what Pinellas Co. really needs... (Tampa, Clearwater: buying a house, buying, costs)

[tjax1000]

is a true, limited access freeway running north to south. It is amazing how quick you can get somewhere if 275 is in your route. But if it isn't, you're totally screwed. From downtown St. Pete I can be to the beach or to Tampa with ease, but Clearwater, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar... forget it.

I was just thinking about this since we were thinking of heading from St. Pete up to Dunedin for the Celtic Festival tomorrow. I can't think of a single way to get there that won't involve a thousand lights.

Has there ever been talk of building such a beast? I'm sure it will never happen- too many logistical problems. I guess 19 is the closest thing, but it has plenty of lights to call its own.

The old argument of "its just a short drive away" would be a catastrophic mistake when buying a house in this county. But, you're always safe if the stuff you like and want to do for fun is in walking distance!

[AMC Man Dan King O' Keno]

Originally Posted by tjax1000

is a true, limited access freeway running north to south. It is amazing how quick you can get somewhere if 275 is in your route. But if it isn't, you're totally screwed. From downtown St. Pete I can be to the beach or to Tampa with ease, but Clearwater, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar... forget it.

I was just thinking about this since we were thinking of heading from St. Pete up to Dunedin for the Celtic Festival tomorrow. I can't think of a single way to get there that won't involve a thousand lights.

Has there ever been talk of building such a beast? I'm sure it will never happen- too many logistical problems. I guess 19 is the closest thing, but it has plenty of lights to call its own.

The old argument of "its just a short drive away" would be a catastrophic mistake when buying a house in this county. But, you're always safe if the stuff you like and want to do for fun is in walking distance!

A freeway would be nice, but it will never happen. Traffic on 19 flows alot better now that they have built the overpasses like at Bryan Dairy and 19. Look on the bright side, it could be much worse!

[ferret111]

There were a bunch of planned freeways for Pinellas County, including an overland route from Tampa. They were all shot down due to costs and NIMBYs. The best Pinellas could do was make 19 limited access, which they did...to a point. I read a few months ago that Pinellas got stimulus money and they planned to use that to rebuild 19 farther north, but I don't know if they ever will get around to it.

They are also planning to connect the Howard Frankland with the Bayside via the 118th Avenue Exit.

Here's a mention of cancelled Pinellas projects:
Florida @ SouthEastRoads - Pinellas County Highways