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February 2024

Hello Friends,

Love is in the air, and what better place to spend time with your loved ones than in Downtown Clearwater. Plan the perfect date night at The Sound with country classics performed by Willie Nelson or sit back and enjoy the coastal charm of the Clearwater Sea Blues Festival. February brings events suitable for a variety of tastes. Additionally, the CRA celebrates awards and welcomes a new director.

Welcome New Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Jesus Niño

The city of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency welcomes Jesus Niño to the team, with more than 10 years of experience managing community redevelopment areas throughout Tampa Bay. His most recent role was serving as the Urban Development Manager for the city of Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency for Drew Park and West Tampa. Mr. Niño has a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Michigan State University.

Clearwater Wins Two Awards from APA Florida

Last month, Coachman Park won "Best Placemaking and Design" award from the American Planning Association (APA) Florida - Sun Coast Section, along with city of Clearwater Assistant City Manager Michael Delk winning the "Distinguished Service" award. Two big wins for Clearwater. Congratulations!

Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival 2024

Feb. 24 – 25 | Coachman Park

After a brief hiatus for Coachman Park's renovation, the Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival presented by Visit St. Petersburg Clearwater returns to its original home of Coachman Park kicking off on Feb. 23 and hosting two full days of music Feb. 24 - 25.

The free two-day outdoor festival, set against the backdrop of the city's newly renovated waterfront park, will showcase five free musical acts starting at 2 p.m. each day on the green.

Jam out to soul-stirring music from national recording artists, shop local market vendors and enjoy delectable seafood, craft beer and wine from area businesses at Coachman Park.

Willie Nelson and Family with special guest Amos Lee at The Sound

Feb. 10 | The Sound

Catch Willie Nelson and Family with special guest Amos Lee at The Sound Saturday, Feb 10! Since the mid-1970s, Willie Nelson has emerged as one of the most versatile, enduring, and influential talents in country music. He is known for hits such as, "On the Road Again", "Pancho and Lefty", "Crazy" and "Always on My Mind".

Clearwater Craft Festival

Feb. 17 - 18 | Coachman Park

Featuring handmade arts and crafts as well as a green market area, offering a diverse range of hand-picked goods and eco-friendly products to peruse and purchase. In honor of the annual Hope Spot Festival on Saturday, Feb. 17, the Clearwater Sustainability Division will conduct sustainability tours of Coachman Park at noon and 3 p.m. at the Clearwater Craft Festival.

February Events

Plays in the Park

Feb. 9 | 10 - 11 a.m.

Coachman Park

Scenes on the Green: Parent Trap

Feb. 9 | 6 - 10 p.m.

Coachman Park

The Market Marie

Feb. 10 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Coachman Park

• Feb. 09: Plays in the Park

• Feb. 09: Scenes on the Green: Parent Trap

• Feb. 10: The Market Marie

• Feb. 10: Willie Nelson & Family at The Sound

• Feb. 11: Peace Concert Series

• Feb. 17 - 18: Clearwater Craft Festival

• Feb. 17: Clearwater Public Art Walk

• Feb. 17: Mad Scientist Wastewater Plant Tours

• Feb. 23: Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival Kick-Off

• Feb. 24 - 25: Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival

Community News

Mad Scientist Wastewater Plant Tour

Feb. 17 | Marshall Street Water Reclamation Facility

Celebrate National Public Science Day by taking a tour of one of Clearwater’s wastewater treatment plants located at Marshall Street Water Reclamation Facility, 1605 Harbor Drive located in the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Tours kick off every half hour. Pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended. Afterward, stay for some fun with science.

Clearwater Recycles 8,000 Tons of Materials in 2023 

The city conducted a full overhaul of its recycling program and made several key changes throughout 2023.   Last year, Clearwater Solid Waste and Recycling collected and properly processed approximately 8,000 tons of recyclable materials from customers, and the city began the process of issuing credits to affected customers.

Home Rehabilitation Loans Available Through the City of Clearwater

The city of Clearwater’s Housing and Rehabilitation Loan Program can help eligible homeowners with housing code-related home improvements. The program is designed to help maintain decent, safe, and affordable housing for Clearwater residents by bringing their homes into compliance with the city’s minimum Housing Code and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) quality standards.

A Clearwater homeowner may receive up to $60,000 in a zero percent interest home rehabilitation loan for home improvements such as:

• Roof replacement
• Electrical repairs
• Plumbing repairs
• Air conditioner installation
• Door and window replacement
• ADA modifications of an immediate nature

Hassle-Free Parking Options in Downtown Clearwater

224 Pierce Street | Coachman Park & Harbor Marina (Parking Lot 11)

Did you know there is convenient parking at Lot 11 with over 150 available spaces located at the end of Pierce Street, under the Clearwater Memorial Causeway? Enjoy hassle-free public parking just steps away from the action.

• $2 per hour daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• After 6 p.m.: Parking is absolutely FREE!
• No overnight parking (except for Harbor Marina tenants with permit)
• Dual-port level 2 EV chargers available

In Case You Missed It

New Traffic Signal Box art installation

Ymir Addis' artwork titled, "Left to be Forgotten" has been installed on the traffic signal box at Turner Street and South Myrtle Avenue in Downtown Clearwater.  Addis was the first-place student artist winner at the Clearwater Arts Alliance's STEAMy Night of Art + Culture fundraising event in November 2023.