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?
Conditions including nearly 30 mph winds and two foot waves have life guards at Clearwater Beach hoisting red flags indicating a high hazard Tuesday.
Volunteers are needed to help at the Fun 'n Sun Festival April 27-28 at Coachman Park.
Egg hunts for children and adults are planned for Clearwater Beach and Countryside Friday and Saturday.
Clearwater residents can get two trees free from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27 in celebration of Arbor Day at the Public Service Complex, 1650 N Arcturas Ave.
The Phillies play the Rays at 1:05 p.m. Tuesday at Bright House Field, 601 N Old Coachman Road.
Volunteers picked up 780 pounds of trash including plastic bottles, styrofoam, a trash bin and three folding chairs during a cleanup March 23 at Glen Oaks Park.
Red No Swim Flags and signs are posted along Clearwater Beach because of strong currents and dangerous surf conditions.
Looking for a home to buy? Here are some in Largo for sale for less than $99,000.
The following report shows felony charges associated with residents in Largo booked at Pinellas County Jail between March 18-24, along with others arrested in Largo.
The Phillies play the Red Sox at 1:05 p.m. Sunday at Bright House Field.
OK, so you had a busy week. We understand. Let us catch you up on all the highlights from Clearwater Patch!
A 500-pound, life-size steel dolphin unveiled Friday at Pier 60 Park on Clearwater Beach marks the start of the Dolphin Trail which is also expected to expand to state Welcome Centers soon.
A car weaves through cross traffic at the Chestnut Street and Fort Harrison Avenue intersection making Clearwater Police's latest red light camera violator of the week.
Residents can review the proposed Moccasin Lake Nature Park vision plan which outlines the mission, goals and objectives for the park from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 3.
Clearwater Patch readers shared their thoughts about plans to destroy the bathrooms at Crest Lake Park, including support for redeveloping the public space and the need for restrooms there.
Clearwater Patch readers Lynne Koval and John Dougherty shared this photo of an anhinga drying its feathers in the sun March 16 at Kapok Park.
Take a moment to enjoy one of the reasons to live in Clearwater.
Looking for a house to buy? Here are some in Clearwater for sale for less than $180,000.
The Humane Society of Pinellas has many pet pals available for adoption including Tiger Lilly.
