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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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Upcoming Events Downtown
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
March 27 to April 12, Pier 60 Park, Clearwater Beach
 The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival officially opens this Friday, March 27, at Clearwater Beach. This year’s theme, "United in Sand: Celebrating Sports & Spirit," will be showcased throughout the event.
The festival runs through April 12, at Pier 60 Park and features a 17-day beachside celebration, highlighting Clearwater’s world-famous sugar sand. Enjoy a stunning walk-through exhibit of sand sculptures created by master artists using 1,000 tons of sand, along with live music, free activities, artisans, fireworks, food vendors and more for all ages.
Salsa and Bachata at the District
March 28, 6 p.m., Downtown Cleveland Street
Salsa and Bachata at the District returns to downtown Clearwater March 28 from 6 to 11 p.m., bringing an evening of music, dancing and community to Cleveland Street.
Held monthly on the last Saturday of the month, residents and visitors can dance all night to high-energy salsa and bachata.
Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just getting started, the event offers a welcoming atmosphere for all skill levels, with lively music, an open-air dance floor and a vibrant community gathering in the District.
1st Friday Lunchtime Market
April 3, 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, April 3, 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.
Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge
April 10 & 11, Coachman Park, Downtown Clearwater
 The Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge returns to Coachman Park on April 10–11, 2026, bringing two days of high-energy canine competition to downtown Clearwater. This free, family-friendly event features some of the nation’s top dog-and-handler teams competing in crowd-favorite events like dock diving, agility, flying disc, weave pole racing and fetch.
Spectators can expect fast-paced action and impressive athleticism as dogs sprint, leap and perform precision skills in pursuit of a spot in the national finals. With a mix of thrilling competitions and opportunities to see elite canine athletes up close, the Incredible Dog Challenge offers an engaging experience for animal lovers of all ages in a waterfront park setting.
More Upcoming Events
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News & Updates
 The grand opening of the Clearwater Gardens Apartments was held March 24, marking a significant milestone in expanding affordable housing opportunities in Clearwater.
Located on Cleveland Street, this new four-story community features more than 80 apartment homes designed for residents earning between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income. The development helps address a critical need for attainable housing while supporting long-term community stability.
Clearwater Gardens is the result of a public-private partnership supported by the Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency and city housing programs, transforming the site into a modern, sustainable residential community.
PSTA Spring Break Free Park and Ride Returns to Downtown Clearwater
Now through May 3, the city of Clearwater and PSTA are offering FREE Park & Ride service to Clearwater Beach from downtown Clearwater. Service operates weekdays during the Sugar Sand Festival in addition to weekends.
March 27–April 12 (Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival)
Sunday–Thursday | 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday | 10 a.m.–Midnight
April 13–May 3
Monday–Thursday | NO FREE SERVICE
Friday & Saturday | 10 a.m.–Midnight
Sunday | 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Parking Garage Parking is free beginning at 6 p.m. on weekdays. The Gould Lot is free entire day of service.
Visitors may also park for free all day 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.
BLUFF GROUNDBREAKING
 A ceremonial groundbreaking is set for early 6 to mark the start of construction on the Bluffs Apartment, a long-anticipated mixed-use development on the former City Hall site in downtown Clearwater. The project represents a major step in the city’s ongoing downtown revitalization, bringing new residential, retail and public activity near Coachman Park.
Plans call for a 630,000-square-foot development anchored by a 400-unit residential tower, along with ground-floor retail and parking. The Bluffs is part of a broader wave of investment in the area, alongside a nearby hotel and retail project, as Clearwater continues efforts to transform its downtown core into a more vibrant, connected destination.
 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.
Parking
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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Upcoming Meetings
City Council Meeting
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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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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