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?
As part of the General Election, Clearwater voters will also vote on two referendums including modifications to the city’s pension plan and changes that would allow the city council to exempt some new businesses from paying ad valorem taxes.
The updated smart phone app might save you time and money on your next trip to Westfield Countryside Mall.
Looking for a place to recycle your phone book?
A Clearwater Patch reader shares a letter sent to the Mitt Romney campaign regarding vandalism to stickers and yard signs in support of President Barack Obama.
Drew, a 135-pound loggerhead sea turtle, found floating in shallow water near Honeymoon Island this summer will be released Wednesday morning near the Palm Pavilion on Clearwater Beach.
Sea Dog Brewing Co. of Maine plans to open its first Florida brew pub in Clearwater.
Drew, a 135-pound sea turtle, will be released Wednesday morning near the Palm Pavilion on Clearwater Beach.
Plans are in place to close the Publix Supermarket at Sunset 19 Shopping Center on Dec. 29, according to officials with the grocery chain.
Even with a ticket fee, the four-day music festival entertained thousands at Coachman Park.
Visit the Humane Society of Pinellas in Clearwater to find out more about National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.
Catch Mindi Abair, Bonnie Raitt, the Avett Brothers and the host of other musicians who performed at the 33rd annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday? Share your photos from the four day music festival here.
Part of Sunset Point Road between Douglas Avenue and Edgewater Drive will be closed so utility crews can repair utility pipes Monday, Oct. 22.
Take a moment to enjoy one of the reasons to live in Clearwater.
The county has created a four-part video series called 'Fighting Back Against Prescription Drug Abuse.'
New commercial fishing mandates went into effect Oct. 16. Fishermen are encouraged to contact Coast Guard fishing vessel safety examiners to obtain a Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal to comply with the new requirement.
Clearwater city leaders are expected to approve the $2.5 million traffic calming and stormwater improvement project for the Hillcrest-Brookhill neighborhood at their meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 112 S. Osceola Ave.
The city is expected to spend nearly $400,000 for new carpet and furniture for the bottom floor of Bright House Field after class 3 blackwater damaged the floors, wall and furniture June 24.
A bald man wearing a polo-style shirt filled a shopping cart with 10, 12-packs of beer and walked out of the Publix on Highland Avenue without paying earlier in October, according to police.
For the third year Clearwater Fire and Rescue employees will don pink T-shirts in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.
Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik will present $50,000 to the Homeless Emergency Project as the first recipient of a Community Hero Award this year.
