When Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector steps onto Virgin Airlines and sees Clearwater Beach representing Tampa Bay on international flight promotions, he's reminded of his city's global tourism appeal. But as he reveals in this candid conversation with Real Estate Disruptors host Amir Habibzadeh, tourism is just one piece of a more ambitious vision for Clearwater's future.
Mayor Rector brings 34 years of legal practice and extensive international leadership experience to his role, having visited 50 countries in a single year during his presidency of Junior Chamber International. This global perspective informs his approach to Clearwater's challenges - from unprecedented hurricane recovery to downtown revitalization that has lagged behind neighboring St. Petersburg and Tampa. "We need to revitalize our city, not just our downtown," Rector emphasizes, outlining his commitment to enhancing all areas from the beaches to Countryside.
The conversation delves into Clearwater's remarkable recovery from Hurricane Helene's record-breaking eight-foot storm surge that devastated properties that had stood for a century, while also addressing the critical housing affordability crisis that forces over half of Clearwater Beach's workforce to commute from neighboring counties. Mayor Rector details his plans for attracting development while protecting the natural environment that makes Clearwater special, including waterfront opportunities created by the county's planned relocation and potential workforce housing along US-19.
Beyond tourism, Rector envisions Clearwater becoming a hub for cybersecurity and life sciences, particularly marine research, positioning the city within Tampa Bay's broader economic ecosystem. His hands-on approach to community engagement - personally responding to every email and phone call - reflects his commitment to hearing residents' concerns while building a legacy focused on long-term improvements that may not be fully realized during his term. For real estate professionals navigating Clearwater's complex market, the mayor offers both encouragement and challenge: help find housing solutions for the workforce while maintaining the community character that makes Clearwater an international destination.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey everybody, welcome back to this week's
episode of the Real EstateDisruptors podcast.
I'm your host, amir Habibzadeh,and I am here with the one and
only City of Clearwater, mayorRector.
Thank you so much, mayor, forjoining us.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
It's great to be here with you today.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
We appreciate that.
So you know we're just going tokind of jump right into it.
And you know I just wanted tofirst welcome you to the office.
And you know City of Clearwater, city of Clearwater.
As most of you know, I was bornand raised here, right there at
Morton Plant Hospital, so thiscity is definitely near and dear
to my heart.
You know grew up right hereenjoying the beaches and golfing
(00:40):
and all the good outdooractivities which I know you love
to do, being out there onClearwater Beach, and you know
spending time out there on thewater, I'm sure.
So you know I got to ask whatinspired you to run for mayor.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Well, I had a number of people in the community push
me forward.
They just felt that Clearwater,right now in its history,
needed an executive leader,someone with professional
experience.
I've been practicing law for 34years.
I've worked for a sportscompany for the last 10 to help
communities around the countryprosper through youth and
(01:17):
amateur sports complexes, soI've seen a lot.
I've seen a lot of great thingsthat communities are doing
throughout the United Stateswith regard to sports facilities
, and then I've also haddifferent leadership experiences
.
I was president of a groupcalled Junior Chamber
International in 2003.
I went to 50 countries in oneyear.
Oh wow, go to 50 countries.
(01:37):
Don't do it all in one year, youknow spread it out a little bit
Sure sure, it's a veryexhausting but memorable year
for me because I worked withleaders of communities all
around the world Awesome so Ihad enough people in Clearwater.
They knew about my background.
I just felt like my leadership,my leadership experience, was
right for Clearwater at thistime.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
Well, I can concur with that, because Clearwater is
doing well right now and wereally appreciate your
leadership.
You know what are your topthree priorities that you're
focusing on during your term.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Well, we need to revitalize our city, not just
our downtown.
Downtown gets a lot ofconversation about
revitalization.
It's lagged behind, obviously,two other cities in our region,
major cities, two other largecities Tampa and St Petersburg
as far as downtownrevitalization.
So, and we do need revitalizeddowntown and we're working on
(02:30):
our waterfront there, but all ofClearwater just needs, I'd say,
a facelift.
Sure, you know, I'm jealous offolks like yourself who grew up
here.
What a fantastic place to growup and it's definitely changed.
And we're so proud of what ourancestors have built here and
made Clearwater the beautifulcity now the international
tourism destination that it is.
(02:50):
But we can become so muchbetter in so many ways
Clearwater Beach, which isalready well on its way to
revitalizing, all the way toCountryside in the northeast
part of Clearwater Because Ifeel like if we can pick it up a
(03:10):
little bit, we can makeClearwater shine brighter than
ever.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
I agree with you.
I think you hit the nail on thehead.
So many times we talk aboutrevitalization in Clearwater and
we think only downtownCleveland Street, right there
heading over to the beach.
But you know, a lot of times weforget about countryside, we
forget about, you know, overGulf to Bay, getting close to
the Courtney Campbell and thingsalong those lines.
(03:34):
And you know I do like thatpart of revitalizing that entire
area.
So how are you balancing thedemand for new development with
what we need to preserveClearwater's natural resources,
waterfront and the community'scharacter?
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Well, we've got to be careful in that regard, and
that's a community effort.
I mean, the reason why manychoose to live here and why
people from all around the worldvisit here is our natural
environment.
So we've got to be reallycareful that we don't intrude on
that.
So we're very careful and we'relooking at ways to upgrade our
water treatment plants,eventually combine three of them
(04:13):
into one to make them moreresilient in case of a hurricane
, but also to provide cleanerand more protected water use and
treatment for our waterways.
I talk with other mayors andother leaders throughout the
Tampa Bay region and I justtalked with one the other day
and I applauded the effortsthey're using in Hillsborough
(04:34):
County to test the water, makesure they're not contaminating
the water in Hillsborough County, and I told the commissioner
over there in HillsboroughCounty thank you for doing that,
because it's not Clearwater'swaterways, it's not Hillsborough
County or Tampa's waterways orSt Petersburg, it's all of our
waterways.
We've got to make sure thatthese waterways we share are
(04:56):
clean and protected for years tocome, definitely.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
How did you fare with the hurricanes last year?
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Well, we got tough.
Clearwater Beach in particulargot it very tough.
During Helene we had eight footof storm surge out there and
the prior record was about fourfeet, wow.
So you can imagine those homesthat were out there, since there
was one home I visited that wastaken out there by boat 100
years ago.
That had never seen a stormsurge like that.
(05:26):
So anything one story on NorthBeach in particular, and some of
our fingers on South Beach,really took a hard, hard hit,
sure, sure.
But our tourist area, whichalso took a very hard hit, we
worked really hard to get itback together and if you go out
there today I've had many visithere who have been coming to
(05:46):
Clearwater for years say wecan't even tell in large part
that there was a hurricane sixmonths ago.
So we've done a miraculous job,not just our city team but our
businesses and our residents.
And we're here together to putit back together.
But in the residential parts ofClearwater Beach in particular
we still have a lot of damage.
In Milton we had damage inlandthe standard apartment complex
(06:11):
over 500 people had to berescued from that on Drew Street
and we had damage inMorningside and some other
places in Clearwater from theheavy rains that came with
Milton.
But by and large we've got itall back together and it's
important that we did so becausewe got our tourism back, people
back to work.
But more than anything we areready for the next hurricane
(06:33):
season and we all hope and praythat we don't have a similar
event.
But we do live on the coast, wesure do, and we can't control
that, and we need to be readyfor another tough hurricane
season if it comes our way.
Yeah, that's the only thing.
We can't control that, and weneed to be ready for another
tough hurricane season if itcomes our way.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
Yeah, that's the only thing we can do is prepare, and
you know hope for the best andyou know it sounds like you know
.
Yes, the community has cometogether, along with government,
and got the tourism side ofthings back together so we can
have our residents making moneyagain and businesses thriving
(07:07):
again, which is wonderful.
How do you feel the city isworking to attract responsible
investment and developers andalign with the long-term goals
of the city of Clearwater andalign with the long-term goals?
Speaker 2 (07:24):
of the city of Clearwater.
Well, we're working really hardto convince not just the region
but all across Florida,including South Florida, folks
who have the access to capitalto come in and do dynamic things
in Clearwater, that this is agreat place to develop and
invest, Because for a long timewe've been portrayed by those
(07:47):
outside Clearwater as you don'twant to go there and develop,
that's not a good place for youto grow.
Well, it's our time and thereare fantastic opportunities for
developers, folks with access tocapital, right to grow,
Particularly on the waterfront.
The county is moving to themiddle of the county.
There's about 17 parcels thatthe county owns that eventually,
(08:08):
four or five years from now,will be open to developers to
come in and do something with.
So, we're trying to make sureagain, folks that have the
access to capital to dosomething really dynamic make it
a signature development for theentire country, entire world.
Sure that they know about theopportunity and we encourage
(08:31):
them to express their interestand take a look at it to see if
they can come in here and makethat waterfront in downtown
Clearwater something reallyspecial.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
That's great.
That really is, because youknow we need it in this area.
You know Clearwater has alwaysbeen I'm not going to say a hub,
but you know we need it in thisarea.
You know Clearwater has alwaysbeen I would say I'm not going
to say a hub, but you know therehas been a lot of businesses
that have started here and grown, and you know, then you know
(09:02):
back or maybe new businesses tocome here and develop and uh,
you know, cause we clearly havethe residents that would be
willing to work.
So, um, uh, how do you engagewith residents to ensure that
their voices are heard withthese city-making decisions?
Speaker 2 (09:22):
I surprise a lot of people because I respond to
every email I get.
I respond to every phone call Iget personally and I try to do
that.
My business practice in theprivate sector was within 24
hours, particularly in lawpractice.
I had a commitment that I wouldget back and respond to
everything that came to me lawpractice.
I had a commitment that I wouldget back and respond to
everything that came to me.
So I can't always meet thatcommitment to get back that
(09:43):
quickly because of the volume,but I try to respond to everyone
who has a concern.
In addition, tonight I'm goingto Countryside to meet with a
group of residents out therejust to hear them talk.
Hear them talk about challengesthat they have in their part of
Clearwater Gotcha.
So and I like to go to eventsall the time I have some folks
that are really concerned aboutmy health because they see me
(10:07):
out everywhere.
They're like Mayor, when do youhave time to relax and kind of
gather your own thoughts?
And I do have that time, sure,but I really enjoy being out in
the public, not just inClearwater but throughout Tampa
Bay.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
Engaging in one-on-one conversations with
people.
That's how I can best grow as aleader to be continually
connected with the community andto hear their concerns.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Absolutely, and you know we appreciate it.
They appreciate it Because, youknow, a lot of times it's just
they need somebody to talk to.
You know they want to make surethat their voice is being heard
to talk to.
You know they want to make surethat their voice is being heard
.
I know you touched on, you know, with the one 500 residents
that you had to relocate becauseof the flood.
(10:49):
Are you hearing from residentsabout affordability issues here
in the city of Clearwater?
Speaker 2 (10:54):
We have affordability issues all over Tampa Bay, all
throughout the state of Florida,all throughout the country.
I'm going to a mayor'sconference in Columbia, south
Carolina, tomorrow morning andI'll hear from mayors about
affordability and housing.
That's one of the issues thatwe're going to address there as
well.
Talk to each other about ideas,our problems with inventory.
We just don't have enoughinventory, and particularly here
(11:17):
, with the attractiveness of thewater and the lifestyle, it's a
very difficult place forcompanies to relocate and bring
executive employees with them.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
Sure.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Because they can't find the kind of home close to
Clearwater that they really want, absolutely Unfortunately right
now, I'd say well over half ofour workforce on Clearwater
Beach commutes from HillsboroughCounty or Pasco County.
They have to live that far outto have affordable housing to
work in Clearwater Gotcha.
So we're doing all the thingswe can do.
(11:52):
We're limited on what we can dowith affordable housing dollars
, of course, but workforcehousing really is our most
important initiative right nowFinding folks that maybe don't
qualify for affordable housingbut they're critically important
to our economy, our workforce,to make sure that there are more
opportunities for workforce andwhat we're starting to call
(12:15):
attainable housing.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Okay.
Do you know if the city hasanything, in particular, any
subsidies or grants inparticular, that would help with
these housing affordabilityissues?
Speaker 2 (12:31):
We do for some of the affordable housing.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
We don't yet for the workforce or attainable housing.
Gotcha for the workforce orattainable housing.
But we are trying to encouragethe developers who are
interested in that segment ofthe market to come into
Clearwater and take advantage ofsome opportunities to build
that kind of housing here.
We have a lot of opportunityalong US 19 that after they did
(12:56):
the flyovers about 10 years agothrough Clearwater some of those
businesses didn't make itthrough the transition to the
flyovers on US-19.
But we've got a lot of propertyalong US-19 and other parts of
Clearwater where developerscould come in and do
workforce-type housing.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
Okay, that definitely makes sense and I agree with
you on that.
You know the the the flyoverswere were great for, you know,
those commuting, um, you know,into St Pete and things along
those lines.
But some of the businessesalong there they did uh struggle
and, um, you know,unfortunately some of them did
uh, did falter but uh, I but theidea of bringing it in and
(13:36):
having a developer make it intomore of a workforce housing is
probably a pretty good idea.
I do like that.
What do you see Clearwaterplaying in the broader Tampa Bay
region in terms of economicdevelopment, tourism and
innovation?
Speaker 2 (13:51):
Well, we already have a reputation as being we're an
international tourismdestination, so I was on Virgin
Airways going to South Africa.
So I'm sitting on a Virginflight from airplane from London
going from London toJohannesburg, and when they roll
through the slides as I'mwaiting for the flight to take
off, on Virgin destinations, alltheir destinations around the
world Barbados, london, sanFrancisco, chicago, you name it
(14:17):
they had one picture for eachdestination, and so I'm sitting
there just watching seeing allthe places that Virgin flies
around the world, and up pops upTampa, and the photograph is of
Clearwater Beach.
Of course it is.
It's an aerial shot from theOpal Sands down towards Pier 60.
Okay, and so that reminded methat here I am on an
(14:39):
international flight from Londonto Johannesburg, not even an
American destination flight andthere's that picture.
So we already have establishedourself as really the jewel of
the entire region forinternational tourism.
When you're talking about otherthings, though, technology,
that's an area where we have anopportunity to grow and do great
(15:00):
things.
Knowbefore is a company inClearwater that's grown
significantly because they dointernet security type training
for companies and municipalgovernments.
They have grown significantly,and Arnie Bellini is a tech
successful leader.
Sure, he's talked about all ofTampa Bay becoming a
(15:22):
cybersecurity hub for the entireworld, so we've got
opportunities there.
We also have opportunities withlife sciences.
I'm going to London with MayorCastor and Mayor Welch here in
June and we went to Canada lastyear for a global Tampa Bay
visit and we really think lifesciences would be a good area
(15:45):
for us to focus on as a region,not just medical but also for
Clearwater, marine and animalsciences.
So a lot of opportunities tobuild upon our already strong
reputation as an internationaltourism destination Perfect.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
Well, yeah, we definitely have some good marine
things going on around here,and you know, I know, clearwater
Marine Aquarium took a hard hitafter the hurricane and I hope,
you know, they're able to getback up and running.
I mean, I know they're runningnow, but back up to where they
they once were, um, because it'sit's such a a staple that
people love to come to the areaand visit that uh, see the
(16:26):
dolphins and things along thoselines, um, and then, of course,
they have a great researchfacility as well.
Um, looking ahead, uh, whatlegacy do you hope to leave as
the mayor of clew water?
Speaker 2 (16:39):
Well, I think that my , when you talk about legacy,
it's really those things thatwill be recognized as
accomplishments long after I'mno longer here.
Sure, and that's what I'mreally focused on.
What things am I doing each daythat I may not see in my
lifetime come to success?
But years from now we'll lookback and we'll say, wow, you
(17:01):
know.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
Mayor Rector started that.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
And he didn't live to see it to its fruition.
But, boy, clearwater is a wholelot better for my son, his
children, my grandchildren thatchoose to live here in years to
come.
You can look at Beachwalk andClearwater.
I credit Mayor Hibbert withinspiring that development years
ago.
That really changed ClearwaterBeach for the better.
(17:26):
Right.
It brought in the signaturehotels and really a lot of our
local tax base revenues arebased upon the growth
significant growth and theinternational destination that
Clearwater Beach has become.
So that's something that MayorHammer lived to see Right, but
it's that kind of thing thatwill last for decades to come.
(17:48):
That I really want to make adifference in while I'm mayor.
Speaker 1 (17:51):
Well, I know you are going to make a huge difference
because, I mean, we can see theyou know, as you came with the
community to come together afterHurricane Helene and Milton,
and just what you've done so farto bring the community back
together and get it up andrunning.
So you know, we reallyappreciate that and you know, if
nothing else, that you know howyou led through that horrible
(18:12):
time that we had is a greatlegacy, in my opinion.
So you know, once again, thankyou for that.
You know, as you know, we arethe largest single office real
estate brokerage in the state ofFlorida.
We have around 2,200 agents andchange.
Would you like to say anythingin particular to the real estate
(18:33):
professionals out there inregards to what's going on that
you're seeing in the real estateeconomy and things along those
lines?
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Well, I think what I'd like to do in that regard is
just to reinforce how importantall of your agents are to the
future growth of Clearwater andthe future growth of the state
of Florida.
Like I shared with you, ourinventory is so limited that
(19:02):
we've just got to have theirhelp in getting these folks that
we need to grow our economy, weneed to supply jobs right for
future generations, uh to to getthem in housing opportunities
that make sense for them.
And to kenji to help us growthat real estate market.
And and I had I I hesitate tosay development grows sometimes
(19:24):
when I'm going into thecommunity, like I am tonight,
because too often citizens havea negative perception of that.
They think we're going to knockdown all the trees and that's
not what we're talking about,and your agents certainly
understand that.
That we're talking aboutimproving our community, correct
and having adequate housing,attractive housing opportunities
for folks.
That is improving our communityand that's what we're talking
(19:47):
about when we're talking aboutdevelopment.
Speaker 1 (19:49):
Absolutely.
Yeah, you know, obviously,being down on Clearwater Beach
and you know the one level homesthere, a lot of them still need
to be renovated or lifted oradded on in order to make things
happen.
You know, looking at the StPetersburg Clearwater MSA as it
is, we had an inventory increaseof 34% year over year.
(20:15):
And you know, looking at thosenumbers you think, oh wow, you
know there's a lot of homes thatare on the market.
Why aren't they selling?
Well, I think a lot of that 30%increase is the homes that have
damage and they haven't beenrenovated.
So unfortunately, the regularbuyer can't exactly go out and
just purchase that home becausethey can't get insurance on it.
(20:36):
But hopefully over the next,you know, but hopefully over the
next year, 18 months, with yourhelp and the Pinellas County
state of Florida, everybodycoming together, will be able to
work on some insurance issuesand be able to get those homes
renovated, get that inventoryproblem taken care of.
Speaker 2 (21:02):
So I'm confident that that will all come together.
Well, we've had to push some ofour homeowners here recently.
We gave them six months graceon taking care of their
properties, but some of them, atleast in Clearwater, have been
second homes for folks and,unbelievably, have been touched
(21:23):
very little since the hurricanecame through Helene.
So we gave them a great amountof grace and leeway for a time
being, but now we're starting tohear from their neighbors who
have updated their homes.
Yeah, Repaired their homes andthey're like when's my neighbor
going to take care of theirproperty?
So we waited as long as wecould to push them, but we're
(21:43):
going to have to start pushingthem.
It's not fair to theirneighbors to let their property
stay in disarray.
Speaker 1 (21:50):
Yeah, and I mean we do have a lot of developers and
investors in the area who areready to purchase these homes.
You know reputable ones.
So I think you know, like Isaid, I think it's just going to
be a little bit more time, youknow, because we can only handle
, or those investors anddevelopers can only handle, so
much.
You know you have a ton outthere who think they're that
(22:13):
investor, developer, but they'rejust not.
And but we want to make sure.
Just like you, you want to makesure that things are done
correctly and so that way thatnext buyer can truly insure that
home and enjoy all thatClearwater has to offer.
(22:33):
Well, that's all I have for you, mayor Rector.
I really appreciate you comingon here today and you know, keep
doing all the great thingsyou've been doing in the city of
Clearwater.
Thank you so much well.
Speaker 2 (22:43):
Thank you for having me here today.
And you know one of the thingsI love about Clearwater.
You said you grew up here andyou went to high school here.
It it's the history of thisarea and and this, this realty
firm.
The long history of this firm25 years is Is just amazing and
(23:03):
it's part of the fabric ofClearwater and the historic and
very successful fabric ofClearwater.
So I really appreciate theopportunity to come in here
today to speak with you, becauseI didn't grow up here.
I grew up in Indiana, but I'm,as I said earlier, so jealous of
those who did, and so I so muchadmire firms like this who have
(23:26):
made this their home for manypeople and have grown to be
successful right here inClearwater.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
Well, we appreciate that.
Thank you so much.
All right, everyone.
We'll see you next week on theReal Estate Disruptors podcast.
Take care.
Hey everybody, welcome back to this week's
episode of the Real EstateDisruptors podcast.
I'm your host, amir Habibzadeh,and I am here with the one and
only City of Clearwater, mayorRector.
Thank you so much, mayor, forjoining us.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
It's great to be here with you today.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
We appreciate that.
So you know we're just going tokind of jump right into it.
And you know I just wanted tofirst welcome you to the office.
And you know City of Clearwater, city of Clearwater.
As most of you know, I was bornand raised here, right there at
Morton Plant Hospital, so thiscity is definitely near and dear
to my heart.
You know grew up right hereenjoying the beaches and golfing
(00:40):
and all the good outdooractivities which I know you love
to do, being out there onClearwater Beach, and you know
spending time out there on thewater, I'm sure.
So you know I got to ask whatinspired you to run for mayor.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Well, I had a number of people in the community push
me forward.
They just felt that Clearwater,right now in its history,
needed an executive leader,someone with professional
experience.
I've been practicing law for 34years.
I've worked for a sportscompany for the last 10 to help
communities around the countryprosper through youth and
(01:17):
amateur sports complexes, soI've seen a lot.
I've seen a lot of great thingsthat communities are doing
throughout the United Stateswith regard to sports facilities
, and then I've also haddifferent leadership experiences
.
I was president of a groupcalled Junior Chamber
International in 2003.
I went to 50 countries in oneyear.
Oh wow, go to 50 countries.
(01:37):
Don't do it all in one year, youknow spread it out a little bit
Sure sure, it's a veryexhausting but memorable year
for me because I worked withleaders of communities all
around the world Awesome so Ihad enough people in Clearwater.
They knew about my background.
I just felt like my leadership,my leadership experience, was
right for Clearwater at thistime.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
Well, I can concur with that, because Clearwater is
doing well right now and wereally appreciate your
leadership.
You know what are your topthree priorities that you're
focusing on during your term.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Well, we need to revitalize our city, not just
our downtown.
Downtown gets a lot ofconversation about
revitalization.
It's lagged behind, obviously,two other cities in our region,
major cities, two other largecities Tampa and St Petersburg
as far as downtownrevitalization.
So, and we do need revitalizeddowntown and we're working on
(02:30):
our waterfront there, but all ofClearwater just needs, I'd say,
a facelift.
Sure, you know, I'm jealous offolks like yourself who grew up
here.
What a fantastic place to growup and it's definitely changed.
And we're so proud of what ourancestors have built here and
made Clearwater the beautifulcity now the international
tourism destination that it is.
(02:50):
But we can become so muchbetter in so many ways
Clearwater Beach, which isalready well on its way to
revitalizing, all the way toCountryside in the northeast
part of Clearwater Because Ifeel like if we can pick it up a
(03:10):
little bit, we can makeClearwater shine brighter than
ever.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
I agree with you.
I think you hit the nail on thehead.
So many times we talk aboutrevitalization in Clearwater and
we think only downtownCleveland Street, right there
heading over to the beach.
But you know, a lot of times weforget about countryside, we
forget about, you know, overGulf to Bay, getting close to
the Courtney Campbell and thingsalong those lines.
(03:34):
And you know I do like thatpart of revitalizing that entire
area.
So how are you balancing thedemand for new development with
what we need to preserveClearwater's natural resources,
waterfront and the community'scharacter?
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Well, we've got to be careful in that regard, and
that's a community effort.
I mean, the reason why manychoose to live here and why
people from all around the worldvisit here is our natural
environment.
So we've got to be reallycareful that we don't intrude on
that.
So we're very careful and we'relooking at ways to upgrade our
water treatment plants,eventually combine three of them
(04:13):
into one to make them moreresilient in case of a hurricane
, but also to provide cleanerand more protected water use and
treatment for our waterways.
I talk with other mayors andother leaders throughout the
Tampa Bay region and I justtalked with one the other day
and I applauded the effortsthey're using in Hillsborough
(04:34):
County to test the water, makesure they're not contaminating
the water in Hillsborough County, and I told the commissioner
over there in HillsboroughCounty thank you for doing that,
because it's not Clearwater'swaterways, it's not Hillsborough
County or Tampa's waterways orSt Petersburg, it's all of our
waterways.
We've got to make sure thatthese waterways we share are
(04:56):
clean and protected for years tocome, definitely.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
How did you fare with the hurricanes last year?
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Well, we got tough.
Clearwater Beach in particulargot it very tough.
During Helene we had eight footof storm surge out there and
the prior record was about fourfeet, wow.
So you can imagine those homesthat were out there, since there
was one home I visited that wastaken out there by boat 100
years ago.
That had never seen a stormsurge like that.
(05:26):
So anything one story on NorthBeach in particular, and some of
our fingers on South Beach,really took a hard, hard hit,
sure, sure.
But our tourist area, whichalso took a very hard hit, we
worked really hard to get itback together and if you go out
there today I've had many visithere who have been coming to
(05:46):
Clearwater for years say wecan't even tell in large part
that there was a hurricane sixmonths ago.
So we've done a miraculous job,not just our city team but our
businesses and our residents.
And we're here together to putit back together.
But in the residential parts ofClearwater Beach in particular
we still have a lot of damage.
In Milton we had damage inlandthe standard apartment complex
(06:11):
over 500 people had to berescued from that on Drew Street
and we had damage inMorningside and some other
places in Clearwater from theheavy rains that came with
Milton.
But by and large we've got itall back together and it's
important that we did so becausewe got our tourism back, people
back to work.
But more than anything we areready for the next hurricane
(06:33):
season and we all hope and praythat we don't have a similar
event.
But we do live on the coast, wesure do, and we can't control
that, and we need to be readyfor another tough hurricane
season if it comes our way.
Yeah, that's the only thing.
We can't control that, and weneed to be ready for another
tough hurricane season if itcomes our way.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
Yeah, that's the only thing we can do is prepare, and
you know hope for the best andyou know it sounds like you know
.
Yes, the community has cometogether, along with government,
and got the tourism side ofthings back together so we can
have our residents making moneyagain and businesses thriving
(07:07):
again, which is wonderful.
How do you feel the city isworking to attract responsible
investment and developers andalign with the long-term goals
of the city of Clearwater andalign with the long-term goals?
Speaker 2 (07:24):
of the city of Clearwater.
Well, we're working really hardto convince not just the region
but all across Florida,including South Florida, folks
who have the access to capitalto come in and do dynamic things
in Clearwater, that this is agreat place to develop and
invest, Because for a long timewe've been portrayed by those
(07:47):
outside Clearwater as you don'twant to go there and develop,
that's not a good place for youto grow.
Well, it's our time and thereare fantastic opportunities for
developers, folks with access tocapital, right to grow,
Particularly on the waterfront.
The county is moving to themiddle of the county.
There's about 17 parcels thatthe county owns that eventually,
(08:08):
four or five years from now,will be open to developers to
come in and do something with.
So, we're trying to make sureagain, folks that have the
access to capital to dosomething really dynamic make it
a signature development for theentire country, entire world.
Sure that they know about theopportunity and we encourage
(08:31):
them to express their interestand take a look at it to see if
they can come in here and makethat waterfront in downtown
Clearwater something reallyspecial.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
That's great.
That really is, because youknow we need it in this area.
You know Clearwater has alwaysbeen I'm not going to say a hub,
but you know we need it in thisarea.
You know Clearwater has alwaysbeen I would say I'm not going
to say a hub, but you know therehas been a lot of businesses
that have started here and grown, and you know, then you know
(09:02):
back or maybe new businesses tocome here and develop and uh,
you know, cause we clearly havethe residents that would be
willing to work.
So, um, uh, how do you engagewith residents to ensure that
their voices are heard withthese city-making decisions?
Speaker 2 (09:22):
I surprise a lot of people because I respond to
every email I get.
I respond to every phone call Iget personally and I try to do
that.
My business practice in theprivate sector was within 24
hours, particularly in lawpractice.
I had a commitment that I wouldget back and respond to
everything that came to me lawpractice.
I had a commitment that I wouldget back and respond to
everything that came to me.
So I can't always meet thatcommitment to get back that
(09:43):
quickly because of the volume,but I try to respond to everyone
who has a concern.
In addition, tonight I'm goingto Countryside to meet with a
group of residents out therejust to hear them talk.
Hear them talk about challengesthat they have in their part of
Clearwater Gotcha.
So and I like to go to eventsall the time I have some folks
that are really concerned aboutmy health because they see me
(10:07):
out everywhere.
They're like Mayor, when do youhave time to relax and kind of
gather your own thoughts?
And I do have that time, sure,but I really enjoy being out in
the public, not just inClearwater but throughout Tampa
Bay.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
Engaging in one-on-one conversations with
people.
That's how I can best grow as aleader to be continually
connected with the community andto hear their concerns.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Absolutely, and you know we appreciate it.
They appreciate it Because, youknow, a lot of times it's just
they need somebody to talk to.
You know they want to make surethat their voice is being heard
to talk to.
You know they want to make surethat their voice is being heard
.
I know you touched on, you know, with the one 500 residents
that you had to relocate becauseof the flood.
(10:49):
Are you hearing from residentsabout affordability issues here
in the city of Clearwater?
Speaker 2 (10:54):
We have affordability issues all over Tampa Bay, all
throughout the state of Florida,all throughout the country.
I'm going to a mayor'sconference in Columbia, south
Carolina, tomorrow morning andI'll hear from mayors about
affordability and housing.
That's one of the issues thatwe're going to address there as
well.
Talk to each other about ideas,our problems with inventory.
We just don't have enoughinventory, and particularly here
(11:17):
, with the attractiveness of thewater and the lifestyle, it's a
very difficult place forcompanies to relocate and bring
executive employees with them.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
Sure.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Because they can't find the kind of home close to
Clearwater that they really want, absolutely Unfortunately right
now, I'd say well over half ofour workforce on Clearwater
Beach commutes from HillsboroughCounty or Pasco County.
They have to live that far outto have affordable housing to
work in Clearwater Gotcha.
So we're doing all the thingswe can do.
(11:52):
We're limited on what we can dowith affordable housing dollars
, of course, but workforcehousing really is our most
important initiative right nowFinding folks that maybe don't
qualify for affordable housingbut they're critically important
to our economy, our workforce,to make sure that there are more
opportunities for workforce andwhat we're starting to call
(12:15):
attainable housing.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Okay.
Do you know if the city hasanything, in particular, any
subsidies or grants inparticular, that would help with
these housing affordabilityissues?
Speaker 2 (12:31):
We do for some of the affordable housing.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
We don't yet for the workforce or attainable housing.
Gotcha for the workforce orattainable housing.
But we are trying to encouragethe developers who are
interested in that segment ofthe market to come into
Clearwater and take advantage ofsome opportunities to build
that kind of housing here.
We have a lot of opportunityalong US 19 that after they did
(12:56):
the flyovers about 10 years agothrough Clearwater some of those
businesses didn't make itthrough the transition to the
flyovers on US-19.
But we've got a lot of propertyalong US-19 and other parts of
Clearwater where developerscould come in and do
workforce-type housing.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
Okay, that definitely makes sense and I agree with
you on that.
You know the the the flyoverswere were great for, you know,
those commuting, um, you know,into St Pete and things along
those lines.
But some of the businessesalong there they did uh struggle
and, um, you know,unfortunately some of them did
uh, did falter but uh, I but theidea of bringing it in and
(13:36):
having a developer make it intomore of a workforce housing is
probably a pretty good idea.
I do like that.
What do you see Clearwaterplaying in the broader Tampa Bay
region in terms of economicdevelopment, tourism and
innovation?
Speaker 2 (13:51):
Well, we already have a reputation as being we're an
international tourismdestination, so I was on Virgin
Airways going to South Africa.
So I'm sitting on a Virginflight from airplane from London
going from London toJohannesburg, and when they roll
through the slides as I'mwaiting for the flight to take
off, on Virgin destinations, alltheir destinations around the
world Barbados, london, sanFrancisco, chicago, you name it
(14:17):
they had one picture for eachdestination, and so I'm sitting
there just watching seeing allthe places that Virgin flies
around the world, and up pops upTampa, and the photograph is of
Clearwater Beach.
Of course it is.
It's an aerial shot from theOpal Sands down towards Pier 60.
Okay, and so that reminded methat here I am on an
(14:39):
international flight from Londonto Johannesburg, not even an
American destination flight andthere's that picture.
So we already have establishedourself as really the jewel of
the entire region forinternational tourism.
When you're talking about otherthings, though, technology,
that's an area where we have anopportunity to grow and do great
(15:00):
things.
Knowbefore is a company inClearwater that's grown
significantly because they dointernet security type training
for companies and municipalgovernments.
They have grown significantly,and Arnie Bellini is a tech
successful leader.
Sure, he's talked about all ofTampa Bay becoming a
(15:22):
cybersecurity hub for the entireworld, so we've got
opportunities there.
We also have opportunities withlife sciences.
I'm going to London with MayorCastor and Mayor Welch here in
June and we went to Canada lastyear for a global Tampa Bay
visit and we really think lifesciences would be a good area
(15:45):
for us to focus on as a region,not just medical but also for
Clearwater, marine and animalsciences.
So a lot of opportunities tobuild upon our already strong
reputation as an internationaltourism destination Perfect.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
Well, yeah, we definitely have some good marine
things going on around here,and you know, I know, clearwater
Marine Aquarium took a hard hitafter the hurricane and I hope,
you know, they're able to getback up and running.
I mean, I know they're runningnow, but back up to where they
they once were, um, because it'sit's such a a staple that
people love to come to the areaand visit that uh, see the
(16:26):
dolphins and things along thoselines, um, and then, of course,
they have a great researchfacility as well.
Um, looking ahead, uh, whatlegacy do you hope to leave as
the mayor of clew water?
Speaker 2 (16:39):
Well, I think that my , when you talk about legacy,
it's really those things thatwill be recognized as
accomplishments long after I'mno longer here.
Sure, and that's what I'mreally focused on.
What things am I doing each daythat I may not see in my
lifetime come to success?
But years from now we'll lookback and we'll say, wow, you
(17:01):
know.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
Mayor Rector started that.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
And he didn't live to see it to its fruition.
But, boy, clearwater is a wholelot better for my son, his
children, my grandchildren thatchoose to live here in years to
come.
You can look at Beachwalk andClearwater.
I credit Mayor Hibbert withinspiring that development years
ago.
That really changed ClearwaterBeach for the better.
(17:26):
Right.
It brought in the signaturehotels and really a lot of our
local tax base revenues arebased upon the growth
significant growth and theinternational destination that
Clearwater Beach has become.
So that's something that MayorHammer lived to see Right, but
it's that kind of thing thatwill last for decades to come.
(17:48):
That I really want to make adifference in while I'm mayor.
Speaker 1 (17:51):
Well, I know you are going to make a huge difference
because, I mean, we can see theyou know, as you came with the
community to come together afterHurricane Helene and Milton,
and just what you've done so farto bring the community back
together and get it up andrunning.
So you know, we reallyappreciate that and you know, if
nothing else, that you know howyou led through that horrible
(18:12):
time that we had is a greatlegacy, in my opinion.
So you know, once again, thankyou for that.
You know, as you know, we arethe largest single office real
estate brokerage in the state ofFlorida.
We have around 2,200 agents andchange.
Would you like to say anythingin particular to the real estate
(18:33):
professionals out there inregards to what's going on that
you're seeing in the real estateeconomy and things along those
lines?
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Well, I think what I'd like to do in that regard is
just to reinforce how importantall of your agents are to the
future growth of Clearwater andthe future growth of the state
of Florida.
Like I shared with you, ourinventory is so limited that
(19:02):
we've just got to have theirhelp in getting these folks that
we need to grow our economy, weneed to supply jobs right for
future generations, uh to to getthem in housing opportunities
that make sense for them.
And to kenji to help us growthat real estate market.
And and I had I I hesitate tosay development grows sometimes
(19:24):
when I'm going into thecommunity, like I am tonight,
because too often citizens havea negative perception of that.
They think we're going to knockdown all the trees and that's
not what we're talking about,and your agents certainly
understand that.
That we're talking aboutimproving our community, correct
and having adequate housing,attractive housing opportunities
for folks.
That is improving our communityand that's what we're talking
(19:47):
about when we're talking aboutdevelopment.
Speaker 1 (19:49):
Absolutely.
Yeah, you know, obviously,being down on Clearwater Beach
and you know the one level homesthere, a lot of them still need
to be renovated or lifted oradded on in order to make things
happen.
You know, looking at the StPetersburg Clearwater MSA as it
is, we had an inventory increaseof 34% year over year.
(20:15):
And you know, looking at thosenumbers you think, oh wow, you
know there's a lot of homes thatare on the market.
Why aren't they selling?
Well, I think a lot of that 30%increase is the homes that have
damage and they haven't beenrenovated.
So unfortunately, the regularbuyer can't exactly go out and
just purchase that home becausethey can't get insurance on it.
(20:36):
But hopefully over the next,you know, but hopefully over the
next year, 18 months, with yourhelp and the Pinellas County
state of Florida, everybodycoming together, will be able to
work on some insurance issuesand be able to get those homes
renovated, get that inventoryproblem taken care of.
Speaker 2 (21:02):
So I'm confident that that will all come together.
Well, we've had to push some ofour homeowners here recently.
We gave them six months graceon taking care of their
properties, but some of them, atleast in Clearwater, have been
second homes for folks and,unbelievably, have been touched
(21:23):
very little since the hurricanecame through Helene.
So we gave them a great amountof grace and leeway for a time
being, but now we're starting tohear from their neighbors who
have updated their homes.
Yeah, Repaired their homes andthey're like when's my neighbor
going to take care of theirproperty?
So we waited as long as wecould to push them, but we're
(21:43):
going to have to start pushingthem.
It's not fair to theirneighbors to let their property
stay in disarray.
Speaker 1 (21:50):
Yeah, and I mean we do have a lot of developers and
investors in the area who areready to purchase these homes.
You know reputable ones.
So I think you know, like Isaid, I think it's just going to
be a little bit more time, youknow, because we can only handle
, or those investors anddevelopers can only handle, so
much.
You know you have a ton outthere who think they're that
(22:13):
investor, developer, but they'rejust not.
And but we want to make sure.
Just like you, you want to makesure that things are done
correctly and so that way thatnext buyer can truly insure that
home and enjoy all thatClearwater has to offer.
(22:33):
Well, that's all I have for you, mayor Rector.
I really appreciate you comingon here today and you know, keep
doing all the great thingsyou've been doing in the city of
Clearwater.
Thank you so much well.
Speaker 2 (22:43):
Thank you for having me here today.
And you know one of the thingsI love about Clearwater.
You said you grew up here andyou went to high school here.
It it's the history of thisarea and and this, this realty
firm.
The long history of this firm25 years is Is just amazing and
(23:03):
it's part of the fabric ofClearwater and the historic and
very successful fabric ofClearwater.
So I really appreciate theopportunity to come in here
today to speak with you, becauseI didn't grow up here.
I grew up in Indiana, but I'm,as I said earlier, so jealous of
those who did, and so I so muchadmire firms like this who have
(23:26):
made this their home for manypeople and have grown to be
successful right here inClearwater.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
Well, we appreciate that.
Thank you so much.
All right, everyone.
We'll see you next week on theReal Estate Disruptors podcast.
Take care.
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