Clearwater resident Jared Leone has a distinguished history of service to the community. Here are some of the accomplishments and political positions from his past several years of dramatically influential civic engagement and volunteer work.
City of Clearwater’s Environmental Advisory Board
Leone joined the Environmental Advisory Board in 2016 and has served as chairman the last six years.
Leone wrote the 2018 “Ocean Friendly” ordinance restricting the use of single-use plastics and straws in an effort to bring attention to the public health issue of trash on our beaches and waterways. The ordinance was unanimously approved by the city council and led to the creation of the Ocean Allies non-profit organization, which works with businesses to use compostable and sustainable products.
Leone advocated in 2018 for the resurrection of Greenprint, the city’s dormant sustainability plan. City council unanimously approved GreenPrint 2.0 in 2021 updating the living document. An amendment adding Ready for 100, renewable energy goals, was also added to the city’s plan.
Leone successfully advocated in 2019 for the city to hire a sustainability coordinator, as recommended by the original GreenPrint plan. The position was unanimously approved by the city council. The city now has a Sustainability Department as well to track and develop resiliency goals.
After hearing a special presentation just days before citizens voted, Leone wrote a letter to the City Council opposing The Landings development in 2020. The referendum, which faced voter approval, failed.
After residents of the Lake Bellevue Neighborhood approached the EAB about water quality issues in the 30-acre spring-fed lake, Leone wrote a letter of support in 2021 for the city to develop a water quality management plan, which is now in place.
Given the Home Rule carve-out by the Florida Legislature in 2022, Leone advocated for the city to explore the feasibility of a cigarette ban at beaches and parks. The police department supported and developed an ordinance that was unanimously approved by City Council in 2023.
Spring Branch Neighborhood Association
Leone helped form the Spring Branch Neighborhood Association in 2018 with fellow neighbors, naming it after a small water tributary through the neighborhood..
Leone helps plan multiple trash cleanups a year through the city and Keep Pinellas Beautiful. Volunteers from these cleanups have helped remove 4,727 pounds of trash from State Street Park and the surrounding neighborhood since 2020.
Leone has helped organize the Spring Branch Neighborhood’s Day party and improvements to the neighborhood.
Leone advocated for the creation of State Street Park, parkland that was listed on the city’s books since 1989 but sat vacant for decades and served more as a place for illegal dumping. The city recognized the park in 2020, adding fencing, signage and the first Little Free Library in a park. The city purchased additional land to expand the footprint of the park as well as pledged $700,000 in Covid relief funding in 2022 for enhancing the natural elements of the park.
Leone worked to enhance the neighborhood through public art programs, getting the signal box wrapped at Sunset Point Road and Betty Lane with several art panels commissioned by local artist Nathan Beard. He also worked with the city to restore the 100-year-old monument street signs along Sunset Point Road at Chenango and Macomber Avenues.
Leone wrote and submitted a letter of support to the City Council in 2023 for additional kayak, stand-up paddleboard and other non motorized vessel launches at city parks.
Leone supported efforts to oppose the Serena development at Sunset Point Road and Edgewater Drive.
Leone led the successful effort in 2022 to oppose the development of a Jolley Trolley headquarters in a residential portion of the North Greenwood neighborhood. The plan was ultimately scrapped.
Southeastern Guide Dogs
Leone volunteered as a puppy raiser, breeder host and assistant area coordinator for the Central Pinellas Puppy Raiser Group for Southeastern Guide Dogs.
Leone raised five guide dog puppies in training for the organization. Theo, the third dog Leone raised, became a service dog paired with a retired Marine Corps veteran suffering from PTSD.
Brinkley, the second dog Leone raised, became a breeder for the school and sired 42 dogs. A dozen became working guide or service dogs and others were selected for the school’s breeder program after Brinkley was “retired.”
Keep Pinellas Beautiful
Leone serves as vice president on the Executive Board of Keep Pinellas Beautiful.
Leone’s service on the board coincides with an unprecedented increase in effectiveness for the non-profit, which was voted Best of the Bay, expanded its stewardship programs and collected more debris and trash than ever.
Leone also organizes and participates in numerous litter cleanups sponsored by KPB for the Spring Branch Neighborhood Association and numerous other civic and community groups.
Clearwater Neighborhood Coalition
Leone served as Secretary of the Clearwater Neighborhood Coalition in 2023.
Leone expanded his role with the neighborhood group after participating as a member through the Spring Branch Neighborhood Association since 2018.
Leone’s service on the executive board came during a time the neighborhood coalition helped bring attention to the city’s tree removal and replanting program, advocated for the Drew Street Complete Streets project and expanded its membership.
Recognitions
City of Clearwater Volunteers of the Year, Spring Branch Neighborhood Association, 2021
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Community Service Award, 2020
President of the United States Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service, 2015
Clearwater Citizen’s Academy Graduate, 2015
Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists Griot Drum Award, First Place Print, 2014
To learn more email jaredforclearwater@gmail.com or visit jaredforclearwater.com.
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