Pinellas extends emergency over mosquito-borne disease

Pinellas County Administrator Barry Burton extended the State of Local Emergency related to the mosquito-borne spread of dengue until October 29. The county commissioners adopted a resolution declaring the emergency on September 24 to address the public health threat. This extension keeps the declaration active for two additional days beyond the initial period.

The Florida Department of Health reported 51 confirmed cases of dengue in Pinellas County since August. Data released on October 22 indicates that 401 cases have been confirmed across Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough counties. This regional total represents a 14 percent increase compared to the report issued on October 15.

High winds during the previous week delayed the first round of aerial mosquito larvae treatments. The county has partnered with Lee County Mosquito Control to conduct these operations in parts of St. Pete and Clearwater. Helicopters will spray a fine mist of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, or Bti, from low altitudes to target standing water.

The treatments are scheduled to occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to allow residents time to stay indoors. While Bti is a soil bacterium that kills mosquito larvae and black flies, it is not harmful to humans, pets, or pollinors. The low altitude flight paths are necessary for the mist to reach water sources effectively but will generate noise. The specific schedule depends on weather conditions.

Residents can register for notifications about scheduled treatments in their area at Pinellas.gov/Alert-Pinellas. Discarded tires serve as common breeding grounds for mosquitoes because they hold standing water easily. Pinellas County Solid Waste is currently waiving tire disposal fees for residents.

Households have until Friday, October 30, to dispose of up to four tires from their home at no charge. This temporary waiver does not apply to tires from businesses. The fee waiver aims to remove breeding sources while the emergency declaration remains in effect.

Wayne Mineo serves as chairman of the Pinellas County Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. He was elected to the chairmanship on August 24 and presided over his first board meeting on September 16. Governor Ron DeSantis originally appointed Mineo to the board in 2022.

Mineo is an attorney licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida. He has resided in Pinellas County for 30 years. The housing authority manages 18 properties and oversees 2,083 residential housing units and assisted living beds. Additionally, the agency has identified 856 units associated with funded development projects.

The authority’s finalized 2026 budget includes $90,948,798 in income and $81,101,859 in expenses. Of that expense total, $46,715,106 is allocated for housing assistance payments. The board provides governance, financial oversight, and strategic direction for these operations.

The Pinellas County Clerk is warning residents about an email scam impersonating Clerk Ken Burke’s office. Fraudulent emails claim that a document review is required and sometimes include links. Many of these messages originate from the address certify@server.gent, which is not associated with the official office.

Residents are advised not to click links, open attachments, or provide personal information. The Clerk’s office suggests deleting these emails immediately. Those who are unsure can verify information by calling (727) 464-7000 or visiting www.mypinellasclerk.gov.