Public to pick theme for North Greenwood mural
CLEARWATER — North Greenwood residents and neighbors are invited to help shape a new public art project at the North Greenwood Recreation Center.
A mural is planned for the storage building on site, and community input will guide the final theme. Residents are encouraged to review the options and select their preferred design.
Share your input at: MyClearwaterCRA.com/Mural
AMPLIFY celebrates first cohort of young entrepreneurs
CLEARWATER – Local middle and high school students presented their businesses to a panel of investors and community leaders in a “pitch night” hosted April 28 by Amplify Clearwater.
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) Investor Panel and Pitch Night, held at Aspirations Winery, marked a major milestone for participants in the YEA! program and celebrated the success of its first cohort, a hands-on initiative powered by the AMPLIFY Clearwater Chamber Foundation that guides students through the process of launching and running their own businesses.
Students delivered professional pitches, answered questions from judges, and competed for startup funding, concluding months of mentoring, workshops and real-world learning.
“We are incredibly proud of these students and the dedication they’ve shown throughout the program,” said Amanda Payne, president and CEO of AMPLIFY Clearwater. “As our first YEA! cohort, they’ve set a strong foundation for what this program can become, and we look forward to continuing to grow it in the years ahead.”
Students were awarded funding to support the launch of their businesses, with prizes distributed as follows:
• First Place: $2,500
• Second Place: $1,000
The YEA! program will conclude with a graduation ceremony later this month.
Woman’s Club honors district director
CLEARWATER — Members of GFWC North Pinellas Woman’s Club are celebrating the service of club member Lisa Klatt as she concludes her two-year term of leadership as GFWC Florida District 14 Director, where she served the clubs in Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.
In a press release, the club members said that “Throughout her tenure, Lisa has exemplified dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to supporting clubs and strengthening the Federation.
“Lisa’s leadership has been marked by her ability to guide clubs through periods of growth, transition, and challenge with confidence and clarity. Known for her approach-able nature and practical, sound advice, she has been a steady and trusted resource for club leaders across the district. Her willingness to listen, encourage, and lead with both heart and purpose has left a lasting impression on all who have had the privilege to work alongside her.”
In 2025, Klatt’s contributions were recognized with the prestigious GFWC Florida Unity in Diversity Award, which she shared with Junior District Director Shannon Bailey.
“Lisa has been an incredible source of support and inspiration to our club,” said GFWC North Pinellas Woman’s Club President Marli Lutz. “Her guidance is always thoughtful and practical, and she leads in a way that makes everyone feel valued and capable.”
Dayes elected to Phi Kappa Phi
Lleyton Dayes of Clearwater was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at University of Florida.
Dayes is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership.
Clearwater PD nears end to safety campaign
The Clearwater Police Department is nearing the completion of a $23,000 contract that it says has made city streets safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Pinellas County ranks in the top 25 counties in the state for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. In an effort to protect the safety of these most vulnerable road users, the police department has been conducting High Visibility Enforcement Details since the first week of October. The campaign will conclude May 8.
This area is over-represented in traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists, the department said in a press release. HVE details are funded through a contract with the University of North Florida in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation’s focused initiative to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. The goal of this enforcement effort is to increase awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.
Some of the targeted locations have included Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, Drew Street, Court Street and Missouri Avenue. Enforcement efforts have focused primarily on education to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. However, violations can result in citations depending on the circumstances.
As the campaign nears its conclusion, the campaign offered safety tips to everyone on the road:
• Drivers: Obey speed limits, move-over laws, never drive impaired, and always watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Bicyclists: Obey traffic laws, ride in the direction of traffic, and use lights when riding at night.
• Pedestrians: Cross in crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals, and make sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night.