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?
Update on US 19 business, a familiar name might come to a North Greenwood recreation center, The Venue looks to reopen with a new name and more recap some of the most popular stories on Clearwater Patch.
One student complained of headaches and ringing in her ears after the chemical mixture exploded in a hallway garbage can Friday afternoon.
A standing room only crowd gave its support to a proposal to change the name of the recreation center to honor the community leader.
Check out classic cars, professional disc golfers, find free stuff including trees and books and more is going on in Clearwater through Sunday (April 29).
The Humane Society of Pinellas has many pet pals available for adoption including Foxy.
Here are some homes selling for less than $129,000 in Clearwater.
NFL draft day parties, future of the library meetings, Blast Friday, a blast from the past at the ball park and more is going on in Clearwater Friday (April 27).
Complaints lead to search warrants which result in the arrest of two men for sale and possession of drugs in the Drew Terrace neighborhood.
Police are asking for help identifying a suspect who has committed three armed robberies since January.
Help chart the library's future, Operation Medicine Cabinet is coming, "The V" is looking to fill 75 jobs and more is going on in Clearwater Wednesday (April 25).
A couple of companies have started going through the city’s new certification and licensing process for slow-moving vehicles.
Owners are looking to fill 75 positions at “The V” as it will now be called, which reopens May 4.
The northbound curb lane of Mandalay Avenue north of the Clearwater Beach Roundabout will be closed Wednesday morning for a concrete pour at the soon-to-open Hooters.
The Clearwater High School lacrosse team clinched a playoff spot for the first time in its three year history.
A job fair at the ball park, a name change could be coming to the North Greenwood Recreation Center and more is going on in Clearwater Tuesday (April 24).
Pinellas County residents are asked to help set the strategic direction for the county through an online survey this week.
Deputies arrested and charged seven for driving under the influence and issued 19 total citations during countywide wolf pack patrols conducted Friday night and early Saturday morning.
Deputies arrested and charged seven for driving under the influence and issued 19 total citations in the countywide patrol.
Stop the Noise - Save the Frog plans a protest at Bright House Field Friday.
Clearwater homeowners are awarded honors for beautifying their property.
