Clearwater
News Feed
Events
Local Businesses
Classifieds
Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a Clearwater bus driver kept kids safe from a sudden fire

Also, don't miss DBG: Sunday Session #4 (redo) on the Clearwater Patch calendar

Saturday September 19th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello Clearwater! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a Clearwater bus driver kept kids safe from a sudden fire
  • Can Clearwater stay perfect in a huge showdown at Largo?
  • How could Pinellas school changes affect Clearwater fundamental families?

Also on today's calendar: Independence Month Raffle and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call cows dancing in the dark 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 90 and low of 74 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 87, low: 76.
  • Monday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 88 and low of 74 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Quick-Thinking Clearwater School Bus Driver Pulls Away As Car Bursts Into Flames (tampafp.com) — A Clearwater school bus driver quickly pulled away from a fiery rear-end crash at Sunset Point Road and Highland Avenue, keeping students and others safe as the striking car burst into flames. Clearwater police and emergency crews responded, extinguished the fire, and confirmed no injuries. Investigators are still determining what caused the collision and whether any citations are coming.
   

2. Pinellas County Football: Week 5 Preview (ngscsports.com) — Clearwater football fans have a marquee matchup as undefeated Clearwater visits undefeated Largo in what could shape the district race, with the Tornadoes leaning on returning skill players and a two-quarterback system. Clearwater Central Catholic also hits the road to St. Petersburg Catholic, aiming to restart a deep playoff push behind an experienced offense and fast, physical defense in another high-stakes Pinellas showdown.
   

3. Are Pinellas school closures a done deal? Parents are pushing back (tampabay.com) — Families who currently drive their children from Tarpon Springs to Clearwater for the middle school fundamental program are watching closely as Pinellas schools consider closures and major program shifts. Parents and local leaders are pushing back on proposals that could convert Tarpon Springs Middle into a K-8 magnet, questioning busing, community impact, and whether the school board will truly consider alternatives before its October vote.
   

4. 2026 Tampa Bay fall activities: Our ultimate guide (tampabay.com) — Clearwater families can mark their calendars for the free Fall Y'all celebration at Coachman Park on Oct. 3, featuring food trucks, local vendors, and a kids' pumpkin contest. The broader guide also highlights pumpkin patches, corn mazes, spooky nights, and theme-park events across Tampa Bay, from Plant City farms to St. Pete Pier and Busch Gardens.
   

5. Florida ranks 12th nationwide for public electric vehicle charger access (fox13news.com) — A new Tesla supercharger has just been installed in Clearwater, adding to Florida's rapidly expanding public electric vehicle charging network. The state now ranks 12th nationally for charger availability, with locations growing 13% last year as more drivers eye EVs to escape volatile gas prices and lower long-term maintenance costs.
   

📸 Around Clearwater

Subscribe

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Clearwater

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Clearwater Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Elevated Concrete Pour Sets Stage for The Bluffs to Rise in Downtown Clearwater —Matthew Conroy Read on Patch
  • Does anyone know why so many dogs/cats are running loose lately?
    What's going on?? Every day I'm seeing multiple posts about people losing their dogs or loose dogs being found. The saddest are the posts about the… (Nextdoor Belleair Rd)
  • A smaller white and brown dog was found today at crest lake park.
    someone believed the dog might have lived on Duncan. I believe around 12 or so animal control came and picked the dog up. Pepe might have been the… (Nextdoor Clearwater Coachman Park)
  • Chick-fil-A posted a job opening for Back of House Team Member in Clearwater. Apply here.
  • Target posted a job opening for General Merchandise, Closing, Fulfillment (T1820) 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: Night Moo-s (Thank you John S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

More from Clearwater
News | 4d
News | Sep 9
News | Aug 27
See more on Patch >

Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Clearwater Patch

Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.

©2026 Patch Media. All Rights Reserved

Do Not Sell My Personal Information