|
Building Clearwater’s Future
Welcome to the city of Clearwater's newsletter on downtown construction. This newsletter is designed to introduce you to current downtown projects and keep you updated on timelines, road closures, and impacts to public parking. Please read on, click the links for more information, and reach out to Al with any questions.
Introducing "DeTour de Clearwater"
You may notice a new theme popping up around downtown: DeTour de Clearwater. Inspired by both detours and the famous Tour de France, this campaign was created to bring some fun and creativity to the construction experience. Just like a bike race, there may be twists, turns, and new routes to take — but the journey still leads to a vibrant downtown worth exploring.
|
|
Project Highlight
 Starting mid-October 2025, construction will begin on the Osceola Parking Garage, located at 155 S. Osceola Avenue—at the corner of Pierce Street and Osceola Avenue. The project, recently awarded to Creative Contractors, Inc., will deliver nearly 400 public parking spaces to support downtown businesses, events, and visitors—a key enhancement to our growing urban core.
Key highlights:
-
Construction start: Mid-October 2025
-
Anticipated completion: December 2026
-
Purpose: Increase parking capacity downtown and ease access to local businesses and events
This initiative accompanies a broader downtown transformation, including Osceola Avenue improvements and additional parking capacity to enhance accessibility and visitor experience.
For more information, contact Creative Contractors, Inc.
|
|
News & Updates
Demolition Set to Begin at Clearwater's Former Fire Station 45
 The city of Clearwater is moving forward with plans to demolish the former Fire Station 45 at 610 Franklin St. With asbestos removal already complete, the contractor is in the final stages of permitting and expects to begin demolition within days of approval—likely this week or next.
Once the building is taken down, the site will be repurposed to provide much-needed additional parking for the Clearwater Police Department.
Pilot Hole Drilling Underway for Bluff Apartment Development
 On Aug. 4, crews began the drilling of 181 pilot holes as part of preparations for the Bluff Apartment Development. These pilot holes are used to collect geotechnical data, which helps determine how deep the foundations must go so the building rests on stable ground and meets structural requirements.
The drilling program will continue through Dec. 15, with work moving section by section as parking areas become available. Safety zones are being marked off around the drill rigs throughout the process.
Moss Construction, the contractor for the Bluff Apartment Development, remains on schedule to begin full construction in January 2026.
Parking Rate Updates Take Effect Oct. 1
 Beginning Oct. 1, the city of Clearwater will implement updated parking rates to encourage turnover, improve compliance, and better support vibrant downtown and beach areas.
Key changes include:
Downtown: On-street rates rising from $0.50 to $1.00/hr; lots/garages increasing to $0.75/hr.
Beach: On-street rates increasing to $4.00/hr; lots rising to $3.50/hr.
Boat Ramps & Marina: Rates increasing from $2.00 to $2.25/hr.
Special events: New flat-rate parking of $5 downtown for large events at BayCare Sound, starting two hours before the event.
Resident discount available: Clearwater residents receive 50% off hourly parking downtown and at the beach through the Residential Parking Permit Program.
|
|
Upcoming Meeting
City Council to Review North Ward Elementary School Building Study
Sept. 15, 1:30 p.m.; Sept. 18, 6 p.m., Clearwater Main Library
 The city hired a team which includes architects and engineers to analyze the building and potential uses. That team will be providing the results of their work to the Clearwater City Council at the Sept. 15, 1:30 p.m. work session. The Council will hear the report, ask questions of the consultants, and provide direction to staff on future uses, continued ownership and what improvements the city should make to the property. At the Sept. 18, 6 p.m. City Council meeting, The Council will take comments from the public and provide direction to staff on the next steps. Tune in to hear the results of the study and the direction given for the site's future.
Reimagine Clearwater Main Library: City Council to Review Top Proposals
Sept. 15, 1:30 p.m.; Sept. 18, 6 p.m., Clearwater Main Library
 On Monday, Sept. 15 at 1:30 p.m., top-ranked proposals for the Reimagine Clearwater Main Library project will be reviewed at the City Council work session, followed by public presentations on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. before the Clearwater City Council.
These important meetings will highlight the most innovative concepts submitted through the city’s “Call for Development Concepts,” offering a vision for how the Main Library site could be transformed into a dynamic cultural destination.
The presentations will help guide the City Council’s decision-making as Clearwater continues its investment in a vibrant, connected downtown where arts, culture, and community come together.
CRA Community Outreach Meeting
Sept. 30, 3 to 4 p.m., Clearwater Main Library
 The city's Community Redevelopment Agency team will host their monthly Community Outreach Meeting on Sept. 30 from 3 to 4 p.m. to share updates on city initiatives, resources and revitalization efforts impacting downtown. These meetings are open to all residents, businesses and community partners.
This meeting is located at Clearwater Main Library in the first floor Council Chambers
This is a great opportunity to learn more about the exciting changes coming and how to stay connected. Thank you for being an engaged member of our community.
|
|
 Curious about what’s happening downtown? Our interactive construction map makes it easy to stay informed on all ongoing and upcoming infrastructure and development projects in the heart of Clearwater.
|
|
 As part of Clearwater’s downtown improvement projects, some roads and intersections will be temporarily closed or detoured. We’re working hard to minimize disruption, and to keep you informed every step of the way. There are currently no downtown road closures due to these construction projects.
|
|
|
As downtown Clearwater undergoes improvements, some parking areas will be temporarily closed or relocated. There has not been any parking lot closures due to construction.
|
|
|
Assistant City Manager Alfred G. Battle Jr. brings nearly 30 years of local government experience, including leadership roles in Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale — and now, in Clearwater.
Al is eager to get to know Clearwater residents and businesses personally, ensuring your questions and concerns are heard and addressed throughout the downtown transformation.
“Ask Al” is your direct connection to the leadership behind these exciting projects. Whether you’re curious about timelines, traffic impacts, or design changes, Al is here to listen and keep you informed every step of the way.
Have a question? Submit it to askal@myclearwater.com.
|
|
Stay Informed
Stay connected with the latest news and developments across Clearwater. Click here to subscribe to city updates and never miss an important announcement.
|
|
|
|
|
