FOOTPRINTS | AUGUST 2005
 
Blazing trails

Clearwater is experiencing an unprecedented development boom. Over the next three years, the beach community will see a billion dollars in new development and redevelopment.

New construction is leading to new choices for travelers. Catering to the corporate client, a new Holiday Inn Express opened in May 2005 at 2580 Gulf to Bay Boulevard. In addition to 78 standard rooms, there are 33 executive suites and 4 one bedroom fully equipped executive apartments. All rooms offer free high-speed internet service. The lobby is wireless ready. In addition to a pool, there is laundry pick up, deluxe continental breakfast, a work out center, 3 boardrooms and banquet facilities. Holiday Inn Express reservations can be made by calling 727-799-6300.

For the family on a budget, the Motel 6 at 20788 US Highway 19 North opened July 15, 2005. All 88 brand new rooms offer refrigerators, microwaves and high speed internet access. Take a dip in the pool and save your money for the many nearby restaurants and attractions. Prices at Motel 6 range from $48 to $63 a night. Motel 6 reservations can be made by calling 727-797-2600.

Construction costs of the Holiday Inn and Motel 6 exceeded 12 million dollars. Plans are already in the works to add 40 additional rooms on the same northwest corner of Gulf to Bay Blvd. and US Highway 19 North.
 
Kick off your shoes and stay a while
For years, Dave Watson made the journey from England to visit his favorite beach. After 15 years as a tourist, Dave and his family now call Clearwater Beach home. Last year, the Watsons purchased the Barefoot Bay Resort & Marina. This 15–room inn on the marina is a three minute walk from the beach. Built in the 1950s and totally renovated in 2001, the Barefoot Bay is one of the few remaining family-run operations where you can still find a room as reasonable as $61 a night. Dave says the development boom is not going to change that.

“We probably get three or four people a week in here who want to buy this place. We relocated our family here for the weather and the people. It’s a great place to live. We have no intentions of selling.”

The Barefoot Bay Resort & Marina is located at 401 E. Shore Drive. Call 727-447-3316 for more information.
 
Toe tappin' time
Mark your calendars for October 13 through 16 for what is one of the longest-running and best-known free live jazz events in the country. The 26th annual MarineMax Clearwater Jazz Holiday is presented in the 20-acre landscaped Coachman park in downtown Clearwater overlooking beautiful Clearwater Harbor and the majestic Memorial Causeway Bridge. The visitor experience is complimented by Clearwater’s mild fall weather, miles of world-famous Gulf beaches, brilliant sunsets, nearby attractions, accommodations and dining to suit every taste and budget.
For more information about planning your Jazz Holiday trip, call 888-425-3279.

This year’s Clearwater Jazz Holiday line up will be announced August 24th. Visit their web site for the latest: www.clearwaterjazz.com.
 
Get your toes wet
It’s been called a fiberglass doughnut and an aquatic Danish. Some even think it's a floating go-cart. The folks at Clearwater Boat Rentals call it a hydro-saucer. This two seater mini race boat will cruise up to 35 miles an hour. Of course, you will be taking it slow through the scenic route from the Clearwater Municipal Marina past the Belleview Biltmore and Tom Cruise's vacation home. Once past the no-wake zone north of Bird Island, you are free to see just what this saucer can do. Stop on a sand bar and stay a while or chase the day away spinning, whizzing and skipping. For $60 you will get an hour of play time.
 
Step back in time
The Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar, the oldest operating beach pavilion in Florida, celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. The Hamilton family has owned the landmark for the past 40 years. At the Palm Pavilion you can enjoy the sunset on the patio while listening to live bands and munching on a menu that includes seafood, salad, pasta, steaks and beach staples like hamburgers and hot dogs.

“With every change, we sought to maintain the architectural integrity of the Palm, while keeping it a place anyone from grandparents to grandchildren would feel welcome," said Hoyt Hamilton. “A young couple, who came here in the 1950s and again fifty years later to celebrate an anniversary, would recognize the Palm.”

The Hamilton family wants you to help celebrate their anniversary. They are looking for vacation pictures and family memories that pre-date their ownership of this beach side gem. Even if you don’t come bearing old pictures, they may have a photo or memory to share with you.

The Palm Pavilion Grill and Bar is located at 10 Bay Esplanade on north Clearwater Beach. For more information, call 727-446-2642 or log on www.palmpavillion.com
 
Off the beaten path
You may have seen a flick at the drive-in at some point in your life, but what about a dive-in? Take a swim and catch a movie Florida-style! The popcorn starts popping after sunset at the Hilton Clearwater Beach pool. If you miss movie night, families love the tiki beach party every Thursday night or parents can get away while the kids arrrgh it up at the Buccaneer adventure, just one of many get-a-ways on the calendar at the Hilton’s Fun Factory Kid’s Club. From mini-golf to dolphin encounters, it’s a getaway they won't soon forgot.
For more information about Fun Factory Kids Club, call 727-461-3222, ext. 174.
 
Why walk?

You won't need a car on Clearwater Beach. Although everything is within easy walking distance, consider the Jolley Trolley, a San Francisco-style trolley car, which travels throughout Clearwater Beach and into downtown. Catch the Suncoast Beach Trolley to explore the many unique beach communities stretching from Clearwater's Sand Key south to Pass-A-Grille. Connecting trolleys and buses travel inland to various shopping venues and to St. Petersburg's downtown museums. Several companies offer tours, including transportation, to Tampa and Orlando attractions.

Also, congratulations to Tampa International Airport for earning the Global Efficiency Excellence Award for being the most efficient airport in North America. The Official Airline Guide has chosen Tampa International Airport as one of the five best airports in the world and Conde Nast Traveler magazine has ranked it the best airport in the United States and third best in the world. Tampa International Airport, one of three airports just minutes from the beaches, is 19 miles from Clearwater Beach. The St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport is 11 miles to the beach and was recently renovated from top to bottom. Airport shuttles and rental cars are available at both airports. Clearwater Executive Airpark is designed for small private and corporate aircraft.
 
Put yourself in our shoes

A seemingly endless supply of sun, a mild and temperate climate, world-renowned beaches, nature-based attractions and wide-ranging recreational and cultural activities make Clearwater, Florida, one of the country’s most popular vacation destinations. Its proximity to St. Petersburg, Tampa, Sarasota and Orlando make it an ideal “home base” for daily excursions. Come on down and put yourself in our shoes for a while!

Visitors seeking additional assistance with their Clearwater travel plans can contact the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce: 1130 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, Florida 33755; info@clearwaterflorida.org; 888-425-3279 (toll free) or 727-461-0011. More information, as well as comprehensive lists and descriptions of accommodations, restaurants, nightlife establishments and shopping options, can be found in the free Official Visitors Guide or at www.visitclearwaterflorida.com.
 
Footprints is published monthly by the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
on behalf of the City of Clearwater.
To submit news items for consideration please contact
Ebe Bower (ebower@clearwaterflorida.org) Vice President, Tourism, Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Deadline for submissions is the 15th of each month for the following month's issue.
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