Tim Miles, CRS,GRI,ABR

Clearwater, FL Area Guide

Welcome to Clearwater, Florida!

If the idea of living in a place where long, pristine beaches offer up indescribably beautiful sunsets on a regular basis appeals to you, then Clearwater, Florida is the place for you! This family-friendly locale has grown to accommodate the many families who have chosen to call it home, as well as the tourists who yearn for just a glimpse of the impressive beaches, yet a small-town community spirit still prevails. Environmental consciousness plays an important role in decisions made by local leaders, ensuring that the natural beauty of the area will endure. Downtown Clearwater is always hopping with fun events, from the Farmer's Market, to Fashion and Art Week. The area's temperate climate provides the perfect setting for an outdoor, healthy lifestyle for you and your family. Clearwater, Florida…"where the beach takes you!"

History

The first documented inhabitants of the area currently known as Clearwater were a tribe of Native Americans called the Tocobaga, who are said to have lived there in the 16th century. As Europeans began making their way into the area, they brought with them diseases to which the Tocobaga people had no resistance, and the Tocobaga population ceased to exist by the 18th century.

The Seminole people began to settle in the area in the early 18th century. By the later part of that century, Seminole numbers increased with the insurgence of "Black Seminoles", free blacks and escaped black slaves who paid homage to the Seminole way of life in exchange for protection. Encounters between the Seminoles and the United States Army sprang up in 1817 and lasted off and on through 1858. These encounters are known as the "Seminole Wars" or the "Florida Wars".

In 1842, the Federal Armed Occupation Act put forth by the United States Army offered plots of land 160 acres in size to anyone willing to bear arms and to develop the land. The population grew immensely. The first passenger railroad line was brought into the city in 1888, and the town of Clearwater was incorporated in 1891. It is believed that the name Clearwater resulted from the many freshwater springs existing throughout the area.
In 1915, the area was reincorporated as the City of Clearwater, and was chosen as the county seat of Pinellas County.

Activities and Attractions

As one would expect of an area with such a lush landscape and pleasant climate, attractions abound in Clearwater. We've listed a handful below to give you just an idea of what this fun-filled area has to offer. For a more detailed listing, please visit http://www.tampabaybeaches.com/CWT/external/wcpages/things/Things_to_See_Do.aspx.

Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa
Built by railroad mogul Henry B. Plant in 1897, this distinguished West Florida landmark boasts Tiffany glass and intricate handcrafted woodwork throughout its impressive 820,000 square feet. A must-see! For more information, visit http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com/.

Bright House Field
Spring training headquarters for the Philadelphia Phillies since 1948, Bright House Field also takes pride in being home field for the minor league baseball team, the Clearwater Threshers.
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t566

City Players
Come watch this lively, talented community theatre group, or if you've got what it takes, join them onstage! http://www.clearwater-fl.com/gov/depts/parksrec/arts_culture/city_players.asp

Clearwater Arts Alliance
"…a catalyst that advocates, fosters, and promotes cultural awareness and opportunities for all people in Clearwater." http://www.clearwaterartsfoundation.org/ClearwatersArtsandCul.asp

Clearwater Audubon Society
Their motto, "Conservation through Education", clearly spells out their important mission. Visit their website to learn more about this progressive group: http://www.clearwateraudubon.org/

The Florida Aquarium

Less than an hour's drive from Clearwater, the Florida Aquarium is an outstanding place to interact with and learn about the many different kinds of marine wildlife found in Florida's waters.
http://www.flaquarium.org/

The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute
Offering ten-week courses to students from toddler age through adult, this avant-garde foundation is a wonderful place to experience the arts first-hand.
http://hoffmanperformingarts.org/exploratoryclasses.htm

Parks and Recreation

The Pinellas County Parks and Recreation Department maintains over 4,000 acres of parks consisting of various landscapes. From sparkling beaches with water of amazing hues to lush treed environments dripping with Spanish Moss, Pinellas County offers one incredible environment after another. For a list of park amenities and options of locations in which to find them, visit http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/amenities.htm#list.

In addition to the Pinellas County Parks and Recreation Department, The City of Clearwater has a very energetic, active Parks and Recreation Department in its own right. Good health, respect for nature, conservation of our natural treasures, achievement, economic development, a sense of community…Florida's future - "It starts in parks!" http://www.clearwater-fl.com/gov/depts/parksrec/index.asp

The Florida Botanical Gardens
A patio garden, tropical fruit garden, herb garden, and seasonal plantings display make up only part of what Florida Botanical Gardens has to offer. What could possibly entice you even more to spend a day of exploration? How about free admission? Here at the Florida Botanical Gardens, you are cordially invited to "Discover Paradise in Pinellas County!" http://www.flbg.org/

Fort De Soto Park
Named America's Top Beach for 2009 by TripAdvisor, this immaculate natural park stretches for over 1,100 miles with a picturesque landscape that has to be seen to be believed! Five interconnected islands and an historic fort draw folks from every background to explore, learn, and relax. From boat ramps to ball fields to hiking trials, Fort De Soto has it all. Go camping, rent a shelter for your upcoming family get together, play with the kids on the playground equipment, swim in the majestic blue-green waters, let your dog run free on the beach at the dog park. http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm

The Pinellas Trail
This 37-mile long trail connects Pinellas County from north to south, utilizing an abandoned CSX railroad right-of-way. The trail runs through picturesque parks, coastal areas, and neighborhoods. Lifting users above traffic or lowering them below it are overpasses and underpasses, keeping riders safe. Also adding to the safety of the trail is its being patrolled by the Pinellas County Security Task Force, Pinellas County Park Rangers, and the Auxiliary Rangers. Bike racks and refreshment stops all along the way complete the attraction of this unique community amenity.
http://www.pinellascounty.org/trailgd/default.htm

Events

Clearwater is an enjoyable place to call home, no matter where your interests lie. There are events year-round for enthusiasts of every taste to enjoy. Below are just a few samples of the fun to be had. For a detailed listing of upcoming events, visit http://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/events/events.