Our History
2025
Habitat Rebrands to Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside
After expanding its service area to include Hernando County, a rebranding awareness campaign is launched to unveil a new name: Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside. The first home was built in Hernando County. Also, Habitat's Women Build was reimagined to bring together female leaders of the community to build a home for a woman-led family.
The 4th annual CEO Build raises over $300,000 and brought together 75 CEOs to build a home for the Simmons Family. Led by honorary chairs Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt, the build was features on HGTV's 100 Day Dream Home.2024
Habitat Selected for Expansion
Habitat International selects Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco to expand its service area to include Hernando County in order to serve more families in the community. Habitat's 900th home is built in the Dansville-Ridgecrest community for the Jones family. The annual Golfing Fore Habitat tournament is rebranded to a Topgolf Tournament and over $1 million is raised at the Habitat Glow Gala. Both Habitat ReStores close in order to provide the affiliate the ability to be singularly focused on the homeownership program.
2023
800th Home & Admin HQ Expansion
Habitat celebrated its 800th home built in the community with the Clayton Family in Lealman. The Admin Office was expanded and an Admin HQ Expansion Open House was held to celebrate the addition and another record year of 73 homes built locally and internationally. Increased homeowner education curriculum to 36 classes to better prepare homeowner candidates for their next chapter.
2022
ReStore Opening & CEO Build Launched
The Habitat ReStore New Port Richey held it’s grand opening in May. The affiliate closed out its fiscal year with another record year with 67 families served locally and 67 served internationally. Successfully launched the inaugural CEO Build through which $140,000 was raised by 55 CEOs committed to creating affordable homeownership opportunities. Habitat continued it’s partnership with Kids Pedal Power to present 107 bikes to Habitat children on their dedication day.
2021
New Admin HQ & Record Year
The affiliate closed out its fiscal year with a record of 60 families served locally and 60 served internationally. Habitat opened a new Administrative HQ to allow for the build out of a dedicate Homeowner Education Center and Homeowner Selection Area in its Clearwater location.
2020
600th Home Built & COVID-19
Despite the COVID 19 Pandemic, Habitat continued to move its mission forward with 61 deserving families served in the calendar year. Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco dedicates its 600th home to the Gordon family in Ridgecrest.
2019
Habitat Pinellas & West Pasco Affiliates Merge
Habitat Pinellas and the West Pasco affiliate merge to become Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties. The merger allows the affiliate to expand its service area and serve families and individuals in need. The affiliate broke ground on Tellor Estates, a 75-home development in Pinellas Park.
2018
500th home
Habitat Pinellas dedicates its 500th home to the Currie family in St. Petersburg.
2017
400th home
Habitat Pinellas dedicates the 400th home in Pinellas County.
2014
300th home
Habitat Pinellas dedicates its 300th home in St. Petersburg.
2013
Global Village & Blitz Build
The first Habitat Pinellas Global Village trip sent 10 volunteers to Guatemala for a weeklong build. Also, Habitat Pinellas’ annual Blitz Build completes two homes in seven days using 500 community volunteers.
2010
25th Anniversary & First Multi-Home Development
Habitat Pinellas celebrates its 25th anniversary and its fourth consecutive four-star rating. Also, the first multi-family development is built and the Showcase Home is opened for visitors.
2009
Operation REhabitat & Blitz Build
Operation REhabitat launches. Habitat Pinellas focuses efforts on renovating distressed mortgage properties due to the housing market collapse. Also, a weeklong, two-home Blitz Build takes place during Super Bowl XLIII. The home is built in a box and donated to the Pittsburg Habitat affiliate.
2008
200th Home & Stevens Creek
The first Energy Star Certified home is built, which becomes the 200th house built for Habitat Pinellas. Also, Homer Villas is purchased in Clearwater and rebuilt as Stevens Creek. Over 50 homes are built.
2006
Home Built in 5 Days
Professional building teams complete a Habitat Pinellas home in just five days — the fastest home build ever completed at this time.
2004
ReStore Opens & First Mortgage Paid
The ReStore, Habitat Pinellas’s home improvement outlet, opens its doors. Also, the first homeowner, Jane Dunaway, pays off and burns her mortgage, vowing to continue volunteering and helping others.
2003
100th Home Built
In February, Habitat Pinellas completes its 100th house for a family located in St. Petersburg.
1990
Habitat Expands Outside St. Pete
The very first home outside of St. Petersburg is built in Clearwater. It is the 15th home ever for Habitat Pinellas. More homes in Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and Pinellas Park soon follow.
1985
Habitat Pinellas Builds First Home
Habitat Pinellas breaks ground on their very first home. The homeowner was required to put in 1,000 hours of sweat equity. Also, Habitat Pinellas is recognized as an HfHI affiliate.
1984
Habitat Pinellas is Founded
Habitat Pinellas is conceptualized at a meeting of the St. Petersburg Ministerial Association by Reverend Bob Gemmer. Reverend James Schwarzlose of the First Congregational Church of St. Petersburg is named Executive Director.
1976
Habitat for Humanity is founded
Millard and Linda Fuller start Habitat for Humanity International (HfHI) in Americus, Georgia.
2026
Affiliate accolades
- Florida Trend Best Companies to Work for in Florida Award Winner (#2 Medium Company, 3rd year)
- Tampa Bay Business Journal Best Places to Work Recipient (#4 Large Company, 4th year)
- Tampa Bay Times Top Workplaces Recipient (3rd year)
- USF Fast 56 Award Recipient (3rd Year)
- The Nonprofit Times Best Nonprofits to Work for in the Country Honoree
- Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber Best Office Tradition Award Winner
- St. Pete Life Reader’s Choice Best Health/Welfare Organization Finalist
team member accolades
Mike Sutton, President & CEO
- Tampa Bay Business Journal Power 100 (6th consecutive year)
- Tampa Bay Business Journal Most Admired CEO Honoree
- Tampa Bay Titan 100 – Hall of Fame Honoree (3rd Year)
Todd St. John Fulton, Chief People & Culture Officer
- OnCon Icon Award – Top 100 HR Professional
Morgan Mandelker, Chief External Relations Officer
- Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine Women Who Win Finalist
Leadership Program Graduates
- Camila González – University of Tampa Nonprofit Management Certificate
- Candi Hagler – Leadership Pasco
- Xavier Oliver – Leadership Tampa Bay
- Todd St. John Fulton – Leadership Pinellas
2025
Affiliate accolades
- Tampa Bay Business Journal One Tampa Bay Recipient (8th year)
- Florida Trend Best Companies to Work for in Florida Award Winner (#1 Medium Company, 2nd year)
- Tampa Bay Business Journal Best Places to Work Recipient (Large Company Category, 3rd year)
- Tampa Bay Times Top Workplaces Recipient (2nd year)
- Large Business of the Year by the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber (3rd Year)
- Tampa Bay Times Best of the Best New Home Builder Finalist (3rd Year)
- Family Friendly Business Award – Family Friendly Tampa Bay
- St. Pete Life – Best Health/Welfare Org
team member accolades
Mike Sutton, President & CEO
- Tampa Bay Business Journal Power 100 (5th consecutive year)
- Tampa Bay Titan 100 (2nd Year)
Nancy Ridenour, CFO
- Ms. Clearwater Award – Amplify Clearwater
- Tampa Bay Business Journal CFO of the Year
Deb Lay, Director of Mortgage Servicing
- Inspire Award – Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce
Zach Wood, Senior Accountant
- Golden Hammer Award – Pasco-Hernando State College
Leadership Program Graduates
- Skylar Alexander – Leadership Hernando
- Amanda Arnone – Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber Leadership Institute
- Camila González – Leadership Pinellas
- Jordan Gibson – Leadership Pasco
- Sean King – Leadership Florida
- Xavier Oliver – University of Tampa Nonprofit Management Certificate
- Jaxmin Ramirez, SHRM-CP – NLC Certificate in Leadership
U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis Congressional Award
Habitat Board Members:- Charlie Rogers
- Mika Rotunda
- Frank Starkey
- Heidi Tuttle-Beisner
2024
affiliate accolades
- Tampa Bay Business Journal One Tampa Bay Recipient (7th year)
- Energy Star Partner of the Year Award Winner (3rd year)
- Florida Trend Best Companies to Work for in Florida Award Winner
- Tampa Bay Business Journal Best Places to Work Recipient (Large Company Category, 2nd year)
- Tampa Bay Times Top Workplaces Recipient
- Upper Tampa Bay Chamber Large Business of the Year (2nd Year)
- Tampa Bay Times Best of the Best New Home Builder Finalist (2nd Year)
- Amplify Clearwater Business Excellence Award
- PRSA Tampa Bay PRestige Award of Excellence (2nd Year)
- USF Fast 56 Award Recipient (2nd Year)
- Pinellas Park Chamber Large Business of the Year Award
- Orlando Health Community Partner of the Year Recipient
team member accolades
- Mike Sutton, President & CEO was recognized on the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100 list for the fourth year in a row, as an inaugural member of the Tampa Titan 100 Awards Class of 2024, an NAACP Presidents Award winner, and as a Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Apogee Award Finalist.
- Todd St. John Fulton, Chief People & Culture Officer, was recognized as a 2024 Tampa Bay Business Journal Business of Pride Honoree.
2023
Affiliate accolades
- Received the John 6:9 Award from Habitat Florida, recognizing the affiliate’s lifetime tithe that totals more than $3M+
- Tampa Bay Business Journal One Tampa Bay Recipient (6th year)
- Energy Star Partner of the Year Award Winner (2nd year)
- Tampa Bay Business Journal Best Places to Work Recipient (Large Company Category)
- Large Business of the Year by the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber
- Tampa Bay Times Best of the Best New Home Builder Finalist
- PRSA Tampa Bay PRestige Award of Excellence
- USF Fast 56 Award Recipient for the
- Amplify Clearwater Environmental Steward Award Recipient
- Good ‘Burger Large Community Conscious Award Recipient
Team Member accolades
- Mike Sutton, President & CEO was recognized on the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100 list for the third year in a row
- Habitat Homeowner and Board Member, Davisha Earley, was recognized with the Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Award
- Gaby Camacho, Chief Construction Officer, selected as a 2023 Tampa Bay Business Journal Business Woman of the Year Honoree
2022
affiliate accolades
- ENERGY STAR® Market Leader Award Winner
- Amplify Clearwater Nonprofit Excellence Award Winner
- Tampa Bay Business Journal One Tampa Bay Recipient 5th year)
- Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce Service Organization of the Year Award Winner
team member accolades
- Mike Sutton, President & CEO, recognized on Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100 List for second year and was also recognized as a 2022 USF Status of Latinos Community Award recipient
- Chief Construction Officer, Gaby Camacho, was recognized by the St. Petersburg Civitan Club with their 2022 Four Chaplains Award
- Chief People & Culture Officer, Todd St. John-Fulton, was named the winner of the Chief Human Resources Officer of the year award at the Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine’s 2022 Apogee Awards
- Morgan Brochetti, Chief External Relations Officer, recognized as the the 2022 Sue Ellen Richardson Rookie of the Year with Tampa Bay PRSA
2021
Affiliate Accolades
- Tampa Bay Business Journal One Tampa Bay Recipient 4th year)
- Amplify Clearwater Culture Creator Award Recipient
- Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber Nonprofit of the Year
- Habitat ReStores nominated for Sustany Foundation’s Sustainable Business Award
Team Member Accolades
- Mike Sutton, President & CEO, recognized on Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100 List
2020
Affiliate Accolades
- Tampa Bay Business Journal One Tampa Bay Recipient 3rd year)
- Suncoast Chapter Building Officials Association of Florida Community Service Award Winner
2019
Affiliate Accolades
- Tampa Bay Business Journal One Tampa Bay Recipient (2nd year)
- Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber Nonprofit of the Year
- Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce CYP Award of Excellence
- Nonprofit of the Year by the Pinellas Park Chamber of Commerce
2018
Affiliate Accolades
- Tampa Bay Business Journal One Tampa Bay Recipient
- Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year
team member Accolades
Habitat President & CEO, Mike Sutton, received the 2018 Roy Deeb Service Award at the Annual ALPHA House of Pinellas County Luncheon
2017
affiliate accolades
Tampa Bay Business Journals Nonprofit of the Year in the “Public and Societal Benefit” category
2016
affiliate accolades
- Tampa Bay Business Journal Nonprofit of the Year in the “Crisis Resources” category
- Tampa Bay Business Journal Best Places to Work Recipient (Bigger Company Category)
- Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber “Nonprofit of the Year” Award Winner
- Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year Award Winner
team member accolades
VP of Homeowner Services, Candi Hagler, is named a Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work Honoree
2015
affiliate accolades
HSN Partner of the Year
2014
affiliate accolades
- The Environmental Protection Agency National Energy Star Award Recipient
- Raymond James Financial “Partner of the Year”
2012
affiliate accolades
- Tampa Bay Business Journals Nonprofit of the Year Finalist in the “Family Services” category
team member accolades
Habitat President & CEO, Barbara Inman, is named “Nonprofit Woman of the Year” by the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce
2011
affiliate accolades
Tampa Bay Business Journals Nonprofit of the Year in the “Public and Societal Benefit” category
- City of St. Petersburg City Beautiful Commission Peggy Allen Award Winner
2010
affiliate accolades
Tampa Bay Business Journals Nonprofit of the Year Finalist in the “Public and Societal Benefit” category
2009
Affiliate Accolades
- Tampa Bay Business Journals Nonprofit of the Year Finalist in the “Human Services” category
- Habitat Pinellas receives a Bank of America Neighborhood Builder Award.
2006
affiliate accolades
- Tampa Bay Business Journals Ultimate Management Team Finalist
team member accolades
- Habitat Executive Director, Barbara Inman, is named a “Business Woman of the Year” Finalist by the Tampa Bay Business Journal