Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clearwater public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
21 issues in business jobs
BayCare Ballpark Term Sheet Approval
The Phillies' spring training ballpark could get a big new building — up to 55 feet tall with 246 parking spaces — if the board grants use flexibility. Neighbors around North Old Coachman Road may care about height, traffic, and parking.
Employee Pension Vesting and Retirement Approvals
The pension board routinely processed new employee plan enrollments, vesting agreements for departing staff, and retirements for 12 long-serving city workers. These actions manage the city's ongoing obligations to its workforce under established pension rules.
Downtown Revitalization and Business Support
The CRA highlighted Downtown Pizza Bar & Grill as its business spotlight and discussed ongoing efforts to boost downtown foot traffic and entertainment options along Cleveland Street.
Community Event Funding and Grant Approvals
The board approved significant grant funding for major downtown events, including Halloween and lantern festivals, as well as an expanded $120,000 music series on Cleveland Street.
Artificial Intelligence Integration and Governance
The city's Accela permitting platform will soon add AI to handle initial completeness reviews, freeing staff for customer service. A front-end tool called Open Counter is also being explored. Faster permit turnaround directly supports housing affordability.
Beach Concessions Operations Renewal
The city renewed its long-standing partnership with Fields, Inc. to operate the Barefoot Beach House and Pier 60 concessions.
Pending Legal Settlement in Crum Properties II, LLC v. CRA
The city approved a $7.5 million settlement to resolve a major lawsuit over a former historic cemetery site in Clearwater Heights. Residents and faith leaders urged the CRA to use this moment to address historical erasure and honor the descendants of those buried on the property.
Legal Representation and Litigation Expenses
The CRA approved a legal services agreement capped at $265,000 with GrayRobinson to handle active litigation involving Crum Properties II, LLC.
City Attorney Selection and Leadership
The City Attorney is resigning, prompting council discussions on transition timelines, severance agreements, and launching a nationwide search for a replacement while ensuring legal continuity.
Coachman Park Event Funding and Sponsorships
The board invested over $53,000 in upcoming downtown events, helping fund both the Cinco De Mayo Taco Fest and a full year of Market Marie markets at Coachman Park. These events aim to draw visitors downtown and support local culture and commerce.
Micro-Pop-Up Grant Program Revisions
The board updated its micro-pop-up grant guidelines to make it easier for businesses to participate, explicitly voting to remove limits on how many times a business can apply for help.
Downtown Clearwater Branding and Messaging Initiative
The board reviewed a proposal from RB Oppenheim Associates to provide marketing and PR services, aiming to promote downtown Clearwater and maintain business visibility during ongoing construction projects.
Commercial and Residential Grant Program Updates
Grant limits and guidelines were updated across downtown and North Greenwood to help property owners cope with rising construction costs and simplify the application process.
Opportunity Zone 2.0 Redesignation Strategy
The city is submitting new census tracts for the federal Opportunity Zone 2.0 program since downtown no longer qualifies due to its economic progress. The new tracts focus resources on areas like North Greenwood and South Greenwood to encourage private investment.
Clearwater Jazz Holiday Funding and Multi-Year Partnership
The Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation requested multi-year funding support totaling $140,000 annually to help offset rising production costs and expanded free public access areas. Board members debated whether committing up to 40% of the board's ad valorem revenue to a single festival is appropriate, ultimately compromising on a two-year agreement for $130,000 and $120,000.
Chalk the Bay Art and Music Festival Planning
Clearwater is planning its first-ever multi-day chalk art and music festival for January 2027, bringing artists from across the country to downtown.
March Business Spotlight: One Stoppe Shoppe
One Stoppe Shoppe at 331 Cleveland Street was honored for maintaining a retail presence in downtown Clearwater for over 35 years. The family-run business provides everyday essentials and supports local initiatives.
Downtown Commercial Grant for The District Bistro
Tatlici Food, Inc. requested and received an increased grant of $82,659.27 to help reimburse completed renovations and equipment upgrades at The District Bistro on Cleveland Street. Trustees praised the restaurant for bringing lively energy and quality dining to a long-vacant downtown storefront.
Lien Reduction and Property Sale Incentives
The board agreed to reduce old liens on 910 Engman Street to administrative costs so Habitat for Humanity can purchase the property and build affordable housing.
Placer.ai Location Intelligence Platform Implementation
Clearwater implemented a shared data platform to track downtown event attendance and visitor patterns accurately, replacing guesswork with hard data.
Municipal Revenue Generation via Corporate Sponsorships
The city entered into a professional services agreement with Instigo Agency to sell sponsorships and naming rights for city parks, recreation assets, and events. This aims to generate alternative revenue streams beyond traditional property taxation.