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🌱 Patch AM: Japanese Izakaya Dining Concept Planned For Growing Downtown Clearwater District

Also check out Sonic Sanctuary: A Soul-Healing Blues Experience on the Clearwater Patch calendar

Friday May 15th Patch AM

Hello Clearwater! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • Modern Japanese izakaya concept headed to Cleveland Street’s emerging district
  • Clearwater community mourns the passing of Richard Lee Robinson Jr.
  • Which Clearwater restaurant briefly closed after failing a health inspection?

Also on today's calendar: Sonic Sanctuary: A Soul-Healing Blues Experience and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the boss deny a raise to the can of paint? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Less humid with plenty of sun, with a high of 88 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: A stray afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 90, low: 75.
  • Sunday: A stray afternoon t-storm, with a high of 91 and low of 74 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Japanese Izakaya Dining Concept Planned For Growing Downtown Clearwater District (patch.com) — Downtown Clearwater’s Cleveland Street corridor is getting a new Japanese izakaya called Hanami, planned for 635 Cleveland Street in the emerging entertainment district. The social dining spot will serve sushi, ramen and yakitori next to the future EVO Family Entertainment Center, reinforcing the city’s broader push to transform the 600 block into a lively, experience-driven destination.    

2. Richard Lee Robinson Jr., 60, Clearwater, FL (midiaenterprise.com) — Clearwater residents are mourning the passing of 60-year-old Richard Lee Robinson Jr., who spent his later years living in the city after a career and life that spanned Iowa and Florida. Remembered as a history and sports enthusiast, he is survived by close family, with final arrangements still pending.    

3. These Central Florida eateries were forced to shut down over health violations (clickorlando.com) — A Chiang Mai restaurant on Cleveland Street in Clearwater was temporarily shut down last week after state inspectors found sanitizer, food storage, and other health violations, but it reopened once standards were met. The report also lists similar short-term closures at several other Central Florida eateries for issues like rodent droppings, roaches, and temperature problems.    

4. Niece of New Haven WWII vet thankful his remains found: 'We just wanted to celebrate him being home' (nhregister.com) — A Clearwater family has finally laid World War II radioman Robert Louis Cyr Jr. to rest at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater after his remains were identified decades after his death. His niece, who now lives in Clearwater, describes the burial as a full-circle homecoming shared by several generations of relatives.    

5. Are Scientology ‘speed runs' happening in Florida? (kentucky.com) — Clearwater residents should know Scientology reports no ‘speed run’ intrusions at its downtown spiritual headquarters, though the center remains open to lawful visitors. The trend of people dashing through Scientology buildings has led to arrests elsewhere, and Tampa’s Ybor City church has seen two such incidents, while a Palm Harbor man faces charges after shooting a Clearwater Scientology door with a BB gun.    


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Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Clearwater PatchAM possible:

  • Hank's Guitar Shop — (727) 228-0125
    Your Guitar’s Best Friend! Repairs - Setups - Used Guitars

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • LOST DOG ALERT!
    Have you seen this pet? Bear Bear was lost on May 13, 2026 and was last seen near Pinellas Park, FL If you have information on their location,… (Nextdoor Monterey Heights-Ponce)
  • Hello.
    I am in the Countryside area and looking for a reliable dog walker to start on June 15th. Please contact me here if you are one or know someone that… (Nextdoor Countryside)
  • C.S.T. Connection, Inc. posted a job opening for Aluminum Welder/Fabricator in Clearwater. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Clearwater. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Clearwater here.

Ok Clearwater! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Because he didn't apply himself. (Thank you Rita S. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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