08/21/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes August 21, 2025
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, August 21, 2025
6:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes August 21, 2025
Roll Call
Present: 5 - Mayor Bruce Rector, Vice Mayor Lina Teixeira, Councilmember David
Allbritton, Councilmember Ryan Cotton and Councilmember Michael
Mannino
Also Present: Jennifer Poirrier— City Manager, Daniel Slaughter—Assistant City
Manager, Alfred Battle —Assistant City Manager, David Margolis —
City Attorney, and Nicole Sprague — Deputy City Clerk.
To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1. Call to Order— Mayor Rector
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Invocation
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Special recognitions and Presentations (Proclamations, service awards, or other
special recognitions. Presentations by governmental agencies or groups providing
formal updates to Council will be limited to ten minutes.) — Given.
4.1 Fire Oaths
The Deputy City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to: Wyatt Henry,
Dexter Humphreys, Chancellor Kelly, Raymond Ligon, Caroline Osburn,
Rami Serrai, Logan Short, Kelloch Smith, and Charles Stokes.
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the August 7, 2025 City Council meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Vice Mayor Teixeira moved to approve the minutes of the August
7, 2025 City Council meeting as submitted in written summation
by the City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
6. Consent Agenda — Approved as submitted, less Items 6.1, 6.3, and 6.4.
6.1 Approve agreement for professional external audit services for five fiscal years ending
September 30, 2025, through 2029, with the accounting/auditing firm of Cherry Bekaert,
LLP, for a not-to-exceed amount of$825,000.00 pursuant to RFP 32-25 and authorize
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the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
See below.
6.2 Approve a purchase order to Rep Services, Inc., of Longwood, Florida for the purchase
and installation of playground equipment at Marymont Park located at 1900 Gilbert Street
in the total amount of$258,226.72, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Sections
2.563(1)(c), piggyback, and 2.563(1)(d), Impractical; and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
6.3 Approve acceptance of University of North Florida Training and Services Institute, Inc.,
d/b/a Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), High Visibility Education
(HVE) and Support Program for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Grant Award in the
amount of$22,969.15 for police overtime, and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
See below.
6.4 Approve an agreement with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Largo, Florida, in the
amount not to exceed $520,996.00 for forensic crime scene processing, latent prints,
property and evidence storage, and Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center security
services, during the one-year period commencing on October 1, 2025 through
September 30, 2026, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
See below.
6.5 Approve an Event License Agreement between Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc, in its
capacity as agent for the owner of the premises known as Countryside Mall, located at
27001 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater, Florida, and the City of Clearwater Police
Department for the purpose of hosting a Shred-A-Thou and Operation Medicine Cabinet
event on October 25, 2025, located at the Countryside Mall and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
6.6 Authorize a purchase order to Trane U.S. Inc. for the procurement of Heating, Ventilation,
and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment replacements, repair parts, and related services
in a cumulative amount not to exceed $4,500,000.00 through August 31, 2027, pursuant
to City Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(c) Piggyback and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same (consent)
6.7 Approve purchase orders to Nichols Contracting, Inc. and TK Elevator for the repair
and/or replacement of damaged elevators caused by Hurricane Helene in the cumulative
amount of$883,468.93 pursuant to Request for Proposal (RFP) 28-25 and authorize
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.8 Approve a purchase order with Maire Company (Maire) for services provided under the
lease agreement, as well as certain additional work outside of the lease in the amount of
$193,316.00 for the fourth term beginning October 1, 2025, through September 30, 20267
pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(d), Non-Competitive
Purchases, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.9 Approve a purchase order to Oracle America, Inc. of Redwood Shores, CA for software
maintenance in a not-to-exceed amount of$210,704.79 for a one-year term pursuant to
Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563 (1)(a), Single Source, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same.
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6.10Approve Architect of Record (AOR) Consulting Services Agreements, as listed, to
provide architectural and related services under a continuing contract for a four-year term
pursuant to Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 29-25 and authorize the appropriate officials
to execute same. (consent)
Councilmember Allbritton moved to approve the Consent Agenda
as submitted, less Items 6.1, 6.3, and 6.4, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
6.1 Approve agreement for professional external audit services for five fiscal years ending
September 30, 2025, through 2029, with the accounting/auditing firm of Cherry Bekaert,
LLP, for a not-to-exceed amount of$825,000.00 pursuant to RFP 32-25 and authorize
the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
The City employed the accounting/auditing firm of Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC
for external auditing services for the five fiscal years ending September 30,
2020, through 2024. Per City Charter, Article 11, Section 2.01(c)(3), the City
cannot employ an external audit firm for more than five consecutive years.
The City solicited proposals for external auditing services from qualified firms
per Request for Proposal 32-25 issued April 23, 2025. Six firms submitted
proposals that were reviewed and ranked by the City's Auditor Selection
Committee, consisting of Councilmember Mike Mannino and two citizens who
were appointed by Council.
The RFP process was conducted in accordance with Section 218.391, Florida
Statutes. Cherry Bekaert, LLP emerged as the top ranked firm.
The proposed contract includes a fixed fee of$150,000.00 for the fiscal year
2025 audit, representing a 14.5% increase from the fiscal year 2024 audit fee of
$131,000.00. Subsequent audit fees are $153,750.00 for fiscal year 2026,
$157,595.00 for fiscal year 2027, $161,535.00 for fiscal year 2028, and
$165,570.00 for fiscal year 2029. An additional $36,550.00 is included in the
funding request for additional hourly services as needed for expenses related to
any significant changes in the scope of the audit due to new governmental
accounting and auditing standards/practices, federal grants or other.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Budgeted funds for this agreement are available in the Finance, Professional
Services expense code 0109821-530100.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
1.1 Provide evidence-based measurement tools to continually guide municipal
performance and promote accountable governance.
One individual spoke in support.
Councilmember Mannino moved to approve agreement for
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professional external audit services for five fiscal years ending
September 30, 2025, through 2029, with the accounting/auditing
firm of Cherry Bekaert, LLP, for a not-to-exceed amount of
$825,000.00 pursuant to RFP 32-25 and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
6.3Approve acceptance of University of North Florida Training and Services Institute, Inc.,
d/b/a Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), High Visibility Education
(HVE) and Support Program for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Grant Award in the
amount of$22,969.15 for police overtime, and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
The Clearwater Police Department (CPD) submitted an application under the
state HVE program to continue its grant-funded pedestrian and bicycle safety
project. The grant has been officially awarded in the amount of$22,969.15 and
CPD now seeks approval to accept it.
CPD has conducted grant-funded comprehensive enforcement/education
projects since March 2014 aimed at changing the behavior of all who use
Clearwater's roadways - pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Due to the
success of the previous projects, IPTM would like to see Clearwater continue to
build upon what it has already accomplished.
CPD will again carefully select a pool of patrol officers/sergeants for this project
who have demonstrated a sincere interest and affinity for traffic, bicycle, and
pedestrian enforcement. Enforcement will focus on areas with a high volume of
pedestrian traffic and/or crashes as compared to other parts of the city.
The project period for Tier 1 will commence upon execution of the contract and
will end on or before May 8, 2026. Tier 2 locations commence February 1, 2026
and end May 8, 2026.
As with the previous grants, selected officers will receive specific training as
required on traffic enforcement and educational opportunities with the public
prior to implementation of the project. CPD will also work closely with the
University during the project period to ensure accurate data collection and to
advise of any problems or successes that are accomplished.
CPD will continue to get the word out about the project through a variety of
means. CPD's Public Safety Information Officer will distribute a minimum of
two releases, as outlined in the agreement.
There will be no direct adverse impact to the Police Department annual
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operating budget nor is there a required match.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Special project number G2510 - Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Grant 2026, will be
established to account for the grant expenditures.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: This project is relevant towards accomplishing the
strategic goal of a High Performing Government, specifically strategic objective
1.4 to foster safe and healthy communities in Clearwater through first-class
public safety and emergency response services.
One individual spoke in opposition.
Comments were made that the items help address pedestrian safety
and a step toward achieving zero traffic deaths.
Councilmember Cotton moved to approve acceptance of
University of North Florida Training and Services Institute, Inc.,
d/b/a Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), High
Visibility Education (HVE) and Support Program for Pedestrian
and Bicycle Safety Grant Award in the amount of$22,969.15 for
police overtime, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
6.4 Approve an agreement with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Largo, Florida, in the
amount not to exceed $520,996.00 for forensic crime scene processing, latent prints,
property and evidence storage, and Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center security
services, during the one-year period commencing on October 1, 2025 through
September 30, 2026, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.(consent)
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) and the Clearwater Police
Department (CPD) began an annual contractual agreement for ancillary
services in 1994 that have included forensic crime scene processing, latent
fingerprint examination, property and evidence storage, and shared security
costs for the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center. The total cost for the
proposed agreement for Fiscal Year 2026 is $520,996.00, which reflects a 1.4%
decrease. Any funds remaining from unused services will be refunded to the
city.
The agreement is based on the following projections and associated costs:
-Forensic Crime Scene Processing - 800 cases at$327.52 each
($262,016.00).
-Fingerprint Services - 450 cases at $120.40 each ($54,180.00).
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-Property and Evidence Storage - 11,000 items at $16.90 each ($185,900.00).
-Juvenile Assessment Center -225 juveniles booked at $84.00 each
($18,900.00).
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this contractual agreement, in the amount of$520,996.00, is
included in the Police Department's fiscal year 2026 operating budget request
for cost code, 0101155-530300, contractual services. The operations of the
Police Department are funded by General Fund revenues.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This project is relevant towards accomplishing the strategic goal of a High
Preforming Government, specifically strategic objective 1.4 to foster safe and
healthy communities in Clearwater through first-class public safety and
emergency response services.
One individual spoke in opposition.
Vice Mayor Teixeira moved to approve an agreement with the
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Largo, Florida, in the amount not
to exceed $520,996.00 for forensic crime scene processing, latent
prints, property and evidence storage, and Pinellas Juvenile
Assessment Center security services, during the one-year period
commencing on October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026,
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
7. Administrative Public Hearings
7.1 Appoint 10 members to the 2025 Affordable Housing Advisory Committee to include the
appointment of a locally elected official and adopt Resolution 25-11.
Florida Statute Section 420.9076 states that counties and cities receiving State
Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program funds are required to establish
annually an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) and prepare a Local
Housing Incentive Strategy (LHIS). The statute further provides that the committee
be made up of eight to eleven members appointed by the City Council. The
committee must consist of one locally elected official and one representative from
at least six specific categories. The required categories and recommended
individuals are listed below:
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• Banking industry/mortgage: Robyn Fiel
• Area of labor engaged in home building: Frank Cornier
• Advocate for low-income person: Christine Bond
• Not-for-profit provider of affordable housing: Charessa Doty
• Representative of employers: Kelly A Batsford
• Clearwater resident: Linda Byers
• Member of the local planning agency: Michelle Chenault
• Essential Services representative: Cheri DeBlaere
• Locally elected official: Mike Mannino
• Area of residential home build with a connection to affordable
housing: Rick Vail
The duties of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee shall include reviewing
policies and procedures, ordinances, land development regulations and the City's
adopted comprehensive plan and shall recommend specific actions or initiatives to
encourage or facilitate affordable housing while protecting the ability of the
property to appreciate in value.
The LHIS must be submitted to City Council by December 31, 2025, and will
encompass the definition, vision, strategic focus areas, and action plan (including
potential amendments to procedures and existing regulations) in order to facilitate
the development of affordable housing in the City.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Objective 2.4 - Supports equitable housing programs that promote household
stability and reduces the incidence of homelessness within Clearwater.
Resolution 25-11 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to appoint ten members to the
2025 Affordable Housing Advisory Committee to include the
appointment of a locally elected official and adopt Resolution
25-11. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote
was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Teixeira, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Cotton and Councilmember Mannino
7.2 Approve the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program Annual Report and
Local Housing Incentive Certification for the closeout year 2022-2023 and interim year
2023-2024 and allow appropriate officials to execute same.
The Florida Legislature enacted the William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act
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(Act) in 1992. The Act created a dedicated revenue source for state and local
housing trust funds including the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
Program.
Through the SHIP Program, the Economic Development and Housing
Department has provided funding for the following housing activities: Purchase
assistance in the form of down payment and closing costs assistance of
existing structures; the construction of new dwellings; the rehabilitation of
owner-occupied single-family dwellings; and the rehabilitation of rental
properties.
All local governments receiving SHIP funds must submit their annual report to
the Florida Housing Finance Corporation by September 15 of each year. The
annual report provides details of expended and encumbered funds. The report
also provides information on the strategies funded, the number of households
served, and demographic data such as income level, age, household size,
race, and information on special needs populations which includes individuals
experiencing homelessness, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. The
report is submitted electronically to the State of Florida.
SHIP is a unique funding program. Qualifying local governments (Grantees) are
allocated formula-derived amounts annually from a dedicated funding source
derived from document stamps charged on real estate transactions. The State
encourages grantees to spend these funds in the form of loans, rather than
grants, so future revenue from repayment of loans (Program Income) can be
used in addition to annual allocations. Grantees are given three years to expend
an annual allocation and Program Income received during the same program
year. With each SHIP report, the closeout year must be fully expended.
For closeout year 2022-2023, the City received $1,127,930 from the state
annual distribution, $772,574 in program income and related interest, carryover
of a negative balance of$6,653.72 from previous year funds for FY 2021-2022
total revenue of$1,855,891. The city expended a total of$1,855,891 to assist
twenty-five (25) families utilizing its approved strategies. The city expended
$579,525 on purchase assistance, $302,549 on owner-occupied rehabilitation,
and $830,442 on construction of four new single-family homes.
SHIP funding has a positive impact on the City's economy, as evidenced by
activities in closeout year 2022-2023, where the City expended $1,855,891 SHIP
strategies in SHIP dollars to leverage approximately $1,974,559 in other funds.
Additionally, the city spent $151,421 on program administration. The City's
SHIP program will carry a positive balance of$7,959 into FY 2023-24 which will
be closed out this time next year.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
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Objective 2.4 - Supports equitable housing programs that promote household
stability and reduces the incidence of homelessness within Clearwater.
Councilmember Mannino moved to approve the State Housing
Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program Annual Report and Local
Housing Incentive Certification for the closeout year 2022-2023
and interim year 2023-2024 and allow appropriate officials to
execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
7.3 Continue to September 18, 2025: Adopt ordinance 9840-25 on second reading,
amending Clearwater Code of Ordinances Chapter 22, Article II, Sections 22.24(1) and
22.42(6) by authorizing the limited use of certain vehicles on public beaches by permit
pursuant to amendments to F.S. 161.58.
No action taken.
7.4 Update council rules and adopt Resolution 25-12.
During the August 4 work session, the City Council discussed the City's policies
and practices regarding proclamations. The Council reached consensus to
reserve time during each work session for Councilmembers to make
comments of their choosing. These comments may relate to upcoming
proclamations, or they may relate to other topics. The City Attorney has drafted
the attached update for Council's consideration.
Please note that the rules as drafted do not explicitly require proclamation(s) to
be attached to the work session agenda. However, this can be done
administratively by staff. This practice can also be codified in the formal rules if
needed."
Resolution 25-12 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Allbritton move to update council rules and adopt
Resolution 25-12. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll
call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Teixeira, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Cotton and Councilmember Mannino
7.5 Approve the vacation of the westerly 5-foot utility easement as platted, requested by
landowners Sandra and Joseph Capper located at 1086 Eldorado Ave, Clearwater, FL
33767 as further defined a portion of Lot 10, Block 70, along with a portion of the south 1/2
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of Lot 11, Block 70, Mandalay, a subdivision according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat
Book 14, Page 32, Pubic Records of Pinellas County, Florida, and pass Ordinance
9821-25 on first reading.
The platted utility easement encumbers the parcel without purpose.
There are no public or private utilities within this easement.
Staff have reviewed and approved this request.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Embrace a culture of innovation that drives continuous improvement and
successfully serves all our customers.
Ordinance 9821-25 was presented and read by title only.
Vice Mayor Teixeira moved to approve the vacation of the
westerly 5-foot utility easement as platted, requested by
landowners Sandra and Joseph Capper located at 1086 Eldorado
Ave, Clearwater, FL 33767 as further defined a portion of Lot 10,
Block 70, along with a portion of the south % of Lot 11, Block 70,
Mandalay, a subdivision according to the plat thereof recorded in
Plat Book 14, Page 32, Pubic Records of Pinellas County, Florida,
and pass Ordinance 9821-25 on first reading. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Teixeira, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Cotton and Councilmember Mannino
7.6 Approve the annexation of 2201 Main Street, Dunedin, Florida, and pass Ordinance
9834-25 on first reading. (ANX2025-05006).
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.70-acre property consisting of
one parcel of land occupied by a vacant lot. The property is located southeast
corner of Main Street and Belcher Road. The applicant is requesting annexation
in order to receive sanitary sewer and solid waste service from the city. The
property is contiguous to existing city boundaries along the east and south.
The parcel is part of a larger site, comprised of two lots, and the subject
property is located outside of the city's Planning Area, as depicted on Map 1.1 in
Clearwater 2045, the city's Comprehensive Plan. The overall site is currently
being redeveloped with a medical center (freestanding emergency room), and
the primary structure has been permitted by the city of Clearwater. The subject
property will provide surface parking for the new building, and certain utilities are
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located on the property. The parcel was previously located within the city of
Dunedin city limits; however, Dunedin City Commission voted to contract its
boundaries to remove this property, and the parcel is temporarily part of
unincorporated Pinellas County. This process will allow the city of Clearwater to
annex the property, and for the city to provide all utility services to the site.
The applicant has also submitted applications to amend the property's Future
Land Use Map designation of undesignated (Pinellas County) to Institutional (1)
(LUP2025-05001) and to rezone the property from undesignated (Pinellas
County) to Institutional (1) (REZ2025-05001) upon annexation into the City of
Clearwater.
The Planning and Development Department determined that the proposed
annexation is consistent with the provisions of Community Development Code
Section 4-604.E as follows:
• The city has adequate capacity to serve this property with sanitary
sewer, solid waste, police, fire and EMS service. The property currently
receives water service from the city of Clearwater. The closest sanitary
sewer line is located in the adjacent Main Street right-of-way. The
applicant has paid the city's sewer impact and assessment fees and
has been connected to the City's sewer system. Collection of solid
waste will be provided by the city of Clearwater. The property is located
within Police District III and service will be administered through the
district headquarters located at 2851 McMullen Booth Road. Fire and
emergency medical services will be provided to this property by Station
#49 located at 565 Sky Harbor Drive. Therefore, the proposed
annexation will not have an adverse effect on public services and their
levels of service; and
• The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following
objective of Clearwater 2045:
Objective PI 9.1 Continue to work with Pinellas County in the
orderly annexation of the city's existing enclaves.
• The property proposed for annexation is contiguous to existing City
boundaries along the east and south; therefore, the annexation is
consistent with Florida Statutes Chapter 171.044.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This annexation petition supports the Deliver Effective and Efficient Services by
Optimizing City Assets and Resources goal of the city's Strategic Plan by
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reducing enclaves and delivering city services to properties within the city's
service boundary. This petition also supports Ensure Exceptional Communities
and Neighborhoods Where Everyone Can Thrive goal by better unifying
neighborhoods and reducing issues with multiple jurisdictions.
One individual spoke in support and thanked staff for their assistance
and creativity that made this project possible.
Ordinance 9834-25 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to approve the annexation of
2201 Main Street, Dunedin, Florida, and pass Ordinance 9834-25
on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll
call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Teixeira, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Cotton and Councilmember Mannino
7.7 Approve a Future Land Use Map amendment from undesignated (Pinellas County) to the
Institutional (1) category for 2201 Main Street, Dunedin, Florida, and pass Ordinance
9835-25 on first reading. (LUP2025-05001)
This Future Land Use Map amendment involves one parcel of land totaling
0.70-acres located on the southeast corner of Main Street and Belcher Road.
The applicant, Largo Medical Center Inc., is requesting to amend the future land
use category of the property from undesignated (Pinellas County) to Institutional
(1). The applicant has indicated that the property will be used as additional
parking for the medical center which has been permitted and is under
construction on the abutting parcel to the east. A Zoning Atlas Amendment
application (see REZ2025-05001) is being processed concurrently with this
case.
At the time of permitting, the subject property was located in the city of Dunedin.
However, Dunedin contracted its city limits (6/5/2025) and the property is
currently undesignated in Pinellas County. This coordinated process of
annexation into the city of Clearwater (ANX2025-05006) and associated map
amendments will create uniformity for the development site. It has been
determined that the City of Clearwater is able to provide services to the site.
The previous Retail & Services (R&S) category (Dunedin) has a maximum
density of 42 dwelling units per acre and a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of
0.55. The proposed Institutional (1) category has a maximum density of 12.5
dwelling units per acre and a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.65. The
proposed amendment would allow the property to have a consistent future land
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use category of Institutional (1) with the surrounding area in addition to the rest of
the site.
The Planning and Development Department has determined that the proposed
future land use amendment is consistent with the provisions of the Clearwater
Community Development Code as specified below:
• The proposed amendment is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan
and the Countywide Plan Rules.
• The proposed amendment is compatible with the surrounding properties
and character of the neighborhood.
• Sufficient public facilities are available to serve the property.
• The proposed amendment will not have an adverse impact on the
natural environment.
• The proposed amendment will not have an adverse impact on the use of
property in the immediate area.
The proposed City of Clearwater future land use category of Institutional (1) will
necessitate an amendment of the Countywide Plan Map from the Retail & Sales
(R&S) category to the Institutional (1) category.
In accordance with the Countywide Plan Rules, the land use plan amendment is
subject to the approval of Forward Pinellas, in its role as the Pinellas Planning
Council, and the Board of County Commissioners acting as the Countywide
Planning Authority. The application is a small-scale amendment so review and
approval by the Florida Department of Commerce (DOC), formerly known as
the Florida DEO, is not required.
The Community Development Board, in its capacity as the Local Planning
Agency (LPA), reviewed the proposed amendment at its meeting on July 15,
2025, and unanimously recommended approval.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This proposed amendment supports the Community Well-Being goal of the
city's Strategic Plan by providing for targeted revitalization through responsible
development standards.
Ordinance 9835-25 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Mannino moved to approve a Future Land Use
Map amendment from undesignated (Pinellas County) to the
Institutional (1) category for 2201 Main Street, Dunedin, Florida,
and pass Ordinance 9835-25 on first reading. The motion was
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duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Teixeira, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Cotton and Councilmember Mannino
8. Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings
1. Staff states its recommendation and briefly summarizes its reasons for the
recommendation and submits record (minutes, staff report, and application)
adduced before the Community Development Board (2 minutes).
2. Applicant presents case, including its testimony and exhibits (15 minutes).
3. Staff presents further evidence (10 minutes).
4. Public comment.
5. City Council discussion.
6. Applicant may call witnesses in rebuttal (5 minutes).
7. Conclusion by applicant (3 minutes).
8. Decision.
8.1 Approve a Zoning Atlas Amendment from undesignated (Pinellas County) to the
Institutional (1) District for 2201 Main Street, Dunedin, Florida and pass Ordinance
9836-25 on first reading. (REZ2025-05001).
This Zoning Atlas Amendment involves one parcel of land totaling .70-acres
located on the southeast corner of Main Street and Belcher Road. The
applicant, Largo Medical Center Inc., is requesting to amend the zoning
designation of the property from undesignated (Pinellas County) to Institutional
(1) District. The applicant has indicated that the property will be used as
additional parking for the medical center, site plans have been submitted at this
time. A Future Land Use Atlas Amendment application (see LUP2025-05001) is
being processed concurrently with this case.
In previous years, this parcel was occupied by an auto and truck dealership.
The Largo Medical Center will install a parking area for the new medical
emergency facility at the corner of Main Street and Belcher Road. This parcel
has already been contracted out of the City of Dunedin planning area,
temporarily returning to unincorporated Pinellas County, and now is proposed to
be annexed into the City of Clearwater to create uniformity between jurisdiction,
future land use and zoning. It has been determined that the City of Clearwater is
able to provide services to the site
The proposed amendment would allow the property to have a consistent zoning
district of Institutional (1) with the remaining block and surrounding area and
allow for the development of the property with uses consistent in the area.
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City Council Meeting Minutes August 21, 2025
The Planning and Development Department has determined that the proposed
Zoning Atlas Amendment is consistent with the provisions of the Community
Development Code as specified below:
• The proposed amendment is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan
and the Community Development Code.
• The proposed amendment is compatible with the surrounding properties
and character of the neighborhood.
• The available uses in the Institutional (1) District are compatible with the
surrounding area.
• The proposed amendment will not adversely impact or unreasonably
affect the use of other property in the area.
• The proposed amendment will not adversely burden public facilities,
including traffic carrying capabilities of streets in an unreasonably or
disproportionate manner, and
• The proposed Institutional (1) District boundaries are appropriately drawn
in regard to location and classification of street, ownership lines, existing
improvements and the natural environment.
The Community Development Board, in its capacity as the Local Planning
Agency (LPA), reviewed the proposed amendment at its meeting on July 15,
2025, and unanimously recommended approval.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This proposed amendment supports the Community Well-Being goal of the
city's Strategic Plan by providing for targeted revitalization through responsible
development standards.
Ordinance 9836-25 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Cotton moved to approve a Zoning Atlas
Amendment from undesignated (Pinellas County) to the
Institutional (1) District for 2201 Main Street, Dunedin, Florida and
pass Ordinance 9836-25 on first reading. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Teixeira, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Cotton and Councilmember Mannino
9. City Manager Reports
The Deputy City Clerk reminded all that a special council meeting for the
budget will be September 3, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. for City Council and 5:15
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City Council
Meeting Minutes August 21, 2025
p.m. for the Downtown Development Board. Due to the holiday, there is
no work session scheduled prior to the meetings.
10. City Attorney Reports — None.
11. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Councilmember Allbritton said he was excited to remind all that the
groundbreaking for the Clearwater Multi Modal Transit Center will be held
tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.
12. Closing Comments by Mayor
12. Closing Comments by Mayor
13. Adjourn
Attest
The Mayor said he recently received a proclamation request from the
Red Star Foundation, which honors families who have lost a
servicemember, veteran, or first responder to suicide. The organization is
headquartered in Clearwater. He said the Foundation has started a
designation program similar to the Purple Heart City designation and
have invited Clearwater to be the first Red Star City. The proclamation
presentation is scheduled for the next council meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Mayor
City of Clearwater
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City of Clearwater