City of Clearwater – City Council Meeting - 5/21/2026

The City of Clearwater held a City Council meeting on May 21, 2026, which included several procurement and development-related discussions. The council approved a purchase agreement with Loyalty Media LLC for fire prevention software and support services, with a subscription fee adjustment to $15,160.90. A significant portion of the meeting focused on a proposed hotel development at 10 and 18 Bay Esplanade, involving the allocation of 91 hotel units from the hotel density reserve pool. The proposal was presented as consistent with the community development code and Beach by Design guidelines, though it faced public concerns regarding traffic, infrastructure capacity, and neighborhood impact. The council also addressed a citizen initiative petition seeking voter approval for the vacation of public rights-of-way in downtown Clearwater. After extensive public comment and review of petition signature validity, the council voted to approve the city clerk's certificate deeming the petition insufficient due to not meeting the required number of valid signatures. Additional agenda items included land use amendments and annexations. The meeting concluded with council members acknowledging community events and public safety achievements.