Pinellas County's main water supply has fallen below 20% capacity, prompting the Southwest Florida Water Management District to extend an "Extreme" Water Shortage Order for Pinellas County through October 1st. That means a strict outdoor watering schedule is now in effect, and Pinellas County Utilities staff are required to issue $193 fines for violations, so before you turn on the sprinklers this week, check your day.

If you're north of SR580 (potable, well or lake water): even-numbered addresses water Saturdays, odd-numbered addresses water Wednesdays. South of SR580: even addresses water Tuesdays, odd addresses water Thursdays. Watering hours are also restricted to 12:01am–4am or 8pm–11:59pm, and properties under one acre can only use one of those windows. Reclaimed water customers follow a separate schedule; check the full breakdown before you water. "Outdoor water conservation is about more than saving gallons," said Jeremy Waugh, Pinellas County Utilities Director. "It's about reducing demand on our water-dependent ecosystems and making sure our water supply will be able to meet our region's needs in the future."

Full schedule and reclaimed water details → Here

For more local news and community stories visit My Clearwater Scoop: → Here

A debate over who should power Clearwater is heating up. The city's 30-year franchise agreement with Duke Energy expired in December 2025, and Clearwater leaders are now studying whether to take over the electric grid themselves rather than renew with Duke. A city-commissioned appraisal valued Duke's local power assets at roughly $265 million, but Duke Energy strongly disputes that figure. The company says an independent report from Concentric puts the real cost of a transition closer to $1 billion, and spokeswoman Ana Gibbs called separating Clearwater from the grid "complex, risky, and would take years."

Reactions among residents are mixed. Mike Mastruserio, a local business owner, says Duke has served him well with reliable outage communication and questions whether the city has the staff to run a brand-new electric department. Mayor Bruce Rector disagrees, pointing to Clearwater's gas utility, which the city has successfully operated for more than 100 years, as proof the city is capable. "We're just trying to do the best we can for our customers in Clearwater," Rector said. "We want the best value for them, the lowest cost possible." Clearwater City Council is continuing to analyze the options, and will take time.

Read the Full Story → Here

If you've been waiting for the Gulf to warm up the wait is over. Clearwater Beach water temperatures have reached 81 degrees. Warm, clear, and perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or just wading in. Historically Gulf temperatures peak around 85-86 degrees in late summer so we're already well into comfortable swimming territory ahead of schedule.

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 112 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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🤠 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 →

🎸 Richie Hume Wednesday June 25th - FREE - 5:00 pm Crabby’s Dockside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎸 Sobriety X Thursday June 26th - FREE - 7:00 pm OCC Roadhouse Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎶🇯🇲 Impulse Reggae Band Thursday June 26th - FREE - 8:00 pm Shephard’s Beach Resort, Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎸 Josh Higgins Thursday June 26th - FREE - 5:00 pm Crabby’s Dockside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🐢 Sea Turtle Nesting Patrol Experience Join conservation volunteers monitoring nests along the beach Reservations required INFO & TICKETS →

🧘 Golden Hour Yoga - FREE - Wednesday June 24th at 7:00 pm - Pier 60 Clearwater Beach View Map

🚶‍♀️ SilverSneakers: Zumba Gold Class Thursday June 25th at 9:00 am - Aging Well Center @ The Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, 33765, View Map LEARN MORE →

🧘 Yoga Thursday June 25th at 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm - Aging Well Center @ The Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, 33765, View Map FEES & LEARN MORE →

⛵ 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. 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 be interested.

Until next time,

Stan, Scoop and Scout