Clearwater council: term sheet with Phillies advanced toward contract stage; council highlights community events

Councilmembers used closing comments April 23 to highlight recent events and note a milestone in Clearwater’s long relationship with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Councilmember (speaker) reported that the council voted to move forward on a term sheet with the Phillies that, together with Pinellas County action, advances plans toward a long-term extension of the spring-training relationship. The mayor described the action as a milestone toward a contract that could extend Clearwater’s relationship with the Phillies toward a century-long tie; council emphasized the step is a term sheet, not a final contract.

Members also thanked staff for organizing marquee events such as the Country Thunder Festival and noted that the pedestrian bridge over State Road 60 is about 66% complete. Councilmembers said they will continue outreach and work to improve neighborhood engagement on large projects.

No final Phillies contract was approved at the meeting; council and county action on the term sheet was described as a milestone toward negotiating a contract.