Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clearwater public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.