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?
Sheriff and judicial candidates will talk about their qualifications for the elected positions they seek at the July 2 Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition meeting.
Gov. Rick Scott hosts an economic and tourist discussion and signs a bill that expands the use of the tourist development tax to include aquariums at 1 p.m. Friday at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Sheriff and judicial candidates will talk about their qualifications for the elected positions they seek at the July 2 Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition meeting.
Pinellas County sheriff's deputies plan to conduct a sobriety checkpoint at Clearwater High School Friday night.
Pinellas County sheriff's deputies plan to conduct a sobriety checkpoint at Clearwater High School Friday night.
Lifeguards rescued three swimmers who got caught in a rip current while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico off Clearwater Beach on Thursday morning.
A suspect who shot at two men in a car, giving the passenger life-threatening injuries Tuesday afternoon in South Greenwood, was arrested and charged with attempted murder Wednesday.
Sheriff and judicial candidates will talk about their qualifications for the elected positions they seek at the July 2 Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition meeting.
Get back to normal after Debby dissolves, the Threshers start a six game homestand, nominate a favorite business for our Reader's Choice and more is going on in Clearwater Thursday (June 28).
Clearwater Police are looking for a suspect who shot at two men in a car, giving the passenger life-threatening injuries, Tuesday afternoon in South Greenwood.
Fight Tropical Storm Debby through energetic food, find cheap gas, and more is going on in Clearwater Wednesday (June 27).
Police are working to find Jerry Lee Phillips, 18, who fired at a car with two women and three children as part of an ongoing feud in the Highland Pines subdivision Monday afternoon.
Because of high water associated with Tropical Storm Debby, Courtney Campbell Park and Bayside Park are closed, according to Clearwater Police.
After the weekend deluge, Clearwater cleans up Monday and prepares for more rain and wind from Tropical Storm Debby.
Free sand is available 24 hours a day for residents who bring their own bags to the city's Public Works Complex, 1650 N. Arcturas Ave.
It's a rainy start to the week, find cheap gas, join our Local Voices, try to get a $2,000 dog park grant and more is going on in Clearwater Monday (June 25).
The Humane Society of Pinellas has many pet pals available for adoption including Rachel.
Remember Barber Temple Orange, another PNC bank is robbed, Rufus arrives at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and more recap some of the most popular stories on Clearwater Patch June 17-24.
The city is purchasing the sliver of property that houses the eclectic shop downtown as part of expansion and restoration plans for the Capitol Theatre.
President Barack Obama talks in Tampa, the city is hiring, celebrate the 1980s with the Threshers and more is going on in Clearwater Thursday (June 22).
