Clearwater City Council Meeting - June 4, 2026

The Clearwater City Council met on June 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The most significant item was the public hearing and vote on a right-of-way vacation request from the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization for a portion of South Garden Avenue. After over two hours of public testimony and council debate, the council voted 3-2 to approve the vacation, with conditions. Other agenda items included budget amendments, annexations, and various routine approvals.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the May 21, 2026 meeting.
• Approved 12 consent items unanimously, including:
  • Change order for FDOT natural gas main work ($80,369.73)
  • Purchase of a fire rescue vehicle ($387,920.45)
  • Revocable license agreement with All Around Amusements for Pier 60 Park (5-year term)
  • First amendment to covenants for Gulfview Blvd Owner LLC
  • Microsoft software licensing agreement (3-year, $4,127,548.17)
  • Second phase of marina slip rate adjustments
  • Purchase order for corrosion control chemical ($150,000 annual)
  • Purchase orders for water meters ($440,000 annual)
  • Purchase order for waste containers ($1,260,000 over 3 years)
  • Reappointment of John Connolly to Pension Investment Committee
  • Appointment of Laurie Watson to Defined Contributions Plans Fiduciary Committee
  • Appointment of Luis Serna and Hoyt Hamilton to Community Development Board

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 6.4 (Garden Avenue Vacation): Over 60 speakers registered; the council heard 14 supporters and 15 opponents before cutting public comment short at 7:45 PM due to time constraints. Supporters (including Stu Schauerman, Greg Norman, Constantine Hogg, Kevin Abney, and many other Scientologists and business owners) emphasized the need for a safe, large-capacity convocation hall, the economic benefits of the Church (citing a 2014 FSU study showing $917 million annual economic impact), and the low current use of the street (traffic study showed 17 non-church trips per peak hour). Opponents (including Pat Meyer, Don Meyer, Barbara Sorey-Love, Kathy Warren, and others from Save the Garden) raised concerns about loss of 22 public parking spaces, traffic impacts on bus routes, inconsistency with the city's downtown redevelopment plan, safety and security for emergency vehicles, and the precedent of giving a public street to a private entity. Several opponents also expressed fear and distrust of the Church's influence and property accumulation.

Discussion Items

• 6.1 Penny for Pinellas Funding Transfer: Approved unanimously. A transfer of $750,000 from the Police Equipment Facility project to a new Main PD Parking Expansion project.
• 6.2 Mid-Year Budget Amendments: Approved unanimously. Ordinance 9921-26 (operating budget) and 9922-26 (capital improvement budget, increase of $3,574,619).
• 6.3 Gas Franchise with New Port Richey: Approved unanimously. 30-year franchise with 6% franchise rate for Clearwater Gas Energy.
• 6.5 Palm Pavilion Development Agreement: Continued to a future date due to noticing errors with Pinellas County property owner database; must be re-noticed.
• 6.6 Appointment of Special Magistrate: Approved unanimously. Resolution 26-11 appointing Nancy B. Mag, Esq. as a special magistrate for code enforcement.
• 6.7 Annexation - 1554 Owen Drive: Approved unanimously. 0.43-acre residential property, future land use Residential Low, zoning Low Medium Density Residential.
• 6.8 Annexation - 1399 Pineapple Lane: Approved unanimously. Requested by Parks and Recreation to incorporate into Moccasin Lake Nature Park.
• 6.9 Future Land Use Map Amendment - 1399 Pineapple Lane: Approved unanimously. Changed from Residential Low to Recreation/Open Space.
• 7.1 Zoning Atlas Amendment - 1399 Pineapple Lane: Approved unanimously. Zoning changed from Residential Agriculture (Pinellas County) to Open Space/Recreation (City of Clearwater).
• 8.1 Second Reading - Easement Vacation: Approved unanimously. Ordinance 9881-26 vacating a portion of a drainage and utility easement in Clearview Lake Estates.

Key Outcomes

• Garden Avenue Vacation Approved (3-2): Council voted to approve Ordinance 9907-26 on first reading, with an amendment extending the timeline to obtain a certificate of occupancy from five to six years. Councilmembers Alburton, Cotton, and Manino voted in favor; Councilmember Tosheda and Mayor Frank voted against. Councilmember Alburton cited precedent and traffic data; Councilmember Manino cited legal obligation to treat all applicants equally and safety; Vice Mayor Cotton emphasized safety and low usage. Councilmember Tosheda opposed, citing the downtown redevelopment plan's discouragement of street vacations and concerns about future connectivity. Mayor Frank opposed, citing his own traffic observations and the need to retain streets for future downtown growth. The second reading and final vote will occur on June 18, 2026. The city retains parking revenue until a right-of-way permit is issued, and conditions include utility easement provision and relocation at applicant's expense.
• Citizens to be Heard: One speaker raised concerns about a recent large gathering ("teen takeover") on Clearwater Beach, questioning police preparedness and response. Council members acknowledged the incident and stated they are working with police to prevent recurrence.