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August 2026

Welcome to the city of Clearwater’s sustainability and resiliency newsletter!

This quarterly newsletter keeps you up to date on the city's sustainability and resiliency initiatives, project highlights, upcoming events and practical ways you can make a difference.

City Hall LEED Certification

City Hall is on track to become the city’s first LEED-certified building, reflecting Clearwater’s commitment to sustainable design and the long-term stewardship of public resources. The building includes energy-efficient systems, rooftop solar panels, water-saving fixtures and other features designed to reduce operating costs and create a healthier, more comfortable environment for employees and visitors.

A self-guided tour and a webpage highlighting these sustainable features will be available when the building opens. Stay tuned for details about the ribbon-cutting ceremony and opportunities to explore the new City Hall.

Clearwater's Living Seawall Initiative

The city of Clearwater received a $3 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for its Living Seawalls Initiative, which will strengthen shoreline protection and create marine habitat.

Seawalls at Mandalay East, Sand Key and Coachman parks will be rehabilitated and raised. Bayview Avenue will receive a new, taller seawall. Textured ecological surfaces will support oysters and other marine life, helping improve water quality and biodiversity.

Environmental surveys are guiding the design to protect sensitive resources, including coral and seagrass. Engineering, permitting and agency coordination are underway, and construction is expected to begin in spring 2027.

Switch Together

Clearwater residents can save on solar through Switch Together, a group-buying program offered in partnership with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors (SUN). The program connects households with vetted solar installers and offers discounts on solar systems, battery storage and electric vehicle chargers.

The recent program-led auction resulted in a 24 percent discount on the average-size system. This translates to an average savings of $7,475 on solar installation costs. Registration is free and carries no obligation.

The city and SUN hosted an in-person Solar Latte and Learn event in downtown Clearwater Aug. 11, where lots of questions about solar and Switch Together program were answered. Attend a free, virtual Solar 101 session Sept. 15.

Mayors’ Monarch Pledge

Clearwater is continuing its commitment to protecting monarch butterflies and other pollinators through the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge. In addition to a Pollinator Week proclamation, the city is hosting volunteer invasive plant removal efforts and adding educational signage at Moccasin Lake Nature Park to promote native plants and pollinator habitat.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season is May 1 to Oct. 31

Sea turtle nesting season runs from May 1 through Oct. 31, marking a critical time when sea turtles return to the beaches to lay their eggs. Sea turtles are protected under both state and federal law, making it important to leave turtles and their nests undisturbed throughout nesting season.

Newly hatched turtles find their way to the ocean by following the bright, open horizon over the water. Artificial lighting from buildings, roads and flashlights can disorient hatchlings. To help protect sea turtles, minimize light exposure along the coastline.

Beachgoers can also help reduce obstacles that interfere with nesting and hatching by disposing of litter properly, limiting single-use plastics, removing personal belongings before leaving the beach, using designated walkways to cross dunes, flattening sandcastles and filling in holes in the sand. If you see a protected nest, admire it from a safe distance and avoid disturbing the area.

To report sea turtle sightings anywhere in Florida, call 888-404-3922 or 727-441-1790. 

On Aug. 4 and 5, Clearwater Police attended a special law enforcement presentation on sea turtle nesting season given by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s sea turtle team. Officers learned valuable tips on some dos and don’ts, as well as how they can help sea turtles, babies and nesting moms, as they perform their duties on or near the beach.

World Oceans Day at Clearwater Marine Aquarium 

On June 6, the sustainability team participated in the World Oceans Day event at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, celebrating the important role oceans play in our daily lives and highlighting ways residents can help protect marine ecosystems. The event brought together Keep Pinellas Beautiful and many other local organizations, nonprofits and government agencies dedicated to environmental stewardship. It was a great opportunity to connect with community partners working to protect our oceans and share how the city of Clearwater is contributing to a healthier and more resilient coastal environment. 

Earth Month Events

Clearwater celebrated Earth Month all across the community this April! From the city’s annual tree giveaway to themed storytimes and crafts hosted at our libraries, residents of all ages had opportunities to connect with and care for the environment. The Earth Day celebration at Moccasin Lake Nature Park on April 18 featured a variety of nature-based activities, educational exhibits and family-friendly experiences, while the Arbor Day giveaway encouraged residents to add more trees and native plants to their landscapes. 

The strong participation seen throughout Earth Month reflected Clearwater’s shared commitment to protecting natural resources and building a healthier, more resilient future.

Earth Month may be over, but caring for our planet is a year-round effort. By continuing sustainable habits at home and in the community, everyone can help make every day Earth Day!

Solar Celebrations

The city recently celebrated new solar installations at North Greenwood Recreation Center and Countryside Library with two community Solar Celebration events attended by city leadership, staff, project partners, community organizations and residents. These projects are expected to save approximately $73,000 annually in electricity costs while supporting Clearwater's Strategic Plan environmental stewardship priority area and long-term financial sustainability. With these installations, Clearwater now has the largest municipal solar portfolio in Pinellas County, demonstrating its leadership in renewable energy and responsible investment in public facilities!

Adopt-a-Drain: Help Prevent Neighborhood Flooding This Hurricane Season

Help keep stormwater flowing during hurricane season by joining the city’s Adopt-a-Drain program.

Residents can adopt a neighborhood storm drain and help keep it clear of leaves, litter and debris before and after storms. Clear drains reduce street flooding and help stormwater move safely away from homes and roadways.

Free volunteer supply kits are available upon request and consist of a safety cone, safety vest, rake or broom, gloves, litter grabber, and starter trash bags.

Clearwater’s municipal energy savings program continues to deliver results as the program finalized its fourth performance year and is entering its fifth and final year. The program has achieved an overall 16.4 percent reduction in energy use and a total cost avoidance of $4.87 million. After accounting for program costs since its launch in April 2022, the city has achieved net cost savings of $2.55 million.

During a regular audit, the program consultant found that the city’s fleet maintenance building, Crest Lake Park, CGS Energy office, North Greenwood Library and Countryside Library had the highest electricity and water savings in February. Kudos to the various departments responsible!

CONTACT THE SUSTAINABILITY TEAM