Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clearwater public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues with high priority
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.
Public Comment Rules and Electronic Registration
Resolution 26-20 keeps the 'citizens to be heard' period alive through February 28, 2027 — one resident urged making it permanent and repealing Rule 15.
Fire engine replacement
Two new engines cost $2.57 million and won't arrive until fiscal 2031 due to post-COVID industry-wide delays of 48-52 months. The department has built an apparatus forecast through 2040 to plan around it.
Osceola Corridor Improvements
A $10.4 million project will replace water, sewer, and stormwater pipes and add reclaimed water on Osceola Avenue, starting January 2027. Expect construction impacts along the corridor for about a year.
Clearwater Beach Library Restoration and Funding
With Amendment 3 passing, the city faces roughly $12 million in cuts in 2027 and $8 million in 2028. Speakers warned proposed reductions of $8-10 million from Parks and Recreation and $1-2 million from the library would hit amenities residents use daily. The mayor said the whole community must adjust together.
Referendum Petition 26-01
The council will take action on Referendum Petition 26-01, a citizen petition process item that could shape what goes before voters.
Tree Preservation Ordinance Review
Planning staff will present updates and proposed changes to local tree regulations.
Strategic Plan and Budget Planning Strategies
The Finance Department will brief the board on the city's financial plan and budget priorities.
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.
ICE and Law Enforcement Cooperation (287(g) Agreement)
Multiple residents urged the city to end its 287(g) agreement with ICE, saying immigrant neighbors are afraid to leave home or talk to police, hurting public safety and trust.
Clearwater Heights Heritage and Infrastructure Needs
Residents advocated for placemaking infrastructure, pedestrian safety upgrades, and targeted commercial grants for the historic Clearwater Heights neighborhood.
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.
Pension Fund Portfolio Restructuring and Manager Terminations
The board voted to replace underperforming small-cap growth equity manager Riverbridge Partners with Driehaus Capital Management to optimize investment returns.