Palm Harbor Recreation Center Addition

Pinellas County is seeking a General Contractor to construct a 28,000 square foot recreation center located next to the Senior Centre on 16th Street in Palm Harbor, Florida. The project is a two-step qualification process with a bid submission deadline of November 11, 2025 for Step 1 and November 20, 2025 for Step 2. The recreation center will serve dual purposes as a community recreational facility and an at-risk hurricane shelter, designed to meet American Red Cross standards and potentially accommodate up to 800 general population shelter spaces during storms. The contract term is set for 425 consecutive calendar days from the Notice to Proceed, with liquidated damages of $487.07 per calendar day for delays. A non-mandatory site visit and pre-conference are scheduled for October 29, 2025, with questions from potential bidders due by November 4, 2025. Contractors must demonstrate extensive project experience, provide reference letters, and submit comprehensive qualification documentation. The evaluation will focus on technical capabilities, past performance, and compliance with project specifications.

The county has established a 15% Small Business Enterprise (SBE) participation goal for subcontractors, encouraging participation from disadvantaged business enterprises. Bidders must provide a bonding letter indicating their maximum bonding capacity and complete an OpenGov Fillable form detailing their organizational structure and previous project experiences. While a specific project budget is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the project involves complex infrastructure including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology systems for a two-story facility. The project will replace an existing building originally constructed in 1979 and is designed to serve approximately 60,000 residents of unincorporated Palm Harbor. Contractors will need to demonstrate expertise in constructing multi-use facilities that can function both as recreational spaces and emergency shelters, with specific attention to building codes, storm resistance, and community infrastructure requirements. Bidders must also comply with various local and state regulations, including E-Verify requirements and specific insurance and bonding specifications.