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 another week of daily storms is anticipated, meteorologists at the National Weather Service are warning residents to take safeguards against lightning strikes.
As another week of daily storms is anticipated, meteorologists at the National Weather Service are warning residents to take safeguards against lightning strikes.
A driver switches lanes then blows through a red light barely missing another car trying to turn in Clearwater Police's latest Red Light Camera Violator of the Week video.
A restaurant, gift shop and nail salons opened recently in Largo.
The following report shows felony charges associated with residents in Largo booked at Pinellas County Jail between July 29-Aug. 4.
Clearwater Police are warning residents to use money orders and conduct transactions face-to-face after a couple recent Craigslist scams.
A Chihuahua stolen from Pet Safari in July was found. Find out where he is now.
Here's a look ahead at what's going on in Clearwater the week of Aug. 5.
Here's a look at the events and water-cooler topics Largo residents might be talking about the week of Aug. 5.
We compile the odd, unusual and the "oh my gosh" police items from throughout the Tampa Bay region.
Skate and bike demonstrations as well as giveaways are planned as part of the ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Aug. 17 at Bayhead ActionPark, 375 Seminole Blvd.
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County CEO Barbara Inman will lead Habitat's state organization.
Get ready for the Back to School season with tax free shopping this weekend.
Trying to figure out your Friday?
Using a nylon rope and a roof drain hole two inmates with help from a man on the outside smuggled drugs, cigarettes and other items into the Pinellas County Jail.
Using a nylon rope and a roof drain hole, two inmates, with help from a man on the outside, smuggled drugs, cigarettes and other items into the Pinellas County Jail.
Two Largo men are in jail after severely beating a teenager who they thought threw something at their car, according to Largo Police.
Shontia Niree James slammed a 15-week old kitten into a wooden fence, instantly killing the feline, according to Largo Police.
A boil water notice is issued for some residents who live near East Shore Drive.
Clearwater could be in for more heavy afternoon storms this week similar to the July 30 formation that gave birth to a waterspout near Old Tampa Bay.
