Patch User Profile for Jared Leone

Jared Leone, Patch Staff
Clearwater, FL

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?

Posting Activity

Clearwater|News|Sep 2012

29th Annual National Night Out Against Crime

Jared Leone, Patch Staff

Clearwater|News|Sep 2012

Susan G. Komen Fundraiser at Crabby's Bar and Grill

Jared Leone, Patch Staff

Susan G. Komen Fundraiser at Crabby's Bar and Grill

Clearwater|News|Sep 2012

Operation Medicine Cabinet

Jared Leone, Patch Staff

Clearwater|News|Oct 2012

Rain Does Not Deter Walk to School

More than 100 students, parents and staff braved the rain to walk to school to raise awareness about pedestrian safety.

Jared Leone, Patch Staff

Clearwater|News|Oct 2012

Case Closed on Grandma Found in Storage Locker

Human remains found in a storage locker in January are confirmed to be those of Ann Bunch, Clearwater Police said Wednesday.

Jared Leone, Patch Staff

Case Closed on Grandma Found in Storage Locker

Land O' Lakes, FL|News|Oct 2012

Recycle Your Phone Books

Looking for a place to unload those phone books?

Jared Leone, Patch Staff

Clearwater|News|Oct 2012

Congrats to Our Facebook Cover Contest Winner

Wayne Cathel with Belleair Images is the winner of Clearwater Patch's Facebook cover photo contest. His picture of the downtown skyline will be featured on our Facebook page for the month of October.

Jared Leone, Patch Staff