For the past several weeks, we’ve talked about some pretty important issues facing Clearwater. Public land. Green space. Development. Traffic. Our neighborhoods. And, most recently, political smear campaigns and why you should check the facts before believing something you see online.

Today, talking about those things isn’t enough.

Today, you get to vote.

I know it’s easy to tell yourself you’re busy. Work is crazy. You have errands. It’s hot outside. You’ll do it later.

But whether voting takes you 10 minutes, 15 minutes or half an hour, that small amount of time can help determine who makes decisions affecting Clearwater for years.

And hindsight is 20/20.

Regret is a bitch.

If six months from now you’re furious about something happening in your neighborhood, the loss of green space, another development project, traffic or how the city is being run, today is your opportunity to have a say in who sits on the City Council making those decisions.

Saturday, I wrote about why I hate smear campaigns and why voters shouldn't choose a candidate based on a Facebook graphic, accusation or something repeated enough times that it starts sounding like fact.

I meant it.

In fact, doing my own homework changed my thinking about who I initially planned to vote for.

That's exactly how this process should work.

Don't vote for somebody because I tell you to. I'm not going to.

Don't vote for somebody because your neighbor tells you to.

And please don't vote for somebody because of an attack graphic you saw while scrolling Facebook.

Look at the candidates. Look at their records. Look at where they stand on the Clearwater issues you care about. Check claims against reliable sources.

Then make your own decision.

One of the reasons I started My Clearwater Scoop was because I care about what happens here.

We've spent considerable time covering the future of The Landings and those 77 acres of public land because decisions like that can fundamentally change a community.

You may agree with my position on an issue.

You may completely disagree with me.

That's okay.

But if you care about Clearwater, participate in what happens to it.

You must be a registered voter and Clearwater resident to vote in today's municipal election.

📍 Not sure where to vote? Find your polling location here →
OFFICIAL POLLING LOCATION LINK

If you haven't researched the candidates yet, take 10 or 15 minutes and do it before you leave.

Then get in the car.

Go to your polling place.

Cast your ballot.

Get your little “I Voted” sticker.

And go about your day knowing you did your part.

Because we can bitch about what happens in Clearwater tomorrow.

Today, we get to vote about it. 🗳️

By a Neighbor. For the Neighborhood.

I don’t know about you, but mosquitoes and no-see-ums seem willing to travel thousands of miles just for the opportunity to suck my apparently irresistible sweet blood. If there’s one mosquito anywhere in Pinellas County, I’m pretty sure the little bastard has my address programmed into Google Maps.

😂 Unfortunately, this time there’s a little more reason to pay attention.

Pinellas County is currently under a mosquito-borne illness alert, and Mosquito Control has increased surveillance, education and treatments in affected areas.

The good news is that Pinellas County provides mosquito-control services throughout the county, including Clearwater, and residents can request service if mosquitoes are becoming a problem in their neighborhood.

The county is also reminding residents of the 3 D’s: Dump, Defend and Dress. Dump standing water around your property, defend yourself with mosquito repellent, and dress to reduce exposed skin when mosquitoes are active.

🦟 So yes, Florida’s tiny airborne vampires are particularly worthy of our attention right now.

👇 Here’s what’s happening, how to protect yourself and how to request mosquito-control service. Read 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 →

🎸 Starship with Mickey Thomas and John Waite Thursday August 20th - 8:00 pm Ruth Eckert Hall Clearwater, FL INFO & TICKETS→

🤠 Wednesday Night Line Dancing — OCC Roadhouse Clearwater Free lessons. 6:00pm to 7:30pm — All ages welcome DJ Brandon takes over at 7:30pm playing requests all night 10575 49th Street North, Clearwater INFO →

🎸 Josh Higgins Thursday August 6th - FREE - 5:00 pm Crabby’s Dockside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎸 RockTurnal Thursday August 20th - FREE - 7:00 pm OCC Roadhouse Clearwater, FL INFO→

READ 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 →

🧘 Golden Hour Yoga - FREE - Wednesday at 7:00 pm - Pier 60 Clearwater Beach View Map

🚶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