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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
 Clearwater Mayor Burce Rector was recently a guest on the Tampa Bay Developer Podcast where he discussed the downtown urban renaissance that started with the city’s investment in Coachman Park and the BayCare Sound. Hear how the new hotel project and a 400-unit apartment tower are continuing that momentum. He also discusses how we are working with Pinellas County on redeveloping their downtown properties after they move to their new headquarters. Those outside of Clearwater are starting to take notice that Downtown Clearwater is no longer “planning its future” but has started building it.
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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Upcoming Events Downtown
1st Friday Lunchtime Market
March 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cleveland Street
 Turn your lunch break into a mini adventure at the 1st Friday Lunchtime Market on Friday, March 6, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. along Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater. Presented by the Downtown Development Board, the market brings local vendors, lunchtime deals at downtown restaurants and community energy to the heart of downtown. Shop handcrafted goods, enjoy specials from area eateries and connect with neighbors in a lively midday setting. Free to attend.
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.
The Market Marie
March 14, 10 a.m., Coachman Park
 Mark your calendar for The Market Marie, a vibrant, family-friendly open-air market held on the second Saturday of each month at Coachman Park. Shop local from more than 80 small business owners offering a wide variety of goods including art, clothing, jewelry, handmade candles, soaps, pet treats and more. Enjoy live music, delicious food and the scenic waterfront setting while supporting independent makers and creators. Admission is free and fun for all ages.
Next date:
March 14, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland Street, Clearwater.
Downtown Clearwater Public Art Walk
March 14, 10:30 a.m., Main Library
Discover downtown Clearwater in a new way with the Public Art Walk on March 14, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Meet at the Clearwater Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave, for a guided stroll along the Cleveland Street corridor that highlights murals, sculptures and public art that shape the city’s creative identity. After the walk, enjoy lunch downtown or stop by The Market Marie at Coachman Park for local vendors and live music. A suggested donation of $10 supports the program.
Clearwater Ukelele Fest
March 15, 4 p.m., 300 Cleveland St.
Enjoy live music at the Clearwater Ukulele Fest Concert on March 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St. This free, family-friendly event features performances by local and visiting ukulele groups as part of Ukulele Fest in the District. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating
More Upcoming Events
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Hello Cleveland Street, March 17, 4 p.m., 400 block of Cleveland Street
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98ROCKFEST, March 20, 5 p.m., The BayCare Sound
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Joe Bonamassa with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, March 21, 7 p.m., The BayCare Sound
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Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, March 27 to April 12, Clearwater Beach
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Upcoming Meetings
City Council Meeting
March 5, 6 p.m., Main Library Council Chambers
Monday, March 30, 6 p.m., Main Library Council Chambers (Note: no City Council worksession this meeting cycle)
CRA Community Outreach Meeting
March 31, 3 to 4 p.m., Main Library Council Chambers
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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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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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