With funds emanating from the Florida Department of Legal Affairs, the inception of the Black-on-Black Crime Prevention Program started in 1985. In 1986, the agency received funds from the Florida Department of Education to operate the Vocational Education Support Program. One year later, the Competency-Based Remediation and Skill Development Program (later renamed Operation SMART - Student Motivational and Readiness Training) was initiated through the financial support of the Pinellas Community Foundation. In 1991, thePeer Power Program was implemented with funds provided by the Florida State Governor‘s Drug-Free Communities Grant Program. High among PCUL accomplishments is the development and growth of its Housing Department which encompasses numerous programs supported from various sources. Under the auspices of this department, energy-saving repairs to homes of qualified county residents began in 1980 with the Weatherization Assistance Program. The original funding, from the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA), was soon joined by other programs with a similar purpose: FLORIDAFix (1991), Solar Weatherization Assistance Program (1993), the Low-Income Emergency Home Repair Program (1994), and the Weatherization Assistance Program/Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (1995). In 1996, the SHIP Program, funded by the City of Largo Community Development Block Grant monies, was awarded to the PCUL. In 1996, a partnership between the PCUL and Florida Power Corporation was established to provide an incentive basis for specified energy enhancement measures. This Urban League was chosen as one of the few participants in the Florida Power Pilot Program and is viewed as a trendsetter, based on its stellar performance. In 1997, a partnership was established with Pinellas County, using CDBG funds, to provide Housing Rehab services to eligible residents. In 1999, the department expanded weatherization services to Martin, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties. The Urban League‘s Housing Department has been recognized by the State of Florida and the U.S. Department of Energy for its exemplary strategies in the area of energy conservation measures.

Home energy services of a different nature are provided under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (1992) which helps qualified individuals meet the high cost of energy by paying a portion of their energy bill or assists low-income individuals and households in weather-related crisis situations which are funded by the Florida Department of Community Affairs. The program complements and augments the home energy conservation measures provided by the agency‘s Housing Department. Recognizing a growing need, the State of Florida funded the Crime Prevention and Intervention Program in 1994. This statewide program is charged with providing leadership in creating strategies and viable alternatives which will serve as a deterrent to youth at risk of embarking on a life of crime. The League secured an additional contract from the Florida Attorney General‘s Office to operate a Preventing First Time Offenders from Becoming Second Time Offenders Program in September 2002 and received funding from the Department of Justice for FY 2007/2008.

In 1999, additional support for the Health Mobile (donated to the PCUL by Anheuser-Busch) and its Health Screening Program was received from the Baxter-Allegiance Foundation and the Florida Department of Health. These funds allowed the PCUL to bring essential health screening services to individuals in the communities where they live. Additionally, Herman L. Lessard served as President & CEO from November 2004 through October 2006. Gregory Johnson served as the President & CEO of the Urban League from October 2007 through October 2011.

In 2008, the PCUL received a two-year Health Education Awareness grant from Baxter Foundation. Other grants awarded to the PCUL in 2008 were the 50-50-50 Youth Challenge (Community-Based), Tampa Bay Rays Foundation, Progress Energy (Weatherization Incentive), and the City of St. Petersburg (Weed & Seed). In 2009 the agency received stimulus funding for the Weatherization Program. In 2011 funding was received to weatherize multi-family apartment buildings under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). PCUL selected Rainbow Village, located in Largo, Florida (HUD property) to weatherize 200 units. sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers (SERC) supplemental grant was received in 2011 which will be used to fund "materials, benefits, and renewable domestic energy technologies" not currently covered by the Weatherization program.

The Pinellas County Urban League‘s nationwide search for a new leader concluded at its beginning – with a hometown hero whose deep roots stretch throughout the community, state, and nation. Watson Haynes, a native of St. Petersburg and a popular public speaker, consultant, and advocate for education assumed the role of President & CEO on May 7th, 2012.

The aforementioned vignettes describe the pivotal events and program development which form the unique history and depict the forward movement of the Pinellas County Urban League. Each has its significance to the mission of the League to assist all those in need. The progress of the PCUL is the direct result of the vision, dedication, and commitment of a dedicated Board and staff. Crisis situations which is funded by the Florida Department of Community Affairs. The program complements and augments home energy.