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Clearwater City Manager Jon Jennings has announced the appointment of four new city leaders.

CLEARWATER, FL — Clearwater City Manager Jon Jennings has announced the appointment of four new city leaders — Assistant City Manager Jennifer Poirrier, Clearwater Gas Director Theron Colbert, Human Resources Director Billie Kirkpatrick and Clearwater Redevelopment Agency Director Dr. Jaye Matthews.

Poirrier was appointed as the new assistant city manager, effective Oct. 1. Poirrier came to the city of Clearwater in August 2018 as human resources assistant director and was promoted to human resources director. Prior to her time in Clearwater, she worked as human resources director at the city of Treasure Island for more than nine years.

Poirrier completed her bachelor of applied science degree in business/human resources at the University of South Florida and her master of business administration in human resources at Florida Atlantic University. She is certified through the High-Performance Leadership Academy, is a certified professional in human resources, and is a member of the International City/County Management Association.

Colbert was appointed as the new Clearwater Gas System executive director and will begin employment Nov. 21. Colbert is a professional electrical engineer, licensed electrical contractor, and retired senior U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps officer with more than 30 years of experience in construction management and facilities maintenance and repair across the world.

He comes to Clearwater from the Jacksonville area and has experience serving as founder and CEO of TRC Energy Engineering LLC and as an electric systems engineer for Jacksonville Electric Authorities.

Colbert completed a master of science degree in electrical and computer engineering, a master of engineering degree in civil engineering construction management and a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering, all three from the University of Florida. He is a certified professional engineer (Florida and South Carolina), is a licensed electrical contractor by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, and is certified as a qualified commissioning process provider by the University of Wisconsin.

Kirkpatrick was appointed as the new human resources director, effective Nov. 5. Kirkpatrick is a long-time city of Clearwater employee who moved up through the organization. She came to the Human Resources Departmenti n May 2019, having served as human resources manager, then assistant director. She has worked in the city's information technology, parks and recreation, library and finance departments, serving in roles such as senior business system analyst, senior pension payroll analyst and administrative analyst.

Kirkpatrick completed her bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of South Florida. She is a certified project management professional and a certified professional in human resources.

Matthews was appointed as the new community redevelopment agency director and will begin employment Dec. 5. In her previous role, Matthews served as operations officer and management director for the city of Baltimore's Department of Housing and Community Development since 2019. Her previous experience includes serving as consultant and facilitator for XQ Institute in Oakland, California; as executive director of OpenStreetMap in Washington, D.C.; as executive director of Stepping Stones Shelter in Rockville, Maryland; and as a homelessness prevention rapid re-housing program administrator in Baltimore, Maryland.

Matthews earned her doctor of business administration in social impact management from Walden University in Minneapolis. She also completed her master of arts in contemporary communications with a focus on marketing and public relations from Notre Dame of Maryland University and a bachelor of science degree in biology/pre-med at Morgan State University, both in Baltimore, Maryland.

She holds an executive certificate in nonprofit management from Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy in Washington, D.C.

"I am excited to welcome these top-notch professionals to the city of Clearwater team," said Jennings. "I will be looking to these outstanding professionals to serve as leaders among the city's amazing team of strong and capable staff and to join our efforts to continue moving the city forward."

The city of Clearwater employs more than 1,880 employees in 20 departments. View the city's organizational chart here.

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A report indicates the region is expected to see an additional 2 to 8.5 feet of sea-level rise by the end of this century.

CLEARWATER, FL — The city of Clearwater has launched a citywide vulnerability assessment to better understand how climate factors, such as flooding and extreme heat, will impact the city in the near and distant future.

This assessment is funded by the state of Florida's Resilient Florida Grant Program at $197,848, with a required local match of $24,000.

According to the Tampa Bay Climate Science Advisory Panel's 2019 report, the Tampa Bay region has already experienced 7.8 inches of sea-level rise since 1946. Based upon its assessment of scientific data and literature, the report indicates the region is expected to see an additional 2 to 8.5 feet of sea-level rise by the end of this century.

Additionally, from a 2019 report by the Union of Concerned Scientists, Florida is expected to face a heat index of 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for a third of the year. Such an increase would create health hazards for Clearwater's low-income residents, socially vulnerable communities and outdoor workers.

These factors, in addition to several other climate hazards, have caused the Tampa Bay region to be listed as one of the most at-risk areas in the world.

Under the guidance of a multi-disciplinary technical advisory committee involving regional partners, the city will work with a consulting firm to create a "digital twin" of Clearwater to test vital community elements, including the natural, built and social environments, against several projected climate impacts, with the greatest priority being given to analyzing the impacts of flood and heat.

"Impacts will be felt disproportionately by people who lack access to shelter, who are unable to afford air conditioning, the elderly and people who work outdoors, among others," said Sheridan Gemuendt, the city of Clearwater's sustainability coordinator. "Using an innovative, scientific and data-driven resiliency tool, we hope to address climate impacts at the local level. We appreciate the dtate grant program for supporting our initial efforts in creating a resilient Clearwater."

The project will result in a resilience report that will include project findings and serve as the basis to guide capital project investments, assist with the planning of a future Climate Action Plan, and identify alternatives that support social justice and cost-benefit objectives of the city.

Pinellas County also received funding for a countywide vulnerability assessment. The city and county studies will share some data. However, Clearwater's study will be more specific to city infrastructure and neighborhoods.

The county's study focuses mostly on the effects of sea-level rise and flooding, while Clearwater's will include those risks in addition to other concerns, such as extreme heat and impacts to public health.

When complete, the results of the study will be presented to the public at sessions designed to both inform residents about these risks and receive feedback on the study's proposed mitigation solutions.

CLEARWATER, FL — Expect to see swarms of witches, dinosaurs and more than a few Spider-Men in downtown Clearwater and surrounding neighborhoods this weekend as Halloween festivities get underway.

Those are the top three costumes based on Google searches, according to Frightgeist, although other popular costume choices include Harley Quinn and characters from "Stranger Things."

Are ghosts bubbles? Find out this October at Clearwater Marine Aquarium's new Halloween event, Boos and Bubbles!

It will take place Friday and Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m.

This high-spirited event will be packed with playful poltergeists, giggling ghosts and silly specters, plus billions of bubbles.

Families will be able to celebrate Halloween by dancing at the “Bubble Party” hosted by DJ Boo!

Guest and ghosts will meet and mingle throughout this fall festival, creating photo opportunities that have never been seen in this realm of existence.

Event access and free boat rides are included with admission.

Click here.

DK Farms & Nursery, 1750 Lake Ave. SE, Largo, will host its final Fall Festival Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $14 with prices reduced to $10 from 2:45 to 5 p.m.

It includes pony rides, scenic hayrides, pumpkin launchers, a kid barrel train ride, a corn beach, an animal feed, yard games, refreshments, a rabbit touch area, crafts and food vendors, a palm maze, 18-hole mini golf, a pumpkin patch and bounce houses.

Click here.

Mash your way through a candy trail, play spooky games and participate in a costume contest at Countryside Recreation Center, 2642 Sabal Springs Drive, Clearwater, on Friday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m.

This is a free event.

Kids are invited to celebrate the Day of the Dead and Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. with an afternoon of crafts, activities, balloons and face painting with Tony the Balloon Guy at the East Community Library, 2465 Drew St.

This is a free event.

Hope Presbyterian Church in Clearwater will host a Trunk or Treat Oct. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. with candy, hot dogs, pulled pork, games and a bounce house.

Trick or treat around DK Farms, 1750 Lake Ave SE Largo, Sunday, Oct. 30, from noon to 3 p.m.

Each animal station will have someone to hand out candy for any child wearing a costume.

There will be a costume contest at 1 and 2 p.m., bounce houses and an animal feed included in the admission.

For tickets, click here.

CLEARWATER, FL — RSR Capital Advisors has announced its first development project in the new Clearwater Marina District — a 52-unit luxury condominium community that will be built with the high-end buyer in mind.

Construction documents are well underway for the project at 708 Osceola Ave., which is expected to include both designer-ready shells and move-in ready units, with pricing expected to start at $1.2 million. Residents will enjoy waterfront views of the Intracoastal Waterway, a pool/cabana area, a fitness and activity center, a golf simulator and other high-end amenities.

RSR Capital Advisors expects to break ground on the project in early 2023, with plans calling for presales to begin next fall and completion in the summer of 2024.

“We expect this project to be the next successful luxury condominium development in Clearwater,” said Rodney Riley, principal and CEO of RSR Capital Advisors. “With a terrific location on the Intracoastal Waterway, combined with all the amenities high-end condo owners expect, we believe this community will be a hit with buyers.”

RSR closed on the land purchase for this property this week. Kast Construction will be the general contractor, with BC Architects doing the design and Kimley-Horn handling the engineering. RSR will be partnering with a luxury real estate company in coming months to handle sales, while RSR works with Gensler and B2 Communications to create a brand and name for the community.

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While higher mortgage rates are impacting lower- and mid-priced properties in the west Florida real estate market, interest in luxury properties remains high, as evidenced by the recent sellout of the Serena by the Sea condominium community on Sunset Point Road, just north of the Clearwater Marina District.

“People are continuing to move to Florida and buying higher-end properties,” Riley said. “We also expect to get demand from people who are in older high-end homes in areas like Belleair and Clearwater Beach who would like to be in a brand-new, best-in-class condo on the water.”

Elsewhere in the Clearwater Marina District, RSR has reached an agreement with multiple sellers to purchase a total of 15 aggregated parcels ranging in size from 0.3 to 3.5 acres in a site area that includes 21 total acres. RSR expects to be closing on other parcels in coming months as the project continues to take shape.

RSR Capital Advisors, based in Clearwater, Florida, is headed by veteran real estate developer Rodney Riley, who has developed projects across the United States. Throughout his career, Riley has focused on the Sun Belt in such cities as Naples, Coral Springs, Orlando and Winter Park in Florida; Scottsdale and Mesa in Arizona; and Salt Lake City and Park City in Utah.

The company believes in creating vibrant, engaging spaces for people to live, work and play, while considering the needs of nearby neighborhoods, particularly those in underserved areas.

White sandy beaches, pristine sea waters, warm sun and a gentle breeze: what more could you ask for? If you’re looking for a beach getaway without leaving the east coast, look no further than Florida. With so many options available on where to go, it can be challenging to figure out which vacation spot in Florida is the best beach for you.

Even those who love luxury often prefer going to the beach to relax and soak in some sun. Some like to just frolic around in the sand and dip their feet in the warm water. After all, what’s not to love about beaches? Florida is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and with good reason! Whether you want a quiet spot to relax or a bustling beach with plenty of activities, there is something for everyone here.

These are probably why Florida welcomed about 122 million tourists in 2021, a growth of 54.1% from 2020. There are beaches all around Florida: in the panhandle or those protected in national parks; those in western Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, known for their stunning sunsets; and beaches along the Atlantic known for their surfable waves.

In fact, the beach is so popular, people are even turning to virtual “vacations” if they need to get away for an hour or two. One recent study even shows how simply experiencing the views of a beach virtually can reduce pain. British researchers say that hooking dental patients up with a virtual reality beach setting during their procedure not only lowered anxiety for them, but it even decreased levels of pain!

But no matter what type of beach you prefer, have fun. After all, it’s hard not to be happy when you’re on the beach in Florida. Looking for a relaxing vacation to one of the best beaches in Florida? StudyFinds is here to help. We visited 13 “expert” websites that review Florida beaches and came away with the four most recommended vacation spots across their reports.

1. Siesta Key Beach

There’s a reason why Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota was mentioned in most of the top “Best Beach” lists: it’s just that good! This beach features white sands that are 90% quartz and crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming or simply lounging on the sand.

Southern Living claims that “this tropical key is an easy place to keep the whole family entertained, thanks to tennis and volleyball courts, beachside concession stands, and year-round lifeguards. You may even be able to sneak in a siesta.”

Siesta Key is also a known shopping destination, with various unique shops and plenty of delicious food to try. No wonder people flock to this beach.

Travel + Leisure explains that “you don’t have to fly to the Caribbean to experience white-sand beaches. On Siesta Key — a short drive from downtown Sarasota — you’ll find yourself looking out over the glittering Gulf of Mexico with a cocktail in hand. Talk about relaxation. Spend the day walking the beach and looking for shells or rent a kayak and venture out into the blue, tranquil waters.”

2. South Beach, Miami

Three separate districts make up Miami Beach. South Beach is the most well-known of the three, home to sandy beaches, swinging palms, and the pastel-colored Art Deco structures that have come to symbolize this unforgettable location and make it so indisputably picturesque.

Conde Nast Traveler hints where to avoid the bustle, saying “the busiest—and most touristy—section runs parallel to Ocean Drive (between 5th and 15th Streets), so locals tend to hang around the quieter patches south of Fifth Street. South Pointe Beach is particularly popular in this area, thanks to minimal development (read: fewer shadows from high-rise hotels) and easy access to the walking trails and sunset views within adjacent South Pointe Park.”

Moreover, South Beach in Miami has been named one of the best beaches in Florida by many expert websites, not only for its gorgeous views and wide beaches but also for its vibrant culture and endless opportunities to have fun.

The New York Times writes that South Beach is the most talked about the beach in the country because, “the beach is wide, white, and bathed by warm aquamarine waves. Palm-fringed Lummus Park, with its volleyball nets and chickee huts for shade, separate the sand from the traffic of Ocean Drive. The beach also has some funkiest lifeguard stands you’ll ever see, pop stars shooting music videos and visitors from all over the world.”

3. Clearwater Beach

Perched on a barrier island, Clearwater Beach boasts beautiful turquoise waters, pristine sand and a lively downtown scene.

According to U.S. News, “though a trip to the town from the mainland takes just a few minutes, you’ll feel worlds away from the big-city atmosphere you’re leaving behind. This laid-back area is known for its beautiful coastline – U.S. News ranks Clearwater Beach as one of Florida’s best beaches – but you’ll also find several other attractions worth checking out.”

As one of the best travel spots in Florida, Clearwater Beach is renowned for being family-friendly and having some of the best beaches in the state.

There are plenty of activities to do, notes HGTV. “One of America’s finest white-sand beaches, Clearwater Beach spans a narrow, 3-mile stretch of the Pinellas Peninsula on the Gulf Coast. Clearwater’s proximity to Tampa offers visitors ample activities, including beach volleyball, parasailing, a dolphin-watching cruise, and a fun fishing excursion.”

4. Naples Beach

With Naples Pier as its focal point, Naples Beach is a stunning stretch of sugar-sand coastline. Naples Beach is known for its breathtaking views, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

According to Travel + Leisure, “Naples is known for its pearly white sand — a feature you’ll find plenty of at Lowdermilk Park. You can focus on nature — particularly, the beach’s rolling waves and sandy shores — or walk along Millionaires’ Row in the Old Naples area and pick out your dream house.”

No wonder Naples Beach is known as one of the best beaches in Florida. Locals and tourists flocking to this stunning stretch of coastline to enjoy its tranquil waters, gorgeous views, and vibrant culture.

US News writes, “overflowing with golf courses, gourmet restaurants and boutiques, Naples offers travelers an upscale Florida retreat. However, the luxury resorts and costly activities can make a Naples vacation quite expensive. But luckily, nearly all of the beaches are completely free to enjoy. At Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, vacationers can snorkel, spot wildlife, go shelling and more.”

Sources:

The beaches listed in this article are some of the best beaches in Florida. However, individual preferences may vary, and it is always important to research before visiting any beach.

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