City Council unanimously voted to consider other proposals for the 77 acres over the next 30 days.

Thursday night's City Council meeting didn't end the discussion about The Landings.

It changed it.

Instead of moving directly into negotiations with Porter Development, City Council voted unanimously to open a 30-day period to consider other proposals for the future of the 77 acres of publicly owned land.

I've shared my concerns about the current proposal over the past few weeks, but Thursday's vote creates an opportunity to ask a much bigger question.

What is the highest and best use of 77 acres of public land?

Not...

"What can we build here?"

Those are two very different questions.

Here's the question that seems to have disappeared from the conversation.

Why does this property have to become something else?

Why isn't renovating and improving The Landings considered one of the legitimate options?

If the City is willing to consider new proposals, then every option deserves to be on the table.

That might include:

• Renovating the existing golf course

• Improving drainage

• Updating the clubhouse

• Adding walking trails or complementary recreational amenities

• Finding ways to make the course financially stronger

Maybe another proposal turns out to be better.

Maybe it doesn't.

But before we permanently transform 77 acres of public land, shouldn't we at least evaluate what improving what's already there would look like?

One comment during Thursday night's meeting really caught my attention.

At one point, it was suggested that the proposed sports complex would still provide green space.

Let's cut the BS!

There may be technical planning definitions that classify athletic fields as recreational open space.

That's fine.

However, when the average Clearwater resident hears the words green space, I doubt they're picturing artificial turf surrounded by nearly 2,000 parking spaces.

They're thinking about trees.

Grass.

Natural open space.

The proposed site plan speaks for itself.

The overwhelming majority of the property is devoted to soccer fields, parking, roads and buildings.

Those are simply different things.

While researching this story, I searched Clearwater's own Parks and Recreation website.

Searching for soccer returned five different facilities.

Searching for golf returned three.

One of those three is The Landings.

So here's my question.

Are we solving a recreational shortage for the majority of Clearwater residents...

or replacing one recreational use with another that already has multiple locations throughout the city?

Clearwater's median age is approximately 48 years old.

I'm 58.

I enjoy staying active.

However, if you put me on a soccer field for 90 minutes, my knees would probably resign before halftime.

That isn't an argument against soccer.

Soccer is a fantastic sport.

It's simply asking whether a soccer-centered development is the highest and best recreational use for a city whose population is older than the national average.

Something else from Thursday's presentation surprised me.

According to the financial projections presented by the development team, the majority of the project's revenue during roughly the first four to five years would come from the restaurants, not the sports facilities themselves.

Read that again!

This project is being presented as a sports and recreation destination.

Yet its own financial projections indicate that restaurants are expected to generate most of the revenue during the early years.

That raises a pretty obvious question.

If restaurants are expected to carry the financial model for years, then they aren't just a convenience for parents grabbing lunch between games.

They're a major part of the business plan.

That's something residents deserve to understand before 77 acres of public land changes forever.

Another claim made during the meeting was that surrounding property values could increase because homes located near parks often become more desirable.

Maybe.

HOWEVER, a regional sports complex isn't the same thing as a neighborhood park.

Those are two very different uses.

A traditional park generally means walking trails, trees, open space and passive recreation.

A regional sports complex means tournaments, lighting, traffic, crowds and nearly 2,000 parking spaces.

Those aren't interchangeable.

If someone wants to argue that property values will increase, I'd like to see independent data specific to developments like this, not simply comparisons to neighborhood parks.

Let's cut the B.S.

If this proposed sports complex is such an incredible neighbor, would the people promoting it be just as enthusiastic if it were being built directly behind their homes?

This isn't a neighborhood park. The proposal is designed to attract tournaments, visitors from across Florida and beyond, and includes nearly 2,000 parking spaces. That inevitably means more traffic, more activity, more noise, and more people.

It is difficult for me to believe that those impacts would affect neighboring homeowners the same way as living next to The Landings, which today serves as true open green space.

If supporters believe nearby property values will increase, I'd like to see independent data supporting that claim for large regional sports complexes, not assumptions based on traditional neighborhood parks.

One fact that hasn't received enough attention...

Porter Development previously pursued a similar sports complex proposal involving 87 acres in Largo.

That proposal never moved forward.

Does that automatically mean this proposal is wrong?

No.

However, it absolutely means Clearwater should ask hard questions before committing 77 acres of public land to a similar vision.

Thursday's vote gives the City an opportunity to do exactly that.

I don't oppose soccer.

I don't oppose pickleball.

I don't oppose restaurants.

And I certainly don't oppose improving recreation in Clearwater.

What I oppose is limiting the conversation to one developer's vision.

The City now has 30 days to hear other ideas, which should be longer.

Let's use that time wisely.

Let's compare proposals.

Let's compare costs.

Let's compare traffic.

Let's compare environmental impacts.

Let's compare long-term value for residents.

And yes...

Let's compare those ideas to simply improving and preserving The Landings.

Because once 77 acres of public land are fundamentally transformed...

there isn't a rewind button.

What would you like to see on these 77 acres?

I'd genuinely like to hear your thoughts.

After being closed for nearly 18 months for a major renovation, Clearwater's Long Center swimming pool has officially reopened.

If you've never been there, here's something many Clearwater residents don't realize...

The Long Center is home to one of the few indoor, climate-controlled, Olympic-sized competitive pools in Florida.

The renovation included a new roof, upgraded HVAC systems, modernized water treatment equipment, new windows, and structural improvements, bringing the facility back for lap swimming, swim lessons, water safety classes, water polo, lifeguard training, competitive events, and open swim.

Whether you're looking for a low-impact workout, training for competition, escaping the Florida heat, or simply trying to stay active, the Long Center once again offers one of the area's most unique recreational facilities.

With summer still in full swing, now might be the perfect time to dive back in.

Hours, admission fees, swim schedules, and program information are available through the City of Clearwater Parks & Recreation Department. LEARN MORE →

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 150 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 →

🎸 Over the Edge Friday August 7th - FREE - 7:00 pm Whiskey Wings Countryside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎸 Zach Seufert Friday August 7th - FREE - 5:00 pm Crabby’s Dockside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🧺 The Market Marie - Free Market - Saturday 10:00 am-2:00 pm - Coachman Park INFO →

🎤 😂 Clearwater Comedy Club - Lance Weiss - 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→

🎸 Deep Purple Saturday August 8th - 6:00 pm The Baycare Sound Clearwater, FL TICKETS & INFO→

🎸 Street Wise Saturday August 8th - FREE - 7:00 pm Whiskey Wings Countryside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎸 Scream Machine Ultimate 80’s Rock Arena Band - FREE - Saturday August 8th at 6:00 pm OCC Roadhouse Clearwater, FL INFO→

READ MORE →

🚶Indoor Walking at the Countryside Mall: Beat the heat and rain with some indoor walking, grab a bite to eat, browse the shops, or catch a movie…all while letting the mall’s A/C do the heavy lifting. MAP →

If you must be out in nature, please don’t forget to bring water

🌳🥾 Beat the Heat: Peaceful Nature Parks Looking to escape the crowds and cool off in the shade this weekend? Tampa Bay is loaded with hidden natural gems, all free to explore:

🦅 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. LEARN MORE →

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

🏖️ 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