CLEARWATER, Fla. — Clearwater residents had the chance to get a look at plans during a public meeting this week for a new park, known as the Mercado, planned for the corner of Cleveland Street and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard.

What You Need To Know

  •  A public meeting was held in Clearwater to let residents get a look at plans for the Mercado

  •  The Mercado will be a park at the corner of Cleveland Street and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard with a grassy area, public art, and a large canopy

  •  The name — Mercado is Spanish for market — is meant to highlight the Hispanic population in the community

  • Construction is expected to wrap up in the fall

"We're very proud of it. This is a community-led project that started about a year ago, and it's right there in the gateway leading straight into the downtown," said Jesus Niño, executive director of Clearwater's Redevelopment Agency.

As of this week, the site is a fenced-off lot with construction equipment sitting on it.

"It's basically dirt right now," Niño said.

But by fall, it's expected to be a place where people can come to relax, eat lunch or meet with friends.

"It's an urban space that will be basically a great investment by the CRA, and a community asset that's going to have an impact for generations to come in that area," Niño said.

About a dozen residents came out to DeLukas restaurant for a public meeting about the project, which officials referred to as a "pocket park." Some have been following talks to improve the area for a while.

"So many years ago, I remember the first meeting we had," Mary Bertsche said of when discussions about the project first began. "And oh, it was just — and then, we waited and waited."

Niño told those gathered that construction is expected to begin soon. Plans include walking paths, a grassy area, and a large canopy for shade. Money to make it happen is coming from increment funds generated by the CRA.

The name — Mercado is Spanish for market — is meant to highlight the Hispanic population in the community.

"I think it's going to help kickstart the area," said Dr. Gilbert Jannelli. "We're all excited."

Jannelli is the landlord for DeLukas, which is right down the street from the future site of the Mercado. He and others said they hope the work doesn't stop with this project.

"The whole area is in need, from Highland down to Osceola," he said.

Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector said at the meeting that the future site of the Mercado is just one of those in the city in need of revitalization. He said it's going to take some time to address all of those different areas, but an example of one recently completed project can be seen from the Mercado site.

"We just completed, in December of 2023, a complete renovation of Cleveland Street," Niño said. "It's a beautiful street, beautiful asset, and now, basically, to complete the entire phase is to begin the Mercado project."

Janelli said he's noticed a difference the work has had in the neighborhood.

"The city is doing a wonderful job in marketing the area," he said. "There's lots of interest now. The business here is picking up since construction finished."

Niño said that's part of the goal: supporting the businesses that are already in the area, as well as attracting new ones. He said once work on the Mercado wraps up in the fall, other efforts to beautify the area, like public art projects, will continue.