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Pinellas came out of the integration plan as part of a settlement in 2000. It is implementing a public school choice plan for 2003. However, race will still be considered a factor until 2007. Hiilsborough is not in a better situation. They also have a choice plan with race a factor. The order freeing Hillsborough County from the desegration order completely was overturned in March. Pinellas is no more a big no-no than Hillsborough when it comes to public schools. Personally, I like Tampa and St. Pete and could live in either, but prefer St. Pete as being a bit less congested and quieter. I also prefer St. Pete's downtown which has focused on residential rather than commercial. As such, St. Pete's downtown is livelier after 5 PM than Tampa, yet more family friendly than Ybor. St. Pete's nightlife is more of restaurants and galleries while Ybor is more bars and discos. Again, it is all personal and depends on what you value. When I was single and childless, Ybor was a better attraction.

Here's the bottom line on Pinellas County schools...you could buy a house NEXT DOOR to a school you wanted your child to attend, but it would still be possible (likely, in fact) that your child would be bussed elsewhere.

They'll actually have a 'hub' system, whereby kids will be bussed to a central location, a hub, get off that bus and onto another bus to be taken to their assigned school.

That's the point I was trying to make about Pinellas County schools.

My kids will be going to Walden Lake Elementary and to Tomlin Middle, both recieved 'A' grades last week...woo hoo!