PINELLAS PARK – A city councilman and the Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber of Commerce are joining forces to bring major equestrian events into the city that could mean a boost to the local economy.
Newly-elected Councilman Jerry Mullins and Housh Ghovaee, the chamber’s president of the board of directors, already have met with representatives of the equestrian community. A formal course of action was to be presented at the April 24 City Council meeting.
“This is an untapped and very viable area that could bring a substantial amount of tourist dollars into the community,” Mullins said. “There is no reason why it cannot happen.”
Ghovaee, meanwhile, said a summit between city leaders and the equestrian community was held on April 8 at Park Station to measure support for the proposal. The outcome was the formation of an “equestrian task force committee” that will work to bring major horse events into the city.
“There are nearly 800 horses in Pinellas Park and people have a real passion for the animals,” Ghovaee said. “We already have the facilities, including a horse trail, in the city.”
Ghovaee said the facilities can draw major horse shows into the community. Additionally, he said, those using the city’s trails also would be a boost to the economic climate.
Mullins, meanwhile, said the goal is to make Pinellas Park a destination for horse enthusiasts.
“We would like to become another Ocala,” he said, referring to that Florida community’s equestrian events.
Businesswise, Ghovaee said, he expects that a growth of feed and equipment stores within the city and beyond could materialize as more equestrians visit the area.
Two former council candidates, Trish Macfarlane and Mary Brennan, are active supporters of the plan.
The equestrian project is the latest of several ideas to revitalize the city’s sagging business areas. Just recently Councilman Rick Butler introduced a plan to launch a Saturday morning farmer’s market near Park Station, and a neighborhood garden in another section of the city.
The market idea resulted from the success of similar projects in St. Petersburg, Largo and elsewhere in Pinellas County. Together they draw thousands of shoppers and boost sales at local restaurants and other businesses.
Those proposals currently are in the hands of city officials who are looking into the feasibility of launching the projects sometime this year.
Mullins, meanwhile, said city officials welcome ways to rebuild the old business district in and around Park Boulevard near Park Station that at one time included a number of stores, a hotel and a railroad station.
“Pinellas Park,” he said, “is on the verge of a major regrowth. Projects such as the equestrian, farmer’s market and other ideas can help make that happen.”
