Local Government
Local Government
Latest reporting from the Local Government desk.
Local Government
Latest reporting from the Local Government desk.
Local Government
Latest reporting from the Local Government desk.
Local Government
BayCare reports $5.1 billion economic impact in Pinellas County
A study commissioned by Clearwater-based BayCare Health System finds the health system generates $5.1 billion annually for the Pinellas County economy, with $6.6 billion in capital projects planned through 2030.
Local Government
Clearwater tap water switches to chlorine Sept. 21
Pinellas County Utilities will switch Clearwater's water disinfection from chloramine to chlorine from Sept. 21 through Oct. 10, which may change the taste and smell of tap water but poses no health risk to the general population.
Local Government
Clearwater Seat 5 runoff pits Scientology critic against Wilson
Local Government
Clearwater locks in 30-year Duke deal as St. Pete eyes exit
Local Government
BayCare reports $5.1 billion economic impact in Pinellas County
A study commissioned by Clearwater-based BayCare Health System finds the health system generates $5.1 billion annually for the Pinellas County economy, with $6.6 billion in capital projects planned through 2030.
Local Government
Clearwater tap water switches to chlorine Sept. 21
Local Government
Pinellas County water and sewer rates rise Oct. 1
Local Government
Clearwater Seat 5 runoff pits Scientology critic against Wilson
Local Government
BayCare reports $5.1 billion economic impact in Pinellas County
A study commissioned by Clearwater-based BayCare Health System finds the health system generates $5.1 billion annually for the Pinellas County economy, with $6.6 billion in capital projects planned through 2030.
Local Government
Clearwater tap water switches to chlorine Sept. 21
Local Government
Pinellas County water and sewer rates rise Oct. 1
Local Government
Clearwater Seat 5 runoff pits Scientology critic against Wilson
Local Government
Clearwater locks in 30-year Duke deal as St. Pete eyes exit
Local Government
Pinellas County asks for beach photos to unlock federal sand money for Indian Shores, Redington Shores
Pinellas County is collecting photos, videos, and personal stories proving decades of public beach use in Indian Shores and Redington Shores through late August, building the case for customary use ordinances that would restore federal beach nourishment funding for the Sand Key barrier island.
Local Government
Clearwater Ferry crash settlement closes PSTA's liability as criminal trial looms
PSTA's $300,000 settlement for 37 passengers injured in the April 2025 Clearwater Ferry crash closes the agency's liability, while ferry captain Dennis Kimerer paid a $500 fine and the criminal trial of boat operator Jeffry Knight is set for February 2027.
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Local Government
Pinellas teachers' union launches daily school visits to survive new state law
The Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association is racing to boost membership before a new Florida law forces a recertification vote that could strip the union of its collective bargaining rights, affecting teachers at Clearwater-area schools.
Local Government
$250 million L. Ron Hubbard Hall to break ground in downtown Clearwater
The Church of Scientology's $250 million L. Ron Hubbard Hall, an all-glass auditorium and public plaza on South Garden Avenue, is scheduled to break ground the week of July 27, making it the most expensive single project by disclosed cost in downtown Clearwater's current construction wave.
Local Government
Rehabbing catcher's grand slam lifts Threshers to series win at BayCare Ballpark
Rehabbing catcher Mark Kolozsvary hit a grand slam in the fourth inning to power the Clearwater Threshers to an 8-5 series-clinching win over the Daytona Tortugas at BayCare Ballpark on Sunday, July 26.
Local Government
Sea turtle nesting surges along Clearwater Beach as summer conservation rules take effect
Clearwater Marine Aquarium's local nest counts have climbed sharply in recent years, and statewide 2026 numbers through June show the strongest loggerhead season in five years, while Pinellas County water restrictions and a fertilizer ban remain in effect through early fall.
Local Government
Clearwater council advances 30-year Duke Energy deal with $2 million in community commitments
The Clearwater City Council unanimously advanced a 30-year franchise agreement with Duke Energy on Wednesday, July 23, locking in nearly $2 million in community investments including infrastructure resilience funding, Coachman Park improvements, and help developing a downtown retail strategy.
Local Government
Pinellas County tears down aging Clearwater service center, $51 million replacement on track for 2028
Pinellas County is demolishing its 46-year-old North County Service Center in Clearwater and building a $51 million replacement that will consolidate the Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, and Clerk of the Circuit Court under one roof by January 2028, saving an estimated $800,000 a year in lease costs.
Local Government
Two Pinellas County Schools staff honored at statewide CTE conference
Michael McCullough was named president-elect of the Florida Association for Career and Technical Education and retired specialist Steve Plummer was inducted into the FACTE Hall of Fame at the organization's 60th annual conference in Orlando, the district announced July 20.
Local Government
Countryside High flagged for possible closure as Cougars prep for fall sports season
Pinellas County Schools flagged Countryside High School as operating at 60% capacity or less, putting its 17 varsity sports programs in question as the district weighs closures, though no recommendations are expected until fall 2026.
Local Government
Amendment 3 could cost Clearwater $12 million in property tax revenue, city estimates
Clearwater could lose $12 million in property tax revenue in the first year of Amendment 3 and a cumulative $20 million by year two, threatening funding for police, fire, parks, and libraries ahead of September budget hearings where residents can weigh in.
Local Government
FEMA awards $55 million in Florida hurricane grants; statewide funding covers Pinellas recovery
FEMA announced $55 million in hurricane recovery and resilience grants for Florida on Tuesday, July 21, with several allocations directed at the Tampa Bay region. No Clearwater-specific grant was named, but statewide recovery funding administered by the Florida Division of Emergency Management covers all affected counties including Pinellas.
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©2026 Clearwater Sentinel
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