Facts

Literally translated “Clear Water” from the Native American Indian “Pocotopaug,” Clearwater was named for the abundant fresh springs that once ran from its banks into the bay. Settled by colonists in the mid-1830s, the area began to develop a reputation as a resort as early as the 1890s.

Known variously in its early days as Clear Water Harbor and then Clear Water, the city of Clearwater was incorporated in 1915, three years after Pinellas County was created and Clearwater named the county seat. For more information about Clearwater’s history, visit the official Web site of the city of Clearwater, www.myclearwater.com.

Today, the Clearwater area is one of the most popular travel destinations in the country, offering 28 miles of world-famous Gulf beaches, nature-based attractions, and activities, events, accommodations and dining to suit every taste and budget.

Location

Clearwater is situated on the Pinellas County peninsula, midway on Florida’s west coast and on the highest coastal bluff in all of Florida. It is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on the west and Tampa Bay on the east. Clearwater’s geographic location is latitude 27.57 North and longitude 82.48 West.

Population

According to the most recent U.S. Census (2000), approximately 110,000 people call Clearwater home. That number increases by about 20,000 during the winter months.

Weather

Average seasonal air temperatures: winter (max. 70.9� F/min. 50.3� F); spring (max 81.7� F/min. 61.4� F); summer (max. 89.9� F/min. 73.6� F) and fall (max. 83.2� F/min. 64.8� F). Average seasonal water temperatures: winter (63.7� F); spring (73.7� F); summer (84.7� F) and fall (76.7� F).

Average seasonal rainfall: winter (2.34 inches); spring (4.64 inches); summer (8.15 inches) and fall (3.60 inches).

Transportation-Arriving by Air

Two major airports are conveniently located near Clearwater: St. Petersburg- Clearwater International Airport and Tampa International Airport.

St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (www.fly2pie.com)

Centrally located and only minutes away from the Clearwater area’s beaches, the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) provides visitors with lower fares and fewer crowds.

Tampa International Airport (www.tampaairport.com)

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is served by most major airlines which provide nonstop daily and connecting service to national and international destinations. Visitors traveling to the greater Clearwater area may also arrive via the Clearwater Executive Airpark (www.myclearwater.com) and two Orlando area airports: Orlando International Airport www.orlandoairports.net) and Orlando-Sanford International Airport (www.orlandosanfordairport.com).

Transportation-Arriving by Car

Clearwater is easily accessible by major interstates along the Midwest (I-75) and Northeast (I-95) corridors, as well as from central and east central Florida (I-4). To reach Clearwater, State Road 60, which becomes the Courtney Campbell Causeway over Tampa Bay, is the primary artery into Clearwater and Clearwater Beach.

Transportation-In and Around Clearwater

Motorists can dial 511, a free call 24 hours a day, to get detailed information on traffic conditions on the interstates and major roads throughout the Clearwater area. Traveler information may also be accessed via the Internet at www.511tampabay.com.

Taxis cannot be hailed from the street; visitors must either call a cab company or ask a local business (or hotel concierge) to call for them. Bus transportation is available throughout Pinellas County via the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). The Suncoast Beach Trolley, a service of the PSTA, runs along the beach communities from Clearwater Beach to Pass-A-Grille. For more information, visit www.psta.net or call (727) 540-1900. The Jolley Trolley (www.ClearwaterJolleyTrolley.com), a San Francisco-style trolley car, travels throughout Clearwater Beach.

Additional Visitor Information

Clearwater offers visitors some of the best beaches in the country, a wide range of natural and cultural attractions and opportunities, fun events all year long, as well as a wide array of accommodations and dining options. For a comprehensive list and descriptions of accommodations, restaurants, entertainment and shopping options, visitors should log onto www.visitclearwaterflorida.com or refer to the Official Visitors Guide (available online or by calling the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce).