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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.
"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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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.
Temporary Closure and Detour Routes for March 18-19
Osceola Avenue will be closed from Pierce Street to Laura Avenue for a crane installation March 18 and 19. Motorists should use the following detour routes:
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Northbound Detour: Osceola Avenue → Pierce Street → Fort Harrison Avenue → Drew Street → return to Osceola Avenue
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Southbound Detour: The reverse of the northbound route: Osceola Avenue → Drew Street → Fort Harrison Avenue → Pierce Street → Osceola Avenue traffic.
Laura Street will also be open to traffic. Osceola Avenue access north of Pierce Street will be maintained for local traffic only, to accommodate residents at Waters Edge and Skyview.
In addition, Cleveland Street toward Coachman Park will remain accessible for Osceola Avenue northbound traffic and may be used as a turnaround location.
Motorists are encouraged to plan for additional travel time, follow posted signage and use caution when traveling through the area.
Crews will work hard and make every effort to complete this work on schedule and to get this corridor reopened as quickly as possible.
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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News & Updates
Property Officially Changes Hands and Bluffs Apartment Construction to Start
 The Gotham Organization, a leading mixed-use real estate developer and operator, alongside its joint venture partner The DeNunzio Group, officially closed on financing and now owns the former city hall site. They secured a $160 million construction financing package for The Bluffs and construction crews will start mobilizing March 2.
The Bluffs is the result of a successful request for proposal to redevelop two premier waterfront sites adjacent to Coachman Park through a robust public-private partnership with the city of Clearwater. Developed by Gotham with architecture by Behar + Peteranecz Architecture and interior design by CetraRuddy, the former City Hall site will be transformed into a 620,000-square-foot, mixed-use development featuring a 400-unit luxury rental building, more than 10,000 square feet of retail space, and 440 parking spaces. Moss Construction is the general contractor.
Founded more than a century ago, Gotham Organization is a fifth-generation, family-owned real estate development and management firm based in New York.
PSTA Spring Break Free Park and Ride Returns to Downtown Clearwater
From March 1 through May 3, the city of Clearwater and PSTA will once again offer FREE Park & Ride service to Clearwater Beach from downtown Clearwater. On weekends from March 1 through May 3, riders can park for free at the Gould Street Lot and hop on a bus running every 15 minutes. Service operates Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
March 1st–March 22nd & April 17th–May 3rd
Monday–Thursday | NO FREE SERVICE
Friday* & Saturday | 10am–Midnight
Sunday | 10am–10pm
* Parking Garage Parking is free beginning at 6PM. Gould Lot is free entire day of service.
March 27th–April 12th (Sugar Sand Festival)
Sunday–Thursday | 10am–10pm
Friday & Saturday | 10am–Midnight
Visitors may also park for free on weekends at the Garden Avenue Parking Garage or the Osceola Avenue Garage. Trolleys serving these locations operate with the same frequency and hours.
The Clearwater Ferry also offers service between Downtown Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin. For routes, schedules, and fares, click here.
Archway Partners will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Clearwater Gardens on March 24 at 9:30 a.m. at 1260 Cleveland St. The event is open to the public and community members are invited to attend.
 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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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
STYX Live In Concert With Special Guest Cheap Trick
Feb. 27, 7 p.m., The BayCare Sound
 Styx with special guest Cheap Trick will perform at The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park on Friday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in downtown Clearwater. Tickets are available through the Raymond James Central Ticket Office at Ruth Eckerd Hall or online.
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
Little River Band
March 6, 7 p.m., The BayCare Sound
 Little River Band will perform at The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park on March 6 at 7 p.m. The concert will take place at Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., in downtown Clearwater. Tickets are available through Ruth Eckerd Hall’s ticket office and online.
Bret Michaels and Tesla
March 7, 7 p.m., The BayCare Sound
Bret Michaels with special guest Tesla will perform at The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park on March 7 at 7 p.m. The concert will take place at Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., in downtown Clearwater. Tickets are available through Ruth Eckerd Hall’s ticket office and online.
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Upcoming Meetings
City Council Work Session, DDB & CRA
March 2, 1:30 p.m., Main Library Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
March 6, 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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