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?
Leonard Johnson, a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who grew up playing for the Greenwood Panthers, was on hand for the groundbreaking of the Clearwater team’s field Tuesday.
Leonard Johnson, a member of the Buccaneers who grew up playing for the Greenwood Panthers, was on hand for the groundbreaking of the Clearwater team’s field Tuesday.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is looking to fill crossing guard positions at various schools across the county.
Fill up for cheap, city leaders talk about US 19, funding the Jolley Trolley and a contract with the Marina Cantina, the ribbon is cut on Tampa Bay Buccaneers Field and more is going on in Clearwater Tuesday.
Help remove trash and debris from along the Courtney Campbell Causeway as part of the Keep Pinellas Beautiful coastal cleanup Sept. 15.
Restaurateur Frank Chivas plans to spend an estimated $1.3 million in renovations to the Clearwater Marina to transform much of the space into the Marina Cantina Tequila Bar and Grille.
While the Tampa Bay Brewing Co. is supplying local libations to CNN employees and its guests at the CNN Grill, its Ybor City location is not seeing a surge in sales.
The North Greenwood ballfields will be named in honor of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Tuesday, Sept. 4.
The bar is doing well because of a partnership with the RNC to host private parties for Anheuser-Busch and Honeywell.
“The Americana Emporium” is selling political memorabilia in two locations surrounding the Republican National Convention.
A lack of crowds is slowing sales of the pin-able political memorabilia.
Take a moment to enjoy one of the reasons to live in Clearwater.
Clearwater Patch Local Editor Jared Leone shares his adventures reporting from the Republican National Convention.
The updated smart phone app might save you time and money on your next trip to Westfield Countryside Mall.
Rick Bishop, of Temple Terrace, came out to let the Republican Party know they are not welcome in Tampa.
