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?
Pinellas County's Clerk of the Circuit Court holds its annual group wedding ceremony on Valentine's Day at the Florida Botanical Gardens. If you want to participate, you're encouraged to sign up now.
Congratulations to Kai Lani for this photo capturing our Facebook Cover Contest theme of "We Are Clearwater."
A Clearwater man was found slain near 116 S Glenwood Ave early Sunday morning, according to Clearwater Police.
Two cars cross Chestnut Street at Ft. Harrison Avenue making Clearwater Police's Red Light Camera Violator of the Week.
OK, so you had a busy week. We understand. Let us catch you up on all the highlights!
How did you ring in 2013? Did you see the Light Up Clearwater Beach fireworks display?
Clearwater Police SWAT were called to a home with an armed and possibly suicidal man with a history of mental issues in the Morningside subdivision Friday morning.
If you could make a New Year's resolution for Clearwater, what would it be?
The comet was discovered by two amateur astronomers in September. It is visible in the night sky through January.
Crews working to install a fiber optic network broke a sewer line in the process, closing the Countryside Library for a few hours Thursday.
A suspect who attacked and sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl headed to her school bus stop was identified through DNA and arrested Wednesday, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Here are some homes selling in Clearwater for less than $155,000.
The Tampa Bay Sentinels, which is a full contact football team comprised of law enforcement and other first responders, play the Tampa Bay Storm for charity.
The Tampa Bay Sentinels, which is a full contact football team comprised of law enforcement and other first responders, play the Tampa Bay Storm for charity.
After six months of renovations the Pinellas County Health Department's Clearwater center reopens Jan. 28.
When is the Quadrantids Meteor Shower? If you don't pay attention, you may miss this New Year's light show!
Is your New Year's resolution to de-stress already stressing you out? Here are some tips to help you unwind.
Looking for something to do over the last few days of winter break? Spend some time at Sand Key Park.
Clearwater Patch highlights interaction with our readers. Today, it's a reader comment about his New Year's experience at Hulk Hogan's beach bar in Tampa.
Take a moment to enjoy one of the reasons to live in Clearwater.
