05/07/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2026
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
a
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, May 7, 2026
6:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
City Council
Page 1
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2026
Rollcall
Present: 5 - Mayor Bruce Rector, Vice Mayor Ryan Cotton, Councilmember
David Allbritton, Councilmember Lina Teixeira and Councilmember
Michael Mannino
Also Present: Jennifer Poirrier— City Manager, Daniel Slaughter—Assistant City
Manager, Alfred Battle —Assistant City Manager, Owen Kohler—
Interim City Attorney, Rosemarie Call — City Clerk, and Nicole
Sprague — Deputy City Clerk.
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 EMS Week 2026 Proclamation - Fire Chief Pittman and Division Chief Tedesco
4.2 Economic Development Week Proclamation -Audra Aja, Stephanie Scalos, and
Christopher Edwards - Economic Development & Housing Department
4.3 May 2026 Building Safety Month Proclamation - Lauren Matzke, Kevin Garriott,
Rebecca Mulder; Planning & Development Department
4.4 Older Americans Month 2026 Proclamation -Ann Marie Winter, Executive Director
Area Agency on Aging Pasco Pinellas
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the April 23, 2026 City Council meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to approve the minutes of the April
23, 2026 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.
6.1 Authorize a purchase order and agreement with Olameter DPG, LLC of Waukesha,
WI for natural gas main and service line locating services, in an annual not-to-exceed
amount of$670,000.00 upon execution through April 30, 2027, with three one-year
Page 2
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2026
renewal options pursuant to the Request For Proposal 28-26, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.2 Authorize a purchase order to Rick Croft Enterprises dba Texas Trailers Sales and
Services (Texas Trailers) of Gainesville, FL for the purchase of seven enclosed
trailers in the amount of$134,867.50 pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances
Section 2.563(1)(c), Piggyback; authorize a purchase order to Southern States
TOYOTA lift of Jacksonville, FL for the purchase of one Toyota Model 50-8FGU32
forklift in the amount of$54,406.00 pursuant to Code Section 2.563(1)(c), Piggyback,
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.3 Ratify and confirm a reimbursement payment to the Philadelphia Phillies in the
amount of$2,635,560.96 for costs associated with repairs to damage caused by
Hurricane Milton at BayCare Ballpark. (consent)
6.4 Authorize a purchase order to Lake Brothers LLC of Seminole FL, for the
maintenance of city-owned lakes, ponds, wetlands, and mitigation sites (Project No.
26-0015-EN), in the initial not-to-exceed amount of$218,684.00, with three, one-year
renewal options at the city's discretion in the annual not-to-exceed amount of
$174,524.00, pursuant to RFP 19-26 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. (consent)
6.5 Award a construction contract to Concrete Protection and Restoration, LLC, for the
Garden Avenue Garage Restoration project (25-0013-EN), in the amount of
$186,318.00 pursuant to Invitation to Bid 25-0013-EN and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
6.6 Accept Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Grant Agreement Amendment
No. 2 (Financial Project No. 453898-1-94-01) in the amount of$693,992 for the
Parking Lot Expansion and Rehabilitation Project at Clearwater Executive Airport and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.7 Accept Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Grant Agreement Amendment
No. 2 (Financial Project No. 450563-1-94-01) in the amount of$790,369 for the
Construction of Terminal Building at Clearwater Executive Airport and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.8 Accept Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Grant Agreement Amendment
No. 2 (Financial Project No. 446805-1-94-01) in the amount of$374,785 for the Remill
and Overlay Project at Clearwater Executive Airport and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
6.9 Appoint Jasmin Cruz to the Municipal Code Enforcement Board to fill an unexpired
term through October 1, 2026. (consent)
6.10Approve a legal services agreement with Dayes Law Firm for representation in Blair
Page 3
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2026
Houston vs. City of Clearwater et al. (Case No. 8:26-cv-00127) and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Councilmember Mannino moved to approve the Consent Agenda as
submitted 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 Approve the annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Urban
(RU) and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Medium Density Residential (MDR) District
for 2448 Nursery Road and pass Ordinances 9890-26, 9891-26, and 9892-26 on first
reading. (ANX2026-02002)
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.63-acre property consisting of
one parcel of land occupied by a detached dwelling. The property is located on
the north side of Nursery Road, approximately 126 feet east of Rosetree Court.
The applicant is requesting annexation in order to receive sanitary sewer and
solid waste service from the city. The property is located within an enclave and
is contiguous to existing city boundaries on all sides; therefore, the annexation
will eliminate an enclave. The property is proposed to be assigned a Future
Land Use Map designation of Residential Urban (RU) and a Zoning Atlas
designation of Medium Density Residential (MDR).
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 Nursery Road right-of-way. The
applicant will pay the city's sewer impact and assessment fees and is
aware of the additional cost to extend sewer services to the property.
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 North
McMullen Booth Road. Fire and emergency medical services will be
provided to this property by Station #47 located at 1460 Lakeview
Road. 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, the city's Comprehensive Plan:
Objective PI 9.1 Continue to work with Pinellas County in the
orderly annexation of the city's existing enclaves.
Page 4
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2026
• The proposed Residential Urban (RU) Future Land Use Map
designation is consistent with the current Countywide Plan designation
of the property. This designation primarily permits residential uses at a
density of 7.5 units per acre. The proposed zoning district to be
assigned to the property is the Medium Density Residential (MDR)
District. The use of the subject property is consistent with the uses
allowed in the District and the property exceeds the District's minimum
dimensional requirements. The proposed annexation is therefore
consistent with the Countywide Plan and the city's Comprehensive Plan
and Community Development Code; and
• The property proposed for annexation is contiguous to existing city
boundaries on all sides; 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
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.
Ordinances 9890-26, 9891-26, and 9892-26 were presented and read
by title only.
Vice Mayor Cotton moved to approve the annexation, initial Future
Land Use Map designation of Residential Urban (RU) and initial
Zoning Atlas designation of Medium Density Residential (MDR)
District for 2448 Nursery Road and pass Ordinances 9890-26,
9891-26, and 9892-26 on first reading. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Teixeira and Councilmember Mannino
7.2 Approve the annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Urban
(RU), and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR)
District for Unaddressed Sunset Point Road, and pass Ordinances 9893-26, 9894-26,
and 9895-26 on first reading. (ANX2026-02003)
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.14-acre property consisting of
one vacant parcel of land. The property is located on the north side of Sunset
Point Road, approximately 252 feet west of N. McMullen Booth Road. The
applicant is requesting annexation in order to receive services and combine
parcels. The property to the west (3062 Prestige Drive) receives water and
sewer services from the City of Clearwater and is under the same ownership.
The property is proposed to be assigned a Future Land Use Map designation
of Residential Urban (RU) and a Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium
Page 5
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2026
Density Residential (LMDR).
The Planning and Development Department has 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 services. 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 North McMullen Booth Road. Fire
and emergency medical services will be provided to this property by
Station #48, located at 1700 N. Belcher Road. Therefore, the proposed
annexation will not have an adverse effect on public services or their
levels of service; and
• The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following
objective of Clearwater 2045, the City's Comprehensive Plan:
Objective PI 9.1 Continue to work with Pinellas County in the
orderly annexation of the city's existing enclaves.
• The proposed Residential Urban (RU) Future Land Use Map
designation is consistent with the current Countywide Plan designation
of the property. This designation primarily permits residential uses at a
density of 7.5 units per acre. The proposed zoning district to be
assigned to the property is the Low Medium Density Residential
(LMDR) District. The use of the subject property is consistent with the
uses allowed in the District, and the property exceeds the District's
minimum dimensional requirements. The proposed annexation is
therefore consistent with the Countywide Plan, the City's
Comprehensive Plan, and the Community Development Code; and
• The property proposed for annexation is contiguous to existing city
boundaries to the north and west; 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
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.
Page 6
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2026
Ordinances 9893-26, 9894-26, and 9895-26 were presented and read
by title only.
Councilmember Teixeira moved to approve the annexation, initial
Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Urban (RU), and
initial Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density Residential
(LMDR) District for Unaddressed Sunset Point Road, and pass
Ordinances 9893-26, 9894-26, and 9895-26 on first reading. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Teixeira and Councilmember Mannino
7.3 Approve a Future Land Use Map Amendment from the Residential Urban (RU)
category to the Residential Medium (RM) category for 2446 Nursery Road and pass
Ordinance 9864-26 on first reading. (LUP2025-11004)
This Future Land Use Map Amendment case involves a property consisting of
one parcel totaling 0.40 acres, located on the north side of Nursery Road,
approximately 186 feet east of Rosetree Court, at 2446 Nursery Road. The
property is owned by Lantern Senior Care LLC. Lantern Senior Care is an
assisted living facility that focuses on memory care and Alzheimer's disease.
The request is to change the Future Land Use Map designation of this property
from Residential Urban (RU) to Residential Medium (RM).
The current 4,017-square-foot building is located along Nursery Road. The
structure has been operating as an assisted living facility for ten years. If the
proposed amendment is approved, the existing assisted living facility use will
continue to be allowed within the Residential Medium (RM) designation. The
property's current zoning designation of Medium Density Residential (MDR)
District is consistent with the current and proposed future land use
designations, and assisted living facilities are permitted as a Level II Flexible
Development use. The owner of the subject parcel has submitted an
application for an annexation (ANX2026-02002) for the abutting parcel to the
northwest. The parcel is under the same ownership. The applicant has
indicated plans to combine the two parcels and continue operating as an
assisted living facility.
The requested amendment to the Residential Medium (RM) category is
generally consistent with the surrounding parcels and would allow for future
development that is compatible with surrounding uses and appropriate for a
location along Nursery Road. An amendment to the Countywide Plan Map will
be required to ensure consistency between the City's Future Land Use Map
and the Countywide Plan Map. The applicant understands that all necessary
approvals and permits must be obtained prior to development of the subject
Page 7
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2026
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 the 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 Residential
Medium (RM) will require an amendment to the Countywide Plan Map from the
Residential Low Medium (RLM) category to the Residential Medium (RM)
category.
In accordance with the Countywide Plan Rules, the land use plan amendment
is subject to approval by 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; therefore,
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 March 17,
2026, 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 9864-26 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to approve a Future Land Use
Map Amendment from the Residential Urban (RU) category to the
Residential Medium (RM) category for 2446 Nursery Road and pass
Ordinance 9864-26 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded
and upon roll call, the vote was:
Page 8
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2026
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Teixeira and Councilmember Mannino
8. Second Readings - Public Hearing
8.1 Adopt Ordinance 9884-26 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose
post office address is 1903 Douglas Avenue, Clearwater Florida, 33755, together with
certain rights of way of Douglas Avenue and Sunset Point Road, into the corporate
limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition.
Ordinance 9884-26 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Mannino moved to adopt Ordinance 9884-26 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Teixeira and Councilmember Mannino
8.2 Adopt Ordinance 9885-26 on second reading, amending the future land use element
of the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain real
property whose post office address is 1903 Douglas Avenue, Clearwater Florida,
33755, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Commercial General (CG)
Ordinance 9885-26 was presented and read by title only.
Vice Mayor Cotton moved to adopt Ordinance 9885-26 on second
and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and carried by
the following vote:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Teixeira and Councilmember Mannino
8.3 Adopt Ordinance 9886-26 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city
by zoning certain real property whose post office address is 1903 Douglas Avenue,
Clearwater Florida, 33755, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as
Commercial (C).
Ordinance 9886-26 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Teixeira moved to adopt Ordinance 9886-26 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Teixeira and Councilmember Mannino
Page 9
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2026
8.4 Adopt Ordinance 9888-26 on second reading, vacating city right of way, alley,
drainage and utility easements as more particularly described and Recorded in the
Bay View city Subdivision Plat Book 9, Page 43 and the abutting Bayview Terrace
Subdivision as Recorded in Plat Book 12, Page 63 of the Public Records of Pinellas
County.
Ordinance 9888-26 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to adopt Ordinance 9888-26 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Teixeira and Councilmember Mannino
8.5 Adopt Ordinance 9906-26 on second reading, amending Clearwater Code of
Ordinances Section 28.04 relating to Trading and Selling on Streets and pass
Ordinance 9906-26 on second reading.
Ordinance 9906-26 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Mannino moved to adopt Ordinance 9906-26 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Teixeira and Councilmember Mannino
9. Citizens to be Heard on topics pertaining to city business but not on the
agenda.
Patrick Raftery said the Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition will be
holding a candidates forum on June 1, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00
p.m., at Trinity Church. He said additional information is available at
clearwaterneighborhoods.org. He supported the May 28, 2026 special
meeting to discuss projects being proposed by EVO Entertainment and
the Clearwater Alliance.
Jill Gibbs urged Council to support the will of the individuals who signed
the citizens initiative and encouraged Council to place the initiative on
the ballot like the City of Miami Beach.
Kelly Myer expressed concerns that the majority of Council have
declined to meet with representatives of the Save the Garden initiative
and that no one on the Council thought to contact the group to advise
that the predominant group in the city had submitted several vacation
Page 10
City of Clearwater
City Council
applications.
Meeting Minutes May 7, 2026
10. City Manager Reports — None.
11. City Attorney Reports — None.
12. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Councilmember Mannino reviewed recent events and thanked the
firefighters and nurses in our community. Wished all the mothers a
Happy Mother's Day.
Vice Mayor Cotton wished all the mothers in the community a Happy
Mother's Day and reviewed upcoming events.
13. Closing Comments by Mayor
14. Adjourn
Attest
Mayor Rector reviewed recent and upcoming events and wished all the
mothers a Happy Mother's Day.
The meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.
Mayor L
City of Clearwater
Page 11
City of Clearwater