Clearwater now more than ever needs unity and positivity. On Saturday, March 25, the city councilmembers and staff visited 37 neighborhoods that signed up to host block parties for Neighborhoods Day. This annual city-wide celebration is a day for citizens to gather together to share food and have fun while rekindling friendships.
Vice Mayor Kathleen Beckman remarked, “I thoroughly enjoy meeting residents on their ‘turf’ and talking about what’s important to them. It was great to see the diversity of neighborhoods and means of celebrating Neighborhoods Day. I appreciate the effort that neighborhood organizers put into this event. There was delicious food, warm conversations, and sincere connections between city leaders, city staff, our wonderful police and fire-fighters, and residents who made time during their weekend to connect with each other and celebrate all that is good with Clearwater.”
Councilmember Bunker visited Skycrest, Island Estates, Del Oro, Gulf to Bay [Acres], Hillcrest, Country Club, Edgewater and Shady Oaks.
“I had a great time meeting people across the city, and with everything happening in the news, we had plenty to talk about,” he said. “Everyone was curious about the search for a new mayor and upset about what was being described in the media as reckless spending by the council. It was a great opportunity to set the record straight and give people the assurance that we would have an interim mayor in place in just a couple of days.”
“There was a lot of excitement about Imagine Clearwater. I had been given a tour of the park and amphitheater just the day before and loved what I saw and how far along we are with construction so I could share the progress. Many areas of the park are finished including the playground. I don’t mean to brag (ahem), but I was told only Chief Slaughter and I were brave enough to clamber up the ropes to the ship’s mast. I had a great time and it seemed like everyone else did, too. I look forward to next year’s.”
Councilmember Teixeira proclaimed, “It was the highlight of my month getting to spend time with the neighborhoods of Clearwater!”
Thanks to the City of Clearwater, city councilmembers, residents, and the various neighborhoods for permission to use the following Neighborhoods Day photos!
Dave Ferrar, Island Estates Civic Association
Spring Branch Neighborhood
Clearwater Beach Association
Bruce Rector
Clearwater Fire Department
Clearwater Police Department
For more information on Clearwater’s Neighborhood Services, visit https://www.myclearwater.com/My-Neighborhood-and-Community-Programs/Neighborhood-Services
Feature image by David Ferrar, Island Estate Civic Association
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Clearwater Neighborhoods Day in Pictures 2022
