Frank Hibbard Mayor
David Allbritton Councilmember
Kathleen Beckman Councilmember
Mark Bunker Councilmember
Hoyt Hamilton Councilmember
William B. Horne, II City Manager
Pam Akin City Attorney
Michael Delk Assistant City Manager
Micah Maxwell Assistant City Manager
EDITORIAL STAFF
Executive Editor Joelle Castelli
Editors Jason Beisel
Heather Parsons
Assistant Editors Sandy Clayton
Krystie Epperson
Mike Lockwood
Robert Napper
Rob Shaw
Graphic Designer Laura Del Valle
CONTRIBUTORS
Library Jennifer Obermaier
Linda Rothstein
Library Managers
Parks & Recreation Shaun Beasley
Rosemary Davis
Kris Koch
Kerry Marsalek
MyClearwater is published three times a year
by the city of Clearwater.
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call 562-4708.
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CmyLEARWATER
MyClearwater.com
Summer | May – Aug. 2020
ON THE COVER
It is with great pride in the work we have accomplished that I share with you
news of my forthcoming retirement. This will be my last letter to you in the city’s
MyClearwater magazine, and I hope this letter finds you well. My retirement will
be in June or July.
The decision to retire is one of the most difficult of my career and one I have not
taken lightly. The choice to retire is bittersweet. While I am looking forward to
spending more time with family and friends, I will miss the daily interactions and
relationships I have built within the city.
It has been an absolute honor to serve this community as your city manager
every day for the past 20 years. Clearwater is not only where I work, but is also
my home, and it is in this great city where I’ve lived some of the best days of my
career. And for that, I would like to thank you.
Together, we have built a bright and beautiful city, creating a safe, diverse, and
accepting community in which everyone is welcome and belongs. We have
bridged some great challenges, turning them into significant achievements along
the way. These accomplishments will have long-lasting effects, buildings that will
stand tall for decades, and programs that will impact our residents for years to
come.
I would not have had the long tenure that I’ve enjoyed if it weren’t for the
support of the City Council over the years. Special thanks go to past and previous
councilmembers. You’ve helped me greatly in seeing your visions to fruition. I also
would like to formally recognize the dynamic, professional staff with whom I’ve
had the pleasure of serving alongside. You are a staff on which the foundation of
Clearwater is built, and our residents are in good hands.
So much opportunity lies ahead for our community. I love what our city has
become and all that we have accomplished together. I look forward to watching as
Imagine Clearwater takes shape, downtown Clearwater sees revitalization, and the
quality of life and safety in our city continues to strengthen.
It has been a privilege serving as your city manager. I hope to run into you as
a resident instead of your city administrator at a Phillies or Threshers baseball
game, at a show at the Capitol Theatre or Ruth Eckerd Hall, or at one of the city’s
libraries or recreation centers.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me to serve you and to help
make Clearwater a better place. It has meant the world to me.
Bill Horne
City Manager
After serving dozens of mayors and
councilmembers in his more than 20 years
as City Manager, Bill Horne is retiring. Read
more on page 2.
/MyClearwater.com