Kathleen Beckman

YOUR

Clearwater Councilmember

Monthly Newsletter

October 2023

Happy October!

What a beautiful month October is. Yes, we’re still in hurricane season, and we’ll stay prepared and aware with fingers crossed, but there is so much to enjoy here in Clearwater in the coming weeks. Under “Mark Your Calendar” below, check out October’s activities from top-notch concerts at The Sound, including Jazz Holiday, to National Night Out, fall festivities and outdoor markets.

With a dip in temperatures and shorter days, it’s perfect weather to get out and enjoy our 100-plus parks. Our Parks and Recreation Department offers activities like horseshoes, and lawn bowling.

Now that school’s back in session, HOAs that may have taken a summer break are meeting again. If you’d like me to attend your neighborhood meeting, or if you have an issue or concern you’d like to discuss, please feel free to reach out. Happy Fall!

Library Water Break Forces Rescheduling of Budget Meeting and Future Meetings

On Sept. 6, a sprinkler pipe in the Clearwater Main Library burst and caused water damage throughout the building. Because of this, the budget meeting scheduled for that night was cancelled and rescheduled to Monday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m. in the Palm Room at 333 Chestnut St. Because it may take weeks to repair the damage to the library, our regularly scheduled City Council and other board meetings have been moved to different locations. You can view our updated calendar here: City Calendar.

Do You Need Help Cleaning Up Damage from Hurricane Idalia?

If you need help with fallen trees or limbs; drywall, flooring or appliance removal; tarping roofs; or mold mitigation, contact “Crisis Cleanup Hurricane Idalaia,” at the Home Cleanup Hotline: (800) 451-1954.

You may also want to check out the Federal Disaster Assistance website: DisasterAssistance.gov to learn more about help and resources.

Working to Save Money on Flood Insurance

On Sept. 13, I participated in a webinar led by Lisa Foster, Pinellas County Floodplain Administrator. She discussed the Federal Emergency Management Authority’s (FEMA) voluntary incentive program that encourages communities to implement programs that will lower home insurance rates. This was an incredibly informative presentation, linked here: County Flood Plan Presentation.

The floodplain management activities begun by our county qualify it for a 40% reduction on flood insurance premiums, beginning April 1, 2024, providing an estimated total savings of $10 million.

I intend to advocate for similar actions that Clearwater can take to save money on the city’s insurance costs, as well as the rates paid by residents and businesses. I’ll keep you posted on this issue.

Update on New City Hall

This summer our Clearwater Council unanimously voted to approve $31.5 million to construct a new City Hall. The city vacated the old City Hall in January of 2019, and it was demolished this summer. Our new City Hall, which will be constructed on Myrtle Ave. next to the Municipal Services Building, will be close to 42,000 sq. ft and, with Council’s commitment to cost savings, will cost less than our neighbors’, both Largo and Dunedin’s, new city hall buildings. I will keep you informed in my future newsletters on the design progress.

People You Should Know...

Muhammad Abdur-Rahim

I met Muhammad Abdur-Rahim when I joined the Clearwater Upper Pinellas Branch of the NAACP. Meetings were held at the North Greenwood Recreation Center, and we often worked together on planning for the celebration of M.L. King, Jr. Day in January, and North Greenwood’s Community Family Fun Night in the fall.

I treasure Muhammad’s friendship, and he and I talk frequently about the history of Clearwater and what he learned about city operations, having worked for Clearwater for over 30 years. Muhammad played an instrumental role in advocating for the recently approved North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). He plans to move to North Carolina in January, so I thought it appropriate to highlight him and his impact on our city in this month’s “People You Should Know.” You can read my interview with Muhammad here: Community Leader - Muhammad Abdur-Rahim

The City Can Help You

Beautify Your Neighborhood

Have you heard of placemaking? It’s a name for an initiative that is nothing more than beautifying a neighborhood, started by the people who live there. In Clearwater, our Neighborhoods Division is helping residents get projects organized, supplying paint and making connections to resources.

Placemaking initiatives have included working with the Clearwater Arts Alliance to have a signal box wrapped (artists from the neighborhood can design the art or choose the art that reflects their neighborhood); storm drain painting; street intersection painting; installing a “Free Little Library”; and creating a butterfly garden.

If you don’t have something in mind for your neighborhood, but would like to get involved … volunteers can help with any of these projects. I’ve enjoyed doing that and find it truly rewarding. You not only can improve our neighborhoods, but you get to meet people and make new friends.

For more information, here’s a link from the city website: Clearwater Placemaking.

Check Out Clearwater's Lawn Bowling

and Horseshoe Clubs

Next year, Clearwater’s Lawn Bowling Club will celebrate its 100^th birthday. An official American Lawn Bowling Association member since its founding, the group has a clubhouse and greens, along with shuffleboard courts, on Calumet Street, just off Alt. 19 north of downtown.

The club has a proud history of hosting tournaments and championships. In addition, seven club members are enshrined in the “Bowls USA Hall of Fame,” the most of any club in the U.S. The Clearwater Lawn Bowling Club is always looking for new members. Visit the club website: Clearwater Lawn Bowling Club

The Florida Horseshoe Pitching Season has officially arrived, and the Clearwater Horseshoe Club is gearing up for its season, which starts in October. Located in Ed Wright Park at the corner of M.L. King, Jr. Ave. and Lakeview Road, the club has 18 covered, lighted, blue clay courts.

The competition begins October 7 with daily individual play, Club Leagues on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays, and First Saturday Monthly Tournaments. In addition, the Club is honored to host the 2023 Florida Senior Games Horseshoe Event on Dec 8, 2023, and the 63th Annual Florida State Horseshoe Championship Tournament in April 2024.

League play is held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., November through March, and Wednesdays, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., October through March; tournaments are held on first Saturdays of the month from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., October to May. If you’re interested in joining, visit the club website: Clearwater Horseshoe Club

Get Ready for Fun and Games, Concerts and Clean-ups! Mark Your Calendar

National Night Out

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 5 to 8 p.m., Countryside Mall parking lot south of Whole Foods

Join Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy and the Clearwater Police Department.

Scheduled to appear are the SWAT team, K-9 crew, emergency response team, mounted unit and others.

Urban/Soul Line Dancing in the Park

Tuesdays, beginning Oct. 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Coachman Park

The EmbraceLife Groove Squad offers a free class in Urban and Soul Line Dancing in Coachman Park. Meet at 100 N. Osceloa Ave. Call 1-800-856-1869 for more details.

Family Fall Festival

Friday, Oct. 6, 6 to 8 p.m., Countryside Recreation Center, 2640 Sabal Springs Drive

There will be carnival games, prizes, music, and meet-and-greet with Halloween characters.

FREE EVENT

Fall Plant Sale

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7-8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Clearwater Community Gardens, 1277 Grove Street

This is a joint venture of the Clearwater Community Gardens and Clearwater Garden Club.

They are seeking donations of healthy potted plants of all kinds for the sale; drop-off plants the mornings of the sale. Join one of the jam sessions, held both days from noon to 2 p.m. Reserve a slot by emailing: jammin@clearwatercg.org.

Publix Rock’n’Roll Running Series

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7-8

This inaugural half-marathon course will offer runners and walkers stunning views of the bay.

There will be live music, cold beverages and local food trucks. For information about road impacts check out our city page here: For more information, visit Rock and Roll Marathon

Free Salsa Dance Lessons

Saturday, Oct. 7 1:00-2:00 at the North Greenwood Library, 905 N. MLK Jr. Ave.

Learn to salsa at this introductory course with dance instructor, Rosa. You'll also learn the history of classic Spanish dances, such as merengue and bachata. Click here for more information: Salsa Dancing!

Big Cleanup Clearwater

Monday, Oct. 9, to Saturday, Oct. 14

Help keep our city bright and beautiful.

Visit thebigcleanupclearwater.com for more information about the week-long activities.

The Market Marie

Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Coachman Park

Features 100+ vendors; fresh produce; a live DJ; a pumpkin patch; pet adoptions; games; free sensory play area by Sensory Studio; friendly vendors - Shop Local! Learn more here: The Market Marie

Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Sunday, Oct. 15 from 4- 7 p.m. at Crest Lake Park, 201 S. Glenwood Ave.

Come together for an evening of music, dancing, shopping, delicious food and family-friendly activities. This event is hosted in partnership with the Hispanic Organization Network, R Community First, Federacion de Hidalgunses, Flowing River Church, Clearwater LULAC, UNIMEX, Uplift BDV Macrame and Puerto Rican Seasoning. Learn more here: Hispanic Heritage Celebration.

Clearwater Jazz Holiday

Thursday, Oct. 19, to Sunday, Oct. 22, at The Sound in Coachman Park

Headliners: The Beach Boys, Gladys Knight, Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band.

Visit clearwaterjazz.com for more information and tickets.

Girl Gang Hallo-Queen

Saturday, Oct. 28, Noon to 4 p.m., on Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater

There will be a costume contest with a cash prize for first place; vendors in costume; treats for “trick

or treaters”; music and dancing.

FREE EVENT, with plenty of nearby parking

Doggie Paddle Day

Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Morningside Recreation Center

Dogs taller than 21 inches at 11 a.m. to noon or 2 to 3 p.m.; dogs shorter than 21 inches at 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Owners must provide proof of dog vaccination. No person is permitted to swim with dogs.

Reservations are required. Call (727) 562-4280.

Clearwater Community Family Fun Night

Saturday, Oct. 28, 5-9 p.m. Buccaneer Field 905 N. MLK Jr. Dr.

All food and activity is Free! Including bounce houses, line-dancing, rock wall, music, vendors, and more, including the first ever "Celebrity Family Feud" contest!

Art in the Park

Sunday, Oct. 29, Noon - 5 p.m., Coachman Park

Artists will be live painting the mural walls and local artists will be exhibiting their works. Stroll the park, seeing local artist’s exhibits, and vote for your favorite artists.

Clearwater is Hiring! Come Work with Us!

The City of Clearwater has job openings in a number of areas, including human resources, parks and recreation, communications, procurement and public utilities. Check out all the openings at: City of Clearwater Jobs.

Thank You for Your Interest and Support

One of the reasons I send out a newsletter is to receive feedback from you. However, please be aware that any communication with me related to the newsletter is public record.

Important Links

My Clearwater Magazine

Upcoming City Meetings

City of Clearwater Volunteer Opportunities

Contact Information:

Kathleen Beckman: 727-580-0948

kathleen.beckman@myclearwater.com

City Council Office

600 Cleveland St., Suite 600

Clearwater, FL 33755

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