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?
Volunteers are needed to pull air potatoes, ambassadors are needed at Homeless Emergency Project, books need readers this summer and more is going on in Clearwater Thursday (June 14).
Here are some homes selling in Clearwater for less than $140,000.
An elderly man who called 911 for help after being hit by a car while walking his dog March 20 died recently. Police still are looking for the suspect driver.
The latest attraction at Winter's Dolphin Tale Adventure, Hurricane Experience, is a walk through exhibit featuring recreated Dolphin Tale movie sets and the Category 1 Hurricane Leroy.
Phinley faces Ike the Spike, of the State College Spikers, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, in the final four round of the best mascot in Minor League Baseball bracket contest. Voting for this round ends June 14.
Chase Utley, listed as the designated hitter, will bat third in the lineup against the Tampa Yankees on Tuesday night.
Sheriff candidate Scott Swope, a former deputy, is calling for a shift in priorities in the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
After being reported missing Monday morning, 86-year-old Lydia Jermann was found in a creek near the nursing home where she lived.
Know where the road work is, start the week off with the cheapest gas, learn about social media marketing for your business, vote for Phinley as the best mascot in Minor League Baseball and more is going on in Clearwater Monday (June 11).
The southbound center lane and median lane along McMullen Booth Road will be closed Tuesday as crews complete work on a concrete transition panel at the railway crossing.
The sale of the 88-unit apartment complex on Island Estates recently closed, dispersing residents and ending an era of community there.
The city seeks local talent to design Clearwater's Dolphins, a public art project featuring 20 sculptures to be on display during the Republican National Convention.
The Humane Society of Pinellas has many pet pals available for adoption including Sally.
Phinley faces Gnate the Gnat, of the Savannah Gnats, an affiliate of the New York Mets, in the latest round of voting for the Best Mascot in Minor League Baseball.
Clearwater Beach Hooters opens, Achieva might be going but iDatix is coming to the East Gateway, a domestic partner registry goes through and more recap some of the most popular stories on Clearwater Patch this week.
City leaders, who asked for the North Greenwood Recreation and Aquatics Complex to be renamed in January, decided not to approve any of the possible names at their meeting Thursday.
The sale of the 88-unit apartment complex on Island Estates recently closed, dispersing residents and ending an era of community there.
The latest Honor Flight will take 74 World War II veterans to tour memorials in Washington D.C.
A domestic partner registry that grants couples living together certain medical and educational decision making rights got final unanimous approval from city leaders Thursday.
Young students of the game can play with the pros at the Threshers Baseball Camp June 19-22.
