# Pinellas County Ends Sexual-Assault Services Contract

On October 13, 2026, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved notice that county funding for Suncoast Center’s agreement to provide 24/7 sexual-assault evidence collection services will end on December 31, 2026. The county expects $85,000 to cover the final three months and is asking local hospitals to provide the service, but a permanent funding stream has not been resolved. Law enforcement has raised concerns about decentralizing evidence collection, making service continuity and transition planning key considerations for potential providers.

- The county’s request to local hospitals signals a potential transition or replacement-services opportunity, but the signals do not identify a solicitation, selected provider, or long-term funding commitment.
- Providers evaluating this work should account for round-the-clock coverage, evidence collection, and coordination with law enforcement; the county has requested transition updates and hospital outreach.
- **Key deadline:** County funding is set to end December 31, 2026 (77 days from October 15), so organizations considering service continuity should factor that date into transition planning.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Information Technology, Healthcare, Public Safety
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- Pinellas County Commission
- Pinellas County Human Services
- Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO)

### Vendors
- Suncoast Center (incumbent)

### Key Quotes
> I think these victims need a good, reliable, comfortable place that's going to treat them the way they need to be treated, collect the evidence that needs to be collected and processed swiftly.
> — Kathleen Peters, County Commissioner

> Something needs to change so that the survivors can continue to receive the services that they need.
> — Karen Yatchum, Director of Human Services

### Sources
- [Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting 10-13-26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-p6kAZ0b1c) - Pinellas County Meetings
- [Pinellas County cuts ties with Suncoast Center, ending sexual assault exam deal](https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/pinellas-county-cuts-ties-suncoast-221457761.html) - Yahoo