Largo, FL|News|
Help USF’s Rocky Win the Capital One Mascot Challenge
Vote for Rocky and the University of South Florida could win a $20,000 scholarship for its mascot program.

Email: jared.leone@patch.com
Phone: (727) 252-8886
Hometown: Largo, Fla.
Birthday: June 3
Bio: Jared Leone is the editor of Clearwater Patch. A long-time Largo resident, he has lived in Clearwater since 2008. He worked for the St. Petersburg Times for nearly four years in Clearwater, Carrollwood and downtown Tampa. Before that, he worked as a freelance writer for the Associated Press, the St. Petersburg Times and Tampa Bay Newspapers. He is a graduate of the University of Florida where he wrote for the Independent Florida Alligator. When he is not a newshound he enjoys biking, skateboarding, kayaking and riding his motorcycle.
Politics
I believe in the candidate not the party. I believe the two party system has hurt the country. I think a valid three party, or more, system that incorporates indepedents and other voices helps bolster political discussion. With that in mind, I am registered non-partisan and have taken part in every election since 2000, when I first could vote.
Religion
Casual Jew. I try to keep kosher but only seem to make it to synagogue for the High Holy days.
Local Hot-Button Issues
How will Clearwater maintain the level of service its residents expect while cutting budgets? It is tough to maintain recreation and library and even law enforcement services with dwindling budgets. I look forward to see how Clearwater deals with the challenge while still giving residents what they want. Scientology has been a part of the landscape of Clearwater for more than 30 years. As the religion grows so will the group's membership in and around the city.
What will the future of downtown look like? With Coachman Park, the Main Library and Harborview Center all looking at major changes as well as facelifts on Cleveland Street and condos filling up, will this usher in a downtown renaissance?
Vote for Rocky and the University of South Florida could win a $20,000 scholarship for its mascot program.

The following report shows felony charges associated with residents in Largo booked at Pinellas County Jail between Sept. 2-8.
Mail ballots to absentee and overseas voters soon will be sent out regarding the Nov. 5 Special Election regarding the $160 million Clearwater Marine Aquarium plan for City Hall property.
Get a jump start on the week Clearwater.
Get a jump start on the week in Largo.
We compile the odd, unusual and the "oh my gosh" police items from throughout the Tampa Bay region.
People must bring a library card, library book or a new or used book donation to take advantage of the deal this Sunday, Sept. 8.
Starting to plan your weekend? Let Clearwater Patch help.
Trying to figure out what is going on in Largo and the Tampa Bay area this weekend? Let us help.
The body of swimmer James Poindexter, who went missing Labor Day, was found Wednesday afternoon about four miles off shore.
Police found more than $1,300 on Troy White Jr. who tried to spend three fake $50 on gas, cigarettes and beef jerky, according to investigators.
Those brave enough to jump out of a perfectly good plane can save a little money in the process courtesy of a sale on tandem skydives.
After two years, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in St. Petersburg has been canceled.
Organizers said they will now just focus on running the Women’s Running Half Marathon and the TriRock Clearwater Triathlon.
Officials are not sure if the body recovered Wednesday in the Gulf of Mexico is that of James Poindexter, who went missing while swimming on Labor Day.
Anyone who might have seen Christopher Weed driving in the Clearwater Beach area or after the accident are asked to call Clearwater Police 727-562-4242.
The passenger in a car involved in a three car crash on Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Hercules Avenue has died, according to Clearwater Police.