Kathleen Beckman
YOUR Clearwater Vice-Mayor
Monthly Newsletter
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Happy February!
Spring is just around the corner and with it comes warmer days, Phillies spring training, increased traffic, and the excitement and energy that is Spring Break. Clearwater residents often proclaim our city the jewel of Pinellas County. I wholeheartedly agree! We have amazing beaches, welcoming small businesses, beautiful parks and natural spaces, robust recreation centers, and staff that work hard every single day, doing their best for both residents and guests of our city.
I know we’re still experiencing some challenges, but moving forward with a renewed commitment to transparency and accountability, and taking the time to get things right will, I believe, go a long way to setting Clearwater apart as a true leader in our region. There is much to do, and much to celebrate. Read on…
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Lessons Learned from a Trip
to Sanibel Island Post Hurricane Ian
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On Wednesday, Feb. 15 I traveled to Sanibel Island with city leadership from Indian Rocks Beach and Treasure Island, along with Indian Rocks Beach Mayor, Cookie Kennedy, and Mayor Tyler Payne from Treasure Island. We took down a small U-Haul of supplies for the thousands of people who are still dealing with the effects of Hurricane Ian. Most of their community is still not living in their homes; 96% of their properties suffered damage from the hurricane. We met for nearly four hours with Mayor Holly Smith and City Manager Dan Souza, as well as department directors, including the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Directors of Finance, Planning and Code Enforcement, Public Works, and Natural Resources. There were many lessons learned to share with residents and discuss actions that can help our community prepare for the next hurricane. Here is a link to a Fox 13 News story on our trip. I am working to secure a copy of the PowerPoint presentation that Sanibel leadership referenced during our visit. More to come.
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Update on Clearwater's Coachman Park | |
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It’s happening! The Coachman Park amphitheater is coming to life! Children I’ve talked to think the canopy structure looks like a roller coaster, and it sort of does. Installation of the fabric covering began on Feb. 8. I had family visit over the weekend, and they think it looks like a stingray! It really is beautiful.
On Feb. 2 I had the pleasure of touring the park with Clearwater’s Senior Landscape Architect, Catherine Corcoran. The pirate-themed playground is being installed with $1.2 million in equipment featuring two climbing towers with a catwalk spanning the entry to the space, a climbing net, and universally accessible pieces. The 1,476 square-foot splash pad has been poured, complete with 68 nozzles and 4 vertical fountains. Landscaping plants are being placed as the park continues to “come to life” in the next few months.
The amphitheater is amazing! I toured the backstage rooms and then stepped front and center on stage. Wow!
Touring the park with Catherine felt like we were in the last 10 minutes of an HGTV program. Finishing touches are joyful moments. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for late June, and a fantabulous fireworks celebration is scheduled at our amphitheater on the 4th of July! You can view all the construction activities on our 24/7 live webcam: Coachman Park Construction.
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In Recognition of Black History Month | |
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February is National Black History Month, dedicated to celebrating inspirational Black figures and educating people about the history and experiences within the Black community. I’d like to introduce you to two inspirational African-American Clearwater authors, Barbara Sorey-Love (above) and Annette Elliott Douglas (below), who have written their true story of life experiences and lessons learned. Happily, both women are alive and well and active in our community.
I highlighted Barbara Sorey-Love in my Feb. 2022 newsletter. She is an author, publisher and leader of the Clearwater African American Memorial Committee. If you don’t know her story, you can read about her amazing life in these two books: Florida Girl, and Know Where You Going? You Gotta Know Where You Been!
On Feb. 24 I was happy to attend the book signing of Annette Elliott Douglas, newly published author of A Fatherless Daughter. Annette is active in many organizations in our community including the NAACP, the Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition, she serves as Chairman for the City County Employee Credit Union, treasurer of the Rose Cemetery Association and a Family Advocate for the Selah Place with Generation Church. You can read more about her book here: A Fatherless Daughter.
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Clearwater resident, Dr. Sharon Reid-Kane lives and breaths the arts, particularly performing arts, and arts education. She is Vice-President & Chief Education & Community Engagement Officer for Ruth Eckerd Hall. Dr. Reid-Kane has a resume that reflects her love of, and dedication to, public service and mission-driven work. She has served as a community relations specialist and educator with Pinellas County Schools, she served as Director of the United Way of Pinellas County, and she also served as President of Arts for a Complete Education (ACE) of Pinellas County.
I met Sharon when I held a “Meet and Greet” in Countryside, outside the library. Sharon happened to be riding her bike and stopped to listen in. She and I share a background in education and a love of service to children and families. After that initial meeting, Sharon gave me a tour of Ruth Eckerd Hall (REH), both behind the stage - and on the stage. What an experience! What a treasure and asset REH, and their community engagement efforts, is in our community.
You can read my interview with Dr. Sharon Reid-Kane here: People You Should Know.
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Seagrass Numbers Dip to Alarming Levels | |
I have had the privilege to serve on the Tampa Bay Estuary Program Executive Board for the last three years. At our Feb. 17 meeting we received an update on the health of the bay and projects underway and planned. What is particularly distressing is that Tampa Bay’s seagrass level is falling dramatically. These low levels have not been recorded since the 1980’s. Clearly, the nutrient diet needs to be adjusted or changed. One way we can do this is to limit the use of fertilizers. An article published on Feb. 13 in the Tampa Bay Times, “Tampa Bay lost 12% of its seagrass in 2 years; some areas at historic low, study shows” discusses the challenges of bay restoration and what residents can do to help.
At the Feb. meeting we also received an important update on the Economic Valuation of the Tampa Bay. This was prepared and presented by Harry Walsh and Alana Todd of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. You can view the PowerPoint presentation here: Economic Value of Tampa Bay. The numbers are striking: Tampa Bay generates over $31 billion in total output and adds over 207,000 jobs in our region. It is imperative that we do all we can to protect this natural resource that is so vital to our environment, our health, and our economy. To learn more, and see how you can get involved, please visit the Tampa Bay Estuary Program website: TBEP.
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Comic-Con is short for a comic convention – an event where comic fans, creators, and experts gather to attend panels, sell merchandise, dress in pop-culture comic style clothing, including superhero and villains, and participate in discussion that are centered on some aspect of comics.
Clearwater Comic Con is FREE and absolutely family friendly. Over 40 vendors and guests will meet on Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Ross Norton Rec. Center: 1426 S. MLK Jr. Ave. Food trucks and special visits from Ghostbusters are part of the lineup. You don’t want to miss this fun event!
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City leadership continues to gather information about our recycling and solid waste operations. Here is the official statement from our communications department: “We are working with the FBI on their investigation into our recycling and solid waste operations. They approached us and we are fully cooperating. Three representatives from the FBI met with Interim City Manager Jennifer Poirrier, Finance Director Jay Ravins and Senior Budget Analyst Hunter Carlson on Feb. 13, 2023. They have asked us for backup materials and more data and we are working to provide that to them.”
Obviously, it takes time to fully access a situation. I am confident that city leadership will keep residents and Council informed as new details emerge.
I ask that you give city leaders time to gather all information, investigate options for rectifying, and report all findings to Council and the public. For more information on recycling in Florida you can check out the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation.
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Welcome Back Phillies! Play Ball! | |
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The 2022 National League Champion Phillies began their 2023 Grapefruit League Spring Training schedule with a split-squad season opener on Saturday, Feb. 25, when they hosted the New York Yankees before a sellout crowd of 9,534 at BayCare Ballpark.
The full squad made its debut at home on Sunday, February 26, at 1:05 p.m. against the Minnesota Twins. Opening Week of Spring Training will also include 1:05 p.m. home games against Detroit on Friday, March 3, and the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, March 4. You can access their entire Spring Training schedule here. Go Phillies!
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Resident Feedback Requested
on Drew St. Improvements
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FDOT is requesting public comments on planned improvements for Drew Street. This includes the "Complete Street" plans for pedestrian and vehicle safety. A real win-win for our community. DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS IS March 3! You can learn more here: Drew Street Public Comments.
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FREE Park and Ride Trolley and Bus Service! | |
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Starting March 1 Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and the city of Clearwater are teaming up to provide FREE park-and-ride trolley and bus service during this year's Spring Break. Park for FREE in downtown Clearwater at 112 S. Osceola Ave., and a trolley or bus will pick up you up and take you to Clearwater Beach. The free program runs through April 30. You can learn more here: PSTA Spring Break.
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US 19 is Prime for New Development and
Employment Opportunities
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This month Clearwater’s Economic Development and Housing Department released a video showcasing the development potential of the U.S. 19 corridor, distinguishing the nearly 7-mile north-south thoroughfare as a destination for employment, growth and investment. While the beach is often referred to as the city’s “economic engine” our downtown and US 19 corridor have immense potential for development and investment. Strategic planning and marketing of the US 19 corridor is key to attract business investment and jobs, and enhance a community where residents and businesses thrive, and a talented workforce drives economic prosperity. You can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5A6slFhS4Z0
and learn more here at our webpage dedicated to the US 19 Project.
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Want to Make a Difference? Advisory Boards are Looking for New Members | |
More than a few Clearwater advisory boards are looking for new members. This is a great way to learn more about our city, meet new people, and weigh in on important matters that affect residents and businesses in our community. You can learn more here: Clearwater Advisory Boards | |
Sign Up for One of the City's Many Newsletters | |
The city has multiple newsletters and ways to receive alerts. Subscribe via email or text to the neighborhoods newsletters, volunteer newsletter, the city's latest press releases, and more. Click here to learn more: City Newsletters. | |
Thank You for Your Interest and Support | | | | |
