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?
A photo shared recently on Serendipity Cafe's Facebook page shows how the possible splitting of the Sears to wedge in the natural food grocery store at Westfield Countryside Mall would work.
A car brakes hard to miss another vehicle turning during a red light at the Belcher Road and Gulf to Bay Boulevard intersection, making the latest Clearwater Police Red Light Camera Violator of the Week.
The 48-hour boil water notice comes after repairs to a water main break in the area was made Thursday, according to county officials.
Water is shut off to homes and businesses in the area near McMullen Booth and Northeast Coachman roads after a leaking water main worsened this afternoon, according to county officials. The water is expected to be turned on at 11 p.m.
It's a Pennsylvania showdown in the Sunshine State as the Phillies play the Pirates Thursday at Bright House Field.
For the first time in four decades, Wendell "Popcorn" Casper, the man on the red scooter with the heavy wooden cane, will not be on the sidelines for football games at Jack White Stadium at Clearwater High School.
Looking for a home to buy? Here are some selling in Clearwater for less than $145,000.
The Humane Society of Pinellas has many pet pals available for adoption including Sasha.
The Gibbs Quadski is capable of reaching 45 mph on land or sea. The high speed amphibian vehicle is available at Cycle Springs Powersports in Clearwater and sells for about $40,000.
Doug Montgomery, chairman of the Florida Aquarium, was cut short by the mayor while giving a presentation that criticized Clearwater Marine Aquarium visitor projections during a public hearing about the $160 million plan to redevelop the waterfront.
The latest water shortage restrictions in Clearwater mean limited lawn and landscape watering, restaurants can only serve water if requested, and groups that do not already have a car wash fundraiser planned should not plan one.
Roy Halladay starts against the Tigers at 1:05 p.m. Tuesday at Bright House Field.
The Gibbs Quadski is capable of reaching 45 mph on land or sea. The high speed amphibian vehicle is available at Cycle Springs and sells for about $40,000.
Looking for a home to buy? Here are some in Largo for sale for less than $155,000.
A Japanese/Italian restaurant, ecigarette and pet store recently opened in Largo.
The following report shows felony charges associated with residents in Largo booked at Pinellas County Jail between March 4-10, along with others arrested in Largo.
The more than $9-million facility is built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane and is expected to be complete in April 2014.
The Economic Development and Housing Department offers low interest and deferred payment loans of up to $25,000 to qualifying homeowners.
Looking for something for your student to do during Spring Break? Check out these camps available at city recreation centers.
In light of a recent report on red light cameras including its impact on car crashes, some Clearwater Patch readers shared their thoughts about the program's safety.
