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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 Assistant City Manager Al Battle 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
Utility Undergrounding Underway on Myrtle Avenue Between Cleveland and Court Streets
 You may have noticed construction crews on Myrtle Avenue in the roadway near the sites of the new City Hall and the new PSTA station. Those crews are working to underground the utility lines from Cleveland Street to Court Street. The large overhead transmission lines in that four-block section of Myrtle Avenue will be buried, and the other utilities will be taken off those poles as well. The poles will eventually be removed, and streetlights will be put on the east side of the street. In addition to being more esthetically pleasing, the undergrounding of the electric is required when a new project of this scale happens in the downtown core. The power line undergrounding is projected to be completed in May, and the lighting relocation in June.
Mobilization to Begin Mid-March at Bluff Apartment Development Site
 Construction crews will begin mobilizing at the site of the future Bluff Apartment Development in mid-March as the project advances toward construction. The downtown development is planned as a 28-story, 620,000-square-foot mixed-use building with approximately 400 apartments, about 10,000 square feet of retail space and parking. Initial activity will include site preparation, equipment staging and setup as the project moves into its next phase near Coachman Park.
Warehouse Demolished to Advance Future PSTA Clearwater Station Development
 The warehouse at the corner of South East Avenue & Franklin Street has been demolished to prepare the site for the future PSTA Clearwater station. The property is located directly across from the new City Hall site and will be redeveloped as part of the planned transit improvements.
This milestone allows site work to move forward as the city and PSTA continue coordination on the new station, which is expected to strengthen regional transit connections and support ongoing downtown development.
See a 3D Model of The Ballad Hotel at Clearwater Main Library
 Curious about what’s taking shape in downtown Clearwater? Stop by the Main Library lobby to view a detailed 3D model of The Ballad Hotel, a 10-story, 158-room hotel currently under construction overlooking Coachman Park and Clearwater Harbor.
The project will include ground-floor retail and restaurant space, a rooftop bar, meeting spaces and parking, adding new energy to the downtown waterfront.
Visit the library for an up-close look at what’s ahead for Clearwater’s evolving downtown.
 A number of downtown restaurants are providing exclusive deals for construction workers on active downtown projects. These offers are reserved only for workers and are meant to recognize the crews shaping the future of downtown. If you have a discount you would like to provide, please reach out to the CRA staff to let us know.
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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. Please use caution and follow posted signage.
Parking
Parking Closures
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and use nearby parking options while the downtown construction projects are underway.
The former City Hall parking lot (112 S. Osceola Ave.) and the lot at 301 Pierce St. are closed for either construction staging or construction.
Where to Park Downtown
Visiting downtown Clearwater for an event at the 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 the 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
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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Upcoming Events Downtown
Tasty Tampa Bay
Feb. 21, 11a.m., Coachman Park
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Tasty Tampa Bay is coming to Coachman Park on Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., bringing bold flavors, live entertainment and local culture with more than 100 food vendors and food trucks, along with fun foodie contests for attendees.
Content creator Syd Retro Foodie will be on site spotlighting vendors and cuisine. The event is supported by the Downtown Development Board.
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STYX With Special Guest Cheap Trick
Feb. 27, 7 p.m., The BayCare Sound
 The BayCare Sound presents Styx with special guest Cheap Trick on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.
Tickets are available at The Raymond James Central Ticket Office at Ruth Eckerd Hall, by calling (727) 791-7400 or visiting www.RuthEckerdHall.com. The BayCare Sound Ticket Window will open two hours prior to show time.
Salsa & Bachata at the District
Feb. 28, 6 p.m., Downtown Cleveland Street
Join us in downtown Clearwater for Salsa & Bachata at the District on Feb. 28, from 6 to 11 p.m. This free, monthly street-dance event brings lively Salsa & Bachata rhythms to Cleveland Street and invites dancers of all levels to enjoy an evening of music, movement and community in the heart of downtown.
2026 Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival
Feb. 28 and March 1, 2 p.m., Coachman Park
 Clearwater’s signature waterfront blues event, the Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival, is set for Feb. 28 and March 1, at Coachman Park. The free festival is known for its amazing blues performances, outdoor casual vibes and unbeatable seafood tastings.
Artists and the Lineup
Saturday, Feb. 28
Sunday, March 1
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Upcoming Meetings
City Council Meeting
Feb. 19, 6 p.m., Main Library Council Chambers
CRA Community Outreach Meeting
Feb. 24, 3 p.m., Main Library Council Chambers
City Council Work Session, DDB & CRA
March 2, 1:30 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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