Holiday events in downtown Clearwater are scheduled as usual in spite of construction on the Cleveland Street Streetscape. Downtown patrons will note that holiday decorations are displayed on Cleveland Street light posts. The city's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will set downtown lights aglow from City Hall to the Streetscape construction zone, and the annual Holiday Parade won't miss a beat. The Tree Lighting is planned Friday, Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m., Clearwater City Hall, 112 S. Osceola Avenue, with entertainment following the lighting at Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, across the street from City Hall. The annual Holiday Parade will be Friday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Cleveland Street between Crest Lake Park and Myrtle Avenue. Both events are free and open to the public.
The intersection at Osceola and Ft. Harrison avenues has reopened following installation of that segment of the large storm drain to the bluff. Work on the storm drain installation continues eastward toward Ft. Harrison Avenue, and the intersection of Ft. Harrison Avenue and Cleveland Street will remain closed for approximately three weeks as storm drain structures and pipe are installed there. Crews are continuing the streetscape work in the Osceola Avenue to Ft. Harrison Avenue block, and sidewalks and pedestrian access to all merchants will be maintained at all times.
Downtown stakeholders are invited to the next Hard Hat meeting, 8 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 30, Jack's Downtown Deli, 33 N. Garden Ave., in the rear of the Tower Building. Free coffee will be offered.
Downtown construction information is available on the city's website at www.myclearwater.com/downtown, and questions can be addressed through the Streetscape construction office at 462-6126.