance 16-55, Exhibit 5) to ensure the elements of the project would be consistent with the community vision. Important elements of the plan include preserving the community’s natural and historic features, mangrove and estuary habitats, and maintaining the coastal “Old Florida” character of the community.

A public information meeting was held in 2019, at which the COUNTY received conflicting opinions from the community. The coastal neighborhood has experienced private re-development of single-family homes that clash with the old-Florida coastal characteristics of the original community. In 2022, the COUNTY began a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) that included 45% design plans. Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 resulted in major tidal storm surge flooding, as well as stormwater runoff flooding (partially due to the inadequate existing stormwater system).