Colbi Edmonds
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Articles by Colbi Edmonds
Incumbent Seth Weightman leads Pasco Commission District 2 race
Republican incumbent Seth Weightman is leading in the race for his seat representing District 2 on the Pasco County Commission against Democrat Stephanie Vazquez. Weightman is leading with roughly 54%of the vote, as of 7:25 p.m. Vazquez had 46%. Join the Conversation Anyone can view a sampling of recent comments, but you must be a Times subscriber to contribute. Log in above or subscribe here. Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the Community Guidelines.
Sam Wilson takes lead in Clearwater City Council race for Seat 5 Original
Sam Wilson, the district director for U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, is leading Clearwater’s first runoff election against former City Council member Mark Bunker. Wilson, 26, has earned 54% of votes as of 7:20 p.m., according to unofficial results Tuesday. Bunker, 70, has earned nearly 46%. City Council races in Clearwater are nonpartisan. But Wilson, a Republican, had strong party support against Bunker, a Democrat.
Incumbent Seth Weightman leads Pasco Commission District 2 race
Follow Incumbent Seth Weightman leads Pasco Commission District 2 race Updated Tue, November 3, 2026 at 7:27 PM EST Incumbent Seth Weightman, left, faced Stephanie Vazquez, right, in the race for District 2 on the Pasco County Commission. Republican incumbent Seth Weightman is leading in the race for his seat representing District 2 on the Pasco County Commission against Democrat Stephanie Vazquez. Weightman is leading with roughly 54%of the vote, as of 7:25 p.m. Vazquez had 46%.
A look at Clearwater’s first City Council runoff election
In November, Clearwater residents will vote in the city’s first-ever runoff election. They’ll choose between Sam Wilson, 26, who works as the district director for U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, and former City Council member Mark Bunker, 70, a longtime critic of the Church of Scientology. Bunker’s last election drove the push for runoffs when no candidate secures a majority of the vote. Two seats were up for election this year.
Hulk Hogan’s widow, stepson sued over assaults claimed at house party
The widow and stepson of the late pro-wrestler known as Hulk Hogan are facing lawsuits from two young women who claim they were physically assaulted while attending a party at the widow’s Clearwater home. One of the women claims the stepson, Hayden Hitt, attacked her during the March 28 party. In a separate suit, a different female who was a minor at the time, says Hitt stood guard while another male at the party sexually battered her. Please subscribe to continue reading.
Hulk Hogan’s widow, stepson sued over assaults claimed at house party
The widow and stepson of the late pro-wrestler known as Hulk Hogan are facing lawsuits fromtwo young women who claim they were physically assaultedwhile attending a party at the widow's Clearwater home. One of the women claims the stepson, Hayden Hitt, attacked her during the March 28 party. In a separate suit, a different female who was a minor at the time, says Hitt stood guard while another male at the party sexually battered her.
Clearwater moves forward with The Landings sports complex proposal
The city of Clearwater is moving forward with an idea for a proposed $180 million sports complex at the 77-acre Landings Golf Club. In a 4-0 vote, with the mayor abstaining because of a conflict of interest, the City Council approved entering negotiations with a local developer. The council’s vote doesn’t mean the project is a done deal — the city would have to approve a final agreement.
Clearwater residents pushing for resolution on erased Black graves
Along a strip of South Missouri Avenue in downtown Clearwater, cars rush by on the busy thoroughfare, passing a CVS Pharmacy and Save A Lot grocery store. There are hundreds of graves from a Black cemetery under theroad and adjacent piece of landowned by human resources firm FrankCrum. This week, a long-running legal dispute between FrankCrum and city officials over who should pay to relocate the graves was settled.
A look at Clearwater’s first City Council runoff election Original
In November, Clearwater residents will vote in the city’s first-ever runoff election. They’ll choose between Sam Wilson, 26, who works as the district director for U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, and former City Council member Mark Bunker, 70, a longtime critic of the Church of Scientology. Bunker’s last election drove the push for runoffs when no candidate secures a majority of the vote. Two seats were up for election this year.
Clearwater council to discuss Save the Garden petition Original
The Clearwater clerk’s office certified a citizen petition that is seeking to overturn a City Council vote from June. Now, the petition is heading back to the dais for discussion. A group of residents, called Save the Garden, formed in 2025 to fight a vote from the City Council that would allow the Church of Scientology to take over and close a portion of South Garden Avenue downtown.
Clearwater CRA to pay FrankCrum $7.5M under proposed cemetery settlement
The Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency will pay a local human resources company $7.5 million if a recently reached agreement is approved Monday. The settlement comes three years after FrankCrum sued the city of Clearwater to demand it move possiblyhundreds of graves from underneath its property and cover the cost of doing so. The FrankCrum campus, located a 100 S. Missouri Ave. downtown, is the site of a former Black burial ground called the St. Matthews Baptist Church Cemetery.
Clearwater moves forward with The Landings sports complex proposal
The city of Clearwater is moving forward with an idea for a proposed $180 million sports complex at the 77-acre Landings Golf Club. In a 4-0 vote, with the mayor abstaining because of a conflict of interest, the City Council approved entering negotiations with a local developer. The council’s vote doesn’t mean the project is a done deal — the city would have to approve a final agreement.
Clearwater moves forward with The Landings sports complex proposal
The city of Clearwater is moving forward with an idea for a proposed $180 million sports complex at the 77-acre Landings Golf Club. In a 4-0 vote, with the mayor abstaining because of a conflict of interest, the City Council approved entering negotiations with a local developer. The council's vote doesn't mean the project is a done deal — the city would have to approve a final agreement.
Clearwater residents pushing for resolution on erased Black graves Original
Along a strip of South Missouri Avenue in downtown Clearwater, cars rush by on the busy thoroughfare, passing a CVS Pharmacy and Save A Lot grocery store. There are hundreds of graves from a Black cemetery under theroad and adjacent piece of landowned by human resources firm FrankCrum. This week, a long-running legal dispute between FrankCrum and city officials over who should pay to relocate the graves was settled.
Clearwater Free Clinic expands its campus, services Original
The Clearwater Free Clinic, which opened nearly 50 years ago, provides thousands of healthcare visits to uninsured, low-income patients a year. Now it’s offering more programs and opportunities beyond a traditional doctor’s visit. With the help of nearly $7 million in community donations, the clinic is expanding its services with a new wellness center. At the 8,500-square-foot building, patients can receive a range of services, from counseling and physical therapy to classes on healthy eating.
Clearwater CRA to pay FrankCrum $7.5M under proposed cemetery settlement Original
The Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency will pay a local human resources company $7.5 million if a recently reached agreement is approved Monday. The settlement comes three years after FrankCrum sued the city of Clearwater to demand it move possiblyhundreds of graves from underneath its property and cover the cost of doing so. The FrankCrum campus, located a 100 S. Missouri Ave. downtown, is the site of a former Black burial ground called the St. Matthews Baptist Church Cemetery.
Clearwater approves Scientology road requests for entertainment center Original
The Clearwater City Council this week approved the transfer of portions of two roads and an alley to the Church of Scientology for a planned $50 million entertainment center. The city also approved the sale of a city-owned parcel for the project. In a 3-2 vote Thursday, the council gave final approval to allow the church to close portions of Grove and Laura streets and an alleyway for the development, which is in partnership with Texas-based Evo Entertainment.
Clearwater estudia nuevas normas de desarrollo para North Greenwood
En el barrio North Greenwood de Clearwater hay varios proyectos de desarrollo en marcha, entre ellos un pequeño centro comercial construido con contenedores de transporte y un plan para darle un nuevo uso a la histórica pero vacía escuela primaria North Ward . En 2023, el Ayuntamiento de Clearwater aprobó la creación del Área de Reurbanización Comunitaria de North Greenwood, una designación que permite a la ciudad destinar los ingresos fiscales al desarrollo, la vivienda y la creación de empleo.
Clearwater looking at new development rules for North Greenwood Original
Multiple development projects are in the works in Clearwater’s North Greenwood neighborhood, including a shipping container mini-mall and a plan to put the historic but vacant North Ward Elementary School to new use. The Clearwater City Council in 2023 approved the creation of the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area, which is a designation that allows the city to direct tax revenue toward development, housing and job opportunities.
As dengue cases rise, Clearwater releases mosquitofish in local lakes
Two thousand tiny fish from Central Florida swam around in a clear bag Friday morningin downtown Clearwater. They arrived for a simple task: Eat mosquito larvae. “What’s great is we’re going to put 2,000 of the fish into this pond today, but then they will breed, and they will spread,” said Cassie Cordova, Clearwater’s sustainability and environmental division manager, standing in front of Prospect Lake.
As dengue cases rise, Clearwater releases mosquitofish in local lakes Original
Two thousand tiny fish from central Florida swam around in a clear bag in downtown Clearwater Friday morning. They arrived for a simple task: Eat mosquito larvae. “What’s great is we’re going to put 2,000 of the fish into this pond today, but then they will breed, and they will spread,” said Cassie Cordova, Clearwater’s sustainability and environmental division manager, standing in front of Prospect Lake.
As dengue cases rise, Clearwater releases mosquitofish in local lakes
The city of Clearwater released 2,000 mosquitofish into Prospect Lake on Friday morning, which will help combat rising cases of dengue fever in Tampa Bay. ©Douglas R. Clifford Two thousand tiny fish from Central Florida swam around in a clear bag Friday morningin downtown Clearwater. They arrived for a simple task: Eat mosquito larvae.
Scientology-backed Clearwater entertainment complex clears roadblock
A Church of Scientology-backed $50 million entertainment center in downtown Clearwater cleared an early hurdle Thursday, after lengthy public comment and City Council debate. In a 3-2 vote Thursday, the City Council gave initial approval to transfer portions of two public roadways and an alleyway for the roughly 80,000-square-foot entertainment complex.
Clearwater seeking AG opinion on resident Garden Avenue petition
James Uthmeier, Florida's attorney general, has already weighed in on a request from the Church of Scientology to close a roadway in downtown Clearwater. ©Dirk Shadd The city of Clearwater is seeking guidance from the state attorney general on whether a citizen-led petition challenging a City Council decision violates state law.
Clearwater seeking AG opinion on resident Garden Avenue petition
The city of Clearwater is seeking guidance from the state attorney general on whether a citizen-led petition challenging a City Council decision violates state law. A group of residents, called Save the Garden, has submitted two petitions to the city this year — both spurred by the Church of Scientology asking for a portion of South Garden Avenue downtown. The petitions both seek to block the transfer of the roadway segment to the church.
Scientology-backed Clearwater entertainment complex clears roadblock
Colbi Edmonds is the Clearwater reporter. Reach her at cedmonds@tampabay.com. Anyone can view a sampling of recent comments, but you must be a Times subscriber to contribute. Log in above or subscribe here. Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the Community Guidelines.
Scientology-backed Clearwater entertainment complex clears roadblock
The Clearwater City Council on Thursday voted on requests from the Church of Scientology to close portions of two streets and an alley for a $50 million entertainment complex. A Church of Scientology-backed $50 million entertainment center in downtown Clearwater cleared an early hurdle Thursday, after lengthy public comment and City Council debate.
Scientology-backed Clearwater entertainment complex clears roadblock
A Church of Scientology-backed $50 million entertainment center in downtown Clearwater cleared an early hurdle Thursday, after lengthy public comment and City Council debate. In a 3-2 vote Thursday, the City Council gave initial approval to transfer portions of two public roadways and an alleyway for the roughly 80,000-square-foot entertainment complex.
Clearwater Save the Garden group submits second petition to city
Colbi Edmonds is the Clearwater reporter. Reach her at cedmonds@tampabay.com. Anyone can view a sampling of recent comments, but you must be a Times subscriber to contribute. Log in above or subscribe here. Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the Community Guidelines.
Clearwater Save the Garden group submits second petition to city
A group of Clearwater residents is looking to challenge a vote by the City Council in June that gave part of a downtown roadway, South Garden Avenue, to the Church of Scientology. The Save the Garden group submitted nearly 11,000 signatures to the city Wednesday in support of fighting the ordinance the council approved. Clearwater's charter, which is like a local government constitution, empowers voters to ask the City Council to reconsider ordinances it has adopted.
Clearwater’s Save the Garden group submits second petition to city
Residents supporting the Save the Garden group during a rally last year in Clearwater. The group submitted a petition with the city Wednesday to challenge an ordinance the council approved in June. ©Luis Santana A group of Clearwater residents is looking to challenge a vote by the City Council in June that gave part of a downtown roadway, South Garden Avenue, to the Church of Scientology.
Pinellas schools closing: Here’s what parents, teachers need to know
Tarpon Springs Middle School is proposed to become a K-8 fundamental school in the Pinellas district's plan to close and consolidate campuses amid enrollment declines. ©JEFF ROSENFIELD The Pinellas County school district unveiled plans Thursday to close seven schools and revamp several others in an effort to offer strong options for current and future students.
Pinellas schools closing: Here’s what parents, teachers need to know Original
The Pinellas County school district unveiled plans Thursday to close seven schools and revamp several others in an effort to offer strong options for current and future students. Change must come, superintendent Kevin Hendrick said, for the district to remain effective and efficient in the face of enrollment declines that likely will continue for years to come.
‘It’s never easy’: Pinellas education leaders weigh in on school closures
Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Kevin Hendrick sits in on a meeting of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County on May 21 in Clearwater. Hendrick said Thursday that the school district's plan to deal with declining enrollment by closing seven schools will "meet the needs of students today, tomorrow and for generations to come." ©Douglas R.
‘It’s never easy’: Pinellas education leaders weigh in on school closures
Facing declining enrollment, the Pinellas County school district on Thursday released plans that propose closing seven schools and converting several campuses into different teaching models. The district published the proposal online and is planning to hold public meetings throughout the month to gather input from families. "I want to ensure the board and the public that this is a plan to meet the needs of students today, tomorrow and for generations to come," superintendent Kevin Hendrick said.
What to know about the development of the 77-acre Landings Golf Club
The Clearwater City Council on Aug. 6 voted 3-0 — with two Council members abstaining — to accept development proposals for a city-owned golf course called The Landings. The vote came after the city received an unsolicited proposal from a local developer late last year to turn the golf course into a sports complex. Here’s what to know about the development opportunity and the City Council’s votes moving forward. Who wants to develop the golf course, and what is the plan?
What to know about the development of the 77-acre Landings Golf Club
The Clearwater City Council on Aug. 6 voted 3-0 — with two Council members abstaining — to accept development proposals for a city-owned golf course called The Landings. The vote came after the city received an unsolicited proposal from a local developer late last year to turn the golf course into a sports complex. Here's what to know about the development opportunity and the City Council's votes moving forward. Who wants to develop the golf course, and what is the plan?
What to know about the development of the 77-acre Landings Golf Club
Colbi Edmonds is the Clearwater reporter. Reach her at cedmonds@tampabay.com. Anyone can view a sampling of recent comments, but you must be a Times subscriber to contribute. Log in above or subscribe here. Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the Community Guidelines.
Clearwater to vote on Scientology-backed entertainment center next month
The Clearwater City Council next month is expected to vote on requests from the Church of Scientology to take over two streets and an alleyway for a proposed $50 million entertainment complex. But Council member Lina Teixeira had asked that the city delay any controversial agenda items on next month’s docket because she has a scheduling conflict and needs to take care of her mother. The city has done this before, she said.
Jared Leone wins bid for Clearwater Seat 4, Seat 5 race heads to runoff
In a second bid for office, Jared Leone beat opponent Bianca Latvala for Seat 4 on the City Council. The race for Seat 5 is heading to a runoff. The race between Latvala and Leone was close. Leone earned more than 53% of the vote, while Latvala netted nearly 47%. Latvala is married to Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala, whose family has long been influential in the state and local Republican Party.
Clearwater to vote on Scientology-backed entertainment center next month
The Clearwater City Council next month is expected to vote on requests from the Church of Scientology to take over two streets and an alleyway for a proposed $50 million entertainment complex But Council member Lina Teixeira had asked the city delay any controversial agenda items on next month's docket because she has a scheduling conflict and needs to take care of her mother. The city has done this before, she said.
Clearwater to vote on Scientology-backed entertainment center next month
Colbi Edmonds is the Clearwater reporter. Reach her at cedmonds@tampabay.com. Anyone can view a sampling of recent comments, but you must be a Times subscriber to contribute. Log in above or subscribe here. Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the Community Guidelines.
Clearwater to vote on Scientology-backed entertainment center next month
The Clearwater City Council next month is expected to vote on requests from the Church of Scientology to take over two streets and an alleyway for a proposed $50 million entertainment complex. But Council member Lina Teixeira had asked the city delay any controversial agenda items on next month's docket because she has a scheduling conflict and needs to take care of her mother. The city has done this before, she said.
Jared Leone wins bid for Clearwater Seat 4, Seat 5 race heads to runoff
In a second bid for office, Jared Leone beat opponent Bianca Latvala for Seat 4 on the City Council. The race for Seat 5 is heading to a runoff. The race between Latvala and Leone was close. Leone earned more than 53% of the vote, while Latvala netted nearly 47%. Latvala is married to Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala, whose family has long been influential in the state and local Republican Party.
Jared Leone wins Clearwater bid for Seat 4, Seat 5 race heads to runoff
Colbi Edmonds is the Clearwater reporter. Reach her at cedmonds@tampabay.com. Anyone can view a sampling of recent comments, but you must be a Times subscriber to contribute. Log in above or subscribe here. Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the Community Guidelines.
Jared Leone wins Clearwater bid for Seat 4, Seat 5 race heads to runoff
Follow Jared Leone wins Clearwater bid for Seat 4, Seat 5 race heads to runoff Updated Tue, August 18, 2026 at 7:56 PM EDT Clearwater voters will head back to the polls in November to elect the Seat 5 City Council member. ©Jefferee Woo In a second bid for office, freelance journalist and president of the Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition Jared Leone beat opponent Bianca Latvala for Seat 4 on the City Council. The race for Seat 5 is heading to a runoff. The race between Latvala and Leone was close.
Dave Eggers wins reelection for Pinellas County Commission
Follow Dave Eggers wins reelection for Pinellas County Commission Updated Tue, August 18, 2026 at 7:31 PM EDT Incumbent Dave Eggers, 69, won reelection for his seat on the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners. ©Douglas R. Clifford In a definitive win, voters have elected incumbent Dave Eggers, 69, to the District 4 seat on the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners by nearly 80% of the vote.
Committee supporting Clearwater candidate has ties to Scientology Original
A political committee formed last month in Miami has taken a close interest in one of Central Florida’s down-ballots races — for the Clearwater City Council. Some of the money Clearwater Strong PC has received originated from groupsthat got big-dollar donations from members of the Church of Scientologyaround the same time it formed. The political committeehas paid for campaign flyers supporting Jared Leone, a freelance journalist making his second bid for the council.
Clearwater to seek development proposals for Landings Golf Club
Clearwater is opening up the 77-acre Landings Golf Club propertyto development ideas, after receiving an unsolicited proposal late last year to turn the city-owned course into a sports complex.
Clearwater continues effort to redevelop historic North Ward Elementary
More than 70 years ago, Karen Sloan started kindergarten at Clearwater’s North Ward Elementary School. The school, built in 1915, was one of Pinellas County’s first public schools. Sloan, 76, would eat lunch with her classmates under the trees when the weather was nice outside, and she still remembers the songs she learned in class. “I don’t have any bad memories,” she said. The elementary, north of downtown, has decades of history, but has sat vacant since it closed in 2009.
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