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

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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

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💬 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!

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