Kathleen Beckman
YOUR
Clearwater Councilmember
Monthly Newsletter
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Happy September!
My husband Bryan and I just returned from a long weekend in Washington, D.C., where we visited our youngest son and daughter-in-law. The beautiful weather was a welcome reprieve from the heat and humidity of Florida.
As we hiked, cooked together, and toured historical monuments, we were reminded of the importance of family, shared values, and the time and commitment people dedicate to making a difference, whether it’s in the lives of their families or “chosen families” or in their greater communities.
Every day, people choose how to spend their time – who and what might need attention and care, and where and how to strategize for a brighter future. There are opportunities around every corner to get involved, to meet new people and to learn. Several Clearwater residents who make a difference are highlighted in this month’s newsletter. People from all walks of life contribute to the beautifully diverse and welcoming city of Clearwater. They make me proud and honored to serve as your council member.
Click on the video below, where I speak with Clearwater community leader Juan Baxcajay, to learn the about the importance of our recent Sister City Agreement with Ixmiquilpan, Mexico.
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Clearwater and Ixmiquilpan, Mexico,
Become 'Sister Cities'
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On Aug. 19, Clearwater Mayor Brian Aungst, Sr., and Ixmiquilpan, Mexico, Mayor Aracely Beltran Contreras signed an agreement for the two communities to become “Sister Cities.” They were surrounded by members of our Mexican community along with Clearwater and Ixmiquilpan officials.
With a population of 98,000, Ixmiquilpan is on the Tula River in Mexico’s east-central state of Hildalgo.
As part of the ceremony, we noted the residents from Ixmiquilpan and other regions of Mexico who are a vital part of our labor force, working in our library and in our parks and recreation departments, and some are small business owners who have created jobs in Clearwater.
The agreement is part of the Sister Cities International initiative started by President Eisenhower in the 1950s to develop economic, cultural, and technical exchanges between U.S. cities and communities worldwide.
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Hurricane Idalia - Resources and Updates | |
As I prepare to send this on Aug. 31, I want to express my sincere appreciation to City leadership, staff, and our Clearwater residents for working together to prepare for Hurricane Idalia. Facing an impending natural disaster is always scary and stressful. Fortunately, Clearwater was spared a major impact. For those who may be struggling with the effects of water intrusion or wind damage, check out our webpage on resources and updates related to Hurricane Idalia: Resources. | |
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Council Approves a New Recycling Contract
and Credit for Customers
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At our Aug. 17 meeting, the City Council approved a new recycling contract with Waste Connections, as well as a credit for recycling for six months beginning Oct. 1. The credit will total $20.28 for single family customers.
Under the agreement, the city will send all recyclables to Waste Connections. Since it was discovered earlier this year that the city had not recycled for six months, administration has taken steps to earn back people’s trust. The new recycling dashboard shows residents how much waste is being recycled every month, as well as the contamination rate of the city's recycled waste.
To learn more about the credit program visit our Solid Waste webpage.
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Congratulations to 'Mr. and Mrs. Countryside'
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Nita Cole is on the far left. She is pictured with members of the Clearwater Community Woman's Club. | |
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“Mr. and Mrs. Countryside” is a title awarded annually by the Countryside Rotary. This year’s honorees are my friends Patrick Raftery and Nita Cole.
I know Nita because we both are members of the Clearwater Woman’s Club; I know Patrick because of his Clearwater Parks and Recreation Advisory Board leadership, as well as his robust civic engagement. I profiled Nita and highlighted her multiple volunteer activities in my January newsletter … “People You Should Know.” You can read her interview here: Nita Cole. Patrick and I met recently over lunch at Emily’s so I could learn more about his background and his thoughts about our city. Read about our conversation here: Patrick Raftery. Congratulations to both Nita and Patrick! I’m so grateful for their service to our community.
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New Fire Station 46 Will Open in September
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After more than a year of construction, our new Fire Station 46 will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m.
Located on Clearwater Beach at the north end of Mandalay Park, the beautiful and functional 11,000 sq. ft. station is a state of the-art facility with several sustainability features, such as a rain garden, reflective roof, bird-safe glass, LED lighting, and emergency generator.
When City Council approved construction of the new building last year, Fire Chief Scott Ehlers said Fire Station 46 is unlike any other because of firefighters’ interaction with north beach residents and beach visitors.
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Ham Radio Club Provides a Hobby for Members and a Service for Our City
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Clearwater Fire Station 48 on Belcher Road is where the Clearwater Amateur Radio Society, Inc., holds its monthly meetings. An official club since 1954, the group …
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provides event communication support for local charity walk-a-thorns, runs and bicycle events;
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participates in the National Weather Service SKYWARN severe weather spotter program; and supports city staff in case of natural disasters or severe weather.
Countryside resident Ken Shur invited me to one of the Clearwater club’s competitions earlier this year. On a Saturday afternoon, Fire Station 48 was bustling with activity. Antenna were set up everywhere, and members were focused on contacting other ham radio users. Competitions last 24 hours straight. Read more about Ken's experiences here: Ken Shur HAM Radio.
The club is open to people of all ages and abilities. You can learn more at: Clearwater Amateur Radio Society, Inc.
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Welcome Two New Staff
Who Will Work with
Neighborhoods, Organizations and Residents
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Heads Up! Two fresh new faces are ready to spread good vibes and positivity in Clearwater! Javante Scott started his new position with the city as our second Neighborhoods Coordinator. Javante will work alongside Neighborhoods Coordinator Erica Escimillia to facilitate neighborhood engagement, place-making, which means improving public places and the quality of life for those who live there, and celebrating our diversity. You may soon see Javante at your homeowners association or neighborhood association meeting.
Officer Alexander Kaye recently joined Officer Lauren Josey-Filer as the second Community Outreach Officer for the Clearwater Police Department. A four-year veteran with CPD, Officer Kay previously served in the U.S. Army for eight years, which included two deployments. When not on the job, Officer Kaye enjoys spending time with his wife and infant son and is excited to engage with Clearwater residents and any and all organizations to make Clearwater the best it can be.
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People You Should Know ... Whitney Swinford | |
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This month I’d like to highlight a Clearwater mermaid who lives right off Drew St. That’s right, a mermaid! Whitney Swinford is a talented entertainer who can be contracted (hired) to perform, in water or out, as a beautiful mermaid.
Originally from Texas and a Clearwater resident since 2019, Whitney holds a degree in Biology but has always been passionate about performing. Her professional “mermaiding” is a successful side business. Her “human” job is a being a licensed health insurance agent. Read my interview with Whitney, also known as Mermaid Giselle, here: Mermaid Giselle.
If you want to learn more, or hire her for an event, contact her through her website www.mermaidgiselle.com or email suncoastmermaid@gmail.com.
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Clearwater Resident, Gloria Lepik-Corrigan Scores a Win for ADA Compliance
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Clearwater resident Gloria Lepik-Corrigan has been advocating for years to get safe access into shopping centers, particularly for those residents in wheelchairs, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. She was recently featured in an ABC News story on the progress she's made at the Cypress Point Shopping Center in Clearwater. You can watch the report here: Gloria Lepik-Corrigan Makes Progress!
And on Sept. 5 at our Council Work Session Gloria will accept the TRAC STAR Award for the pedestrian improvements at Countryside Blvd. & Mall Blvd. in Countryside. Congratulations Gloria! And thank you for your tireless advocacy.
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Thank You for Your Interest and Support | | | | |
