The Clearwater City Council held a work session on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 1:30 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting covered service awards, appointments, the FY2026/2027 Annual Action Plan, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, a major unsolicited public-private partnership proposal for the Landings Golf Course, several consent items, a public comment extension, a second reading of the Duke Energy franchise agreement, a discussion on hotel density pool units, and a conversation about naming the new City Hall complex.
That offers residents and visitors a welcoming place to gather and enjoy freshly prepared housemade cuisines. Soul Sicilian Fusion features signature dishes like octopus pasta, along with homemade pizza, sauces, desserts, and gelato. Everybody this time we'll call to order the work session of the Clearwater City Council for August 3rd, 2026. Move to item 2.1 on the agenda, which is our August Service Awards. First, I'd like to call forward Joel Silcox of Parks and Recreation. He's a five-year employee of the City of Clearwater. We're getting ready to go fumble. Next, I'd like to call forward Leonard Jones from Marine and Aviation, who's been an employee with the city for 20 years. Larry, Larry, if you'll uh if you like their podium, we uh city manager has uh nice descriptions she'd like to read on what you've been doing for us for 20 years. Larry began his career with the City of Clearwater on August 7th of 2006 as a Park Service Technician one in the Parks and Recreation Department. Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. He advanced a Park Service Tech 2 in 2007 before being promoted to trades worker in 2008. In 2011, Larry transferred to the Marine and Aviation Department, where he brought his strong work ethic and technical expertise to the city's marina's operations. After serving as a lead worker, he was promoted to Marine Facilities Supervisor in 2015. As his responsibilities continued to grow, his position evolved into a marine facilities coordinator in 2017, recognizing his expanding leadership role. In 2021, Larry was promoted to assistant operations manager, where he continues to serve today. Throughout his career, Larry has earned the respect of his co-workers and supervisors. He was recognized as employee of the month in 2008, 2009, and 2011, and was part of the team of the month in 2014 and again in 2024, reflecting both his individual contributions and his ability to work well with others. Larry is a leader who leads by example. He mentors new employees, he shares his knowledge, and is always willing to step in where needed. Whether responding to emergencies, maintaining critical public infrastructure, supporting capital improvement projects, or helping a teammate, Larry approaches every task with professionalism and a commitment to doing the job right. Larry's work reflects the city's commitment to superior public service. He helps ensure Clearwater's marinas, waterfront facilities, and public assets remain safe, functional, and welcoming for residents and visitors. His dedication to continuous improvement and developing others supports the city's goal of maintaining a high performing government. Larry truly helps Clearwater thrive through his leadership, dependability, and commitment to serving the community. Twenty years of public service is an outstanding accomplishment, and his career is a great example of the positive impact one employee can have on both the organization and the community. Thank you, Larry, for your 20 years of dedicated service to the City of Clearwater. Wow. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate 20 years. Great service. Well, great commitment to our city. Thank you, Larry, for your commitment to citizens of Clearwater. Oops, hold on one second. Dave began his career with the City of Clearwater as a recreation leader in 1996 as one of the first employees at the brand new countryside recreation center. Dave spent the next 21 years at Countryside and was promoted to recreation programmer in 2020. I'm sorry, 2004, and again in 2007 to facility supervisor. In 2017, Dave was selected to be the center manager for the new Morningside Recreation Complex. Dave was involved in every aspect of opening this new facility, from building design to the operation of staff and equipment, as well as scheduling activities, classes, and programs. The building opened in late 2018 and became one of our busiest recreation facilities. Dave is a servant leader with an outstanding work ethic. He leads by example and always has a positive can-do attitude. Dave is known for his outstanding customer service skills and his ability to create and implement memorable community events. Through his dedication to providing quality programs and exceptional experiences for residents, Dave exemplifies the city's commitment to superior public service. His leadership, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement also reflect the values of a high performing government. Dave also heads up our division's employee recreation, I'm sorry, recognition committee and makes sure our employees know how important they are to the department and the city. He understands that investigating, investing in employees and recognizing their contributions strengthens our organization and helps us better serve our community. Dave has received many accolades over his 30 years, including being named Recreation Programming Programming Employee of the Year in 2015. Dave's contribution to the City of Clearwater and its citizens is immeasurable.