Clearwater Christian College property sold
By Janelle Irwin
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Jul 13, 2016

The city of Clearwater finalized its purchase of Clearwater Christian College land last week for $1.36 million, and officials hope to use the acquired land for environmental protection.

The city closed on the property at the base of Tampa Bay at the West end of the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

The acquisition includes the entire property northeast of Gulf-to-Bay and Bayshore Boulevards, but does not include the actual campus. The shuttered school will maintain ownership of that portion of the property.

The city expects to develop a master plan for the 80 acres of wetlands.

"This purchase emphasizes the city's commitment to Clearwater's environmental future,” said Mayor George Cretekos. "Residents can now look forward to being able to enjoy this land as a natural preserve with improved bay water quality for years to come.”

The acquired property also includes 6 acres of uplands near the east side of Bayshore Boulevard. The city's engineering department will manage the land. The master plan developed will identify projects intended to improve water quality and restore the natural environment.

Clearwater Christian College closed abruptly last summer amid declining enrollment, rising debt and depleted endowments and revenue. At the time it closed the school had less than $1 million in endowments.

The school was open for a half century and served as the area's only Christian liberal arts college.

Janelle Irwin is a reporter for the Tampa Bay Business Journal.