Public Meetings - Clearwater, Florida

The City of Clearwater Community Development Board met on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers. The board considered one consent agenda item, a Future Land Use Map amendment, and heard a director's report on schedule and location changes. No members of the public requested removal of the consent item or gave comments during the captured portion of the meeting. Consent Calendar - ID26-1198 / LUP2026-07002 (transcribed as LUP2026-0702): Amendment to the city's Future Land Use Map from Residential Urban (RU) to Residential Medium (RM) for the property at 2448 Nursery Road. This Level Three application requires the board to make a recommendation to the City Council. - A board member moved to recommend approval based on the application, the staff report, and testimony, and to adopt the findings of fact and conclusions of law stated in the staff report. After a brief correction that a Level Three item is a recommendation rather than a direct approval, the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote with no stated opposition. - The agenda also listed approval of the August 20, 2026 CDB minutes, but that item was not captured in the raw transcript. Director's Report - The director reported that the City Council moved its work session to Tuesday, November 17, 2026, so the Community Development Board meeting was moved to Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM, in the new chambers at the new City Hall. - A parking map for the new location will be sent to board members; parking includes the municipal services building directly across the street and other nearby lots. - The director thanked board member Haudricourt, who is rolling off the board, for his service. Key Outcomes - Recommended approval of the Future Land Use Map amendment for 2448 Nursery Road (LUP2026-07002) to the City Council. - Confirmed the board's November 19, 2026 meeting date and new City Hall location.

The Clearwater City Council met on October 14, 2026, at 6:00 PM to consider a wide-ranging agenda. The meeting included an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, proclamations for the Sun Coast Jazz Festival and Florida City Week, and a presentation on the 'Art Everywhere' initiative. Major actions included a decision to enter negotiations for redevelopment of the Landings golf course, adoption of comprehensive plan amendments for the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), performance evaluations of the city manager and city attorney, and scheduling of future meetings. The meeting drew extensive public comment, particularly on the Landings proposal and the city's 287G agreement with ICE. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the minutes of the October 1, 2026 City Council meeting unanimously. - Consent Agenda: Approved 15 consent items en bloc, including construction and professional services contracts, library acquisitions, a collective bargaining agreement, appointments, and property transactions. All passed without objection. Public Comments & Testimony On Agenda Item 7.1 – Landings Golf Course Redevelopment (Unsolicited Proposal from Sunshine) Over 20 members of the public addressed the council. Opposition speakers cited concerns about traffic, flooding, noise, environmental impact, loss of green space, and process transparency. Supporters emphasized the need for youth sports facilities, indoor training spaces, and economic benefits. - Christine Michaelick opposed, highlighting stormwater issues, a historic landfill, profit-driven development, and competition with local clubs. - Natalie Waterman (condo owner) opposed the scale of the complex and its impact on neighborhood character. - Melissa Damos (group speaker) delivered a passionate criticism of the process, demanded independent studies, and asserted that residents have been dismissed. - Hector Vega (Tampa Flex) supported the project for youth football, citing weather interruptions and the need for indoor fields. - Joshua Bourne supported, noting economic returns and scholarship opportunities from sports. - Patrick Raptory opposed, recommending rejection of both proposals pending further investigation. - Abigail Canceller and Alexandria Gooden expressed support, seeing the complex as an asset for community wellness and local families. - Ken Jewell and Eddie Lowen (Charger Soccer Club) supported, describing inadequate current facilities and the club's national success. - Beth Davis (group speaker) urged a slower process and better P3 communication. - Eric Sullivan (Sunshine) defended the project, citing economic impact ($75M/year) and community resilience features. - Sean Cashin (civil engineer) presented plans for stormwater improvements and environmental remediation. - Richard Stearns noted that only 5% of Clearwater's land is park/recreation space and urged preservation. - Mark Bunker (former councilmember) reminded the council of the 2020 referendum where 61% of voters rejected industrial development on the Landings, and asked them to respect that mandate. On Agenda Items 8.1 & 8.2 – North Greenwood PRD Overlay - Kathy Flaherty, a resident, and others expressed concerns about the process, lack of resident notification, potential displacement, and the need for written protections. - A speaker urged simplification of complex documentation and genuine care for residents. On Non‑Agenda Items (Citizens to Be Heard) - Several residents called for an end to the Clearwater Police Department's 287G agreement with ICE, arguing it harms public trust and immigrant communities. - Mike Master Sario thanked the clerk for certifying the 'Save the Garden' petition and encouraged the council to listen to citizens. - Beth Davis again discussed P3 process improvements. Discussion Items 7.1 – Landings Golf Course Redevelopment Assistant City Manager Al Battle presented the background: the city received an unsolicited proposal from Sunshine Recreational and Entertainment Development in October 2025, evaluated under Florida P3 statute. The proposal includes sports fields, pickleball courts, water park, restaurants, and trails, with an estimated $180 million cost and 3-year construction timeline. City staff recommended acceptance and solicitation of additional proposals. The RFP was advertised on August 19, 2026, and two proposals were received by September 21. An evaluation committee ranked Sunshine first. Staff recommended authorizing an interim agreement to begin exclusive negotiations. Council Discussion: Mayor Rector recused himself, citing a voting conflict. Vice Mayor Cotton presided. Councilmember Manino had a prior conflict but was cleared by the ethics commission to vote. All councilmembers who spoke (Albright, Cotton, Manino, Tosheda) supported moving forward to negotiations, emphasizing that conditions on environmental remediation, stormwater, traffic, and neighborhood protections must be secured. Mayor Rector returned after the vote. Vote: Motion to approve the recommendation passed 4‑0 (Mayor Rector not voting). 8.1 & 8.2 – North Greenwood PRD Overlay (Third Readings) The council adopted Ordinance 9860‑26 (Comprehensive Plan amendment establishing the Planned Redevelopment District Overlay and North Greenwood Community Overlay District) and Ordinance 9861‑26 (Future Land Use Map amendment applying the overlay to the North Greenwood CRA). Staff explained that the adoption is a first step; a form‑based code and further zoning changes will follow, with continued community engagement. Despite speakers requesting postponement for better public outreach, the council moved forward. Vote: Both ordinances passed unanimously. 12.1 – City Manager Performance and Salary Evaluation Council members praised City Manager Jennifer Poirrier for her fiscal stewardship, communication, accessibility, and leadership. She received a composite score of 3.16 out of 4 from Councilmember Manino. The council approved a 4% salary increase (in line with general employees) and an amendment allowing her to sell back up to ten days of unused leave. Vote: Unanimous. 12.2 – City Attorney Performance and Salary Evaluation Council members lauded City Attorney Owen Colvin for his clarity, professionalism, and ability to explain complex legal matters. No salary adjustment was made, as his contract prohibits an increase until October 2027. Vote: Not required; evaluation noted. 12.3 – Special Budget Work Session The council scheduled a special budget work session for December 14, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Vote: Unanimous. 12.4 – Farewell to Outgoing Councilmembers The council agreed to move the regular November 16 work session to November 17, 2026, so that newly elected officials can participate and a farewell ceremony for departing members can take place during that work session. Vote: Unanimous. Councilmember Closing Comments - Councilmember Tosheda congratulated award winners from Creative Pinellas' Best of Bay awards, promoted a Clearwater Arts Alliance fundraiser, and shared a public health warning about dengue fever. - Councilmember Manino corrected a prior statement about email volumes, noting that 98 unique individuals sent emails rather than 'less than ten.' He acknowledged the need to check the full email system. Key Outcomes - Approved the Landings golf course proposal from Sunshine for further negotiations (4‑0). - Adopted Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map amendments for North Greenwood CRA (unanimous). - Approved city manager salary increase and leave buyback (unanimous). - Noted city attorney evaluation (no salary change). - Scheduled special budget work session for December 14, 2026. - Moved November work session to November 17, 2026, for transition and farewell. - Evening public comments on ICE 287G agreement were received; no council action was taken.

The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee met on October 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting included a presentation on the city's fiscal year 2027 budget and the third workshop discussion of the Local Housing Incentive Strategy (LHIS) update. No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Finance Department Presentation – City Budget: A city finance representative (with Assistant City Manager Al Battle) presented the FY2027 budget, which totals just over $800 million across all funds. Key highlights: the budget remains balanced as required by state law; staffing increased only by nine full-time fire medics per collective bargaining. The city's millage rate is 5.8773 mills, approved as a rollback rate. Public safety remains the largest general fund expenditure, followed by quality of life programs. The city contributed $300,000 to homeless/affordable housing initiatives from the general fund. The presentation also covered potential impacts of upcoming property tax reform on the November ballot (staff cannot advocate but provides factual information). A committee member asked about affordable housing expenditures and whether a revised budget would follow if the tax amendment passes; staff responded that council would review the contingency memorandum, which currently does not identify reductions to affordable housing contributions. - Third Discussion of Housing Incentive Programs (LHIS Update): Connor Baird (Wade Trim) led the session, replacing Amanda Warner. The committee reviewed and reaffirmed the affordable housing values, principles, and vision with no changes. The status of 16 incentive areas and their recommendations were discussed. Most recommendations are either completed, in progress, or continued without modification. Two modifications were presented and accepted by the committee: - Recommendation 6.2 (off-street parking reductions): Modified to explicitly include "special needs populations" alongside affordable housing developments. - Recommendation 10.5 (distribution of city-owned lots): Modified to remove the reference to "Greenprint 2.0" as the city has moved away from that program. The next meeting will be a public hearing on November 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the same chamber. Key Outcomes - The committee approved the minutes of the September 8, 2026 meeting (agenda item 2.1). - The committee accepted both modifications to Recommendations 6.2 and 10.5 by consensus. - All other incentive area recommendations were continued as previously established. - The public hearing for the LHIS update is scheduled for November 17, 2026.

On Monday, October 12, 2026, at 1:30 PM, the Clearwater City Council met in a work session in Council Chambers at the Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Avenue, Clearwater, FL. The council received the BayCare Sound quarterly update, acted on a large consent agenda, considered two third-reading planning ordinances, heard competing proposals for the city-owned property at 1875 Airport Drive, and discussed the annual evaluations of the City Manager and City Attorney. Meeting minutes were not available; this summary is based on the agenda and raw transcript. Consent Calendar - Police and fire training (ID26-1256): Approved a $168,000 purchase order with St. Petersburg College for police academy sponsorships, paramedic training, and advanced training. Clearwater Police sponsored 14 cadets in FY2025, 16 in FY2026, and expects 16 in FY2027; the police request was $100,000 and Fire Rescue's request was $68,000. - Library materials (ID26-1204): Approved $191,000 for Ingram Library Services and $217,000 for the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative for books, shared databases, and ebook materials. - Enterprise asset management (ID26-1112): Approved a $1,654,053 amendment with Black & Veatch, setting a new not-to-exceed total of $3,641,262, for Phase II configuration, maintenance, and support of the Public Works Trimble Unity Maintain asset management system through Oct. 31, 2029. - Lake Belleview land sale (ID26-1265): Approved the seventh contract amendment extending the closing date to Dec. 31, 2026, for 1454 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Staff and Frank Cornier of Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Services said the site will be a 24-unit, owner-occupied, mixed-income affordable townhome project developed with Habitat for Humanity. - Peterbilt tractor (ID26-1255): Approved $288,237.50 to Rush Truck Centers of Florida for a 2027 Peterbilt 567, declared unit G4643 surplus, and authorized auction or trade-in disposal plus lease purchase or interfund financing. - CWA agreement (ID26-1269): Approved the two-year collective bargaining agreement with Communications Workers of America Local 3108 from Oct. 1, 2026 through Sept. 30, 2028, including a 3.5% first-year merit increase, 2% pay-grade minimum and maximum adjustments, and a second-year wage reopener. - Northeast WRF impeller (ID26-1235): Approved a $322,171 work order to Ovivo USA for replacement of the aeration impeller assembly at the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility. - Alum supply (ID26-1257): Approved a $36,000 increase to the Chemtrade Chemicals contract for liquid aluminum sulfate, for a new total not-to-exceed amount of $126,000. - Solid Waste Truck Wash (ID26-1046): Approved a $6,002,356.25 construction contract with C and T Contracting Services. Staff noted the rebid received three bids and came in about $1 million below estimate. - On-call cost estimating (ID26-1189): Approved four-year consulting service agreements for on-call construction cost estimating and advisory services. - Gulf Boulevard ILA (ID26-1268): Approved an interlocal agreement with Pinellas County for Penny IV reimbursement of up to $147,388.81 for eligible Gulf Boulevard Improvement Plan work through March 31, 2027. - Board appointments (ID26-1272 / ID26-1274): Appointed Charlie Uslander to the Community Development Board and confirmed Chantel Rosario as housing recipient on the Clearwater Housing Authority Board; both terms expire Oct. 14, 2030. - Marina walkway and gangway (ID26-1209): Approved a $5,559,036.86 construction contract and purchase order with Kelly Brothers Inc. for the Clearwater Harbor Marina N-E Walkway and Gangway Replacement, a FEMA-funded project tied to Hurricane Milton damage. - Legal services (ID26-1277): Approved an agreement with Bryant Miller Olive, up to $100,000, for representation in The Nash Keys FL, LLC v. City of Clearwater, Case No. 26-005622-CI. - Custodial services (ID26-1210): This consent item was pulled because of clerical issues with supporting documentation; no action was taken. Presentations - BayCare Sound Quarterly Update: Megan Brennan, VP of Marketing at Ruth Eckert Hall, reported 50 events presented in 2026 with more than 10 remaining. The venue ranked No. 2 in the nation and No. 3 in the world in ticket-sales revenue, and 2027 already has 17 confirmed shows and 55 offers. Survey results included 75% of attendees parking within three blocks, 11% using rideshare or public transit, 69% dining out, with 62% of those dining in Clearwater, and repeat attendance at five or more shows rising to 53% from 23%. Susan Crockett, President and CEO of Ruth Eckert Hall, said that since opening in June 2023 the venue has hosted 161 events, that last year 275,000 concertgoers visited the Billheimer Capitol Theater and BayCare Sound combined, that Ruth Eckert Hall has invested $4.85 million in the venue, and that independent study figures showed over $110 million in economic impact from BayCare Sound and $252 million from the three venues. Councilmembers praised the venue and its community value. - The agenda also listed October Service Awards and, for the following council meeting, a Florida City Week Proclamation for Oct. 19-26, 2026 and a Creative Pinellas Art Everywhere presentation; these were not discussed in the work-session transcript. Planning and Zoning Third Readings - CPA2025-10001 / Ordinance 9860-26: The city attorney presented the third reading of amendments establishing the Planned Redevelopment District (PRD) Overlay future land use category, adding North Greenwood Community Overlay District policies, and supporting existing nonconformity procedures. No questions were raised in the transcript. - LUP2025-11005 / Ordinance 9861-26: The city attorney presented the third reading of the Future Land Use Map amendment applying the PRD Overlay within the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area, excluding Central Business District, Industrial Limited, Transportation/Utility, Water, Preservation, and Recreation/Open Space designations. No questions were raised in the transcript. Discussion Items - 1875 Airport Drive (ID26-1275): City staff reviewed the competitive solicitation process for the city-owned site. An initial unsolicited proposal from Sunshine/Sunrise Recreational Entertainment LLC, with the spelling varying in the transcript, was received in October 2025, reviewed between January and May, and presented to council in August. A solicitation for additional proposals was advertised, and two proposals were received by Sept. 21, 2026. The evaluation committee met Oct. 1, 2026, and ranked the Sunshine/Sunrise proposal first. Staff recommended accepting the results and authorizing negotiation of an interim agreement under Florida Statute 255.065, which would make the firm the exclusive negotiating partner but would not guarantee a comprehensive agreement. - Sunshine/Sunrise proposal: The representative described an approximately $180 million, roughly three-year sports-complex project with outdoor and indoor fields, pickleball courts, aquatic and water park attractions, food service, and tournament programming. The updated concept added an indoor field house and eight basketball courts. The speaker said the proposed 65-year initial term with a 30-year option is consistent with the city charter, that a $50,000 phase one environmental site assessment would begin immediately if negotiations are approved, and that the redevelopment would improve stormwater treatment, add flood storage, and address the former landfill. He stated the field house would increase the site's tax contribution from about $47 million to $75.5 million, with about $13 million directly to the city, and that the proposal includes a minimum $240,000 annual rent offset by taxes. - Clearwater Golf Associates proposal: Julie Houston, president and part-owner, proposed renewing the 20-year lease for The Landings Golf Course rather than redeveloping the site. The proposal would keep the 18-hole public course and driving range, invest about $1 million in capital improvements over the first seven years, increase fixed annual rent from $48,000 to $60,000, and add a 3.5% performance-based payment on annual gross revenue above $1.2 million. She noted more than 50,000 rounds and 20,000 buckets of range balls were sold in 2025 and described the course as an accessible, affordable option for seniors, juniors, families, and beginners. - Council discussion: Councilmembers asked about the emergency operations center potential near Clearwater Air Park, artificial turf versus natural grass, community-driven design changes, pedestrian safety on Keene Road, stormwater and flooding, and brownfield remediation. Sunshine/Sunrise representatives described community-responsive changes including closing or restricting Airport Drive access, increased landscaping buffers, a 24-hour on-site manager and security presence, covered pickleball courts, and removal of paid parking. An engineer said redevelopment would need to meet new state stormwater rules requiring 85 to 95 percent reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus. The city attorney noted Mayor Rector will abstain from voting on the item due to his employment with a sports management facility, while Councilmember Menino was cleared to vote by a State Commission on Ethics opinion. At the end of discussion, the council did not take a final vote; staff said the item would be considered at Wednesday night's council meeting. - City Manager and City Attorney evaluations: The annual City Manager evaluation and salary and leave sell-back item (ID26-1217) was scheduled for Wednesday night; the city attorney asked if council wanted a written amendment to allow sell-back of up to 10 days of general leave effective Sept. 19, 2026, and no councilmember objected. The City Attorney's annual evaluation (ID26-1218) was also scheduled; the city attorney noted the employment contract makes him ineligible for a salary increase until October 2027, so the evaluation would be a review only. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda as listed above, with the exception of the pulled custodial services item. - Deferred action on 1875 Airport Drive to Wednesday night's council meeting; staff recommendation remains to accept the top-ranked Sunshine/Sunrise proposal and begin negotiating an interim agreement. - The city attorney will prepare an amendment to the City Manager's agreement to permit the annual sell-back of up to 10 days of general leave, if finalized for Wednesday. - The city attorney reported that council-rule changes related to an online speaker card and numbering system will be brought back in November after soliciting software providers.

The Pension Trustees of Clearwater, Florida met on October 12, 2026, to approve routine pension administration items and to act on investment manager changes recommended by the investment committee. All motions passed unanimously. Approval of Minutes - The minutes of the August 3, 2026 Pension Trustees meeting were approved as submitted. Citizens to be Heard - No members of the public spoke. New Business Items - 4.1 – New Hires into Pension Plan: Approved acceptance of new hires as listed. Presented by Jessica Harmeson, Human Resources Assistant Director. - 4.2 – Vesting Requests: Approved vesting requests for employees Elizabeth Bayly (Public Works), Jason Clark (General Services), and Jade Weppler (Gas Department). - 4.3 – Regular Pension Requests: Approved regular pension requests for Thomas Arruda (IT), Matthew Bishop (Public Utilities), Michael Jones (Fire), William Karner (Customer Service), Deborah Ann Moore (General Services), and Gregory Record (Fire). - 4.4 – Written Request for Confidentiality: This item was pulled from the agenda and is expected to be brought back at a future meeting. - 4.5 – Termination of Atlanta Capital Management: Approved termination of the small-cap value equity money manager due to underperformance. Jay Ravens, Finance Director, presented that the manager was hired in 2003 and underperformed in recent years. - 4.6 – Termination of Victory Capital: Approved termination of the small-cap value equity money manager due to underperformance. Mr. Ravens noted the manager was hired in 2017. - 4.7 – Fifth Amendment with Northern Trust Investments: Approved the fifth amendment to add the Northern Trust Russell 2000 Value Collective Index small-cap value equity fund as a replacement for the terminated managers. - 4.8 – Investment in PIMCO Income Fund: Approved investment of up to $30,000,000 in the PIMCO Income Fund Institutional Class mutual fund to improve diversification and reduce duration risk. Key Outcomes - All agenda items (4.1–4.3, 4.5–4.8) were approved by unanimous vote of the trustees. - Item 4.4 was withdrawn without action. - Two investment managers (Atlanta Capital Management and Victory Capital) were terminated due to underperformance. - The pension plan will add a passive small-cap value index fund via Northern Trust and a fixed-income mutual fund via PIMCO.

The Clearwater CRA met on October 12, 2026, to approve a $7.5 million settlement in the Crum Properties lawsuit, recognize two local businesses through the Business Spotlight program, and receive updates on redevelopment projects. Public comment focused on the need for community healing and honoring African American burial grounds affected by the property dispute. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the September 28, 2026 CRA meeting unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Barbara Hash (community advocate) described the community's efforts to install historical markers at the North Greenwood Cemetery and asked the CRA to partner on three immediate actions: placemaking and installation infrastructure, infrastructure equality (pedestrian safety and lighting), and targeted commercial activation via the CRA's grant and spotlight programs. - Diane Stevens (Clearwater Colored Cemetery Society) expressed concern about being erased and asked the city and Crum to make the community whole. She stated she was almost willing to let the case go to trial to expose what the city has done, but urged continued dialogue now that the settlement is being considered. - Pastor Childs (Pinellas County Ministerial Alliance) noted that over 1,000 graves have been confirmed by death certificates and descendants, and called for a resolution to begin healing. He stressed that the city and CRA are essentially the same entity and must act. - Rev. Lee Hall Perkins (Mount Zion United Methodist Church) requested three actions: convene a meeting with descendants and Crum Properties, commit to a transparent process with a clear timeline, and work collaboratively to develop a meaningful remedy that honors the buried and supports descendants. He stated that more than 300 people are still buried there. - A speaker urged the board to take a moral stand and do what is right, saying the decision will carry a legacy and that responsibility rests with current leaders to address past wrongs. - Gloria Campbell (Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition) thanked Frank Crum for filing the litigation that brought attention to the issue, but asked whether the $7.5 million settlement would come from the downtown CRA or the North Greenwood CRA, fearing impacts on community projects. - A North Greenwood resident asked the board to delay the vote or continue talking, emphasizing the need for healing and concern that the money might come from funds intended for North Greenwood development. Discussion Items - September Business Spotlight – Tequila's Mexican Grill and Cantina: Recognized for over a decade of service at 422 Cleveland Street. A video highlighted the family-owned restaurant's community involvement and loyalty. - October Business Spotlight – Emily's Restaurant: Recognized for over 40 years at 101 South Garden Avenue, now under new owner Nick Pastis. A video shown focused on preserving the diner's character while expanding hours and adding dinner service. - Settlement of Crum Properties II, LLC v. CRA (Item 4.3): Staff presented the history of the property at 100 South Missouri Avenue, originally St. Matthew's Baptist Church cemetery, later sold to IMR in 1998 with warranties that remains were relocated. Graves were discovered in 2020, leading to litigation. After summary judgment against the CRA on contract claims and non-binding arbitration awarding $7.4 million, the parties agreed to settle for $7.5 million. The settlement includes a full release and dismissal with prejudice. Staff noted that if the case went to trial, a verdict could range from low millions to $18 million, and an appeal would take 18 months with low success odds. The CRA has resources to cover the settlement from the downtown CRA, and it will not significantly impact projects. Board members emphasized that this vote only resolves the litigation, not the broader community concerns. Councilmember Menino expressed willingness to continue conversations with the community. The vote was unanimous to approve. Key Outcomes - Approved the settlement agreement with Crum Properties for $7.5 million, dismissing the lawsuit with prejudice. (Unanimous vote) - Approved consent calendar minutes. - Director's report covered downtown CRA projects (Osceola garage, Ballot hotel, bluff construction, 600 block, Goff to Bay motel renovation) and North Greenwood CRA updates (Village at the Groves signs, residential grant program, North Greenwood Plan Overlay meetings, property disposition of 618 Drew Street and 115 S. MLK Jr. Avenue). Staff also announced a planned process for the North Ward property: first a request for qualifications, then transfer from city to CRA, then an RFP. - Upcoming meetings: North Greenwood CRA Advisory Committee on December 2 (guest speaker property appraiser), North Greenwood Plan Overlay meeting October 27.

The Public Art and Design Board of Clearwater, Florida, met on October 8, 2026 at 4:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting covered updates on public art installations, the city budget and art fund, upcoming events, and discussions on supporting local artists. Key presentations were given by the Finance Department and the Arts and Cultural Affairs Manager. Public Comments & Testimony - Beth Daniels, President of the Clearwater Arts Alliance, provided a brief update and invited board members to upcoming Alliance events. - Betsy Adler, also with the Clearwater Arts Alliance, reported that three sculptures previously installed on Cleveland Street were deinstalled due to rain, and three new sculptures will be installed the following Tuesday (October 13). The new sculptures are by Donald Janella ("MOA"), Robin Morgan ("Mantum Yore"), and Lee Bell ("Delphine"). The project was previously funded by the Clearwater Redevelopment Agency. A community survey indicated a preference for local artists; the new sculptures are from Sarasota and St. Petersburg. They will be on display for 18 months. Discussion Items - Finance Department Presentation (Item 4.1): Hunter Carlson (Office of Management and Budget) presented the FY2027 city budget, approved last month. The $800 million budget is balanced, with a rollback millage rate of 5.8773 mills. The city's share of property tax is about 30%. Public safety remains the largest expenditure. The Arts and Cultural Affairs Fund balance as of October 5 was $842,000.84, with an annual general fund contribution of $35,000 and a 1% vertical construction project contribution (capped at $200,000). Potential reductions under Amendment 3 (property tax reform) could cut the Arts Alliance contribution by $10,000, the arts fund by $15,000 (reducing annual contribution to $20,000), and eliminate the $20,000 public arts grant program. Staff remains neutral on the ballot measure. - Public Art Unveiling of "Ketch" (Item 4.2): Amber Bryce reported that the sculpture by Nevada artist Eileen Gay was unveiled on September 29 at Clearwater Beach Marina. It depicts a ketch boat with dolphins, celebrating maritime heritage. A geocache is hidden in the piece. - Coachman Park Iconic Public Art Installation (Item 4.3): The call for artists closed on September 30, receiving 179 applications (149 via CAFE, 30 via Monochronicle). The budget is $200,000–$250,000. A new jury process using Monochronicle's rubric system will be employed, and finalists will be asked for concept renderings. - Chalk the Bay Art and Music Festival Update (Item 4.4): The application period closed with 104 submissions; 45 artists were invited (31 2D, 12 3D, 2 mural walls). The budget is approximately $60,000. Emerging artist and student spots remain open. The festival will take place January 15–17, 2027, including a 5K color run. Live music is scheduled. Sponsorships are still being sought. - Art Everywhere Initiative (Item 4.5): A countywide arts initiative led by Creative Pinellas and Visit St. Pete-Clearwater runs November 1–December6. The closing celebration will be at Coachman Park in conjunction with the Clearwater Sister Cities Lantern Festival. A mobile pass with event listings is available. - Director's Report (Item 5): Two mural walls in Coachman Park are approaching their three-year anniversary and need rotation. Staff proposed Damian Mitchell (New York-based) for one wall, and for the second, either Beth Mormouth, Patricia Clue Deirdin, or Chris Van Boren (Clearwater-based artists). Board members expressed interest in a Clearwater artist. It was agreed to proceed via email poll to select artists. - Board Members to be Heard (Item 6): Maggie (Creative Pinellas) promoted upcoming exhibitions and the Art Everywhere initiative. Beth Daniels announced the Clearwater Arts Alliance's Canvas event on November 4 (fundraiser with auction), and the Clearwater Light Up Clearwater holiday events. A discussion arose about the lack of visibility of Clearwater artists; suggestions included creating an artist database, hosting art meetups, and leveraging Creative Pinellas's existing artist pages. Potential partnerships with Beach Art Center and St. Pete College were noted. Amber Bryce mentioned photography installation in the library and collaborations with high school art programs. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the meeting. The board agreed to select mural wall artists via email poll. - Staff will consider creating a Clearwater artist database for future reference. - The Chalk the Bay festival sponsorship drive will continue; board members were encouraged to share opportunities. - The board received information on potential budget reductions for arts funding under Amendment 3, but no action was taken. - Upcoming events were announced: Art Everywhere (Nov 1–Dec6), Chalk the Bay (Jan 15–17, 2027), and others.