Bart Diebold, City Manager, City of Pinellas Park

In an interview with Invest:, Bart Diebold, city manager of Pinellas Park, emphasized the city’s focus on sustainable growth through key projects like the Sprowls Horizon Sports Complex and the City Center District redevelopment. These initiatives aim to boost tourism, improve infrastructure, and address housing challenges, he said.

What unique qualities set Pinellas Park apart from other cities in the region?

Pinellas Park offers a unique “small-town” charm that often surprises people, especially given our growth as an urban hub. One of our most distinctive features is the nearly 14.7 miles of equestrian trails, home to over 1,000 horses. This scenic network highlights our city’s commitment to preserving green spaces and celebrating our rich agricultural heritage.

A recent addition to our community is a hands-on agricultural farm located along the equestrian trail. This space offers visitors the opportunity to engage with animals like horses, cows, chickens, and bees while also exploring horticulture projects. It serves as a tranquil oasis where children and adults alike can experience the beauty and rhythms of farm life. Families from neighboring cities such as Seminole, Largo, and Clearwater often visit, drawn by the authentic, immersive experience that’s unlike anything else in the area.

Balancing these community-centered initiatives with larger economic development projects is essential to maintaining Pinellas Park’s character. Our dedication to supporting both younger and older generations is reflected in initiatives like the agricultural farm, which we are incredibly proud of. It stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering connections, encouraging learning, and preserving the charm that makes Pinellas Park truly special.

What recent accomplishments in Pinellas Park’s economic growth are you most proud of?

Pinellas Park is experiencing remarkable progress, marked by transformative projects that will benefit our community for years to come. One of our most exciting milestones is the groundbreaking of the Sprowls Horizon Sports Complex. Designed to host baseball, softball, football, and basketball events, this state-of-the-art facility is expected to draw visitors from across the region and beyond. We’re on track for completion by this time next year, and the enthusiasm surrounding the project is palpable.

Additionally, after two years of careful planning, we’ve begun construction on a new Police and Fire Public Safety Campus. This essential investment will not only modernize our facilities but also enhance emergency response times by strategically relocating fire stations. Our first responders will be better equipped to serve residents and businesses, ensuring the safety and well-being of our growing community.

While residential growth has slowed regionally, Pinellas Park’s business development continues to thrive. Several promising projects are in the pipeline, though confidentiality agreements prevent us from sharing specifics just yet. What truly sets us apart, however, is our commitment to regional collaboration. When a business opportunity isn’t the right fit for our city, we work closely with neighboring municipalities and Pinellas County to find the ideal location. This spirit of cooperation fosters economic growth across the region, creating opportunities that benefit us all.

With these initiatives underway, Pinellas Park remains dedicated to building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant community for our residents and visitors alike.

What progress has been on the brewery project, the City Center District, and the Public Safety Campus?

Exciting developments are underway in Pinellas Park as we continue to build a vibrant, dynamic community. Mastery Brewing is making significant progress on its plans to relocate its headquarters from St. Pete Beach to Pinellas Park. With an anticipated opening within the year, this project will bring new energy and opportunities to our city.

Across the street, we are preparing to relocate City Hall to a beautifully renovated historic train station. This move not only preserves an important piece of our heritage but also breathes new life into the area. Adjacent to the station, Roberts and Sons Group is making excellent progress on a mixed-use development that will feature apartments, condominiums, and a parking garage. The project is shaping up to become a central hub for both residents and visitors.

Just behind this development, our city center area — including Davis Commons — is coming to life. We’re in the process of clearing land and installing a new traffic signal on Park Boulevard to improve accessibility and safety in preparation for the new Public Safety Campus. These long-anticipated projects have been years in the making, and it’s rewarding to see them take shape.

Both the Mastery Brewing headquarters and our new police station are advancing swiftly. While navigating government timelines can sometimes be a challenge, our commitment to steady progress remains strong. I look forward to sharing their completion and celebrating the positive impact they will have on our community next year.

Pinellas Park is moving forward with purpose, and these projects are a testament to our city’s continued growth and resilience.

How are recent projects in Pinellas Park helping to address housing and workforce challenges as the city grows?

These projects play a vital role in addressing both economic and housing challenges. A prime example is Jabil Circuit’s recent expansion to the north end of Pinellas Park, where they’ve hired nearly 500 employees. One of their immediate concerns was finding suitable housing for their workforce — a clear indicator of the growing need for affordable housing options in our county.

New construction on an apartment and condominium complex will help meet this demand, although we often face resistance to new housing developments due to concerns about traffic and infrastructure. Nevertheless, it’s essential to remember that our city employees — from public works crews to police officers and firefighters — also need access to affordable homes. Providing diverse housing options ensures that those who serve our community can live within it.

Housing affordability has become an increasingly urgent issue, with prices skyrocketing. A two-bedroom house that once sold for $200,000 is now priced at $400,000 or more. This widening gap places homeownership out of reach for many residents, particularly those earning around $15 an hour.

To address this, we are committed to fostering balanced growth by increasing housing density and attracting new businesses. This approach allows us to expand our local economy and generate additional revenue without raising taxes. While rising costs for essential services like water and sewer present challenges, strategic economic development helps us manage these expenses responsibly.

By investing in projects that enhance both our housing supply and our economic landscape, we are building a more inclusive and resilient Pinellas Park — one where opportunity and quality of life are within reach for all.

What industries are you seeing the most growth in?

Pinellas Park’s central location is one of our greatest assets. With every major corridor passing through our city, we offer unparalleled accessibility for businesses and residents alike. But what truly sets us apart is our unwavering “yes-first” approach. Whether it’s a resident pursuing a small project or a Fortune 500 company exploring expansion, we begin by asking, “How can we make this work?” Instead of dwelling on obstacles, we focus on finding solutions.

This mindset has made Pinellas Park a magnet for diverse industries, from aerospace leaders to small business owners. A prime example is Jabil Circuit, which recently expanded its operations here, adding 500 jobs in microprocessor manufacturing. Alongside these larger investments, we’ve fostered the growth of independent breweries, family-run shops, and distinctive establishments like Orange County Choppers Roadhouse. This dynamic blend of industries reflects our city’s open-mindedness and willingness to embrace innovation.

In Pinellas Park, we welcome new ideas and enterprises with enthusiasm, creating an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive. Our commitment to collaboration and forward-thinking solutions continues to drive our economic vitality, making our community a place of opportunity for all.

What support does the city offer to help small businesses and startups grow, especially with rising costs and economic uncertainties?

We are committed to supporting small businesses through a variety of initiatives designed to foster growth and success. Our grants and incentives provide valuable resources for startups, while recent changes in state law now enable home-based businesses to thrive. We actively collaborate with entrepreneurs to ensure their operations are sustainable and prosperous.

Additionally, we offer façade grants to enhance the visual appeal of business properties, and we facilitate pre-development meetings for businesses of all sizes to guide them through the process. These proactive efforts provide flexibility and help businesses find the most effective path to success. To stay deeply connected with the small business community, I have also joined the Chamber of Commerce.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of Pinellas Park, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering their growth and success.

What specific sectors is the city targeting for further growth?

Currently, our focus is on achieving balance rather than targeting specific industries. Although I suspect we will see an uptick in hospitality and health/wellness/fitness type businesses due to the new Sprowls Horizon Youth Sports Complex underway. Pinellas Park boasts a significant industrial and commercial sector in the northern part of the city, and we are updating zoning codes to better integrate residential, retail, and workplace environments. For instance, we’ve revised zoning regulations to allow residential developments near industrial zones, promoting walkability and modern commuting options. Our approach is one of being “open for business,” and we are continuously adapting to ensure the city remains a vibrant and appealing destination for both businesses and residents alike.

How would you assess the local labor market in Pinellas Park and how is the city supporting workforce development?

The city’s labor market remains strong overall, yet we face some notable challenges. Outdoor, physically demanding jobs have become increasingly difficult to fill, as many people prefer indoor work. To address this, we have begun hiring more experienced workers who seek stability and benefits. Historically, younger workers were our primary source of labor for these roles, but the current generation of 18- and 19-year-olds is less inclined to pursue physically demanding jobs. Many are gravitating toward remote work, online ventures, or other opportunities that do not require physical labor.

Despite these shifts, our police and fire departments continue to attract younger recruits, and we are fortunate to have maintained a robust workforce across the board. However, adapting to these changing trends will be essential for our future workforce planning.

What are your top priorities as city manager for the next two to three years?

The focus now is on transforming plans into tangible results. Projects like the City Center master plan, which have been years in the making, are ready to come to fruition. These developments will not only foster vibrant business hubs but also provide residents with welcoming spaces to gather and connect. The Youth Sports Complex stands out as another key initiative, poised to attract families from across the country for tournaments. This influx will provide a significant boost to local businesses, including restaurants, sports stores, and gas stations. While the exact economic impact remains difficult to predict, we are confident it will serve as a powerful driver of growth. Our overarching goal is to fortify the economy, support local businesses, and enhance the quality of life for our residents. It’s an exciting time for Pinellas Park, and I look forward to seeing these projects come to life.