Public Meetings - Clearwater, Florida

The Clearwater Municipal Code Enforcement Board met on March 25, 2026, at the Main Library - Council Chambers, 100 N. Osceola Avenue. The meeting began at 1:30 PM and lasted approximately two hours and 22 minutes, with a brief break. The board considered a lengthy agenda that included new business items (cases of code violations), affidavits of compliance and non-compliance, a fine reduction request, election of officers, and nuisance abatement lien filings. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes from the February 25, 2026 meeting as submitted. - Affidavits of Compliance: The board accepted affidavits of compliance for 10 cases, indicating those properties had resolved their violations: Cases 109-23 & 110-23 (Casa Roba LLC, lot clearing), 97-24 (Byrd J Smith Est, exterior surfaces), 107-24 (Carmelo Cotto Flecha & Carmen Rivera, lot clearing), 62-25 (Byrd J Smith Est, lot clearing), 128-25 (Karoly Windows & Doors LLC, permits), 149-25 (Sarah Butler, exterior surfaces), 08-26 (Nikoletta Psaltis et al., sidewalk signs/signage without permit), 27-26 (Proactive Property Management, permits), 35-26 (Good Shepherd Blvd LLC, inoperative vehicle), and 37-26 (Eyekon Medical Inc., inoperative vehicle). - Affidavit of Non-Compliance: The board accepted the affidavit of non-compliance for Case 142-25, Sugar Factory LLC at 1844 Drew St., for exterior surfaces, door & window openings, roof maintenance, and exterior storage. Public Comments & Testimony - Case 34-26 (William Black, 2390 Willow Tree Trail – unsafe building): Several neighbors spoke in favor of the city taking action. Stephanie Sistie (Woodgate Homeowners Association) read a letter expressing concerns about safety, property values, and the prolonged inaction (2.5 years since a fire). Susan Huddleson (neighbor) described rodent issues, a green pool, and lack of maintenance before and after the fire. Laurel Cavins noted mosquito problems and a fence that a child could enter. John Cabin asked about the owner's finances, insurance, and means to complete repairs. Patrick Raffle (Vice President, Clearwater Neighborhood Coalition) expressed disappointment with the process and urged decisive action. - Case 34-26: Mr. Black stated he obtained a demolition permit, had started interior demolition, was working with Pinellas Recovers on a grant, and said he could complete the work himself with up to $50,000, but that 60 days was not realistic for full restoration. Discussion Items - Case 97-24 (Fine Reduction Request – RE Capital Management LLC, 2080 Douglas Ave.): The property owner requested that a lien for exterior surfaces violations be reduced to administrative costs only. Inspector Dixon confirmed the property was brought into compliance (roof replaced, wood repaired, grounds cleared). It was noted that the current owner is not the owner who incurred the original liens. After discussion, the board voted to reduce the lien to $1,096.20 in administrative costs, payable within 30 days. - Case 34-26 (William Black, 2390 Willow Tree Trail – unsafe building): The city requested authorization to demolish the structure if not brought into compliance by May 29, 2026. Mr. Black had a partial demolition permit but no full rehabilitation permit. The building official clarified that compliance requires complete restoration to minimum code or demolition. The city’s legal counsel noted that the property is homesteaded, limiting foreclosure but still allowing a lien. After debate, the board voted to find the respondent in violation and ordered that if the structure is not in compliance by May 29, 2026, the city may enter the property to abate (demolish) and record the cost as a lien. - Case 44-26 (Cleveland Gulf to Bay LLC, 1417 Cleveland St. – exterior surfaces): The property manager admitted the violation and requested 60 days to complete repairs. The inspector asked for compliance by April 25. The board extended the deadline to May 27, 2026, with a fine of $150 per day for non-compliance. - Case 46-26 (Affordable Properties Mgmt Realty LLC Tre, 1111 Court St. – exterior surfaces, doors/windows): The representative stated the property is awaiting a city grant to rebuild the facade. The board set a compliance deadline of April 30, 2026, with a fine of $150 per day per violation. - Case 47-26 (Northwest Properties LLC, 1235 Nicholson St. – trailer parking and BTR): The inspector reported ongoing violations of a travel trailer in the front yard and lack of a residential rental business tax receipt. The owner is reportedly evicting tenants. The board imposed separate fines: $150 per day for the trailer violation and $50 per day for the BTR violation, with a compliance deadline of May 1, 2026. - Case 49-26 (Good Shepherd Blvd LLC, 1746 Drew St. – exterior storage): The inspector noted the property was largely cleaned but minor items remained (bread racks, pipes, bucket). The board accepted a declaration of violation with a compliance deadline of April 25, 2026, and a fine of $150 per day for future non-compliance. - Case 51-26 (Deltwain Holmes, 3087 Cherry Ln. – development code violation): The home is a legal non-conforming structure at 45 feet (max 30 ft). The owner added pergolas and a spa on the roof, increasing the non-conformity. Zoning confirmed no variance is possible. The board ordered removal by June 23, 2026 (90 days), with a fine of $250 per day for non-compliance. - Case 89-26 (Petrillo et al., 202 N Glenwood Ave. – nuisance abatement lien for lot clearing): Property owner said he was unaware of the sidewalk overgrowth and debris issue until the meeting. The board accepted the order, allowing the city to abate if not corrected within five days, but the owner said he would address it immediately. - Case 90-26 (Don Marson Von Burns Rev Trust, 1535 Gulf to Bay Blvd. – nuisance abatement lien for inoperative vehicles): The owner’s representative said most vehicles were now registered and tires inflated. One semi-trailer needed structural repair. The board granted 30 days for compliance (until April 24, 2026), after which the city may abate. Board Elections - Chair: Bob Kenny was re-elected by acclamation. - Vice Chair: Mr. Engel was elected by acclamation. Key Outcomes - Fine Reduction Approved: The board reduced the lien for Case 97-24 (2080 Douglas Ave.) to $1,096.20 in administrative costs, payable in 30 days (vote: unanimous). - Case 34-26 (Unsafe Building): The board found a violation and authorized the city to demolish the structure if not fully restored to code or demolished by May 29, 2026. A lien for costs will be recorded. (Vote: unanimous) - Other Violation Cases: The board found violations and set compliance deadlines and fines for Cases 44-26 (May 27, 2026, $150/day), 46-26 (April 30, 2026, $150/day per violation), 47-26 (May 1, 2026, $150/day for trailer, $50/day for BTR), 49-26 (April 25, 2026, $150/day), 51-26 (June 23, 2026, $250/day), 89-26 (5 days from order), and 90-26 (30 days from order). All votes were unanimous. - Declarations of Violation: The board issued declarations for several cases where violations were corrected before the hearing (Cases 23-26, 52-26, 55-26, 72-26), meaning no fines were imposed but repeat violations could result in fines up to $500 per day. - New Chair and Vice Chair Elected: Bob Kenny was re-elected as Chair; Mr. Engel was elected Vice Chair. (Votes: unanimous)

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

The Clearwater Marine Advisory Board held a special meeting on March 18, 2026, at 8:00 AM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The board addressed several key items including a letter on the Stevenson Creek Manatee Protection Zone, rate increases for the marina, updates on harbor and beach marina construction projects, and the election of officers for 2026. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the December 10, 2025 regular meeting and the January 28, 2026 special meeting. Discussion Items - Stevenson Creek Advocacy Group Update: Sherry Day, president of the Stevenson Creek Advocacy Group, presented a draft letter urging the City Council to take action on a Manatee Protection Zone in Stevenson Creek. The board discussed the letter's content, noting the date needed correction, and voted to approve and sign the letter as presented, which will be included in a larger package to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Sherry Day also highlighted media coverage of loopholes in permitting for docks in the aquatic preserve. The board acknowledged the issue is outside its purview but expressed support for the group's efforts. - Marina Rate Increases: Bill Hodson, Division Manager of Marine Aviation, recommended increasing recreational slip rates to 100% effective October 1, 2026 (to $23/foot resident, $25.30/foot non-resident), while keeping commercial rates at the 50% increase that took effect February 1 until the Beach Marina reconstruction is complete, after which a market rate study will be conducted. The board asked questions about demand and slip pricing but took no formal vote on the recommendation. - Harbor Marina Update: Kelly Petrich, Engineering Division Manager, reported that the south end of Harbor Marina has been awarded to Kelly Brothers, with construction expected to start in May 2026 and completion by end of 2026 or early 2027. The north end is at 90% construction drawings, with bids expected by June and a target council date of September 16, 2026, aiming for completion before the 2027 storm season. - Beach Marina Reconstruction Project Update: Kelly Petrich reported that Phase II demolition of buildings, docks, and removal of timber/concrete piles is 90% complete. Sheet pile wall is largely completed, and concrete work is progressing. A pre-dredge survey was completed, and dredging will begin upon approval. Upland work, including sidewalk demo and utility re-piping, is underway. The project remains on schedule and under budget, with completion targeted for summer 2026. - Seminal Boat Ramp Kayak Launch: During the Director's Report, a board member asked about creating kayak/paddleboard launch areas at the sandy area west of the fish cleaning station at the Seminal ramp and near the shuffleboard court on Stevenson Creek. Bill Hodson responded that Parks and Recreation is already exploring these options, which would require ADA compliance. - Election of 2026 Chair and Vice Chair: The board unanimously reelected the current chair and vice chair to serve another term. - Board Member Comments: A board member raised the issue of filling two open seats on the board, suggesting potential candidates Trish Rodriguez and Courtney Ross. The board discussed the application process and encouraged members to recommend interested individuals. Key Outcomes - Approved the December 10, 2025 and January 28, 2026 meeting minutes. - Approved and signed a letter to the City Council supporting a Manatee Protection Zone in Stevenson Creek. - Reelected the current chair and vice chair for the 2026 term. - Received updates on rate increase recommendations and construction projects, with no formal votes taken on those items.

The Clearwater Community Development Board (CDB) met on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The board approved consent agenda items, heard a public hearing on a land use map amendment, and held its annual election of officers. The meeting lasted approximately one hour. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the February 19, 2026 meeting. - FLD2025-12029 (Consent Item 4.1): A flexible development approval for an existing 4,776 square foot commercial dock (10 slips private, 18 slips public) accessory to a 60-unit overnight accommodation at 850 Bayway Boulevard. The board approved this item by consent without discussion. The building does not exceed 80 feet in height and includes 84 off-street parking spaces. Public Comments & Testimony - LUP2025-11004 (Land Use Amendment): Two residents from the neighboring Rose Street Court subdivision spoke in opposition. The first speaker presented a petition signed by 16 residents voting no to the ordinance, citing traffic, safety concerns, and operational issues such as naked residents being seen and frequent emergency vehicle visits. The second speaker (Barbara Birenbaum) questioned licensing, background checks, cleanliness, kitchen standards, and staffing of the assisted living facility, and noted that the facility is near a K-12 school. - One additional public commenter (Bill Jones) noted that a new school across the street has increased traffic and questioned additional staff needs if the facility expands. - No speakers supported the amendment during public comment. Discussion Items - LUP2025-11004: Future Land Use Map Amendment: This Level Three application seeks to change the designation of the 0.4-acre property at 2446 Nursery Road from Residential Urban (RU) to Residential Medium (RM). The existing assisted living facility (Lantern Senior Care LLC) currently operates with a license for 12 beds (grandfathered above the RU density limit of 7.5 units/acre; 3 beds = 1 unit). The amendment would allow a maximum of 18 beds (15 units/acre). Staff recommended approval, stating the change is consistent with the comprehensive plan and will not degrade public facilities. The applicant, Adams Ferweij (administrator), explained the need for additional mental health beds, noting the facility holds a limited mental health license—one of only three in Clearwater. He read a supportive letter from the Clearwater FACT team and emphasized no neighbor complaints and a permaculture garden. Board members noted that operational concerns fall under state and city code enforcement, not the land use decision, and that any future building changes would require separate permits. The board discussed that the petition alone did not provide detailed evidence, but the public testimony raised concerns. Key Outcomes - Land Use Recommendation Approved (LUP2025-11004): The board voted 5-2 to recommend approval of the future land use map amendment from Residential Urban to Residential Medium to the City Council. Two members (Haudricourt and Mastruserio) voted against. The motion adopted the findings and conditions in the staff report. City Council will make the final decision. - Election of Officers: The board re-elected Chair Boutzoukas and Vice Chair Hupp for the upcoming year by unanimous oral vote. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned after the election.

The Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB) held a special meeting on March 17, 2026, in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting focused on the 2026-27 Annual Action Plan process for CDBG and HOME funds, presentations from 14 organizations requesting a total of over $1.28 million in grant funding, and performance updates on current sub-recipients. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the November 18, 2025, NAHAB meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public came forward to speak on items not on the agenda. No e-comments were submitted. Discussion Items - 2026-27 Annual Action Plan Kick-off (Item 4.1): Housing Manager Dylan Mayo presented the timeline: March 17 – applicant presentations; Technical Review Committee (TRC) meets March 21; staff scores due by mid-March; budget to NAHAB on April 14; May – public comment on draft budget; final plan to council July 16. This timeline was moved up a month to provide a buffer for potential delays (e.g., hurricanes, federal shutdown). - Applicant Presentations for Grant Funding (Item 4.2): 14 organizations presented 19 funding applications. Total funding requested: $1.28 million. The board chair noted this would be a highly competitive process due to limited available funds. A summary of each presentation: - Housing and Educational Alliance (HEA): Requested $50,000 for the Clearwater Housing Stability and Home Ownership Initiative. Since 2002, HEA has served 57,735 individuals, delivered 525,000 hours of housing education, 12,500 families achieved homeownership, and $163 million in down payment assistance. The program provides HUD-approved homebuyer education, one-on-one counseling, and post-purchase support for residents at or below 80% AMI. Anticipates serving 75 Clearwater households. - Homeless Emergency Project (HEP): Requested $60,000 for emergency shelter courtyard/dining hall upgrades (adding 25% match) and $150,000 for a dental/wellness clinic parking lot (phase two of a $1.45 million project). The clinic provided 8,225 dental procedures in 2025 valued at $1.36 million. Phase one (1.3 million) fully funded by HEP. Project start expected May 2026 with completion by fall. - Metropolitan Ministries (North Greenwood Neighbor Hope): Requested $50,000 to fund mobile case management services in the North Greenwood neighborhood. Serves families at risk of homelessness through asset-based community development. Plans to add a community engagement coordinator. Financial assistance includes rental and utility aid. - Hope Villages of America: Requested $50,000 for salary support of a case management supervisor and $75,000 for window/door replacements at their domestic violence shelter. The shelter serves over 200 survivors annually with a 45-day limit. The 2025 Point-in-Time Count identified 214 homeless survivors in Pinellas County. - Sun Coast Housing Connections (TEP CDC): Requested $50,000 for homebuyer education, housing counseling, and foreclosure prevention. Reported a doubling of foreclosure cases in recent months. Counselors work with clients as long as needed (up to 2.5 years). Organization is a NeighborWorks agency. - WestCare Gulf Coast Florida (Turning Point): Requested $50,000 for partial salary of a case manager and LPN at their substance abuse homeless shelter. Provides 30-day residential intervention services. Only facility in the area that accepts intoxicated individuals from the street. - Directions for Living (Mental Health): Requested $161,000 for facility renovations to create multi-purpose collaborative spaces. Serves about 20,000 clients. Partners include the sheriff's department for mental health first aid training. - St. Vincent DePaul of Upper Pinellas (Community Kitchen): Requested funding to replace the 20-year-old roof. Serves over 2,000 individuals annually, providing 29,000 hot meals plus clothing, showers, notary, bus passes, job interview support. Speaker cited national survey: $37,000 annual cost per homeless individual to cities; claimed 20 people moved off streets saves city $500,000. - Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Services: Requested $50,000 for homebuyer education and down payment assistance (DPA). HUD research shows homebuyer education reduces foreclosure odds by 42%. In the past year, helped 17 families become homeowners with $1.2 million in DPA. - Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LIFT): Requested $76,500 for campus safety/security enhancements at a 60,000 sq ft former YMCA serving neurodivergent students (autism, developmental differences). Project includes upgraded surveillance, badge access, reinforced doors, and heightening an exterior wall. Project timeline: 12 months. - Prospera Initiatives: Requested funding for small business consulting and education (all services free). Provided over 2,000 business consultations in 5 years; 20% of clients are Clearwater residents. - Gulf Coast Legal Services: Requested $50,000 for housing legal aid (eviction prevention, Section 8, foreclosure). Average client income: $28,000. In the last fiscal year, housing clients increased by 88% (from 300 to over 570); over half reside in Clearwater. - Intercultural Advocacy Institute (Hispanic Outreach Center): Two requests: $25,000 for victim advocacy program (all types of crime) and $55,000 for flooring replacement at their new location (former CPD dental clinic, 3,398 sq ft). The building is shared with Clearwater Police Department. - Upward Care (no representative present): No presentation given. - Performance of Sub-recipients (Item 4.3): Dylan Mayo reported delays due to a federal government shutdown last year (agreements pushed to late January). Public service sub-recipients (all funded equally at $23,147) have drawn varying amounts: WestCare ($12,287.80), Hope Villages ($10,851.04), Metropolitan Ministries ($13,288.48). Others (Hispanic Outreach, Gulf Coast Legal, Upward Care) have not yet drawn. Public facilities projects are out to bid; inspection fees disbursed. 2024-25 fiscal year projects are near completion: HEP family transition program ($36,709 dispersed of $140,500); HEP kitchen/dining renovation (88,433 of $89,433 disbursed, ribbon cutting completed); LIFT playground (73,245 of $110,330 disbursed); Willow Carson clinic ($62,325 of $112,250 disbursed). CDBG-CV funds: St. Vincent DePaul ($62,587 of $100,000 dispersed, agreement extended to Sept 2026); Clearwater Housing Authority rental deposit payments ($150,726.68 of $321,400 disbursed). - Director's Report: Housing Manager Mayo announced: - 1718 N. Betty Lane (HEP project): City council approved $1.391 million in HOME-ARP funds; closing expected May 2026. - 1454 MLK (partnership with Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Services and Habitat for Humanity): 24 owner-occupied townhomes; contingencies complete; closing expected May/June 2026. - New Director: Christopher Edwards (formerly New Smyrna Beach) introduced as new Economic Development and Housing Director. - Affordable Housing Inventory List: An update is due July 2026; will be brought to NAHAB for recommendation, likely in May or June. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on funding requests. The Technical Review Committee will meet March 21 to score applications; staff scores due mid-March. A funding budget will be presented to NAHAB on April 14, 2026. - The board acknowledged the presentations and staff reports; no formal recommendations were made.

The North Greenwood Citizens Advisory Committee (NGCAC) met on March 9, 2026. The meeting included approval of previous meeting minutes, introductions of new city staff and a board member, a presentation on the North Greenwood Overlay District, updates on Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) grants, and reports on the Mural Festival and The Grove container village project. Significant discussion focused on the tax implications of the grant programs. The meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the December 3, 2025 meeting were approved with corrections. Corrections clarified the record of the discussion on the 1105 Carlton project and a specific inquiry regarding downtown CRA funds. A motion to approve the minutes as corrected was made by Marilyn Turman, seconded, and passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public stepped forward to speak during the Citizens to Be Heard segment. Discussion Items Introductions - Neighborhood Coordinator: Kyrie Selman introduced himself as the new Neighborhood Coordinator for Public Communications. He clarified his role as a resident liaison, distinguished neighborhood associations from HOAs, and invited residents to connect with him regarding community projects and events like National Night Out. - New Committee Member: A lifelong North Greenwood resident and founder of a local organization was introduced as a new board member, expressing her dedication to community advocacy. North Greenwood Overlay District Update - Presentation (Lauren Matthew, Development Services): The foundational Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map amendments for the new Overlay District have passed the Community Development Board unanimously and will go to City Council for first reading on March 30, 2026. Marcy Stenmark was introduced as the new Long-Range Planning Manager, tasked with finalizing the zoning code. - Future Engagement: Ms. Matthew stated that future community sessions on the specific zoning code provisions will be designed as interactive workshops to back-check input from residents. Community Redevelopment Agency Grant Updates - Residential Grant (Vickie Shire, CRA Manager): The maximum award increased from $20,000 to $25,000. The required applicant match is now a flat 5% for all applicants within 0-120% Area Median Income. Applications are now accepted every three years instead of annually. - Commercial Grant: The maximum award increased from $75,000 to $100,000. - Tax Liability Discussion: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the tax implications for grant recipients. - Gloria Campbell (Speaker Position): Expressed serious concern that the $25,000 grant counting as income could cause seniors on Medicaid/Medicare to lose benefits, calling it "a huge issue that needs to be figured out." - Board Members: Requested legal clarification on the city's decision to pay applicants directly (making it taxable) rather than contractors, and suggested allowing a portion of the grant to cover the resulting tax liability for recipients. - Staff Response: Ms. Shire and the CRA Executive Director acknowledged the concerns, stating the city is willing to take calculated risks to provide community access to capital. They confirmed the grant is primarily a reimbursement model, though exceptions exist for 50% deposits to assist with upfront costs. Staff committed to consulting with Legal and Finance and reporting back to the committee. Residential Grant Awardee Showcase - Testimonial (Laron Roberts): Mr. Roberts described his positive experience with the residential grant, which he used for windows, doors, and exterior painting. He praised Vickie Shire for personally resolving a delay with his contractor and recommended the program to other residents. He also highlighted the value of the volunteer component. North Greenwood Mural Festival Update - Project Update (Amber Brice): Walls have been selected at Big James Barbecue, Safe Haven/House, Hatchville, the African American Historical Museum, and several city-owned buildings. A jury of 12 shortlisted 16 artists from 127 applicants, giving priority to local Clearwater artists. - Next Steps: Artists will be matched with walls and collaborate on designs with business owners. Painting is scheduled to take place from April 6 through April 22, 2026. Designs for city buildings may be subject to a public neighborhood vote. The Grove: Container Village Update - Project Update (Gloria Campbell, Clearwater Coalition): The container-based retail village at MLK and Tangerine Street has been in development for six years. The city invested $500,000 (total project expected over $1 million). The targeted completion date is December 2026. - Business Selection: 16 businesses pitched at a recent showcase. Final business selection is scheduled for March 2026. Entrepreneurial training, in partnership with Pinellas County Economic Development, begins in April 2026. - Program Goals: The incubator aims for a 90% business success rate, with 50% of businesses moving to larger permanent spaces after their three-year leases. Ms. Campbell requested volunteers to serve as business mentors. CRA Metrics & Board Reports - CRA Metrics (Brian Omer, CRA Specialist): 18 residential grants have been completed, 15 are under construction, and 6 are under review. Four commercial projects have been approved. Signage is being created for grant-awarded properties. - Process Improvement Request: A board member requested that a printed handout of all CRA grant metrics and an updated profit and loss statement be provided at every future meeting. - Elder Event: A board member promoted a two-day event honoring seniors (Lunch, Learn & Play on Friday, Senior Dance on Saturday), noting that registration has exceeded 300 guests. The event was framed as an initiative to address the crisis of loneliness among elders. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: December 3rd meeting minutes approved with stated corrections (moved by Turman, seconded, unanimous). - Referral to Staff: CRA staff directed to immediately consult with Legal and Finance regarding the tax implications of the grants on recipients and to report back to the committee before the next meeting. - Process Improvement: Staff requested to provide printed financial summaries and metrics at every committee meeting. - Upcoming Dates: - City Council Hearing on Overlay District: March 30. - The Grove Final Business Selection: March 2026. - The Grove Entrepreneurial Training Begins: April 2026. - Mural Festival Painting Window: April 6–22. - The Grove Targeted Opening: December 2026.

The Clearwater City Council met on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting was brief, lasting approximately 25 minutes, and included a proclamation, consent agenda approvals, two public hearings, second readings for annexations, and closing comments. The council approved all consent items and resolutions unanimously, deferred one item, and discussed rescheduling a future meeting. Proclamation: Flood Awareness Week 2026 - Mayor Bruce Rector proclaimed March 9–15, 2026, as Flood Awareness Week in Clearwater. Cassie Cordova and Gene Henry accepted the proclamation and highlighted the city's resilience efforts after recent hurricanes. Gene Henry announced the launch of the "Adopt a Drain" program (myclearwater.com/adoptadrain), which provides supplies for residents to maintain neighborhood drains and prevent localized flooding. Consent Calendar - The council approved the following items unanimously (items 6.1–6.12): - 6.1: Deferred loan of up to $1,391,938 for affordable multifamily housing at 1718 North Betty Lane. - 6.2: Purchase of excess property insurance (including bridges, boiler & machinery, terrorism, UAV/drone, docks & pier) for April 1, 2026–April 1, 2027, not to exceed $5,901,000. - 6.3: Reconstruction and replacement work at Beach Marina building by SERVPRO of Largo, not to exceed $265,000. - 6.4: Purchase of one Pierce Heavy Duty Velocity Platform and one Pierce Heavy Duty Velocity Pumper for $3,497,068.01 via piggyback, with surplus declaration and lease purchase or internal financing. - 6.5: Purchase of a Motorola Mach Alert Fire Station Alerting system for $108,940.46. - 6.6: Three-year maintenance agreement with Tyler Technologies for Munis Financials, HCM, and Time & Attendance software, not to exceed $2,115,445.57. - 6.7: Work authorization with Register Construction and Engineering for pre-construction and technical services at Clearwater Executive Airport North Hangar, $63,666. - 6.8: Agreement with six beachfront hotels (Palm Pavilion, Pier 60 Concessions, Barefoot Beach House, Shephards-Makin Waves, Hilton, Dolphin Sands, Hampton Inn and Suites) for limited vehicle use on public beaches by permit. - 6.9: Reappointment of Michael Boutzoukas to the Community Development Board through February 28, 2030. - 6.10: Appointment of Chelsea Gird to the Municipal Code Enforcement Board through November 1, 2028. - 6.11: Cancellation of the August 17, 2026 and November 2, 2026 work session meetings. - 6.12: Increase to legal services agreement with Gray Robinson to defend claims bills for plaintiff Maximus Giannikos. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke on any agenda item. No citizens were heard under Citizens to be Heard (item 9). Discussion Items - 7.1 – Connecting Clearwater Active Transportation Plan: Staff requested deferral to revise the resolution. The council agreed without objection. - 7.2 – Resilient Florida Program Grant Agreement: The council approved Resolution 26-07 authorizing a $4,000,000 grant agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for resiliency improvements at Clearwater Beach Marina. No public comment or council discussion. - 8.1–8.3 – Second Readings for Annexation at 1604 Bonair Street: The council approved three ordinances: annexation (9875-26), future land use designation as Residential Low (9876-26), and zoning as Low Medium Density Residential (9877-26). All passed unanimously. - 8.4–8.6 – Withdrawn Items: Items 9872-26, 9873-26, and 9874-26 (annexation, land use, and zoning for 2941 Abbey Lake Road) were withdrawn. - 12.1 – Rescheduling September 3, 2026 Council Meeting: Council discussed the need to reschedule due to the annual Phillies meeting. The first budget hearing must occur between September 3 and 16, but available dates (Sept 8, 10) conflict with county hearings, and Sept 9 conflicts with PSTA budget hearing. Council considered moving the meeting to September 15, but noted the second hearing would then need to be held the following week. Staff will verify feasibility and present an item at the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved (unanimous): Flood Awareness Week proclamation; minutes of February 19, 2026; consent agenda items 6.1–6.12; Resolution 26-07 for the Resilient Florida Grant; Ordinances 9875-26, 9876-26, and 9877-26 for the Bonair Street annexation. - Deferred: Item 7.1 (Connecting Clearwater Active Transportation Plan) for staff to revise the resolution. - Withdrawn: Items 8.4–8.6 (Abbey Lake Road annexation). - Direction: Staff will evaluate the feasibility of rescheduling the September 3, 2026 council meeting to September 15, 2026, and report back at the next council meeting. Closing Comments - Councilmember Mike Manino highlighted youth scholarships from Clearwater for Youth and the Art Alliance youth art exhibit. - Vice Mayor Lena Chichira noted the Sea Blues Festival, upcoming performances at The Sound, and the success of downtown events. - Councilmember David Albreton added comments on the Phillies opening day and the Mayor's Cup. - Mayor Bruce Rector thanked the community for volunteerism, Read Across America week, and support for youth programs. He also encouraged residents to be kind to spring tourists. The meeting adjourned at 6:25 PM.

The Clearwater City Council held a special work session on March 4, 2026, beginning at 7:15 PM UTC, to conduct a follow-up review of the strategic plan and strategies for budget planning. The meeting was held at the Main Library Council Chambers in Clearwater, Florida. No public comments were made, and no votes were taken. The session focused solely on a presentation and discussion of the strategic plan and its implications for the upcoming budget. Presentations - The council received a presentation on the follow-up review of the strategic plan and strategies for budget planning. This was the final special work session dedicated to strategic planning prior to budget deliberations.

Note: The meeting transcript identifies the date as March 2, 2026, but the official meeting date is given as March 3, 2026. This summary uses the official date. The Clearwater Downtown Development Board (DDB) met on March 3, 2026, to consider financial reports, high-impact event funding requests, and a community event funding request. The board approved the January 2026 financial statement, granted funding for the Taste of Clearwater with an additional allowance for portable restrooms, approved $50,000 for the Florida Orchestra's Symphony by the Sea, and approved $15,000 for Sharkapalooza 2026. A recap of previous events by Saucy Queen was also presented. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (Item 2.1): Approved unanimously. - Approval of January 2026 Financial Statement (Item 4.1): Approved unanimously. Discussion clarified that the "downtown future initiatives" line item ($592,915) represents unallocated funds, and the Cleveland Street activation balance ($245,000) includes funds allocated for mobile vendors and other programming. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made regarding items not on the agenda. Discussion Items - High Impact Event Funding: Taste of Clearwater (Item 4.2): The Rotary Club of Clearwater and Clearwater Charities Inc. requested $30,000 for the second annual Taste of Clearwater on April 18, 2026, at Station Square Park and the 600 block of Cleveland Street. Staff recommended $20,625, excluding portable restrooms. The applicant requested an additional $5,000 for restroom trailers and hand-washing stations, citing health and safety needs. Board members debated whether to include restrooms as an eligible expense, with some expressing concern about setting a precedent. The board voted to approve the staff recommendation of $20,625 plus up to $2,500 for restrooms, for a total maximum grant of $23,125. The vote was 6-1, with board member Cotton opposed. - High Impact Event Funding: Symphony by the C (Item 4.3): The Florida Orchestra requested $50,000 for a free concert on May 8, 2026, at Baycare Sound. Staff recommended $30,000 (the maximum allowed under policy). The orchestra noted that the venue rental is $37,790 and that they are contributing $65,000 themselves. Estimated attendance was 3,000, with an economic impact of $90,000. Board members expressed strong support for the event, emphasizing its family-friendly nature and community benefit. A motion to approve $50,000 passed 6-1, with board member Cotton opposed. - Event Recap: Saucy Queen Events (Item 4.4): Michelle (Saucy Queen) presented a recap of three past events—Fall Y'all, Jingle Bell, and Tasty Tampa Bay—highlighting attendance numbers (14,000 and 12,000 social media impressions), media coverage, and support for local businesses. A vendor from Lao Deli spoke about the impact of the events on their business. No funding request was made. - Community Event Funding: Sharkapalooza 2026 (Item 4.6): Jessica Adnich and Michelle requested $15,000 for a free, family-friendly ocean conservation festival on May 16, 2026, at Coachman Park. Staff recommended $6,760. The applicant emphasized transparency, sharing their bank account balance and marketing expertise. Board discussion centered on the event's potential and the applicant's honesty. A motion to approve the full $15,000 was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously (or near-unanimously, with no dissenting votes noted). Key Outcomes - Vote on Taste of Clearwater: Approved $23,125 (including up to $2,500 for restrooms); 6-1 in favor. - Vote on Symphony by the C: Approved $50,000; 6-1 in favor. - Vote on Sharkapalooza 2026: Approved $15,000; passed unanimously. - Item 4.5 Postponed: The St. Petersburg College Fresh Star Committee event recap was postponed to a later date.