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Bill’s Corner George N. Cretekos Mayor Doreen Caudell Councilmember Dr. Bob Cundiff Councilmember Hoyt Hamilton Councilmember Bill Jonson Councilmember William B. Horne, II City Manager Pam Akin City Attorney Jill Silverboard Deputy City Manager Micah Maxwell Assistant City Manager EDITORIAL STAFF Executive Editor Joelle Castelli Editor Heather Parsons Assistant Editors Jason Beisel Krystie Epperson Mike Lockwood José Patiño Rob Shaw Graphic Designer Laura Del Valle CONTRIBUTORS Library Jennifer Obermaier Parks & Recreation Shaun Beasley Sandy Clayton Brian Craig Kim Foster Christopher Hubbard Kris Koch Kerry Marsalek MyClearwater is published three times a year by the city of Clearwater. If you would like a free subscription, call 562-4708. All phone numbers are area code 727 unless otherwise indicated. ON THE COVER Fireworks light the sky at the opening ceremonies of the 2017 WBSC Junior Women’s Softball World Championship at Clearwater Beach. The event hosted teams representing 26 countries from around the world. Clearwater is known not only for its bright and beautiful waterfront but also for its steadfast support of the United States Coast Guard. In August 2017, Clearwater was re-designated a Coast Guard City. The city was designated a Coast Guard City in December 2011 and is one of only 21 cities in the nation and the only one in Florida to receive this prestigious designation. The designation, endorsed by Congress and the Coast Guard, recognizes the outstanding support the community provides to Coast Guard personnel and their families. Another program that has helped our community grow has been the Penny for Pinellas. From roads and bridges to neighborhood parks, the Penny for Pinellas supports investments that matter most to our residents. On Nov. 7, Pinellas County voters will decide whether or not to renew the one-percent sales tax. This is not a new tax. It has been in effect since 1990. Approximately one-third of Penny for Pinellas is paid for by visitors and tourists. The penny funds long-term capital infrastructure projects in Pinellas County and its 24 local communities, including Clearwater. Clearwater projects made possible by the sales tax include the Memorial Causeway Bridge, five fire stations, North Greenwood and Ross Norton Aquatic & Sports Complexes, Countryside and Main library branches, Pier 60, the Long Center and downtown streetscaping. A list of potential projects had been approved by City Council for the fourth issue of Penny for Pinellas, if the one-cent sales tax is approved by voters. They could include sewer utilities infrastructure; waterfront/ bluff improvements, including redevelopment of Coachman Park and surrounding areas; public safety vehicles and facilities, including the Countryside Police Substation; athletic training facility, youth sports field renovations, and McMullen Tennis Complex expansion; community parks, trails, and environmental improvements; downtown parking garage; Sand Key Bridge replacement fund, etc. If the Penny for Pinellas is approved for an additional decade, Clearwater is expected to receive approximately $141 million over the 10-year span. Learn more at myclearwater.com/penny. Sincerely, Bill Horne City Manager


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