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?
Owner Tony Starova is expanding his Cleveland Street pizza parlor with another location in downtown Dunedin. He is also planning a beer bar called the Capitol Beer House next to the Clearwater pizza shop.
Officer Karl Wassmer was justified in shooting Julius Larrance during a foot chase through the Palmetto Park Apartments July 25, according to the State Attorney's Office.
A telecommunications glitch delayed the precinct results by about an hour, a Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections official said Tuesday.
Rescue crews freed the 57-year old worker, who was buried up to his waist in a drainage ditch at Jeffords Street and South Highland Avenue.
City leaders vote on renaming 1st Avenue North to “Dimmitt Drive” as a way to let the dealership's customers know when to exit when a US 19 expansion project is complete.
Vote, find out about the possible future development of US 19, know where the road work is and more is going on in Clearwater, Tuesday Aug. 14.
The much anticipated project to expand and renovate the old movie house is expected to begin in November, officials with Ruth Eckerd Hall say.
City leaders meet for their work session, Red Robin opens, find cheap gas and more is going on in Clearwater Monday, Aug. 13.
Charismatic owner Nancy "Mama" Bowers and her homemade food have made Felice’s Pork Store and Deli a local institution.
So far, a record-setting 196 loggerhead turtle nest sites are documented this season with a few weeks to go, according to Clearwater Marine Aquarium officials.
So far, a record-setting 196 loggerhead turtle nest sites are documented this season with a few weeks to go, according to Clearwater Marine Aquarium officials.
So far, a record-setting 196 loggerhead turtle nest sites are documented this season with a few weeks to go, according to Clearwater Marine Aquarium officials.
Police Chief Anthony Holloway recognized several officers for their bravery and commitment to their community during an awards ceremony Aug. 9.
Where will you be watching the astronomical feat Saturday night and early Sunday morning in Clearwater?
Take a moment to enjoy one of the reasons to live in Clearwater.
Take a moment to enjoy one of the reasons to live in Clearwater.
The Humane Society of Pinellas has many pet pals available for adoption including Miss Daisy.
The tour of Clearwater's Dolphins went up, a Clearwater teen was accidentally shot, ziplines could come to Moccasin Lake Park and more recap some of the most popular stories this week on Clearwater Patch
Haven't seen Clearwater's Dolphins? Check them out today and meet the artists who created some of the 50 themed sculptures.
