Clearwater council adopts package of ordinances, budget changes and transportation plan; FDOT study funding approved

The Clearwater City Council on April 23 approved a series of ordinances, a capital budget increase and a transportation resolution that city officials said position Clearwater for future projects and funding opportunities.

Council adopted Ordinance 9901-26 amending the operating budget for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2026, and Ordinance 9902-26, a second-reading change increasing the capital improvement budget by $26,120,786. Both measures passed by unanimous voice vote.

The council also approved a series of land-use ordinances on first reading, including Ordinance 9884-26 (annexation of property at 1903 Douglas Avenue), Ordinance 9885-26 (future land use designation to commercial general) and Ordinance 9886-26 (zoning to commercial). Another measure, Ordinance 9888-26, vacated certain city rights-of-way and easements in the Bayview subdivisions; that ordinance passed on first reading.

On transportation, the council adopted Resolution 26-04, approving the 'Connecting Clearwater' active transportation plan. Rick Hartman, transportation planner, said the plan updates the city’s 2006 bicycle-pedestrian plan, ranks more than 100 crossings and corridors and produces a top-10 project list meant to create a low-stress network for walking, rolling and biking. Councilmember Mejia emphasized the plan does not obligate the city to future spending; it is intended to improve grant and partnership opportunities.

Council also approved a locally funded agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation to provide $200,000 for preliminary engineering and planning of the State Road 60 corridor study (from east of Shore Drive to east of North Rocky Point Drive), with Pinellas County contributing $150,000 and FDOT District 7 coordination expected. Marcus Williamson, public works director, said adding the Belcher intersection to the study will help move the project toward actionable design stages.

Consent and other routine business advanced as well: the council approved a drainage-easement agreement with limited indemnification language referencing Florida’s sovereign immunity statute (staff cited Fla. Stat. 768.28) and continued a roadway-transfer agreement for Oak Avenue to a later date so surplus requirements can be resolved.

Most measures passed by unanimous voice votes; where the record shows only a voice tally the council noted the motions carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned after closing comments from council members.