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
Clearwater wants volunteers to adopt 5,500 storm drains, but only 40 are claimed
Clearwater is pushing to expand its Adopt-A-Drain volunteer program from roughly 40 adopted storm drains to 5,500, enlisting residents to clear debris and reduce localized flooding as heavy summer rains continue.
Local Government
Pinellas board approves $55 million in federal grants, locks in 2027-28 school calendar
The Pinellas County School Board approved more than $55 million in federal grant applications for 2026-27, including $27.6 million in IDEA special education funding and $27.5 million in Title I aid, and unanimously set the 2027-28 school calendar with an August 10, 2027 start date.
Local Government
SPCA Tampa Bay asks Clearwater residents to donate for shelter animals this July
SPCA Tampa Bay's first Christmas in July donation drive collects new toys, treats and enrichment items for more than 100 shelter animals through Friday, July 31, with drop-off locations in Clearwater and online wish lists available.
Local Government
Clearwater board launches Cleveland Street vendor program, approves new downtown brand
The Downtown Development Board approved a new visual identity for Downtown Clearwater on July 13 and is recruiting mobile vendors for the Cleveland Street vending program targeting the 400 and 500 blocks.
Local Government
$1.2 million literacy grant targets Pinellas preschoolers starting this fall
The Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County, headquartered in Clearwater, received a $1.2 million grant from the Helios Education Foundation to launch the Pinellas Literacy Initiative, which will train and coach educators at private VPK classrooms in high-need communities starting fall 2026.
Local Government
Pinellas County voter registration closes Monday, July 20, ahead of August primary
Pinellas County residents must register to vote or change party affiliation by Monday, July 20, to participate in the Tuesday, Aug. 18, Florida primary election, which includes two Clearwater City Council races, school board seats, and partisan contests for U.S. Senate and governor.
Local Government
Clearwater Council to vote Thursday on 30-year Duke Energy deal after public hearing
Clearwater's City Council will hold a public hearing Thursday, July 16, on a proposed 30-year franchise agreement with Duke Energy Florida that includes a $24 million resiliency fund and downtown development money, ending months of debate over public vs. private utility ownership.
Local Government
Pinellas County holds final public meetings Wednesday on next round of school closures
Pinellas County Schools hosts its last three Planning for Progress community meetings Wednesday, July 15, before district leaders finalize school closure and consolidation recommendations for the school board this fall.
Local Government
Clearwater group launches petition drive to overturn council's South Garden Avenue vote
A Clearwater civic group called Save the Garden is collecting signatures to force a voter referendum on the City Council's June 19 vote to vacate South Garden Avenue for the Church of Scientology, a decision that has already reshaped endorsements in the August 18 council election.
Local Government
Tampa group behind Michelin-starred Rocca to open hot dog spot in downtown Clearwater
Tastes Pretty Good Hospitality, the Tampa group behind Michelin-starred Rocca, announced Monday, July 13, that it will open a casual hot dog and burger concept called Rippers on the ground floor of the restored 1914 Telephone Building at 534 Cleveland St. in downtown Clearwater.
Local Government
East Lake's Mo Asif named USA Lacrosse girls' coach of the year
East Lake High School girls' lacrosse coach Mo Asif was named a 2026 USA Lacrosse High School Girls Coach of the Year after leading the Eagles to a 17-4 record and a Girls 2A District 10 championship.
Local Government
727 Day Weekend offers Pinellas residents free drinks, deals, and T-shirts July 25–27
Visit St. Pete-Clearwater's 727 Day Weekend expands to three days for 2026, offering residents a free mobile passport to unlock more than 100 deals at local restaurants, attractions, and spas from Saturday, July 25, through Monday, July 27.
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©2026 Clearwater Sentinel
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