Clearwater's Landings Golf Course Could Become a $180M Sports Hub

A 77-acre golf course in North Clearwater just became one of the most watched parcels in Pinellas County. On August 6,

Clearwater City Council voted unanimously to move forward with a proposal that could transform The Landings Golf Course into a nearly $180 million sports and recreation complex.

The vote doesn't greenlight construction — but it signals loud and clear that this land is not going to stay a quiet municipal golf course for long.

What's Actually Being Proposed

Porter Development LLC and Sunshine Recreational and Entertainment LLC want to redevelop the municipal golf course at 1875 Airport Drive, near Clearwater Airpark, into The Landings Sports & Entertainment District — a privately developed and operated recreation complex built on land that would remain under city ownership.

The scale is ambitious.

The approximately $179.6 million proposal calls for 13 multipurpose rectangular fields, including a championship field designed for soccer, lacrosse, and football, along with 24 covered pickleball courts and 12 sand volleyball courts. Plans also include two 18-hole putting courses, golf simulators, pools, a lazy river, water slides, and children's splash and play areas. A fitness and wellness center would add space for yoga, CrossFit, Pilates, and other classes, while outdoor components would include training areas, running and biking trails, and hot and cold mineral-infused pools.

Developers say the complex would serve about 1.5 million people, generate a projected economic benefit of $566 million over 10 years, and create more than 600 jobs.

Where Things Stand Right Now

The Clearwater City Council says the proposal is worth further consideration, but the city is also opening a 30-day window for developers to submit alternate proposals for the site.

The project is estimated to cost about $180 million, financed through roughly $108 million in private borrowing, $27 million in private equity, and a proposed $45 million contribution from Pinellas County tourist development taxes — although county TDT funding has not been secured.

There are real hurdles.

City staff stressed that significant questions remain, including around traffic and parking, pedestrian and bicycle safety, stormwater improvements, environmental remediation, and the site's proximity to Clearwater Airpark. Portions of the property also sit above a historic landfill, requiring additional environmental work before redevelopment can occur.

Supporters say the project could fill a shortage of youth sports fields, while opponents are raising concerns about traffic, noise, green space, the environment, and nearby neighborhoods.

Why This Matters for Nearby Homeowners and Buyers

Here's the real estate read on this: the $180 million price tag and the 30-day competing-proposals window both tell you the same thing — this site is going to be redeveloped in some form. That's a meaningful signal for anyone buying or owning a home within a mile or two of 1875 Airport Drive.

On the upside, large-scale sports tourism infrastructure — think youth travel leagues, tournaments, and weekday training programs — can generate a consistent economic pulse that supports surrounding retail, restaurants, and housing demand. Projects like this have boosted home values in comparable suburban markets when executed well.

On the downside, the concerns raised by residents are legitimate:

neighbors are concerned about 2,000 parking spots

and the traffic load that comes with tournament-scale events.

The "Keep Keene Green" initiative has residents pushing for more information before the process moves further forward.

If you own near Airport Drive or Keene Road, watch the next 30 days closely — that's when competing proposals are due, and what's submitted will tell you a lot about the city's actual appetite for density and activity at this site.

For buyers eyeing North Clearwater and the neighborhoods surrounding the Airpark corridor, this is a reason to do your due diligence now, before anything is finalized. The best Clearwater neighborhoods guide for 2026 breaks down how the north side stacks up against East Gate, Countryside, and other pockets — worth a read if you're shopping in the $300s–$500s in Pinellas.

And if you already own near The Landings? Check your current home value against comps in the area — a major amenity project nearby can shift your baseline more than people expect. You can get a quick read at What Is My Home Worth in Clearwater.

The next big milestone is the close of the 30-day competing-proposal window, likely early September. I'll keep an eye on what comes in.