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?
Vernon Yates, who runs Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation in Largo, brought "Ty," a nearly 18-year-old tiger, in for surgery to remove a hairball after it started having trouble eating about two weeks ago.
'Ty,' a tiger with a football-sized hair ball in its stomach, was taken into surgery Wednesday in Clearwater.
Use your library card to catch the latest issue of some of the most popular magazines.
The following report shows felony charges associated with residents in Largo booked at Pinellas County Jail between May 13-19.
Public utility employees from cities including Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, Safety Harbor and Tarpon Springs will compete in events using vacuum trucks and backhoes during Public Works Day May 22 in Clearwater.
Public utility employees from Safety Harbor and other cities, including Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin and Tarpon Springs, will compete in events using vacuum trucks and backhoes during Public Works Day May 22.
The “Chunky Sunday” community gatherings are a budding tradition in Clearwater's North Greenwood neighborhood Sunday evenings.
A military flag plaza, repairs and a new entry sign are part of renovations for Pier 60 Park were unanimously approved by city leaders Thursday.
Public utility employees from cities including Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, Safety Harbor and Tarpon Springs will compete in events using vacuum trucks and backhoes during Public Works Day May 22 in Clearwater.
Fabien Cousteau sat, swam and took photos of Winter the dolphin during a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Thursday.
Public utility employees from cities including Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, Safety Harbor and Tarpon Springs will compete in events using vacuum trucks and backhoes during Public Works Day May 22 in Clearwater.
Do you know the history of the "champion" sized camphor tree nearly hidden in plain sight by U.S. 19 and Gulf to Bay Boulevard, one of the Clearwater's busiest intersections?
Fabien Cousteau sat, swam and took photos of Winter the dolphin during a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Thursday.
Fabien Cousteau sat, swam and took photos of Winter the dolphin during a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Thursday.
Dunedin public works employees compete against crews from across Pinellas County in events using vacuum trucks and backhoes during Public Works Day games on May 22 in Clearwater.
Public utility employees from cities including Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, Safety Harbor and Tarpon Springs will compete in events using vacuum trucks and backhoes during Public Works Day May 22 in Clearwater.
The city is looking for 25 to 30 volunteers, ages 16 and up, to help with a large-scale planting project at Lake Chautauqua Equestrian Park June 1.
Largo Patch readers shared their thoughts on construction of three Walmart stores within Largo city limits.
A Walmart Supercenter, at Roosevelt Boulevard, is expected to be open at the end of 2013, according to city officials.
The mother and four puppies are doing well after surviving a Clearwater housefire Wednesday morning.
