Public Meetings - Clearwater, Florida

The Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Trustees met on May 18, 2026 at the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, a business spotlight award, a brief discussion on downtown revitalization, deferral of a key redevelopment proposal evaluation, and a comprehensive director's report covering downtown and North Greenwood CRA updates. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (ID26-0214): The minutes of the April 20, 2026 CRA meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote (motion, second, all in favor, none opposed). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Citizens to be Heard portion (agenda item 3) for items not on the agenda. Discussion Items - Business Spotlight – Downtown Pizza Sports Bar and Grille (ID26-0568): CRA Specialist Tasha Hatley recognized Downtown Pizza Sports Bar and Grille as the 2026 business spotlight winner. Co-owner and manager Dan Mahoney described the restaurant, located at 42A Cleveland Street, which was acquired in November 2024. He noted the business offers New York style thin crust pizza, chicken wings, and other dishes; hosts weekly entertainment (music bingo Tuesdays, trivia Wednesdays, karaoke Thursdays); and has organized “Hello Cleveland Street” concerts (about 10 since January) to foster community. The restaurant is open daily 11 am–10 pm, with extended hours on weekends or special events. Board members congratulated Mr. Mahoney, expressing support for his efforts to activate downtown. - Downtown Revitalization (ID26-0569): Councilman Ronito briefly commented, noting upcoming significant discussions about downtown direction, activation on county and city properties, and positive energy from brand consultants and collaborative partners. No formal action was taken. - Deferral of Item 4.3 – Redevelopment Proposals for Seven CRA-Owned Parcels (ID26-0570): Mr. Battle requested deferral of the evaluation committee results for parcels between South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and South Washington Avenue (north of Gould Street) until the June CRA meeting. The board approved the deferral with no objections. - Director’s Report for May 2026 (ID26-0567): CRA Director Susanito presented updates: - Downtown Updates: Emily’s Family Restaurant has new owner Nicholas Pestis, who plans to improve visual aesthetics; city staff is offering grant assistance. An Osceola Garage community outreach meeting is scheduled for May 26, 2026, 3–4 pm at the library chambers. Two staff members are attending the 2026 American Alliance of Museums Conference in Philadelphia to recruit potential partners for Clearwater. Staff conducted 26 recent engagements with merchants. Bicycle racks were installed from the 400 to 700 blocks of Cleveland Street and at Mercado Park. A $50 million entertainment destination plan (Evo Entertainment) is underway, with demolition at the 700 block and permits for the 600 block. The Good Life Showroom opened at 331 Cleveland Street. - North Greenwood Updates: The roof wrap at North Ford Elementary School is installed to prevent rainwater leakage. Staff is planning a community event (“Night at North Ward” or similar) in partnership with Parks & Rec, Economic Development, and Housing. Pre-marketing for North Ward continues; media coverage has been extensive. The North Greenwood Community Advisory Committee held a special meeting on the 706 North Missouri Avenue (Armory) project; next meeting is June 3, 2026, 5:30–6 pm at the North Greenwood Recreation Center. - Property Disposition: The Washington Avenue/MLK site evaluation was deferred. Other properties are moving through ownership transfer from city to CRA. Notable: the Creative Contractors site (618 Drew Street) has strong developer interest. The CRA-owned 115 MLK property in the Prospect Lake District will be noticed for disposition once legal processes are complete. - Questions on North Ward: Councilman Tim asked about feedback from site tours. Mr. Battle clarified that one educational non-profit group found preservation costs too high, but most interest comes from private developers for mixed-use projects. He emphasized the site’s historic nature and potential. Key Outcomes - The April 20, 2026 CRA meeting minutes were approved unanimously. - Item 4.3 (redevelopment proposals for seven CRA parcels) was deferred to the June 2026 CRA meeting. - No other motions or votes were taken; the meeting adjourned following the director’s report. - Next scheduled meeting: June 2026 (date to be determined).

The Downtown Development Board (DDB) of Clearwater met on May 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The board approved two sets of minutes, a financial statement, and a high-impact grant for Clearwater Jazz Holiday. A major branding presentation for downtown was also discussed, with a straw poll indicating a preference for the "Mosaic" logo concept. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the April 20, 2026 DDB meeting (ID26-05632.1) unanimously. - Approved the minutes of the May 4, 2026 DDB meeting (ID26-05642.2) unanimously. - Approved the March 2026 Financial Statement for filing (ID26-0565). Total expenditures and transfers to date were approximately $834,467; March expenditures totaled $39,548. The unallocated fund balance for future initiatives was $592,915, with an overall balance of $1,238,229. Vote was unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Thomas Nurse, a Clearwater resident since 1959 and a volunteer for Clearwater Jazz Holiday, expressed strong support for the festival, calling it "one of the absolute best things Clearwater has contributed to this community." He noted the free access areas and the partnership with the city. Discussion Items Clearwater Jazz Holiday High-Impact Grant Request - Staff Recommendation (Ann Lopez, CRA Assistant Director): Staff recommended approval of a grant not to exceed $30,000 for the October 15–18, 2026 Clearwater Jazz Holiday event at Coachman Park. The total request was $148,000 ($140,000 for the October event and $8,000 for a December holiday experience). Staff determined the December event did not meet the threshold for high-impact grant funding and recommended a separate application. The 2025 grant was $125,000. - Applicant Presentation (Steve Weinberger, Clearwater Jazz Holiday): Weinberger requested a multi-year funding agreement (four years proposed: $140,000 for years 1–3, $150,000 for year 4) to provide planning stability. He highlighted the festival's 47-year history, expanded free-access areas (side stages, bluff viewing), new costs from absorbing city in-kind services, and reduced ticket revenue from free components. He argued that the event generates significant economic impact and tourism for downtown. - Board Discussion: - Councilmember Cotton noted attendance data (Placer AI): 2025 saw about 10,500 visitors over four days, compared to pre-COVID numbers of 16,000–21,000. He opposed a multi-year deal until attendance recovers, favoring a one-year approach. - Councilmember Alberton supported a two-year agreement to provide stability while allowing monitoring. He made a motion for $130,000 in 2026 and $120,000 in 2027, with a two-year contract. - Councilmember Shape expressed concern that the requested $148,000 would represent approximately 40% of the DDB's net annual ad valorem revenue, leaving insufficient funds for other downtown initiatives. She could not support the ask at that level. - Mayor emphasized the city's goal to reduce subsidies over time and noted that the request was higher than the previous $125,000. He questioned the timing (May) and urged collaboration with other venues (e.g., The Sound) and corporate sponsors. He was open to compromise but not a multi-year agreement at flat or increasing levels. - Councilmember Tashier (based on context) supported some funding but not a multi-year commitment at the requested amount. - Councilmember Marino expressed support for the festival but noted concerns about budget allocation and wanted to see progress toward self-sufficiency. - Vote: The motion by Councilmember Alberton ($130,000 for 2026, $120,000 for 2027, two-year contract) was seconded. The vote count was reported as 4 in favor and 3 opposed (though the chair's vote was ambiguous; the motion was declared approved). The board directed staff to work with the applicant on the two-year agreement. RB Oppenheim Associates Downtown Branding Presentation - Presenter: Michael Wynn, President and CEO of RB Oppenheim Associates, presented the "Find It in Downtown Clearwater" branding campaign. The project involved over 40 hours of interviews with board members, merchants, the Chamber of Commerce, Visit St. Pete Clearwater, Ruth Eckerd Hall, and city staff. Two logo concepts were shown: - Horizon: An elegant, simple logo with a swoosh representing the bay and music notes. - Mosaic: A more literal, colorful logo depicting music, food, shopping, and the waterfront. - Board Feedback: - Councilmember Alberton favored the Mosaic logo for its descriptiveness and ability to show downtown's offerings. - Councilmember Cotton preferred the Horizon logo for its cleanliness and simplicity, noting it allows the ad content to stand out. - Councilmember Shape liked both but leaned toward Mosaic because it more clearly communicates music and destination. - Councilmember Tashier (inferred) emphasized the need for specific messaging, not just "find something." - Mayor supported the "Find It" tagline and noted the versatility of the messaging. - Straw Poll: On the question of which logo looks more like a destination, 4 board members raised hands for Mosaic. The board directed staff to provide final feedback by June 1, after which the selected logo will be refined into a final brand guide with implementation workshops. Director's Report - Susanino (CRA Executive Director) reported on the use of Placer AI data to measure event attendance, noting the board is beginning to see more accurate visitor numbers. He also announced the Grad Chalk Walk event for the class of 2026, celebrating graduations at Clearwater High School and Countryside High School. A 3D vinyl piece (a rocket ship) will be installed, and chalk art will be placed along the downtown streets. Key Outcomes - High-Impact Grant for Clearwater Jazz Holiday: Approved $130,000 for the October 2026 event and $120,000 for the October 2027 event, under a two-year agreement. The December holiday experience funding request was not approved and must be submitted separately. - Downtown Branding: The board expressed a preference for the "Mosaic" logo concept and the "Find It in Downtown Clearwater" tagline. Final selection and brand guide development to proceed after feedback by June 1, 2026. - Grad Chalk Walk: Staff will proceed with the installation of vinyl and chalk art to celebrate 2026 graduations. - Financial Statement: Approved for filing. The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:00 PM.

The Public Art and Design Board of Clearwater, Florida met on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting was chaired by Brian Lawton and included introductions of board members, updates on mural festivals, approval of 3D art pieces for the Beach Walk, and discussion of future murals at City Hall and BayCare Sound. Board officers were elected for the remainder of 2026. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 12, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote. Discussion Items - Art Oasis Mural Festival Update: Arts and Cultural Affairs Manager Amber Brace reported that three murals have been completed in the North Greenwood area: at the North Greenwood Library (artist Ashley Cassins, funded by the Clark Turner Trust, featuring a tribute to Clearwater’s first African American librarian Christine Woodball Morris and a NASA ambassador reference), the Safe House (depicting the nonprofit’s community work), and Cherry Harris Park (artist Zulu Painter, a six-sided colorful piece). Upcoming murals include the East A Gully Center Head Start building (artist Sherard Sadlers, with permission from the subject), the Let’s Go Carding Building on Fort Harrison (CRA-approved), the North Greenwood Rec Center storage building (public survey for themes underway), and the Parks Beautification Building on Pennsylvania Avenue (largest mural, community input). A neighborhood celebration is planned upon completion. - Chalk the Bay Art and Music Festival: Amber Brace announced Clearwater’s first Chalk the Bay festival, scheduled for January 16–17, 2027, with artists beginning work on January 15. Approximately 50 artist submissions have been received (goal of 80–100). The event will feature 2D/3D chalk art, temporary mural walls, live music, arts/crafts vendors, food vendors, and an artist dinner with awards hosted by the Arts Alliance. Additional activations may include a movie in the park and a neon 5K color run. Brace will seek funding from the Downtown Development Board in July and pursue sponsorships. - Beach Walk 3D Art Pieces: Parks and Recreation installed three concrete pads along the Clearwater Beachwalk with bike racks and water fountains. Artist Laura Thomas (known for the Marymount mural and 3D chalk art) designed three pieces: seashells, stone crop, and a tarpon. The board unanimously approved the three designs after a motion and second. A protective coating will be applied, with touch-ups expected every three years. - New City Hall Stairwell and BayCare Sound Murals: The highest-scoring artists from a recent call for proposals have been identified. Five artists will develop proposals for two projects: the BayCare Sound rear facade wall and the City Hall stairwell (visible through glass). Proposals are pending; they will be shared with the board and stakeholders for feedback. An official board vote is scheduled for the July 9 meeting, as the City Hall project must open in October. - Elect Chair and Vice-Chair: Brian Lawton was nominated and elected Chair, and Dr. Greg Bird was nominated and elected Vice-Chair for the remainder of 2026 (July 9 and October 8 meetings, plus any special meetings). The motion passed unanimously. - Director’s Report: An art teacher exhibition will open next week at the Clearwater Main Library galleries. Signal box wraps on the beaches, damaged by hurricanes, will be rewrapped using existing funds while awaiting new boxes. - Board Members to be Heard: Board members discussed including local youth artists in the Chalk the Bay festival (emerging artist section on Cleveland Street and a kids’ chalk area). Greg Bird suggested inviting the Pinellas Youth Symphony (which rehearses at Ruth Eckert Hall) to perform downtown; Brace will check with the special events team. A proposal to promote gladiolas as a Clearwater identity symbol (similar to Dunedin’s oranges) was raised, possibly as an Arts Alliance fundraiser selling painted art for homes and businesses. Sherry Aquilar and Jake will bring the idea to the Arts Alliance board. Discussion also touched on lighting the City Hall stairwell mural at night; Mark Lutz noted potential challenges with hurricane codes and fire marshal requirements, but suggested internal illumination could make the art visible through glass. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the February 12, 2026 meeting minutes. - Unanimous approval of three 3D art designs for the Clearwater Beach Walk concrete pads. - Unanimous election of Brian Lawton as Chair and Dr. Greg Bird as Vice-Chair for the remainder of 2026. - Next meeting: July 9, 2026, at which an official vote on the City Hall stairwell and BayCare Sound mural proposals is expected.

The City of Clearwater held a special Civil Citation Appeal Hearing on May 13, 2026. The agenda listed a single item: an appeal by petitioner Daniel Holuba regarding a trespass order dated April 23, 2026 (Case CW26-63309). No minutes or transcript of the proceedings are available. The agenda indicated a start time of 10:00 AM local time, while the provided timestamp states 15:15:00+00:00, creating a discrepancy that cannot be resolved from the available sources. As no record of discussion, testimony, or decisions exists, the outcome of the appeal is unknown.

The Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB) met on May 12, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the City of Clearwater Main Library Council Chambers. The board approved the previous meeting minutes, recommended CDBG funding allocations for Program Year 2026/27, and recommended a development proposal for CRA-owned parcels at Washington/MLK to the CRA Board of Trustees. Consent Calendar - Approved the March 17, 2026 meeting minutes unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke on items not on the agenda or on agenda items. Discussion Items - CDBG Funding Allocations (Item 4.1): Dania Perez presented the Annual Action Plan budget for Program Year 2026/27. The budget includes allocations for administration, public services (subject to 15% cap), economic development (Prospera and Upward Care for technical assistance), affordable housing development programs, housing assistance (including CHODO set-aside and HOME funds for security deposits), facade improvement program (for low-moderate income areas), and slum and blight (CRA area, North Greenwood). The board approved the staff recommended funding allocations. - CRA Parcels Redevelopment (Item 4.2): Dylan Mayu presented five proposals received for the redevelopment of seven CRA-owned parcels at Washington/MLK. A technical review committee scored proposals based on community/economic benefit, price, project diversity, regulatory compliance, presentation completeness, and financial completeness. The highest scoring proposal was Washington Commons by Archway Partners, which includes 178 mixed-income units (up to 80% AMI) in two phases, 3,000 sq ft of neighborhood retail, and a partnership with the Clearwater Housing Authority. Other proposals included a mixed-use district with hotel and commercial spaces (Clearwater MLK Civic District Holdings), an affordable housing project (DW Development Group), a workforce housing project (New Star Development), and a market-rate project (Vel Air). Board member Linda Byers expressed initial concern about insufficient information but voted after clarification that the recommendation was based on the committee's scoring. Board member Charissa Doughty recused herself due to her affiliation with the Clearwater Housing Authority. The board voted to recommend Archway Partners to the CRA Board of Trustees for negotiation. Key Outcomes - Approved: March 17, 2026 minutes (unanimous). - Approved: CDBG funding allocations for Program Year 2026/27 (unanimous). - Approved: Recommendation to CRA Board of Trustees to authorize negotiations with Archway Partners for the Washington Commons project (motion carried; one abstention from Charissa Doughty). - Next Meeting: Scheduled for June 9, 2026.

The Clearwater City Council met on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation by Major Ted Morris of the Salvation Army, who was recognized for his upcoming retirement after 32 years of service, seven of which were in Clearwater. The council then issued four proclamations (EMS Week, Economic Development Week, Building Safety Month, and Older Americans Month), approved the minutes of the April 23, 2026 meeting, and unanimously passed the Consent Agenda containing ten routine items. Under public hearings, the council approved three first-reading annexations and land use changes for parcels on Nursery Road and Sunset Point Road, as well as five second-reading ordinances. During Citizens to be Heard, three residents addressed the council about downtown development, a proposed citizen initiative for voter approval on public street vacations, and concerns about property requests by organizations affiliated with the Church of Scientology. The meeting adjourned after closing comments from councilmembers and the mayor. Special Recognitions and Presentations - ID26-0320 – Fire Chief Pittman and Division Chief Tedesco accepted a proclamation declaring May 17–23, 2026 as Emergency Medical Services Week in Clearwater. The chief noted that the EMS Division Chief was celebrating his 25th anniversary with the department. - ID26-0449 – Christopher Edwards, Audra Aja, and Stephanie Scalos of the Economic Development and Housing Department accepted a proclamation declaring May 4–8, 2026 as Economic Development Week. Edwards highlighted efforts in business retention, recruitment, and expansion. - ID26-0493 – Lauren Matzke, Kevin Garriott, and Rebecca Mulder of the Planning & Development Department accepted a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Building Safety Month, emphasizing that building codes prioritize safety over aesthetics. - ID26-0540 – A proclamation declaring May 2026 as Older Americans Month was read for Ann Marie Winter, Executive Director of the Area Agency on Aging Pasco Pinellas, who was not present. Consent Agenda The Consent Agenda was approved unanimously by a single motion without discussion. It included: - 6.1: Purchase order with Olameter DPG, LLC for natural gas locating services, $670,000 annually with three one-year renewal options. - 6.2: Purchase of seven enclosed trailers ($134,867.50) and one forklift ($54,406.00) via piggyback contracts. - 6.3: Ratification of $2,635,560.96 reimbursement to the Philadelphia Phillies for Hurricane Milton repairs at BayCare Ballpark. - 6.4: Maintenance contract with Lake Brothers LLC for lakes, ponds, wetlands, and mitigation sites ($218,684 initial, $174,524 annual renewals). - 6.5: Construction contract to Concrete Protection and Restoration, LLC for Garden Avenue Garage Restoration ($186,318). - 6.6, 6.7, 6.8: Acceptance of three FDOT grant amendments for Clearwater Executive Airport: parking lot expansion ($693,992), terminal building construction ($790,369), and remill/overlay project ($374,785). - 6.9: Appointment of Jasmin Cruz to the Municipal Code Enforcement Board through October 1, 2026. - 6.10: Legal services agreement with Dayes Law Firm for representation in Blair Houston vs. City of Clearwater et al. Public Hearings – First Readings 7.1 – ANX2026-02002: Annexation of 2448 Nursery Road - The 0.63-acre site, currently a detached dwelling, requested annexation to receive sanitary sewer and solid waste services. The council unanimously approved ordinances 9890-26 (annexation), 9891-26 (Future Land Use Map designation Residential Urban), and 9892-26 (Zoning Atlas designation Medium Density Residential) on first reading. 7.2 – ANX2026-02003: Annexation of unaddressed Sunset Point Road parcel - A 0.14-acre site requested annexation to combine parcels and receive city services. The council unanimously approved ordinances 9893-26 (annexation), 9894-26 (Future Land Use Map designation Residential Urban), and 9895-26 (Zoning Atlas designation Low Medium Density Residential) on first reading. 7.3 – LUP2025-11004: Future Land Use Map Amendment for 2446 Nursery Road - A 0.4-acre parcel currently used as an assisted living facility sought a change from Residential Urban to Residential Medium to increase bed count. Staff found the request consistent with the comprehensive plan. The council unanimously approved Ordinance 9864-26 on first reading. Public Hearings – Second Readings All second-reading ordinances were approved unanimously without public comment or council discussion: - 8.1: Ordinance 9884-26 annexing 1903 Douglas Avenue. - 8.2: Ordinance 9885-26 designating the annexed property as Commercial General (CG). - 8.3: Ordinance 9886-26 zoning the property as Commercial (C). - 8.4: Ordinance 9888-26 vacating city right-of-way, alley, drainage, and utility easements in Bay View City and Bayview Terrace subdivisions. - 8.5: Ordinance 9906-26 amending Section 28.04 of the Clearwater Code regarding trading and selling on streets. Citizens to be Heard Three residents spoke during this segment (limited to 30 minutes or 10 speakers): - Patrick Rathbun (Vice President of Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition) announced a candidate forum for certified council candidates on June 1, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Trinity Church, 2001 Rainbow Drive. He commented on Councilmember Menino’s proposal for a May 28 meeting regarding properties underdeveloped by the Church of Scientology, referencing the 2014 Urban Land Institute advisory report. Rathbun expressed support for recent downtown developments (Coachman Park, BayCare Sound, Ballot Hotel, apartment tower) and urged collaboration for maximum downtown development. He reported visiting the Good Life presentation and being impressed. - Jill Gibbs criticized the council for not supporting a citizen initiative to require voter approval for vacation of public rights-of-way. She noted that Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala had advocated for citizens’ desires on the county’s downtown property, contrasting this with a councilmember who reposted a “hit piece” against the initiative. Gibbs claimed nearly 9,000 signatures had been collected. She cited Miami Beach as an example where the council placed a similar measure on the ballot after receiving emails, without requiring petitions. - Kelly Meyer expressed disappointment that the council had not engaged with citizen efforts. She raised concerns about the Church of Scientology-affiliated OSA organization, which she said surveils the public. Meyer noted that the organization had requested not only Garden Avenue but two more streets, an alleyway, and a city parcel. She cited the application’s claim that a proposed family entertainment center was “confirmed and fully developed” pending approval of vacations and conveyance. Meyer urged the council not to be “strong-armed” into giving away public property. Closing Comments by Councilmembers - Councilmember Mike Manino recognized International Firefighters’ Day (May 4), National Nurses Week (beginning May 6), and wished a Happy Mother’s Day to mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers. - Councilmember Ryan Cotton also wished a Happy Mother’s Day and expressed excitement for the upcoming Country Thunder music festival at Coachman Park. - Mayor Bruce Rector highlighted the momentum of downtown development and noted attending a luncheon for an organization that supports youth aging out of foster care. He extended Mother’s Day wishes to all who love and care for children, including grandparents raising grandchildren. Meeting Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM.

The Clearwater City Council held a work session on May 4, 2026, at 1:30 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The council approved several consent agenda items, received a detailed presentation on tree preservation ordinance revisions, and discussed scheduling a special work session to address proposed downtown entertainment and redevelopment projects. Consent Calendar - Authorized a purchase order and agreement with Olameter DPG, LLC for natural gas main and service line locating services in an annual not-to-exceed amount of $670,000, with three one-year renewal options (Item 2.1). - Authorized the purchase of seven enclosed trailers from Texas Trailers for $134,867.50 and one forklift from Southern States TOYOTALift for $54,406.00 via piggyback (Item 3.1). - Ratified a reimbursement payment of $2,635,560.96 to the Philadelphia Phillies for Hurricane Milton damage repairs at BayCare Ballpark (Item 3.2). - Authorized a purchase order to Lake Brothers LLC for maintenance of city-owned lakes, ponds, wetlands, and mitigation sites in an initial not-to-exceed amount of $218,684.00, with three one-year renewal options at $174,524.00 annually (Item 4.1). - Awarded a construction contract to Concrete Protection and Restoration, LLC for the Garden Avenue Garage Restoration project in the amount of $186,318.00 (Item 4.2). - Approved annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Urban (RU), and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Medium Density Residential (MDR) for 2448 Nursery Road (Item 5.1). - Approved annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Urban (RU), and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) for Unaddressed Sunset Point Road (Item 5.2). - Approved a Future Land Use Map Amendment from Residential Urban (RU) to Residential Medium (RM) for 2446 Nursery Road (Item 5.3). - Accepted FDOT Grant Agreement Amendment No. 2 for the Parking Lot Expansion and Rehabilitation Project at Clearwater Executive Airport in the amount of $693,992 (Item 6.1). - Accepted FDOT Grant Agreement Amendment No. 2 for the Construction of Terminal Building at Clearwater Executive Airport in the amount of $790,369 (Item 6.2). - Accepted FDOT Grant Agreement Amendment No. 2 for the Remill and Overlay Project at Clearwater Executive Airport in the amount of $374,785 (Item 6.3). - Appointed Jasmin Cruz to the Municipal Code Enforcement Board to fill an unexpired term through October 1, 2026 (Item 7.1). - Approved a legal services agreement with Dayes Law Firm for representation in Blair Houston vs. City of Clearwater et al. (Item 8.1). - Adopted Ordinances 9884-26, 9885-26, 9886-26, 9888-26, and 9906-26 on second reading (Items 8.2–8.6). Discussion Items Tree Preservation Ordinance (Item 5.4) Lauren Matzke, Planning and Development, presented a comparison of the City of Clearwater’s tree preservation ordinance with Pinellas County’s recent amendments. The county simplified its tree rating system from seven to four categories, adopted a flat fee structure for mitigation ($300 per tree for single-family/duplex, $500 for multifamily/commercial), and provided clearer exemptions for nuisance/invasive species and hazardous trees. Clearwater currently uses an inch-for-inch replacement system, a zero-to-six tree rating scale, and a tree bank fee of $48 per inch DBH, with nearly $1 million in the tree bank fund. Council discussion centered on balancing environmental protection with homeowner autonomy and reducing regulatory burdens. Vice Mayor expressed support for aligning with the county’s simplified approach, particularly for low-impact removals. Councilmember Teixeira asked about the appropriate threshold for palm trees (county uses 6 feet clear trunk, city uses 10 feet) and tree ratings. Staff arborist Ted Kozak noted that palms contribute less to canopy and that 10 feet is a common statewide standard. Councilmember Albretton supported codifying existing practices and aligning fee structures. Mayor emphasized the need for citizen-friendly regulations and quick action. Council directed staff to develop proposed revisions, including a fee study using local comparator cities, and to present a timeline and recommendations for further discussion. The consensus was to move toward a more simplified, predictable ordinance that maintains protections for high-value trees. Special Work Session on Downtown Entertainment Complex (Item 11.1) Councilmember Mannino requested scheduling a special work session to discuss proposed downtown redevelopment projects, including the Evo Entertainment/Dolby Theater, Cleveland Street Alliance projects, the Welcome Showroom, and LRH Hall. He cited public confusion and misinformation from media releases, emphasizing the need for transparency and a neutral fact-finding session. Councilmember Teixeira echoed that the volume of messaging suggests a level of certainty not yet justified by the permitting process. Vice Mayor noted the complexity of overlapping entities (Church of Scientology, Cleveland Street Alliance LLC, Evo Entertainment) and the need to clarify roles. Councilmember Albretton expressed excitement about progress but stressed accountability. Council agreed to hold a special work session on May 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM, to be facilitated like a regular workshop. Staff will invite relevant developers and presenters. The agenda will include all major downtown projects, but with the understanding that discussion on the Garden Avenue vacation must be limited to process updates per the attorney general’s guidance. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items were approved unanimously without discussion. - Staff will develop proposed revisions to the Tree Preservation Ordinance, including fee comparisons with neighboring jurisdictions, and present a project timeline to council before drafting an ordinance. A future work session will be held to review recommendations before formal adoption. - A special work session on downtown development projects is scheduled for May 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers. - Council noted the public comment policy extension will be added to the next regular meeting agenda for a vote, as it expires May 8, 2026.

The Clearwater Downtown Development Board met on May 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers. The board approved two agenda items related to event changes due to the Country Thunder music festival, received an informational report on the 2026 Ukulele Festival, and reviewed the Director's Report covering recent and upcoming events. New Business Items - Date Change for Florida Orchestra Symphony by the Sea Concert (ID26-05152): The board unanimously approved moving the concert from May 8, 2026 to June 6, 2026 at the BayCare Sound. The change was requested due to a scheduling conflict with Country Thunder Florida. Mayor Richler thanked the Florida Orchestra for their flexibility. - Location Change for Market Marie (ID26-05202): The board unanimously approved relocating the May 9, 2026 Market Marie from Coachman Park to Cleveland Street between Fort Harrison Avenue and East Avenue. The change was necessitated by the Country Thunder festival taking place that weekend. All other event details remain unchanged. Informational Reports - Ukulele Festival in the District 2026 Event Report (ID26-05212): The Atempo Ecologist Study staff presented on the March 15, 2026 Ukulele Festival. The event featured daytime activities on the 400 block and a tented concert in Coachman Park. Attendance was approximately 325, with placer AI data showing 295 attendees from 12-4 PM and 257 from 4-6 PM. Many attendees were from outside Pinellas County and visiting downtown for the first time. Presenters noted positive feedback and plans for future improvements, including moving the tent closer to stairs for accessibility and adding a morning brunch event. The board acknowledged the success and discussed the placer data methodology. Director's Report - CRA Executive Director Susan Nino provided the May 2026 Director's Report. She announced a special DDB meeting on May 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM to hear deliverables from the branding consultant (RBOA). A brief event recap included: - Taste of Clearwater (April 18, 2026) at Station Square and 600 block of Cleveland Street, presented by Rotary Club of Clearwater. - Cinco de Mayo / Taco Fest (May 3, 2026) presented by UNIMAX, which saw growing crowds. - Upcoming events include Sharka Palooza (May 16), Symphony by the Sea (June 6), and Market Marie location change. Staff reminded the public about Country Thunder (May 8-10) and shared flyers for new businesses: Tacos El Carnal (1310 Cleveland Street) and Glazed Donuts (411 S. Myrtle Avenue, plus Drew Street location). - Board members discussed parking plans for Country Thunder, with staff confirming coordination with city departments and free parking in garages. Expected attendance was approximately 8,000 per day, similar to the largest BayCare Sound shows. Board Members to be Heard - No formal comments were made under this agenda item. The board noted that meeting minutes from prior sessions would be presented at the May 18 special meeting. Key Outcomes - Motions Passed Unanimously: Both the date change for the Florida Orchestra concert and the location change for Market Marie were approved without opposition. - Special Meeting Scheduled: A special DDB meeting will be held on May 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM to review branding concepts from RBOA. - Ukulele Festival Feedback: The board received the report with appreciation and encouraged continued improvements for accessibility and community engagement.

The Community Resiliency and Leisure Services Advisory Board met on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The board approved the previous meeting's minutes, heard public comment regarding stadium funding and park maintenance, received a detailed presentation on the Clearwater 2045 comprehensive plan, and set the agenda for the next meeting. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes of the March 26, 2026 special meeting (ID26-0505). Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Johnson addressed the board regarding the Phillies term sheet for Bright House Stadium. He questioned whether the additional $14 million for BayCare Ballpark improvements would cannibalize maintenance funds for Coachman Park and the beach. He presented evidence of code violations (e.g., use of shell rock as landscaping material, which is prohibited) and argued that the city does not follow its own rules. He asked why the city can fund $30 million for stadium improvements but not maintain Coachman Park to designated standards. Discussion Items - Clearwater 2045 Comprehensive Plan Presentation (ID26-0507): Planning and Development Director Lauren Matzke and Long Range Planning Manager Marcy Stenmark presented the city's comprehensive plan update. They explained that the plan is state-mandated, updated every 7–10 years, and covers chapters on quality places, mobility, parks and recreation, conservation and coastal management, and community support services (including libraries, police, fire). Key policies discussed included: - Sustainability: solar facilities on stormwater ponds, integration of green techniques. - Coastal resiliency: flood risk reduction, adaptation action areas, protection of public access, and prohibition of increased density in coastal storm surge zones. - Parks and recreation: equitable design, adequate level of service (meeting or exceeding requirements), and implementation of the recently updated Parks Master Plan. - Tree canopy preservation and landscaping standards. - Board Questions: - A member asked about increasing walkways for wheelchairs at beaches; staff suggested it could be a grant opportunity aligned with the plan. - Another member asked about sewage treatment capacity at the Marshall Street plant and potential impacts from development (e.g., The Landings). Staff described the site plan review process and noted that utilities master plans address capacity. - A member asked about FEMA buyouts of repeatedly damaged barrier island properties. Staff confirmed the city has no plan for buyouts but has a floodplain administrator and tracks repetitive loss properties. The member requested his questions be included in the minutes. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken on the Clearwater 2045 plan; the presentation was informational. - Next Meeting Agenda (ID26-0506): The board agreed to include: 1. A presentation on hurricane preparedness. 2. Regular project updates from Parks and Recreation (and possibly Library) via a shared project list. 3. Discussion of best tree policies and canopy improvement. - Action Items: The chair will ask department directors to provide a project list for future agendas. The next meeting is scheduled for June 2026 (exact date not set). - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned without further business.