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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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Pinellas County Hosts Town Hall About Future of Their Downtown Clearwater Properties
 Pinellas County will hold a town hall meeting 6 to 8 p.m. April 29, to share information and receive community input about the future of the Pinellas County properties in downtown Clearwater. The event will be held in the county’s Palm Room at 333 Chestnut St.
Staff from the county will provide a brief presentation, conduct an exercise to gather feedback and listen to members of the public. Pinellas County owns 17 properties in Clearwater's downtown, which encompass 32 parcels and about 24.5 acres that will be made available for redevelopment.
The county plans to select a private partner to redevelop these parcels. The project has four goals:
- Generate revenue to offset the cost of the new county campus through a competitive market-driven process.
- Select an experienced and qualified developer to activate downtown Clearwater.
- Negotiate a structured deal with controls to hold the developer accountable to meet short- and long-term goals.
- Choose a development plan that will increase the county’s and city’s tax base from the highest and best use of the properties.
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Upcoming Events Downtown
Sunrise on the Roof
May 1, 6 a.m., Main Library Rooftop Terrace
Start your day with a unique rooftop experience at the Main Library during Sunrise on the Roof on May 1 at 6 a.m. This early morning program invites participants to enjoy peaceful rooftop views as the sun rises. Part of the library’s expanding rooftop series, the event offers a relaxed atmosphere to take in the scenery and connect with the community in one of downtown Clearwater’s most scenic settings.
Cinco de Mayo Taco Fest 2026
May 3, 2 p.m., Coachman Park
The 3rd Annual Cinco de Mayo Taco Fest returns to Coachman Park on May 3, from 2 to 10 p.m. This free, family-friendly event features live entertainment, cultural performances and a wide variety of food vendors serving tacos and Mexican-inspired cuisine. Attendees can enjoy music, dance and activities for all ages in a festive waterfront setting in downtown Clearwater.
Country Thunder Music Festival
May 8 through 10, Coachman Park
 Country Thunder is coming to Clearwater, bringing one of North America’s largest country music festivals to Coachman Park May 8 through 10. Set along the city’s waterfront, the three-day event will feature headliners Zach Top, Gavin Adcock and Kane Brown, along with a lineup of national and emerging artists. The festival marks the first time Country Thunder will take place in Clearwater, transforming downtown into a destination for live music, food vendors and fan experiences throughout the weekend.
The Market Marie
May 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 500–600 blocks of Cleveland Street (one-time location).
 The Market Marie returns May 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the 500–600 blocks of Cleveland Street for this one-time location due to Country Thunder in Coachman Park.
Explore a variety of local artisans, makers and small businesses, enjoy a live DJ and shop fresh produce from local farmers. The event also includes pet adoptions and family-friendly activities like a bounce house and games. Guests are encouraged to plan ahead and note the location before attending.
More Upcoming Events
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Alabama Shakes with Lamont Landers, April 30, 7:15 p.m., The BayCare Sound
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Cinco de Mayo Taco Fest 2026, May 3, 2 p.m., Coachman Park
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Downtown Clearwater Art Walk, May 9, 10:30 a.m., Main Library
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Bush featuring Mammoth and James and The Cold Gun, May 13, 6:30 p.m., The BayCare Sound
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News & Updates
CRA Community Outreach Meeting
April 28, 3 to 4 p.m., Main Library Council Chambers
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Work is underway on The Bluffs, a new mixed-use apartment tower rising on the former City Hall site in downtown Clearwater. The development is expected to be completed in 2027 and will bring hundreds of residential units, along with retail space and public amenities, helping to create a more active, connected downtown and support continued growth near the waterfront and Coachman Park. |
Learn more about the project’s design, vision and impact during the upcoming CRA Community Outreach meeting on Tuesday, April 28, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Main Library, first-floor Council Chambers. The presentation will be led by Sarah-Jane Vatelot, senior project manager at Behar Peteranecz, with an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and stay informed on the project’s progress.
New Video Shows Progress Inside Clearwater’s Future City Hall
 Progress continues on Clearwater’s new City Hall as crews work throughout the building installing ductwork, painting interiors and building out office spaces.
The project remains on track for an October 2026 opening.
Watch the YouTube video for an inside look at the progress, and learn more at MyClearwater.com/CityHall.
PSTA Spring Break Free Park and Ride to Clearwater Beach
Now through May 3, the city of Clearwater and PSTA are offering FREE Park & Ride service to Clearwater Beach from downtown Clearwater.
- 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.
 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.
Upcoming Meetings
Downtown Development Board (DDB) Meeting
May 4, 1 p.m., Main Library Council Chambers
City Council Work Session
May 4, 1:30 p.m., Main Library Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
May 7, 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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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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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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