Clearwater To Decide Whether To Forfeit City Golf Course

CLEARWATER, FL — While Clearwater voters choose a new president, congressman and other political leaders, they will also be asked to decide whether to keep or close a city-owned golf course.

Depending on who you speak with, the Landings Golf Club of Clearwater, 1875 Airport Drive, Clearwater, is either a coveted city asset or a waste of space.

Ten years ago, the city completely renovated the 78-acre property, adding Paspallum grass on the greens, tees, a driving range and practice putting facility. The course also has a pro shop.

But it sits next to the Clearwater Airpark on property that's prime for light industrial and manufacturing use, which is scarce in North Pinellas County. North Pinellas now has about 13.8 million square feet of industrial space but is projected to need 10 million more over the next 20 years.

In fact, the golf course was originally part of the airpark owned by the Fugazzi family in the early 1930s. The family donated the property to the city and golf course designer Ron Garl designed and built the city golf course.

Harrod Properties has approached the city with a proposal to construct a $131 million medical and light industrial development on the property. City staff said the deal could bring the city $11 million in net benefits over the next 10 years and create 3,783 jobs.

The golf course's current operator pays the city $1,000 a month in rent.

Members of the Clearwater City Council are divided.

Council member Kathleen Beckman said, while she welcomes the opportunity to boost the economy, she abhors the loss of green space.

Mayor Frank Hibbard, however, said the city can't turn its back on the income the development would generate and the jobs it would create.

So the council is putting the decision in the hands of the voters.

On Nov. 3, Clearwater voters will be asked if they approve of a 65-year lease with Harrod Properties with three 10-year renewal options. The agreement would also maintain 12 of the 78-acre property for a golf course.

City of Clearwater Referendum Question — Lease of Recreation/Open Space Real Property for Light Industrial Use

Shall the City Council be authorized to lease approximately 58 acres of municipal real property that is recreation/open space on the land use plan map and is a majority of The Landings Golf Course, located on the east side of Keene Road, on the north side of Airport Drive, whose post office address is 1875 Airport Drive, Clearwater, Florida, for the purpose of development as a light industrial, research, technology and office park?
(Vote either Yes or No)

• Yes
• No

What a yes vote means:

A yes vote means the city will be authorized to lease approximately 58 acres of the 78 acres of the current Landings Golf Course for the purpose of developing a privately funded light industrial, research, technology and office park. The remainder of the site will be developed as an aqua range and a public park that will include a walking trail around the lakes, irrigation, landscaping, parking lot, benches, trees, fountains, picnic tables, lighting etc. Further, a yes vote means that the city will begin the process of obtaining the additional governmental review and approvals needed for the proposed project. Those approvals include but are not limited to: obtaining a Land Use Plan amendment for the site which requires review by Forward Pinellas, review and approval by the state, the Pinellas County Commission and Clearwater City Council; a zoning amendment which requires City Council approval; other permits and approvals from the city and other agencies.

What a no vote means:

A no vote means the city will not be authorized to lease the current Landings Golf Course property for development as light industrial, research, technology and office park.

Related Documents

• Resolution 20-31 (English)
• Ground Lease Proposal & Exhibits A, B, C, D
• Project Details
• Concept Site Plan

City of Clearwater