Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clearwater public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in zoning
Live Local Act Missing Middle Property Tax Exemption opt-out
A property-tax amendment is on next month's ballot, and city staff have published a dashboard and contingency memo showing possible service cuts. Right now, no cuts to housing funding are identified.
Annexations and zoning map changes
Six properties — on Pineapple Lane, Owen Drive, Evans Drive, S. Bayview Avenue, Carroll Street, and Canterbury Road — would be annexed into Clearwater with new land-use and zoning designations, from residential to industrial.
South Garden Avenue referendum petition rejected
The Save the Garden petition with 7,577 verified signatures sought to repeal the ordinance vacating South Garden Avenue to the Church of Scientology. The Attorney General opined the petition conflicts with state law, and council voted 3-2 to take no further action. Litigation seems likely.
Future Land Use Map Amendment at 2448 Nursery Road
A 0.63-acre residential property on Nursery Road wants to change from Residential Urban to Residential Medium, which allows a bit more density. The board recommended it without objection, but the City Council gets the final say.
North Greenwood Community Overlay and PRD Land Use Amendments
The overlay to enable 'missing middle' housing — duplexes, triplexes, quads — in North Greenwood has cleared state review of its land-use amendments and returns to City Council in October. Community meetings run September through December, with public hearings targeted for early 2027.
North Greenwood Redevelopment and Comprehensive Plan Overlays
The council reviewed amendments establishing a Planned Redevelopment District Overlay and North Greenwood Community Overlay to encourage development and community revitalization.
South Bayview Avenue Annexation & Development Concerns
Residents expressed concerns that annexing 603 South Bayview Avenue into the city could lead to multi-family residential development that disrupts the quiet neighborhood and retreat center.
Cleveland Street Mobile Vendor Initiative
City staff introduced plans to create an exception in local codes allowing mobile vendors to operate in specific blocks of Cleveland Street. The idea is to bring lively street activity without stepping on the toes of brick-and-mortar restaurants.
Landscape Ground Cover Code Compliance
Residents raised concerns that using shell as ground cover in city parks violates local development code and harms landscape health.
Garden Avenue Right-of-Way Vacation (Ordinance 9907-26)
The city council debated and voted to approve vacating a section of Garden Avenue to accommodate the Church of Scientology's L. Ron Hubbard Hall project. Supporters emphasized pedestrian safety and large event crowds, while opponents and residents argued the public street should remain open and questioned land ownership.
Garden Avenue Right-of-Way Vacation
The City Council approved vacating a portion of South Garden Avenue to accommodate the Church of Scientology's L. Ron Hubbard Hall project. Supporters cited security and pedestrian safety, while opponents argued it reduces downtown connectivity and violates planning principles.