Florida Construction News staff writer
Pinellas County and Palm Harbor officials broke ground April 17 on a $14-million recreation center that will replace the existing Palm Harbor Senior Center and expand both recreational and emergency shelter capacity in the community.
The general contractor is Diaz/Fritz.
Pinellas County Commission Chair Dave Eggers joined local officials and dozens of residents at the site for the ceremonial start of construction on the 28,457-square-foot facility, which will be fully funded through the Penny for Pinellas infrastructure surtax.
The new Palm Harbor Recreation Center will be built on the site of the former senior centre, originally constructed in 1979. Once completed, the facility will include an elevated indoor walking track, a gymnasium with space for basketball and pickleball, and event space for up to 400 people.
Additional features include a fully operational kitchen, office and conference space, and backup power generation to support emergency operations.
Beyond recreation, the building is designed to serve a dual purpose as an emergency shelter with capacity for up to 498 people during severe weather or other emergency events.
County officials say the project reflects a long-term investment in community infrastructure, replacing an aging facility while increasing recreational programming space and strengthening local emergency preparedness.
Construction will continue over the coming months, with completion expected to provide a modern multi-use facility for residents of Palm Harbor and surrounding areas.
