Massive downtown redevelopment now goes to the voters

Clearwater’s City Council voted unanimously to move forward with two massive projects that are sure to change the face of the city’s downtown. The final say, however, will be up to voters in November.

“Tonight is really momentous on many levels,” Frank Hibbard, the city’s mayor, said prior to the Aug. 4 vote. “Between the development agreement, the sale agreement and the referendum item, it’s a very big night. And it’s a first step towards a much bigger and final and wonderful end. I’ve been looking forward to this for over 20 years, frankly.”