Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Which Clearwater restaurants were just closed over health violations?

Also check out Fall Wine Tasting on the Clearwater Patch calendar

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Hello again Clearwater! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which Clearwater restaurants were just closed over health violations?
  • Did early-arriving crowds tilt Clearwater's latest Scientology-linked street vote?
  • How a U.S. 19 chase suspect is tied to new shooting

Also on today's calendar: Fall Wine Tasting and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a cap but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: A shower and thunderstorm, with a high of 88 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: Humid; a p.m. t-storm or two, temps: high: 88, low: 77.
  • Monday: Humid with a heavy t-storm, with a high of 85 and low of 77 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Roaches and more force Orlando restaurant to close for 6th time this year (clickorlando.com) — Health inspectors recently shut down two Clearwater restaurants after finding pests and sanitation problems, including flying insects and ceiling leaks at a Checkers on Highland Avenue and rodent droppings at Pizzitalia's on McMullen Booth Road. Both eateries were allowed to reopen after follow-up inspections, but the detailed violations offer a timely reminder for Clearwater diners to stay informed about food safety records.
   

2. Residents accuse Scientology supporters of crowding Clearwater council meetings (fox13news.com) — Clearwater residents just saw their City Council vote 3–2 to give up parts of Laura Street, Grove Street and an alley for the $50 million EVO Entertainment Center tied to Scientology‑backed redevelopment. Neighbors say Scientology supporters are lining up hours early at the Main Library, limiting opponents' chances to speak, while city leaders insist turnout doesn't sway their votes.
   

3. 2 arrested in shooting that injured woman at St. Petersburg restaurant (tampabay.com) — A woman remains hospitalized after being shot while sitting in a car outside a St. Petersburg restaurant, and two men are now jailed without bond in connection with the attack. For Clearwater residents, one suspect was already facing charges from a deadly 2024 high-speed chase on U.S. 19 that began in Clearwater and ended in a fatal crash in St. Petersburg.
   

4. Deadly Clearwater Ferry crash: Jeff Knight asks judge to exclude past boater charge from jury (fox13news.com) — A high‑profile Clearwater Ferry crash case is moving toward trial as former Jannus Live owner Jeff Knight asks a Pinellas judge to keep a dismissed 2019 boating charge away from jurors. Prosecutors say Knight's 2025 collision near Memorial Causeway killed one ferry passenger and injured others, while defense attorneys argue the earlier incident is irrelevant and unfairly prejudicial.
   

5. New bus route from St. Pete to TPA starts Sunday. What to know (tampabay.com) — A new 727 Airport Express bus launches Sunday, giving Pinellas riders frequent, low-cost trips between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa International Airport using the Howard Frankland express lanes. Clearwater residents should note that a November property-tax referendum could force Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority to cut routes and possibly end ferry services in Clearwater and across Tampa Bay as early as June.
   

📸 Around Clearwater

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Well, the time has come that I share my story.
    I've been dealing with Diabetic Neuropathy in my feet and knee issues for a very long time. Neuropathy is in my feet so I've been trying to do… (Nextdoor Brookside)
  • My son in law is looking for a good oncologist doctor.
    He has 3 different tumors growing quickly in his lungs. Would appreciate some recommendations. He's 57 years old. (Nextdoor Countryside)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Cafe Associate in Clearwater. Apply here.
  • Phenom People posted a job opening for Customer Service Associate in Largo. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Clearwater here.

Ok Clearwater! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What has a cap but no head?" — A bottle (Thank you Glo M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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