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?
Clearwater officers are using a new handheld translator device to access more than 180 languages when encountering non-English speakers in the area.
City leaders unanimously approved extending rules allowing an owner to place a fabric or banner sign at their business.
A woman driving under the influence of alcohol also had drugs with her, according to Largo Police.
OK, so you had a busy week. We understand. Let us catch you up on all the highlights from Clearwater Patch!
OK, so you had a busy week. We understand. Let Largo Patch catch you up on all the highlights!
We compile the odd, unusual "oh my gosh" police items from throughout the Tampa Bay region.
Find homes for sale in Largo on this page every week, from our partners at Zillow.
Find homes for sale in Clearwater on this page every week, from our partners at Zillow.
Take a glimpse at Clearwater on the Fourth of July through the years in these historic photos.
Jeff Hartzog, director of Ruth Eckerd Hall, shares some of the history and future of the Wall of Honor found during reconstruction of the Capitol Theatre.
The Clearwater Chapter of the Florida Society of the Son of the American Revolution recently were honored as part of Independence Day.
That’s the word from the Florida Highway Patrol for the long holiday weekend.
That’s the word from the Florida Highway Patrol for the long holiday weekend.
Let freedom ring for this free appetizer.
Pinellas County Sheriff's patrol deputies and the marine and environmental lands unit are staying vigilant for impaired drivers and boaters and other illegal activity.
Pinellas County Sheriff's patrol deputies and the marine and environmental lands unit are staying vigilant for impaired drivers and boaters and other illegal activity.
