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?
A car is rear ended and pushed through the Belcher Road and Gulf to Bay Boulevard intersection, making Clearwater Police's latest Red Light Camera Violator of the Week.
After hearing a report regarding the safety and effectiveness of the red light camera program, city leaders decided to continue it and expect to hear another report in six months.
As part of an updated red light camera ticket appeals process, the Municipal Code Enforcement Board of Clearwater is expected to weigh in, and their decision could cost the driver an additional $250.
A sports car speeds through the Chestnut Street and Fort Harrison Avenue intersection becoming the latest Red Light Camera Violator of the Week.
The 30-day warning period for red-light cameras at busy Clearwater intersections officially ends at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, meaning violators will now be fined $158.
The six month red light camera program starts July 1 with a 30 day grace period for violators through the month. The cameras will be at Chestnut Street and Ft. Harrison Avenue and at Gulf to Bay Boulevard (State Road 60) and Belcher Road.
Here are the locations of the red light cameras running in Clearwater. Violations carry a $158 fine.
The Clearwater Beach restaurant plans an expansion bringing a gastropub to downtown Dunedin.
A Clearwater woman was charged with felony child neglect after three of her kids were found home alone by a neighbor.
See what stores are coming to the redeveloped retail center in Largo.
Clearwater Police are asking the public to help find the suspect involved in damaging traffic control devices set up as part of a project to replace four bridges on Island Estates.
Rosemary Longenecker will take over the day-to-day operations of the Jolley Trolley after the transit system’s board of directors voted to remove Bob Longenecker from the post recently.
Frenchy's Corporate will take over operations at Island Outpost, a restaurant near the Dunedin causeway.
The following report shows felony charges associated with residents in Largo booked at Pinellas County Jail between June 17-23.
Four commissioners banded together to form Keep Largo Beautiful, an informal group that cleans up trash in different parts of the city.
A poorly wrapped cardboard box found near Station Square Park on Cleveland Street contained a television antenna, not a bomb.
A driver slices through turning traffic at Belcher Road and Gulf to Bay Boulevard making the latest Red Light Camera Violator of the Week.
