Creamy Seafood Chowder

Name: Creamy Seafood Chowder
Ingredients: 8-10 bacon strips (divided); 2 Tbsp. butter; 2 celery ribs (chopped); 1 leek (finely chopped); 1 large onion (chopped); 2-3 garlic cloves (minced); 3-4 small potatoes (red potatoes or Yukon gold, peeled and cubed); 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable); 2 8 ounce bottles clam juice; 1 tsp white pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp dried thyme; ⅔ cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups half-and-half (divided); 3 6 ½ oz cans whole clams, chopped into chunky pieces (no need to drain); 12 oz salad shrimp (bay shrimp); 12 oz crabmeat (shredded); Bay leaf; 1-2 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or more); Chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)