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You've seen the political ads. I've seen them, too.

Lower property taxes sound appealing. But before voting November 3, do you know how Amendment 3 could affect the Clearwater you call home?

The city estimates approximately $12 million less in property-tax revenue in the first year, with another $8 million reduction the following year.

Here's what's being considered.

Clearwater has approximately 2.03 sworn police officers per 1,000 residents, compared with Florida's municipal average of 2.29.

But those resident-based figures don't capture the full demand from visitors.

Consider:

The city's contingency plan includes leaving nine sworn police positions unfilled.

Could fewer available officers affect response times or public safety? The actual impact hasn't been established, but the question deserves attention.

Clearwater residents can currently purchase a Recreation Card PLUS membership for $127 in the first year, providing standard access to participating pools, fitness rooms, and recreation centers.

Compare that with $735 for the first year at the Greater Palm Harbor YMCA, including its joining fee. That's nearly six times the price, although membership benefits differ.

And one proposed fee change is significant:

Swimming lessons: $10 → $25 per lesson. A 150% increase.

Clearwater is considering third-party operation of McMullen Tennis Complex, which serves both tennis and pickleball players.

Today's pickleball price: $3 with a Recreation Card or $5 without, plus tax.

For comparison, nearby advertised options include:

These are different rental arrangements, not proposed McMullen fees. No future McMullen pricing has been announced.

If court fees or access change, what might regular players end up paying?

Other possible reductions include:

Approximately 41.4% of Clearwater's occupied households rent.

Renters wouldn't receive the expanded homestead exemption directly. Rental-property owners could benefit from other provisions, but whether tenants would share in those savings is uncertain.

Renters and homeowners still rely on the same police, parks, libraries, and recreation facilities.

Amendment 3 supporters emphasize property-tax relief and more efficient government spending. Critics are concerned about the potential effects on city services.

But here's another question worth asking:

Shouldn't Clearwater be identifying waste, improving efficiency, and reviewing spending whether Amendment 3 passes or fails?

The city already has cost-saving initiatives. What additional efficiencies could be achieved without reducing services residents depend on?

Clearwater's contingency proposals are not approved cuts, and higher fees or reduced services are not inevitable.

Put the political messaging aside. Look at the potential savings, consider the possible trade-offs, and decide what matters most to you and your Clearwater community.

By a Neighbor. For the Neighborhood.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Between the campaign commercials, mailers, and social media arguments, figuring out what candidates actually stand for can feel like a full-time job.

Fortunately, there are better places to start.

VOTE411.org: Compare candidates' answers to the same questions, presented in their own words. Run by the nonpartisan League of Women Voters.

Pinellas County Voter Guide: The local League of Women Voters offers a guide covering Pinellas races and ballot measures.

Pinellas Supervisor of Elections: See who's officially running, find your precinct-specific sample ballot, and confirm voting information.

WUSF Public Media: Explore its 2026 voter guide for additional reporting on Florida and Tampa Bay races.

No website can replace your own judgment. Compare sources, read what candidates actually say, and check their records where possible.

Your vote belongs to you, not a political advertisement.

Compare candidates on VOTE411 | Pinellas voter guide | Official Pinellas election information | WUSF voter guide

Halloween is here, Clearwater! And the best part? You don't need to spend a fortune to have a frighteningly good time.

After another week of political commercials, campaign accusations, and enough finger-pointing to give everyone a hand cramp, we've finally reached a weekend when wearing a mask is actually encouraged!

From free trick-or-treating and costume contests to live music, dancing, and a little Rocky Horror, there's plenty happening around town.

So grab the kids, dust off your costume, and let's see what's haunting Clearwater this weekend!

🎃 Ross Norton Trunk or Treat | 5–7 PM | FREE

Candy, costumes, decorated vehicles, and family-friendly fun. Bring your little ghosts and goblins for an early start to Halloween weekend.

📍 Ross Norton Recreation Center, 1426 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.

City Halloween event information

🍬 Fall-O-Ween at Coachman Park | 6–10 PM | FREE

One of Clearwater's biggest family Halloween celebrations!

Enjoy a candy trail, costume contest, bounce-house fun, touch-a-truck, Dino Dig activities, food trucks, and live music from Carnival Ride, a Carrie Underwood tribute band.

Plenty of treats for the kids, and you won't need to take out a second mortgage to enjoy the evening.

Food and beverages are available for purchase.

📍 Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St.

Official event details

🎬 The Rocky Horror Picture Show | 8 PM

Looking for something a little less wholesome?

It's time to do the Time Warp again! The cult classic returns to the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre.

Tickets start at $15.

📍 405 Cleveland St.

Event calendar and tickets

🎸 Hairball at Ruth Eckerd Hall | 8 PM

Big hair, loud guitars, and the glorious excess of arena rock. Hairball brings its tribute to classic rock's biggest acts to Clearwater.

Tickets start at $32.75.

📍 1111 McMullen Booth Rd.

Event calendar and tickets

🍭 Boo Bash at BayCare Ballpark | 5–8 PM | FREE

Here's one for the whole family!

The Clearwater Threshers and Clearwater Parks & Recreation are hosting a free Halloween celebration featuring trick-or-treat stations throughout the ballpark concourse.

Kids can collect candy from local businesses, enjoy hayrides and inflatable games, and participate in a costume parade on the field.

Admission AND parking are FREE!

Food and beverages are available for purchase.

📍 BayCare Ballpark, 601 Old Coachman Rd.

Official city event information

💃 Salsa & Bachata Halloween Party | 6–11 PM | FREE

Who says Halloween is just for kids?

Put on your costume and head downtown for a night of salsa, bachata, and dancing in The District.

Beginners and experienced dancers are welcome. And if your dance moves are frightening, well, it's Halloween. You'll fit right in.

📍 612 Cleveland St., Downtown Clearwater

Official event details

👻 Ghostbusters in Concert | 8 PM

Who you gonna call?

Experience the original Ghostbusters movie accompanied by a live orchestra at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Tickets start at $43.25.

📍 1111 McMullen Booth Rd.

Event calendar and tickets

🌴 Clearwater Craft Festival | 10 AM–5 PM Both Days | FREE Admission

Not everything this weekend involves candy and costumes.

Browse handcrafted artwork, jewelry, gifts, and other creations from artists and crafters in downtown Clearwater.

A nice way to enjoy the outdoors, support creative vendors, and maybe get a head start on holiday shopping.

📍 300 Cleveland St., Downtown Clearwater

Festival information

If you've had enough ghosts, goblins, and sugar-fueled children for one weekend, there's always Clearwater Beach.

Head to Pier 60, enjoy the sunset, browse the artisans, and take in a little Gulf Coast magic.

No tickets required. No costume necessary.

And best of all, no campaign commercials interrupting the view.

With trick-or-treaters out Saturday evening, please slow down in residential neighborhoods, watch for children crossing streets, and keep an extra eye out after dark.

And remember, the only thing scarier than a haunted house this weekend might be checking how much Halloween candy you ate by Sunday morning.

Have a safe, fun, and wonderfully spooky Halloween, Clearwater! 👻🎃🍬

And don't forget to check our Stay Active section for even more local happenings.

By a Neighbor. For the Neighborhood.

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 215+ days from the Seville Condo area near Clearwater Costco. Her heartbroken family will not give up searching

LEARN MORE →

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

LEARN MORE →

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

LEARN MORE →

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.

LEARN MORE →

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.

LEARN MORE →

🎸 Zach Seufert Friday October 30th- FREE - 5:00 pm Crabby’s Dockside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎸 Firefly Friday October 30th - FREE - 7:00 pm Whiskey Wings Countryside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎤 😂 Clearwater Comedy Club - Amir Schuman - 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→

🎸 Shake Society Saturday October 31st - FREE - 7:00 pm Whiskey Wings Countryside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎸 Shawn Gregory Saturday October 31st - FREE - 5:00 pm Crabby’s Dockside 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