Economic Development Touches All Things
Published on October 01, 2023
The City of Dunedin is recognizing International Economic Development Week May 8 – 12 and the importance of economic development to our community. During this week, communities across North America will celebrate and recognize the contributions made by professional economic developers to create more economically vibrant and livable communities.
Dunedin’s vibrant downtown and thriving business corridors are a result of years of economic development leadership and local partnerships providing an opportunity-rich and inclusive environment for business attraction, entrepreneurship, employment and housing opportunities. These efforts have resulted in a strong tax base, a healthy local economy, a sense of community and a high quality of life. Learn more about current and future projects the Economic Development team are working on visit their department page.
Our Economic Development team has provided some updates on projects of interest to the Dunedin community:
Coca-Cola Plant
Coca-Cola is a 27.5 acre-site where Tropicana orange juice and Dasani water is produced. Coke has informed the City they will be relocating to Bartow, Florida. Coke has been a great partner with the City over the decades and recognizes the importance of how the property is used and redeveloped. At this time Coke has informed the City that their operation in Dunedin is still needed and will continue to run till late 2023. The property is expected to be listed for sale in the summer of 2024. Please note staff is working closely with Coca-Cola staff and Pinellas County Economic Development personnel along with interested developers on the future uses for this site.
Ocean Optics (380 Main Street)
The site commonly referred to as Ocean Optics from the prior owner Ocean Optics is across from Casa Tina and was recently purchased by a developer. The developer is a full-service design, engineering and real estate company. At this time the developer recognizes the importance of sensitive development for this hig- profile site and is currently looking at possible mixed uses for the property.
Skinner Blvd. FDOT Design Public Meeting - June 27, 5:30 p.m.
A complete street makeover for Skinner Boulevard will address vehicular safety issues arising from high motorist speeds. The planned improvements will improve roadway aesthetics and will also stimulate redevelopment. Safety on Pinellas Trail crossing will also be improved.
Key Project Elements
- Lane reduction Broadway to Oak
- Roundabouts at Douglas & Highland
- 10’ concrete sidewalks throughout
- New mast arm signal at Bass/Main
- Bus pull-outs
- Decorative street lighting
- Raised median (landscaping opportunity)
- On-street parking
Schedule
- Public Meeting – June 27th 5:30pm at City Hall
- Phase III Design (90%) – Late August
- Final Bid Documents – Mid March 2024
- Project Letting – Late May 2024
- Construction Start – Early Fall 2024
Patricia Avenue Enhancements- Landscape Median
Planned enhancement to continue the revitalization of the Patricia Avenue corridor. Improvements will add vibrancy to Patricia Avenue and encourage private investment resulting in increased tax base and job creation. The landscape median is scheduled to be installed at the corner of Main and Patricia Avenue this summer and will function as a decorate entryway.
Old City Hall
A plan to demolish the old City Hall is scheduled for late summer of 2023 with an interim plan for grass and benches in order to stabilize the site. A site design which is to include a pocket park and restrooms will be prepared and presented to City Commission early 2024.
Other Projects
Main Street Pavers Enhancements - Phase 1 (in front of CasaTina restaurant) initiative will improve walkability and overall aesthetics on the south section of Main Street from Douglas Avenue to the Pinellas Trail. Future phases from 2024 will continue paver enhancements as existing streetscape needs enhancement. The project is scheduled to begin work this summer/2023.
Mease Materials Parking Lot - The demolition of the old Mease Materials building has been completed and the lot is being stabilized. A future phase will include parking lot striping, curbing, lighting and landscaping. The first phase will be completed early summer 2023.
Gateway - This project is schedule to begin in late May, which includes hotel, apartments retail and event space.