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 cadre of Crest Lake Park supporters asked city leaders to reopen the bathrooms at the park and were told plans for the public space’s future will be part of a March city council meeting.
The Humane Society of Pinellas has many pet pals available for adoption including Chelsea.
City leaders unanimously approved a more than $830,000 plan to bring improvements to a mile of sidewalks as well as drainage to parts of Mehlenbacher Road.
A portion of Marilyn Street between Hercules and Patricia avenues will be intermittently closed as crews work to install water pipes Monday, Feb. 25, through Friday, March 1.
The Phillies play an intrasquad game before the start of the Grapefruit League season at noon Friday at Bright House Field.
Check out the Phillies as they play an intrasquad game before the start of the Grapefruit League season at Bright House Field Friday.
More than 50,000 drivers take to the scenic Courtney Campbell Causeway daily. But what do you know about the road’s namesake?
The Clearwater Beach Association plans to voice its opposition to plans for a possible 150-foot tall Hampton Inn on south Clearwater Beach at the City Council meeting Thursday, Feb. 21.
A memorial for Jason Paul, who was found stabbed to death near Crest Lake Park in neighboring Clearwater, is planned for 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23.
City leaders approved buying hundreds of chairs and dozens of tables to furnish the newly constructed Highland Recreation Complex at their meeting Tuesday.
Osteopaths, optometrists and an acupuncturist are some of the new businesses opened in Largo recently.
A memorial for Jason Paul, a Dunedin High grad who was found stabbed to death near Crest Lake Park in Clearwater, is planned for 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23.
A memorial for Jason Paul, who was found stabbed to death near Crest Lake Park, is planned for 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Clearwater park.
The following people were arrested on felony charges from Feb. 12-18. The reports are based on records collected from the Largo Police Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Brave the cold to hear and see the blues? Share your photos from the 2013 Sea-Blues Festival at Coachman Park here.
Kwuashawn Wyche, 16, was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection to a Jan. 25 shooting at Engman Street and Holt Avenue in Clearwater that sent another man to the hospital with life threatening injuries.
The Humane Society of Pinellas has many pet pals available for adoption including Chelsee.
Take a moment to enjoy one of the reasons to live in Clearwater.
Clearwater Fire and Rescue workers were awarded top prizes in different divisions including firefighter and driver operator at the Firefighter CrossFit Challenge Feb. 9.
Looking for a home to buy? Here are some in Largo for sale for less than $145,000.
