ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Communities around the world are looking to the future, and deciding how they want to evolve to face fundamental issues like sustainability and quality of life as climate, culture and human behaviors change over time.

Pinellas County is no different, and next week, residents will get to voice their opinions on its direction. Forward Pinellas, an organization dedicated to marshaling ideas and resources to shape a vision for the county’s future, is partnering with the City of St. Petersburg and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to offer citizens the opportunity to make their voices heard.

Two virtual “Listening Sessions” are scheduled for Thursday, December 10—one from 8-9 a.m., and one from noon-1 p.m.— wherein folks can join a Zoom call and put their two cents in regarding the Downtown St. Petersburg Mobility Study, which specifically addresses traffic, transit and transportation in the ‘Burg.

 “We’re looking to get community input regarding one-way roadway pairs, the interstate system and bicycle and pedestrian access and connections,” Forward Pinellas Principal Planner Sarah Caper said in a press release. “We recognize there is a lot going on in and around Downtown St. Pete and want to hear from people on their values and vision for the area so we can develop a plan that will represent the community and improve the quality of life for everyone.”

The sessions will be held via everybody’s favorite work-from-home application to hate, Zoom. Registration is required (you can do it through the session links above), and please respect the rules of basic human decency and courtesy if you choose to participate.