Police Open New Downtown Substation Police Chief Sid Klein and City Council members announce the opening of new substation at 101 Pierce Blvd., in Downtown Clearwater

Bayfront Tennis Courts reflect in the window of the new Police substation.

Clearwater Police Officers have become "next-door neighbors" with the growing number of new residents and business in the downtown business core with the opening of a new Community Policing Substation at the city's bayfront.

On Monday, January 3, 2005, CPD dedicated a new police substation at 101 Pierce Boulevard, in a building that once housed a tennis pro shop. Formerly a Parks and Recreation building, the new Police substation was renovated to support the Downtown Bicycle Team of six officers who patrol the downtown core.

The renovation project was completed by the City's General Services Department and funded through contraband forfeiture funds at no cost to City taxpayers.

With the pending completion of the new Memorial Causeway Bridge and other redevelopment soon to occur, the entire complexion of the downtown area will change dramatically, and CPD is adjusting pro-actively to the challenge. New homes and businesses will bring new demands on police services, and this new facility will put the police closer to the issues. As Clearwater grows - and the downtown district develops - there is a definable need for police officers providing a visible deterrent to crime, as well as an approachable source of assistance and information.

AmeriCorps Clearwater Members attended the grand opening ceremony. The Downtown Ambassador program will be based out of this facility.

In addition to the Downtown Bicycle Team of officers, AmeriCorps Clearwater members will join the bicycle officers as the civilian component serving as downtown "ambassadors" for the City. The AmeriCorps ambassadors will have a high-profile presence assisting visitors, working with business owners, and participating daily in the renaissance of the business core.

The City of Clearwater and its police department is committed to ensuring that downtown Clearwater is as safe, as clean and as welcoming as any business district in the State of Florida. For additional information on the Downtown Bicycle Team program and the new substation, contact Lt. George Koder, District II Commander, at 727-562-4120, or george.koder@myclearwater.com.

For additional information on AmeriCorps Clearwater, contact Program Director Katerina Gerakios, at 727-562-4142, or kgerakio@clearwater-fl.com.