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 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.
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"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.
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Project Highlight
Construction on the Horizon for
The Ballad Hotel
 Construction is approaching for the new Ballad Hotel Tapestry, a 10-story hotel featuring 158 guest rooms and 21,000 sq. ft. of retail space, including restaurants, a rooftop bar, dining areas, and meeting rooms, set to become a vibrant new destination in downtown Clearwater.
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Traffic Alert: Street & Parking Changes
 Osceola Avenue Traffic Advisory
Beginning early next week, temporary traffic controls will be in place along Osceola Avenue to support the Ballad Hotel construction activity. This construction will be at the site of the former Harborview Center. One lane will remain open in each direction, and a pedestrian detour will guide foot traffic safely around the work zone. Please use caution and follow posted signage.
Osceola Avenue Parking Impact
As part of that same project, six on-street parking spaces in front of the Main Library along Osceola Avenue will be temporarily closed for construction activity. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and use nearby parking options while this work is underway.
Parking Lot Closures for Construction Staging
The former City Hall parking lot (112 S. Osceola Ave.) and the lot at 301 Pierce St. are closed for construction staging for downtown projects. Citizens and visitors should use alternative parking at other downtown lots in the surrounding area. For information on available parking, visit our interactive downtown parking map below.
Construction Hours and Noise Guidelines
As we begin the construction phase for multiple projects in the downtown area, we wanted to give some information as to when construction can occur. Construction in Clearwater can occur 7 days a week and any hour of the day if the noise ordinance is not violated. Construction is not limited by days of the week or hours of the day. Construction is limited by if it violates the noise ordinance. The noise ordinance only allows “raucous noise” between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and it is not allowed any hours on Sunday. This ordinance is enforced by the Clearwater Police Department and the details of it can be read below.
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News & Updates
Clearwater Explores Redevelopment of Historic North Ward School
 The city is reviewing redevelopment opportunities for the historic North Ward School, a landmark built in 1915 with a 1926 addition. Potential concepts include a community wellness center, mixed-use residential and retail development, or a learning and innovation hub; all designed to preserve the school’s historic character while creating new spaces for community engagement, green space, and neighborhood revitalization.
City staff and Rowe Architects are evaluating phased improvements, potential partnerships, and funding strategies to reactivate the site as a vibrant community asset.
SPC Graduation Set for Dec. 15 at Coachman Park
On Dec. 15, St. Petersburg College will hold its graduation ceremony at Coachman Park at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.) Evening parking at the Garden Avenue, Municipal Services Building, and Station Square garages will be reserved for graduation attendees.
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Upcoming Meeting
City Council Work Session
Jan. 12, 1:30 to 4 p.m., Clearwater Main Library
The Clearwater City Council will hold its next Work Session on Jan. 12, from 1:30-4 p.m. in the Main Library Council Chambers. Work sessions are open to the public and provide an opportunity to follow ongoing city discussions and initiatives.
City Council Meeting
Jan. 15, 6 to 9 p.m., Clearwater Main Library
The Clearwater City Council will hold its next City Council Meeting on Jan. 15, from 6–9 p.m. in the Main Library Council Chambers. Council meetings are open to the public and offer an opportunity to follow city decisions and discussions.
CRA Community Outreach Meeting
Jan. 27, 3 to 4 p.m., Clearwater Main Library
The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will host its monthly Community Outreach Meeting on Jan. 27, from 3–4 p.m., in the Main Library Council Chambers.
The meeting will cover project timelines, local events, available resources, and ongoing revitalization efforts impacting Downtown Clearwater. This month’s meeting will also include a presentation from The DeNunzio Group on the Ballad Hotel project.
Open to residents, businesses, and community partners, this is a great opportunity to stay informed about city initiatives and stay connected with your community.
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Don’t Miss These Downtown Events!
A Whoville Holiday
Dec. 7 at 4 p.m., The BayCare Sound
 A Whoville Holiday comes to The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park in Downtown Clearwater on Sunday, December 7, beginning at 4 pm. The free family-friendly event concludes with a screening of the 2018 animated classic Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch.
Market Marie
Dec. 13 at 10 a.m., Coachman Park
 Shop local at The Market Marie with over 85 small business owners every second Saturday in Coachman Park. Enjoy live music, delicious food, art, clothing, jewelry, henna, handmade candles, soap, pet treats, home goods and more.
Clearwater Yacht Club's 51st Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Dec. 13 at 6 p.m., Clearwater Harbor Marina
 A dazzling holiday‑tradition returns on Dec. 13, from 6-9 p.m. The parade floats down the Mandalay Channel Bridge through Island Estates, past Coachman Park, and along the Memorial Causeway before ending at the Clearwater Yacht Club for judging.
The public is invited to view the procession as brightly‑lit boats cruise the waterfront in festive celebration.
Hanukkah in Coachman Park
Dec. 14, at 4 p.m., Coachman Park
Join us for Hanukkah in Coachman Park on Dec. 14, from 4–7 p.m. at Coachman Park. Celebrate with community, enjoy festive activities, and experience holiday spirit by the water.
Jingle Bell Family Fun Fest
Dec. 20 at 10 a.m., Coachman Park
 Celebrate the holiday season at the Jingle Bell Family Fun Fest on Dec. 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Coachman Park! Enjoy local vendors, food trucks, holiday characters, contests, and more for a day of family-friendly fun.
1st Friday Lunchtime Market
Jan. 2, at 10 a.m., 400-500 blocks of Cleveland Street
 Join us on Jan. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for our 1st Friday Lunchtime Market on the 400-500 blocks of Cleveland Street! The market will feature a variety of unique local vendors, delicious food, and plenty of excitement to enjoy over your lunch break. Stop by, support local businesses, and experience the energy of downtown Clearwater!
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 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.
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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.
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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.
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