Kathleen Beckman
Clearwater City Council Seat 3
People You Should Know
Nearly every single day I am out and about in the greater Clearwater community. I continue to volunteer; I now serve on a number of boards, and I meet with residents, business owners and professionals every week. There are so many talented, thoughtful, compassionate, interesting and innovative people here in Clearwater. I'd love for you to meet some of them. I plan to do a short Q & A with a resident and/or business owner each month. I'll add to this page and provide a link and "teaser" in each month's newsletter. Click on the links to read more about these amazing people. If you know of anyone who should be recognized, please let me know. Thank you for reading! And THANK YOU to all of these interview participants and "game changers."
MRS. ALLISON SISCO
Allison is the librarian at Sandy Lane elementary. She is a treasure for our community.
SHIHAN WALTER EVANS
Walter Evans is the founder of Shihan School of Survival, where he is the master teacher. He also holds a 5th Degree Black Belt and is an inductee in the Black Belt Hall of Fame. Walter is a Clearwater resident who is dedicated to teaching self-defense training, awareness, and healthy exercise habits through the martial arts for both adults and children. Read my interview with this amazing man here: Walter Evans
DR. SHARON REID-KANE
I met Sharon when I held a “Meet and Greet” in Countryside, outside the library. Sharon happened to be riding her bike and stopped to listen in. She and I share a background in education and a love of service to children and families. She is Vice-President & Chief Education & Community Engagement Officer for Ruth Eckerd Hall.
After that initial meeting, Sharon gave me a tour of Ruth Eckerd Hall (REH), both behind the stage - and on the stage. What an experience! What a treasure and asset REH, and their community engagement efforts, is in our community. Read more about Dr. Reid-Kane's important work here: Dr. Sharon Reid-Kane
PASTOR ANDY AND PEG WALTON
I met Peg and Andy Walton when I was knocking doors. Andy was recently the Co-Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church, and Peg is retired from a career in economic development and workforce training. Read more about this dynamic couple here: Peg and Andy Walton
KRISTEL and JOHNNY NADEAU
Johnny Nadeau is the energetic, passionate, and dedicated owner of Johnny's Italian Restaurant here in Clearwater. Learn more about this NY born Clearwater businessman.
KATHLEEN AGNEW
Margarito Perez
Mega Burrito is an authentic Mexican restaurant tucked in the East Gateway of Clearwater at 1478 Gulf to Bay Blvd. This hidden gem, owned by Margarito Perez has been part of the East Gateway for over 25 years. Margarito and members of his family cook up chimichangas, taco salads, enchiladas, and, of course, burritos for locals as well as visitors from afar.
If you’re looking for tasty, authentic Mexican fare, with generous portions and reasonable prices, stop by. You can check out the menu and hours of operation here: Mega Burrito.
Kathleen Agnew is a retired nurse and community advocate who lives in Countryside. She will be honored as Mrs. Countryside 2022. Read more about her volunteer engagement here: Kathleen Agnew.
SUSAN LUCE
JACLYN BOLAND
Jaclyn Boland has been the CEO of the InterCultural Advocacy Institute and Hispanic Outreach Center since 2018. Located at 612 Franklin St. in downtown Clearwater, the center was founded as a partnership with the Clearwater Police Department in 2000. The center's goal was initially to provide interpreter services for police officers in the course of their duties and to provide advocacy for Spanish-speaking crime victims. Their services quickly expanded to include English classes, education seminars, youth leadership programming, and legal clinics for Hispanics. Jaclyn manages a lot at the Hispanic Outreach Center. Learn more about this amazing woman by reading our interview here: Jaclyn Boland
NITA COLE
Nita Cole deserves the equivalent of an Olympic Gold Medal for her lifelong volunteerism. Inspired by the grandparents who raised her, Nita leads by example, motivates others, and is working to improve our world every single day. Learn more about her in this informative and inspiring interview.
WARREN KIRKLAND
Born and raised in Clearwater, Warren Kirkland has led an interesting life. Always learning, Warren has a lifetime of lessons to share. He teaches by example and is an inspiring volunteer in his Lake Belleview community. His interview is filled with reflection and philosophy.
BARBARA SOREY-LOVE
Barbara Sorey-Love is a Clearwater community leader. She is the author of five books and is the publisher of two newspapers: The Bulletin News and The Long Beach Times. She is also Chair of the Clearwater African American Memorial Committee. Ms. Sorey-Love has a wealth of knowledge and wisdom and I learn so much from her each time we spend time together. I hope you enjoy her interview.
SARAH B.
Sara B. Second grade student and volunteer in our community.
MIRIAM and JIM HILL
Jim is retired from the Navy; worked for IBM; Clearwater Police Department volunteer; College instructor and author
Miriam is a retired elementary school teacher; college instructor; award winning author
SHERI HEILMAN
Sheri Heilman (Fourth from Left)
President of Heilman's Restaurants, Inc.; Owner of FoxyRock Vineyard; Founder and Chair of Ocean Allies; Chair of Amplify Clearwater
CHANTALA DAVIS
JENNIFER S.
Jennifer S. Student; Publix employee, Activist.
Founder and President of A Mother's Arms, Inc.
CHRISTINE CIFFORD
Christine Clifford is the owner of Clothes Line Too on Drew St. in Clearwater. She champions small businesses and is active in our community. Click on her name to read about this incredible entrepreneur.
ARION H.
Arion H. is a fourth grade student here in Clearwater. He lives with his grandma and younger brother, Jerimiah. He also volunteers feeding the homeless, has a garden plot at Clearwater Community Gardens, and he recently won a Florida State Bible quiz competition. He memorized 289 Bible verses! Read more about Arion by clicking his name in red, above.
JILL ELIZABETH ARMSTRONG
Workforce Development Specialist and Instructor at Clearwater St. Vincent de Paul.
JILL BANSE and TED HAYNIE
Jill Banse and Ted Haynie have been freinds since they were 17. Now they own and operate the JillTed Florist on Fort Harrison in Clearwater. Read all about their cool little flower shop; it's a gem.