Local Government

Local Government

Duke Energy Florida seeks lower rates for Clearwater in 2027

Duke Energy Florida filed with the Florida Public Service Commission on Sept. 3 to lower residential rates by $0.71 per month starting in January 2027, replacing a planned 2% base rate increase through an accelerated tax-credit strategy worth $50 million.

September 4, 2026 · 2 min read

Panoramic view of a pier stretching into calm Gulf waters at a busy Florida beach.

Local Government

Clearwater mayor highlights Pier 60 in pier-rebuilding talk

A Pinellas County tourism council member floated rebuilding demolished fishing piers using tourist-tax dollars, and Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector highlighted Pier 60 as evidence of what iconic waterfront access means to the county.

August 31, 2026 · 2 min read

FEMA Regions map grouped by states and number

Local Government

FEMA updates Clearwater flood maps across 3,452-acre watershed

FEMA is preparing updated flood insurance rate maps for Clearwater's Alligator Creek watershed that could change insurance requirements for property owners across 3,452 acres of eastern Clearwater; the city has scheduled open houses starting Sept. 12.

August 31, 2026 · 2 min read

Clearwater, beach, nature, clearwater beach, harbor, causeway, condos, condominiums

Local Government

Record Pinellas tourism taxes spark Clearwater budget debate

Pinellas County's tourist development tax collections are on pace for a record year at $79.8 million through June, but whether that revenue can help close a $30 million budget deficit hinges on Amendment 3's fate in November and potential legislative action to loosen spending restrictions.

August 28, 2026 · 3 min read

People examining rows of blue-lit server racks inside a large data center.

Local Government

Pinellas County moves to ban data centers in unincorporated areas

Commissioner Dave Eggers asked staff on Aug. 25 to draft a resolution restating that large-scale data centers are not allowed in unincorporated Pinellas County, sidestepping a state law that blocks moratoriums until Oct. 1, 2027.

August 28, 2026 · 2 min read

Pioneer, cdj2000, dj, equipment, mixer, music, headphones, beats, turntable, audio, nightclub, nightlife, edm, blue musi

Local Government

BayCare Sound books two electronic music festivals this fall

The BayCare Sound in downtown Clearwater will host MorFlow Fest on Sept. 12, headlined by Mersiv, and Tapesgiving on Nov. 27-28, the venue's first two-night event headlined by Tape B with G Jones.

August 28, 2026 · 1 min read

Black-and-white portrait of a smiling woman with voluminous blonde hair.

Local Government

Ruth Eckerd Hall reminisces Dolly Parton's three Clearwater shows

Following Dolly Parton's death at 80, Ruth Eckerd Hall's programming chief recalls the magic of her three Clearwater performances and a fourth in Tampa, while UP Pinellas's Imagination Library continues mailing books to more than 500 Pinellas County children each month.

August 27, 2026 · 2 min read

White PSTA passenger van parked in a commercial parking lot.

Local Government

PSTA holds final hearing on Clearwater Beach shuttle, bus cuts

PSTA holds its second and final public hearing Wednesday, Aug. 26, on a proposal to eliminate the Grouper Airport Shuttle to Clearwater Beach, the Snapper on-demand service in Clearwater and Safety Harbor, and three bus routes as part of FY27 budget cuts.

August 25, 2026 · 2 min read

Three people lean over a table examining large printed flood maps.

Local Government

New FEMA flood maps could force insurance changes for eastern Clearwater

FEMA's preliminary flood maps for Clearwater's Alligator Creek Watershed went live Aug. 21, potentially requiring hundreds of homeowners to buy flood insurance; the city has scheduled three open houses starting Sept. 12.

August 24, 2026 · 2 min read

Neoclassical stone building with columns and palm trees on a sunny downtown street.

Local Government

Clearwater council to vote on Scientology-backed entertainment complex

The Clearwater City Council will vote in September on right-of-way requests for two streets and an alleyway needed for the $50 million Scientology-backed EVO Entertainment complex downtown, which developers claim will feature the world's largest cinema screen at more than 130 feet wide.

August 24, 2026 · 3 min read

Local Government

Kohler named Clearwater city attorney; council OKs beach hotel

The Clearwater City Council formalized Owen Kohler's appointment as city attorney at its Aug. 20 meeting, advanced a Stevenson Creek Manatee Protection Zone on first reading, approved a development agreement for the Palm Pavilion Hotel on Bay Esplanade and OK'd a $19 million water-system contract.

August 21, 2026 · 2 min read

Local Government

Constantine, Jack, Fiorentino win Pinellas judicial races

Clearwater FOP-endorsed prosecutor Elizabeth Constantine won the Circuit Judge Group 39 race with 75% of the Pinellas vote, incumbent Judge Liz Jack defeated Clearwater attorney Oxalis Garcia in Group 44, and Nick Fiorentino captured the County Judge Group 10 seat in Tuesday's primary.

August 19, 2026 · 2 min read

Clearwater Sentinel

Clearwater Sentinel

Clearwater Sentinel