CLEARWATER, Fla.
Community leader, journalist and longtime Clearwater resident Jared Leone has entered the race for Clearwater City Council, Seat 4.
“I am running in this election as a non-partisan candidate to better represent all of Clearwater, not special interests or political parties or ideologies,” Leone said. “My priorities are affordability for everyone, public safety and smart growth for our city.”
The seat is being vacated by David Allbritton.
Leone has a long history working to improve the community.
He served as chairman of the City of Clearwater’s Environmental Advisory Board for nearly a decade. There, he helped shape policies and initiatives that reduced costs for the city, strengthened environmental protections, and improved community resilience.
In 2018, he founded the Spring Branch Neighborhood Association with fellow residents to strengthen neighborhood engagement and advocacy. As president, Leone worked with the City of Clearwater to recognize and expand State Street Park, helping secure a $1.5 million renovation project that enhanced the natural elements of the 8-acre park. He has also organized numerous community cleanups, removing more than 6,000 pounds of trash from the park and surrounding neighborhood.
He is president of the Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition, which represents 40 neighborhood associations and more than 20,000 homeowners, continuing his work to support neighborhoods and community engagement throughout the city.
Leone raised five guide dog puppies in training for Southeastern Guide Dogs (now Dogs, Inc.) and currently serves as vice president of Keep Pinellas Beautiful, demonstrating his commitment to the broader community.
In 2020, he received the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Community Service Award, which recognizes members of neighborhood public safety groups whose contributions help law enforcement.
Leone has a degree in journalism from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in digital journalism and design from the University of South Florida. Professionally, he spent nearly 20 years covering state, local and national news for publications including the Tampa Bay Times, The Associated Press, Reuters and the Washington Post. He was editor and launched AOL’s Clearwater Patch and was a national content editor for Cox Media Group.
“Many leaders in our community asked if I will run in this election,” Leone said after filing paperwork on Monday. “I felt a strong call to service and to represent all of our community. I look forward to a positive campaign discussing the issues that impact all of my neighbors in Clearwater.”
Clearwater’s election is Aug. 18.
To learn more email jaredforclearwater@gmail.com or visit jaredforclearwater.com.
Jared Leone Clearwater City Council Seat 4 