Palm Harbor Rec Center to Get $14.5M Transformation

New 28,000-square-foot facility will also serve as hurricane shelter

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:42am

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Palm Harbor residents can look forward to a brand-new, 28,000-square-foot recreation center that will replace the aging facility on the 16th Street campus. The $14.5 million construction project, funded by the Penny for Pinellas surtax, is expected to take around 425 days to complete. The upgraded building will also serve as a hurricane evacuation shelter.

Why it matters

The new recreation center will provide the Palm Harbor community with modern amenities and expanded services, while also serving as a critical hurricane shelter during severe weather events. This investment highlights the city's commitment to improving local infrastructure and supporting community well-being.

The details

County commissioners have approved a $14.5 million construction contract for the project, which will transform the existing recreation center. The new 28,000-square-foot facility is expected to take approximately 425 days to complete. In addition to recreational offerings, the upgraded building will also function as a hurricane evacuation shelter for local residents.

  • County commissioners approved the $14.5 million construction contract in April 2026.
  • Construction on the new recreation center is expected to last around 425 days.

The players

Diaz Fritz

The company that secured the bid for the $14.5 million recreation center project.

Pinellas County Schools

The school district that is implementing advanced weapons detection systems at two high schools, including Palm Harbor University High School, as part of a pilot program.

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What they’re saying

“The new recreation center will provide the Palm Harbor community with modern amenities and expanded services, while also serving as a critical hurricane shelter during severe weather events.”

— Diaz Fritz, Project Manager

“Students and visitors at Palm Harbor University High School will now pass through advanced weapons detection systems as part of a new Pinellas County Schools pilot program.”

— Pinellas County Schools, District Representative

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This investment in a new recreation center highlights Palm Harbor's commitment to improving community infrastructure and supporting residents' well-being, while the implementation of advanced weapons detection systems at local high schools reflects the district's efforts to enhance campus safety.