Clearwater Council Votes on Golf Course Redevelopment

Clearwater City Council members will vote next week on a proposal to redevelop the 77-acre Landings Golf Course site into a new recreation center. The council will discuss the proposal at its Oct. 12 work session and cast a final vote on Oct. 14.

The proposed center would include amenities like pickleball courts and restaurants, with proponents citing potential for tourism, economic growth and job creation. An evaluation committee scored this plan higher than extending the lease for the current golf course operation. Community sports groups also expressed interest in hosting tournaments.

However, the proposal faces opposition from residents concerned about its impact on the local aquifer and the preservation of green space. The group Keep Keene Green argues city leaders are not adequately considering these environmental factors. Resident Beth Davis told Tampa Bay 28 that residents feel unheard and that “these 77 acres are at risk.”

Opponents are calling for the city to reject current proposals and issue a new request for proposals prioritizing conservation and passive recreation. Resident Christine O’Leary noted a 2020 community vote rejected an industrial park on the same site. “But this time we don’t get a vote, and that is outrageous,” O’Leary said.

The city reopened the bidding process for 30 days, and developers have stated they adjusted plans to address neighbor concerns. Residents can attend the Oct. 14 meeting in person to speak. Written comments can be emailed to [email protected] until 5 p.m. on Oct. 13.