Clearwater Marine Aquarium volunteers are busy saving sea creatures distressed by Red Tide. In just a two-week period in August, CMA responded to 29 calls for sick or dying seas turtles. The public can visit this working marine hospital to check in on the recovery process as well as meet the Aquarium’s resident dolphins, otters and favorite fish.

Visitors can also check the latest advisories and locations affected by Red Tide at the Fish & Wildlife Research Institute website for a weekly official report.

It is important to remember that if the algae bloom is affecting a portion of beach near your destination, a short drive can take you to an unaffected area. Red Tide is very fluid and can change from day-to-day or even throughout the day. There are 28 miles of Gulf Beaches to choose from here, including Dr. Beach’s consistently ranked best beaches Caladesi Island and Fort Desoto Park.

For health questions about Red Tide, call the Marine Health Hotline at 888-232-8635.

There are just as many people crossing the bridge from the beach these days. Downtown Clearwater is experiencing its own boom with five condominium and mixed-use projects in the works.

The first to go up will be the 15-story Station Square Condominiums. Pending approval, the 32-story Acqua project will become downtown’s tallest building. It will include an 8 to 12 screen movie theater, retail shops and restaurants. Meanwhile, Harrison Village/Island View has already been approved to build out 6.5 acres with twin 174-foot condo towers and 40,000 square feet of retail space. Clearwater Centre will renovate a Cleveland Street office building into 71 condos. At the same time, the Water’s Edge project will be a 25-story mixed-use development on the corner of Osceola and Cleveland Street.

Bill Witter of Equity Pro Realty in downtown Clearwater recently told a St. Petersburg Times reporter, "The big players down there have pretty much locked up most of what's going to happen at Clearwater Beach. If you look at downtown Clearwater, it's a spit from the beach. It's like Clearwater got discovered. It's been a blank slate forever, but this place is going to explode.''

A New Path
The drive to Clearwater Beach just got a little easier. The $64.2 million Memorial Causeway Bridge opened in late August. The high span replaces the 42-year-old drawbridge. More than 12 million of the funding came from Penny for Pinellas. Its height offers spectacular vistas for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Westbound the bridge is now accessed from Court Street rather than through downtown.

“Beach Walk Gets Legs”
Construction crews will be crossing the new bridge to break ground on Beach Walk this October. The $16.2 million dollar project will revitalize the south end of the beach, which is one of the most popular spots for overnight visitors. Construction is expected to take 42 months. There are no road closures during phase one of the project. The city of Clearwater is creating an electronic version of available parking for use through the project’s completion. It will be available on www.myclearwater.com.

He was a comedian, singer and cruise director for 18 years. He spent another twenty years cultivating the best fishing holes along Clearwater Beach. No, “he” is not a fictional character from a Jimmy Buffet song; Captain Dan is the real deal.

Since the red tide swept in, this crafty sailor has turned his 33 foot Bertram custom sport fisher into a custom cruiser. Whether you want a private sunset cruise for 6 or a snorkeling expedition to Caladesi Island, By Request Charters will custom make your trip into unaffected, clean blue seas. They have even done children’s birthday parties aboard the “Sea Rose.”

“The other day we had dolphins chasing us for two solid miles. The kids loved watching them jump and just fly out of the water. They were trailing within 6 inches of the boat,” Captain Dan said about a recent charter.

For reservations call 727-587-0714 or visit www.byrequestcharters.com.

If you like stunt shows, human powered rides and dressing like a buccaneer, but you don’t want to wait until Gasparilla, mark your calendar for the 3rd annual Florida Pirate Festival.

When: November 18th to 20th
Where: Coachman park, 301 Drew Street
Who: Call 727-464-9644.

Two wheels will get you there
The Suncoast Classic Cycling Event welcomes riders of all skill levels. Recruit your friends, family, co-workers and exercise buddies to build a team or take the challenge yourself. Activities include the spring-fest, family ride, sprints and circuit race. Prizes include best team uniform, most spirited team, most money raised, sweatiest cyclist and more! Don’t miss great music, wonderful exercise, tasty food and games.
When: Saturday October 8th
Where: Coachman Park, 301 Drew Street
Who: Call 727-562-4800 or log on to www.richweb.net/suncoast/events.cfm for details.

Why wait to book your vacation. September has a lot to offer in Clearwater. On Tuesday, September 20, join us for the 16th annual Taste of Clearwater. From 5 to 8 pm at the Harborview Center, sample the favorites of forty area restaurants while being entertained by “Red Hot Jazz.” The kids will get a kick out of the caricature and balloon artists while you find your own island near the steel drummer.

An estimated 3,500 people will join in the sampling. Our hosts this year include the City of Clearwater, Clearwater Gas, WorkNet Pinellas, Breezin Entertainment, Bright House Networks, WSJT 94.1, Jiffy Reprographics and the Harborview Center.

Tickets are available on line at www.clearwaterflorida.org or at any of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce’s visitor information centers.

Join us October 13th through 16th in Coachman Park for one of the best live jazz performances in the World and better yet, it’s free. The line up for this year’s 26th annual MarineMax Clearwater Jazz Holiday Presented by Mercedes-Benz includes these headliners: the Ramsey Lewis Trio, Boney James, Stanley Clarke, Bela Fleck, Jean-Luc Ponty (touring together under the name Trio!) and Fred Johnson and Brian Culbertson featuring Eric Darius. The complete schedule of artists is available at www.clearwaterjazz.com.

The Hilton Clearwater Beach resort is the official hotel for jazz lovers. The Hilton, located in the heart of Clearwater Beach, is the perfect place to “find your rhythm”. The Hilton is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation and will have four floors refurbished in time for this event. These extensive renovations include luxury amenities such as the Hilton Serenity Beds with down pillows and comforters as well as new furnishings and carpeting, just to name a few new items. The Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort is also the only hotel property on Clearwater Beach serving beverages and snacks directly on the beach. With all the comforts of home, just add water!!!

For reservations for Clearwater Jazz Holiday, call 1-877-461-3222 or log on to www.hiltonclearwaterbeachresort.com. Contact the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce at 727-461-0011 or the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce at 727-447-7600 for additional accommodations.

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.