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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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News & Updates
The Ballad Hotel Breaks Ground in Downtown Clearwater
 Work has officially begun on The Ballad Hotel, a Hilton Tapestry Hotel, in downtown Clearwater, marking a major milestone in the city’s waterfront revitalization. City officials, project partners, and members of the community gathered last week to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new development.
Once complete, the 10-story, 158-room hotel will overlook Coachman Park and Clearwater Harbor and serve as the centerpiece of a 230,000-square-foot mixed-use project. Plans include ground-level restaurants and retail, a rooftop bar, event and meeting spaces, and a 169-space parking garage.
Located on the former Harborview Center site, The Ballad Hotel is intended to support downtown events, boost tourism, and strengthen the local economy. Construction is now underway, with a projected opening in mid-2027.
 Take a look inside Clearwater’s new City Hall! Construction is well underway on the William B. Horne City Hall at 200 S. Myrtle Avenue, which will serve as a modern municipal campus with City Council chambers, public meeting space, and administrative offices. The project broke ground in November 2024 and is anticipated to open in October 2026.
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Street & Parking Changes
Traffic Alerts
Osceola Avenue
Temporary traffic controls are in place along Osceola Avenue to support the Ballad Hotel construction activity. This construction is at the site of the former Harborview Center. One lane remains open in each direction, and a pedestrian detour will guide foot traffic safely around the work zone. Please use caution and follow posted signage.
Court Street
 Three of four westbound lanes on Court Street will close Jan. 20 for about two weeks between South Prospect Avenue and South Garden Avenue for sewer repairs, with only one lane remaining open. Drivers can expect heavy congestion and are encouraged to use alternate routes, while city crews work around the clock to complete the project quickly.
Parking
Parking Closures
As part of that same project, six on-street parking spaces in front of the Main Library along Osceola Avenue have been temporarily closed for construction activity. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and use nearby parking options while this work is underway.
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.
Where to Park Downtown
Visiting downtown Clearwater for an event at BayCare Sound, Coachman Park, or the Capitol Theatre but don’t know where to park? Take advantage of free parking at Station Square, Garden Avenue, and Municipal Services parking garages on weekdays after 6 p.m. and all day on weekends. For more information and to view our interactive parking map, click the button below.
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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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Don’t Miss These Downtown Events!
Jingle Bell Family Fun Fest
Dec. 20 at 10 a.m., Coachman Park
 Get into the holiday spirit this Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Jingle Bell Family Fun Fest in Coachman Park! Enjoy a festive day filled with local vendors, delicious food trucks, fun contests, holiday characters, and activities for all ages from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., — and best of all, admission is free and free parking is available in the Garden Avenue, Station Square, and Municipal Services parking garages. Bring the family downtown for seasonal shopping, tasty treats, and merry memories just in time for Christmas!
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!
Clearwater Is Going Ducking Crazy in January
Jan. 9 through Jan. 26, Coachman Park
The World’s Largest Rubber Duck is coming to Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater, Jan. 9-26. The 61-foot installation named “Mama Duck” will grace downtown Clearwater for three weeks with a variety of events to accompany her stay. “Timmy,” her 10-foot-tall baby duckling, can be seen now through the end of January at various Clearwater locations.
This activation is presented by the city of Clearwater and sponsored by the Downtown Development Board, Spa Manufacturers Inc., Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, CGS Energy, and the Hampton Inn and Suites Clearwater Beach.
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Upcoming Meetings
City Council Work Session
Jan. 12, 1:30 p.m., Main Library Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
Jan. 15, 6 p.m., Main Library Council Chambers
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Interactive Construction Map
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 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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