• Jared LeonePatch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Clearwater, FL

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?

Posting Activity

Largo, FL|News|

Largo Jail Bookings: Sept. 2-8

The following report shows felony charges associated with residents in Largo booked at Pinellas County Jail between Sept. 2-8.

Largo Jail Bookings: Sept. 2-8
Clearwater|News|

Aquarium Ballot Sent to Absentee, Overseas Voters

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.

Aquarium Ballot Sent to Absentee, Overseas Voters
Clearwater|News|

Body Found Is Missing Swimmer

The body of swimmer James Poindexter, who went missing Labor Day, was found Wednesday afternoon about four miles off shore.

Body Found Is Missing Swimmer
Largo, FL|News|

Jump for Less at Skydive City

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.

Jump for Less at Skydive City
Clearwater|News|

Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Canceled

Organizers said they will now just focus on running the Women’s Running Half Marathon and the TriRock Clearwater Triathlon.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Canceled
Clearwater|News|

Body Found Could Be Missing Swimmer

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.

Body Found Could Be Missing Swimmer
Clearwater|News|

Passenger Dead After Gulf to Bay Accident

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.

Passenger Dead After Gulf to Bay Accident