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For months, My Clearwater Scoop has been asking one fundamental question: What is the highest and best use of 77 acres of publicly owned land, and how much say should Clearwater residents have in deciding its future?

We've questioned the proposed sports complex at The Landings Golf Course, the nearly 2,000 parking spaces, the number of soccer fields, the loss of natural green space, and the request for approximately $45 million in tourist development tax funding.

We've also asked who this project is really intended to serve: Clearwater residents or the regional sports-tourism market?

Now, just days before Clearwater City Council is expected to choose which proposal moves toward negotiations, additional concerns have emerged from the city's evaluation process.

And some of them deserve serious attention.

According to a presentation by the community group Keep Keene Green, the sports complex proposal from Porter Development includes a 99-year lease with two potential 25-year renewals.

That's a possible 149 years of control over publicly owned land.

The proposal also reportedly includes five years of rent abatement.

Think about that timeline for a moment. What will Clearwater look like in 50 years? In 100 years? What recreational needs will future generations have?

A commitment of that length raises an important question: How much flexibility should Clearwater preserve for future residents?

The proposed sports and entertainment complex has been promoted as an opportunity to bring new recreational facilities, visitors, and economic activity to Clearwater.

But the financial questions are substantial.

Keep Keene Green's presentation, citing the evaluation committee's discussion, raised concerns about the project's financial projections, financing arrangements, and overall risk.

The presentation referenced projected annual profits of approximately $20 million, with a significant portion reportedly coming from food and beverage operations.

It also highlighted a request for approximately $45 million in tourist development tax funding.

Questions worth asking include:

These questions matter regardless of whether someone supports the proposed complex.

One of the more striking points from the Keep Keene Green presentation concerns the evaluation committee itself.

According to the presentation, committee members expressed confusion or frustration with aspects of the scoring system and the constraints under which they were asked to evaluate the proposals.

The presentation also described concerns involving:

✈️ Airport proximity. Could restrictions associated with the nearby airport affect what can actually be built?

💧 Drainage and stormwater. An existing dry pond may need to be relocated. What would that cost, and could it require substantial changes to the project's design?

🚗 Traffic. The presentation cited a reported allowance of just $300,000 for traffic-related improvements, an amount one committee member reportedly considered inadequate.

🏗️ Development experience. Has the proposed development team, working together, successfully completed a project of comparable size and complexity?

📊 Financial feasibility. Are the revenue projections and financing assumptions sufficiently supported?

The committee's scoring process favored the Porter proposal, according to the presentation. But a higher evaluation score does not automatically resolve questions about feasibility, cost, or long-term impacts.

If these concerns surfaced during the evaluation, residents have every reason to ask how they would be addressed during negotiations.

Let's not lose sight of what we're talking about.

Seventy-seven acres of city-owned land.

The proposed complex could introduce extensive athletic facilities, artificial turf, entertainment uses, and large parking areas.

That brings us back to questions we've raised in previous editions of My Clearwater Scoop:

Does Clearwater need this many additional soccer fields? What recreational opportunities would be most useful to residents? How much natural green space would remain? What would the development mean for surrounding neighborhoods, traffic, and stormwater?

And should the city's long-term vision for this property be driven primarily by tourism projections, neighborhood needs, environmental considerations, or some combination of all three?

These are choices with consequences well beyond next Wednesday.

The city is considering proposals from Porter Development and Clearwater Golf Associates LLC, the current golf-course operator.

The golf operator's proposal would retain the property's golf-centered use, with facility improvements. Critics of that proposal, including comments described in the community presentation, have questioned whether those improvements are ambitious enough.

Meanwhile, Keep Keene Green is asking the city to pause the selection process rather than advance either proposal immediately.

The group's requests include:

Others may believe the city has enough information to proceed with negotiations. That is also a position residents can communicate to council.

The important point is that Wednesday's decision could establish the direction of future negotiations, even though it would not constitute final approval of construction.

The city has confirmed the following schedule:

Monday, October 12 | 1:30 p.m.
City Council work session. Both applicants are expected to present, and council will discuss the proposals. The meeting is open to the public, but public comments will not be taken.

Wednesday, October 14 | 6 p.m.
City Council meeting. Public comments will be accepted before the anticipated vote on whether to direct staff to negotiate with either applicant.

Location: Clearwater Main Library Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Ave., Clearwater

Council email: [email protected]

Mayor Bruce Rector: [email protected]

Councilmember Ryan Cotton: [email protected]

Councilmember Michael Mannino: [email protected]

Councilmember David Allbritton: [email protected]

Councilmember Lina Teixeira: [email protected]

City Manager Jennifer Poirrier: [email protected]

Council office: 727-562-4050

You don't need to write an essay. Tell council members where you stand and what matters most to you.

You might support the sports complex. You might favor keeping the golf course. You might want both proposals reconsidered, additional environmental information, or more public meetings.

Whatever your position, make sure the people making this decision hear it before Wednesday.

Because after the council chooses a direction, the conversation changes.

For months, we've asked who benefits from this project, what it could cost, and what Clearwater might give up in return.

Now we're asking something just as important:

Shouldn't Clearwater residents have a meaningful opportunity to help shape the future of 77 acres of their own public land?

The next council decision is approaching.

Don't wait until afterward to find your voice.

My Clearwater Scoop | By a Neighbor. For the Neighborhood.

City of Clearwater: Official announcement and meeting information

Our previous coverage: 77 Acres of Public Land. Who Is This Really Being Built For?

Our previous coverage: The Landings Isn't a Done Deal. Is Clearwater Asking the Right Questions?

Our previous coverage: The Future of 77 Acres of Public Land Could Change Next Week

If you remember Dr. BBQ from St. Petersburg, you might want to make room on your Clearwater Beach dining list.

Ray Lampe, better known as Dr. BBQ, is teaming up with the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach to introduce Squiki Tiki, a new restaurant and bar expected to open in November 2026.

This will not be your typical barbecue joint.

The concept combines smoky BBQ favorites, island-inspired cocktails, and laid-back beachside dining. Think barbecue meets tiki bar, with a little Clearwater Beach sunshine thrown in.

Lampe is a Food Network personality and Barbecue Hall of Famer who previously operated the Dr. BBQ restaurant in St. Petersburg's EDGE District from 2018 to 2022.

Now he's bringing his barbecue expertise across the bay.

An exact opening date hasn't been announced yet.

The Wyndham Grand is also planning renovations to its pool area beginning in early November, with the pool expected to remain closed through early January.

Clearwater Beach has plenty of places to grab seafood and cocktails, but a tiki-inspired barbecue restaurant from a nationally recognized pitmaster? That's an interesting addition to the mix.

And here's what we're curious about: Will Squiki Tiki become a favorite with Clearwater locals, or another spot primarily serving resort guests?

We'll find out when the doors open.

Would you give tiki-style BBQ a try?

Source: Clearwater Patch, October 8, 2026

Before you load up the car, take a peek at the live beach cam to see exactly how busy it is out there. Sometimes the smartest move is knowing when to go and when to enjoy our little slice of paradise another day.

Check current water temperatures and conditions Here

Watch the live Clearwater Beach Cam Here

Our pets aren't just animals - they're family. If you've seen any of the pets below please email us at [email protected] and we will connect you directly with their families. One share could bring someone's baby home.

Zena has been missing for over 202+ days from the Seville Condo area near Clearwater Costco. Her heartbroken family will not give up searching

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Leah has been missing since April 28th from the King Arthur Court in Dunedin. Her Mom has owned her since she was a puppy.

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Lobo has been missing since May 11th from Gladden Park in St. Petersburg. Her Mom has owned her since she was a puppy.

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River is a one-year-old male tabby (brown, white, and gray) who slipped out the front door on May 30th, and last seen near 134th Ave and Trotter Rd in Largo.

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Mama Kitty is a 15 year old black cat with with a clipped left ear that went missing on June 4th, and last seen near Druid and Belcher in Clearwater.

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🎸 Artical Groove - FREE - Friday October 9th - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Clearwater Brewing Company Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎸 Downsyde Up Friday October 9th - FREE - 7:00 pm Whiskey Wings Countryside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎸 Zach Seufert Friday October 9th- FREE - 5:00 pm Crabby’s Dockside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎤 😂 Clearwater Comedy Club - Jennie Stencel - Friday & Saturday 8:30 pm 483 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater INFO & TICKETS→

🎤 😂 Clearwater Comedy Club - The Dark & Dirty Comedy Show - Friday & Saturday 10:30 pm 483 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater INFO & TICKETS→

🎸 No Direction Saturday October 10th - FREE - 7:00 pm Whiskey Wings Countryside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎸 Cal Oliver Saturday October 10th - FREE - 5:00 pm Crabby’s Dockside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎤🎸 Tom Jones Saturday October 10th at 7:00 pm Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater, FL INFO→

READ MORE →

🧘 Free Sunset Yoga Monday at 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm - FREE admission - Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, 33764, Meet on The Green LEARN MORE →

🚶‍♀️ SilverSneakers: Zumba Gold Class Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am - Aging Well Center @ The Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, 33765, View Map LEARN MORE →

🧘 Yoga Tuesday and Thursday 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm - Aging Well Center @ The Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, 33765, View Map FEES & LEARN MORE →

🦅 Moccasin Lake Nature Park (Clearwater) — A peaceful 51-acre preserve with shaded oak trails, boardwalks over the lake, and a wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary where you can see rescued eagles, hawks, and falcons.

⛵ Clearwater Community Sailing Center A nonprofit sailing center at 1001 Gulf Blvd offering boat rentals, sailing lessons for all ages, and Summer Camp. Open Tuesday through Sunday 9am to 5pm.

🏓 Pickleball Court Locations: Here is the easiest way to find Pickleball courts near you with an interactive map.

🏖️ Near the Beach

🏙️ Inland

⚠️ Trivia nights and schedules can change. We recommend confirming directly with the venue before heading out. Know of a change or a new spot? Tell Scout →

Thanks for reading My Clearwater Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone that you think would enjoy it.

Until next time,

Stan, Scoop and Scout