Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clearwater public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
30 issues with critical priority
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.
Housing Incentive Programs Evaluation
The committee is updating the city's state-mandated housing incentive strategy. All 16 incentive areas — fast permits, fee cuts, flexible densities, ADUs, parking breaks and more — stay on the books, with one tweak tying parking reductions to special-needs housing. These incentives shape how cheaply and quickly affordable housing can get built in Clearwater.
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.
Lot Clearing and Nuisance Abatement
Five property owners are scheduled to face proposed liens for overgrown lots and an inoperative vehicle. If liens are accepted and owners don't clean up by the deadline, the city can do the work and bill the property. Neighbors of blighted lots have a stake in how quickly these cases move.
FY 2026/27 Budget and Millage Rate Adoption
The DDB established its final millage rate at 0.9700 mills and adopted its annual operating budget of over $1.5 million for the upcoming fiscal year, funding downtown operations and promotions.
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.
The Landings Development Proposals and Public Process
A $179.6 million sports and entertainment complex on 77 acres of city-owned green space at 1875 Airport Drive. Neighbors worry about traffic, flooding, noise and lost green space; youth sports groups want the fields. Tonight's vote only starts negotiations — the real decision comes later.
St. Matthew's Cemetery Settlement & Community Healing
The CRA approved a $7.5 million settlement in a lawsuit regarding the former St. Matthew's Cemetery property. Community members and faith leaders urged the city to use this moment to address historical erasure, honor the individuals buried there, and work toward healing and reconciliation.
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.
Major Infrastructure and Facility Capital Investments
Residents and board members discussed the need for public education on stormwater management, master plans, and infrastructure resilience following past flooding events.
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.
EVO Entertainment Center Land Sale & CRA Redevelopment
Five development proposals were evaluated for seven CRA-owned parcels at Washington Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, with the board recommending Archway Partners' mixed-income project.
706 N. Missouri Avenue Property Sale Proceeds Transfer
Proceeds totaling nearly $2 million from the sale of the former Armory building will be transferred to fund the Parks and Recreation Department's relocation expenses.
Evo Entertainment Center Right-of-Way Vacation
Residents voiced frustration during public comment about proposed street and alley vacations linked to downtown family entertainment center projects, urging the council to increase transparency and listen to citizen petitions regarding public right-of-way sales.
North Greenwood CRA Q3 Budget Amendments & Container Village
The agency adjusted its budget to reflect updated revenues and reallocated $500,000 to establish the new Container Village project in North Greenwood.
Redevelopment of the Historic Armory and North Ward School
Staff reviewed community feedback from a recent public event, showing strong resident support for incorporating arts spaces and a marketplace concept into the historic school site.
Stalled Commercial Construction and Unsafe Building at 1700 Gulf to Bay Blvd.
The Municipal Code Enforcement Board reviewed numerous cases involving unsafe buildings, unpermitted construction, and deteriorating property conditions across Clearwater. Several property owners received extended compliance timelines to complete rehabilitation work or demolition through county recovery programs.
Residential Property Maintenance and Unsafe Structures
The Municipal Code Enforcement Board reviewed numerous cases involving unsafe buildings, unpermitted construction, and deteriorating property conditions across Clearwater. Several property owners received extended compliance timelines to complete rehabilitation work or demolition through county recovery programs.
Commercial Car Wash Development Adjacent to Residential Neighborhood
Residents living near 407 S. Saturn Avenue strongly opposed a new Woody's car wash, arguing that commercial noise, vacuums, and heavy traffic do not belong right next to their homes.
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.
Senate Bill 64 Water Reclamation Compliance
Board members raised concerns about whether aging sewage treatment facilities like the Marshall Street plant can handle new growth and stormwater runoff during severe weather.
Duke Energy Franchise Agreement Renewal
The city approved a new 30-year franchise agreement and memorandum of agreement with Duke Energy, locking in utility service after exploring municipalization.
Annual Action Plan for Federal Housing Funds
Clearwater is lining up over $2.1 million in federal and state grants to fund local affordable housing, shelter upgrades, public services, and down payment assistance. The board backed the plan, sending it to the City Council for final greenlighting.
Duke Energy 30-Year Franchise Agreement Renewal
The city council debated renewing a 30-year electric franchise agreement with Duke Energy, weighing community benefits and millions in investments against resident calls for a municipal utility to lower electricity rates.
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.
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.
Washington Commons Redevelopment Project
Archway Partners was selected to build a 178-unit mixed-income housing development on seven CRA-owned parcels near South MLK Jr. Avenue. The project aims to bring much-needed workforce housing and street-level commercial space to the Prospect Lake District.
South MLK and South Washington Property Redevelopment
Discussion and evaluation of redevelopment proposals for seven CRA-owned parcels near South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue were deferred to June.
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.
Clearwater Beach Public Safety and Unsanctioned Events
City officials and police leadership addressed a recent weekend youth disturbance on Clearwater Beach, highlighting inter-agency cooperation, real-time crime center technology, and a strict zero-tolerance policy for unsanctioned promoter-led events.