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Rise and shine, Clearwater! In today’s edition: World’s largest rubber duck, a polar plunge, a new emergency room, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Major healthcare expansion announced: An emergency room will open in Clearwater this month. HCA Florida Largo Hospital’s Countryside Emergency will offer 24/7 care with 11 treatment rooms and quick transports to the main campus — see features and staffing details.
Master plan gains momentum: Ridgecrest recently celebrated Heritage Oaks, a new community adding 80 affordable apartments for seniors in Pinellas County, a $31 million project supported by Pinellas County funds and housing tax credits — see how it was funded.
Development plan takes shape: Clearwater City Council approved moving forward to market the 111-year-old North Ward School campus to developers, with plans to preserve its historic buildings and pursue adaptive mixed-use redevelopment — get all the details.
Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Family-friendly waterfront spectacle: Mama Duck, the six-story World’s Largest Rubber Duck, arrived in Clearwater on Friday, January 9, kicking off two weeks of fun at Coachman Park. Events run through January 26 including a Jeep photo op, Duck n Drive Jeep Invasion with a Phil Collins tribute band, and a Migration screening Check out the full lineup.
Brows that stay put: Whether you’re over penciling or want arches that look like yours on their best day, BrowWorks Studio offers soft, natural-looking permanent brows with the SofTap hand method, crafted by artist-owner Anna Radabaugh. Eyeliner and lip enhancements are available, too, for a polished, everyday glow.
Feel-good sea life fix: Need a midweek mood lift? Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working marine animal hospital where you can watch rescued dolphins, sea turtles, and otters, hear their stories, and see care in action. Your visit supports their rescue, rehab, and release work, so you leave lighter.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
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📆 Around town this week
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🧓 Age Well, Live Well Senior Resource Expo @ Countryside Country Club | Tuesday (1/13) at 10:00 AM – Whether you’re shopping for yourself or helping mom and dad, this first annual Senior Resource Expo gathers health pros, community programs, and aging-well tools under one roof. Expect screenings, workshops, and sensible swag. Come for the info, stay because your knees endorse the chair.
🎬 Documentary Screening: The Book of George @ President Barack Obama Main Library | Tuesday (1/13) at 6:00 PM – Grab a seat and unplug for a special screening of The Book of George, an award-winning short documentary hosted by Mindful Action for Regeneration. It is bite-sized, thoughtful, and the kind of film that lingers longer than your to-do list.
🍷 French Wine Tasting @ HopScotch Cafe | Wednesday (1/14) at 6:00 PM – Need a passport-free jaunt to Bordeaux and beyond? Taste five pours from France’s iconic regions, with curated charcuterie and French bites to keep things civilized. Pronunciation is optional, enthusiasm is not, and your evening just got classier.
🍷 Wine Tasting @ The Pub at Safety Harbor | Wednesday (1/14) at 6:00 PM – Harbor nights call for a proper swirl and sip. The Pub is pouring the MTGA lineup at an intimate tasting with complimentary appetizers and nonalcoholic sips, because we’re civilized. Tickets required, and yes, you’ll finally learn why you keep saying ‘jammy’.
🚤 St. Petersburg Boat Show @ MarineMax Clearwater | Thursday (1/15) – Boat show season means shiny hulls, new toys, and a solid excuse to pretend you need a bigger boat. The St. Pete Boat Show brings the latest rigs, seminars, and gear, with MarineMax showing off the goods, curated for Gulf days and bay hops.
🎶 Mollie B and Squeezebox @ German-American Society | Thursday (1/15) at 6:00 PM – Ready to polka like your grandparents taught you, and still be home before the news? Mollie B & Squeezebox are throwing a fundraising concert packed with lively polkas, waltzes, and toe-tappers. Come dance, clap, and help raise some funds while grinning like a fool.
🇺 The American Revolution Experience @ Clearwater Historical Society Museum and Cultural Center | Friday (1/16) at 10:00 AM – Think you know your Founding-era gossip? The American Revolution Experience makes its Clearwater debut at the Clearwater Historical Society Museum & Cultural Center with the Clearwater Chapter of DAR, offering stories, artifacts, and hands-on history that sticks, and A/C that works better than your memory.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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How it works:
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Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of Clearwater locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.
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📻 Clearwater report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 66°F – Low: 53°F – Precip: 0%
Partly sunny, with a high near 66. North northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Northeast wind around 8 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 66°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 10%
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. North northeast wind around 7 mph. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. North northwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
This house is wild
This 3-bed, 3-bath Gulf-view high-rise on Gulf Boulevard in Clearwater spans 2,521 square feet and was renovated in 2021 and 2022 with porcelain floors, quartzite and marble finishes, and electronic shades. A La Cornue induction range with hood and a Sub-Zero fridge anchor the island kitchen. Two decorative fireplaces add character. A wet bar serves the media room. Oversized windows and a private balcony showcase the Gulf.
The primary suite brings dual walk-in closets and a bath with double sinks, soaking tub, and bidet. Amenities include a pool, gym, tennis court, library, clubhouse, full-time concierge and security staff. A fully enclosed one-car garage space completes it.
Take a peek inside →
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