Spring is a delightful time to be in Clearwater. With very little rainfall and average air and water temperatures in the mid 70s, visitors will find plenty to do, whether it’s water sports, taking in the latest art exhibition, dining alfresco at any number of beachside restaurants or simply relaxing on the white sand beach! Be sure to visit www.visitclearwaterflorida.com on a regular basis for the latest information regarding Clearwater and links to accommodations, dining and attractions.

Clearwater’s Billion Dollar Beach is taking shape!

Clearwater Beach is in the midst of an unprecedented revitalization, the most significant improvement to Clearwater's tourism economy in decades and one that is transforming one of the world's most desirable vacation destinations into an even more beautiful place to visit.

Billion Dollar Beach includes over one billion dollars in private development, a mix of upscale hotel accommodations, residential condominiums and the $30 million Beach Walk, the City of Clearwater's beautification program. Beach Walk will dramatically complement the beach's landscape - and the visitor experience - by adding green space and public areas with more amenities as well as improving pedestrian and vehicle access.

Several of the private projects are already underway, including four major hotel/condo properties (Note: create hyperlinks): Aqualea Resort & Residences (www.hyattclearwater.com), Indigo Beach Residences and Suites (www.indigobeach.com), Kiran Grand Resort & Spa (www.kirangrand.com) and the Sandpearl Resort and Residences (www.sandpearl.com). Phase One of Beach Walk construction began in January and is expected to last approximately 12 months.

A new web site dedicated to Billion Dollar Beach will go live soon. In the meantime, for the latest news about Beach Walk and other development on Clearwater’s Billion Dollar Beach, visit www.myclearwater.com/beachwalk

Clearwater Beach’s newest luxury boutique condominium hotel is now open! The Royal Camelot, ideally located at 603 Mandalay Ave., is less than one block from the beach and within walking distance to a variety of dining and shopping options as well as sporting and recreational activities. And for families, the property is adjacent to a park that includes play equipment for children and plenty of soft grass for games or picnics.

The Royal Camelot, managed by Travel Resort Services, Inc., has 22 fully furnished and spacious units (studios and one bedrooms), each beautifully decorated with a tropical theme and built around an inner pool courtyard. The studios can accommodate up to four persons, and the one bedroom units can accommodate up to six persons comfortably. Rental rates vary depending on the season and room type, but start at $85.00 per night in the off-season, and at $155.00 per night during peak season.

Amenities include a heated pool, poolside cabanas, a roof top sundeck, flat screen televisions, equipped kitchens, and, of course, central air conditioning.

For more information or reservations, call toll free 800-875-5513 (or 727-441-4902). Visit online at www.royalcamelot.com.

The St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is spreading its wings.

The airport, already a significant part of the Clearwater area’s tourism economy, is becoming an increasingly important gateway to the region. Over the past few years, the airport has focused on airline recruitment and facilities expansion and its efforts are paying off. Its main runway extension is scheduled for completion by May of this year, and this development has already attracted an international carrier.

In conjunction with the newly formed specialist tour operator, Go Visit America (www.govisitamerica.com), beginning in July the British company flywho (www.flywho.com) will offer non-stop flights from the United Kingdom’s Birmingham International Airport (BIA) to St Petersburg-Clearwater each Thursday. BIA is the UK’s second largest airport outside London and the UK’s fifth largest overall.

Airport Director Noah Lagos comments, “Certainly, this is a milestone event for the airport, the county and the Tampa Bay area. It marks the beginning of trans-Atlantic international travel to our airport and is a direct result of the runway extension project. This new service shows that our promotion of PIE as “Your Gateway to Tampa Bay” has been well received by the overseas tour operators who recognize the popularity of the greater Clearwater area.”

Those interested in booking flights from Birmingham, England, to St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport can visit either www.govisitamerica.com or www.flywho.com.

Lastly, the airport is asking patrons and potential visitors for their help in gathering critical information for its future growth. Simply log onto www.fly2pie.com and complete the Fly2PIE Destination Survey. It’s easy as “PIE.” Your feedback will help the airport provide useful information to its existing and prospective airlines.

Ahoy, me hearties!

Embellished or not, folks in the greater Clearwater area love their piratical history. And if it’s a pirate’s life for ye also, well shiver me timbers, look no farther.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay debuted a new attraction in February – Pirates 4-D - a swashbuckling 4-D comedy adventure for the entire family. The 15-minute film stars Leslie Nielsen and was written by, and co-stars, Monty Python alumni Eric Idle.
Guests wear 3-D glasses to create the visual effects that allow the film’s featured images to vault off the screen and pull guests into the midst of the action. Surround sound built into the seats, four digital projectors that run simultaneously and other special effects combine to further immerse the audience in the experience.

Pirates 4-D plays in Busch Garden’s air-conditioned Timbuktu Theater. For more information log onto www.buschgardens.com.

Lasses and swashbucklers in need of more piratical adventure should be sure to plan an excursion on Captain Memo’s Pirate’s Ransom, the “original pirate cruise,” berthed at the Clearwater Municipal Marina in Clearwater Beach.

Passengers can choose between a variety of daytime and champagne (sunset) cruises, each lasting approximately two hours. (One-hour cruises are also available). Complimentary beverages are served, and a bar is also available.

Providing breathtaking views and plenty of dolphin sightings, Captain Memo’s is a fun adventure for the entire family. The captain and his “krewe” also welcome private charters, weddings, children’s birthday parties, senior citizens’ field trips and other special outings.

For more information, call 727-446-2587 or log onto www.captainmemo.com.

Take a Hands-on Stroll Back Through Time

Heritage Village is a 21-acre living history museum located in Pinewood Cultural Park that is also home to the Florida Botanical Gardens and the Gulf Coast Museum of Art. Throughout the months of March, April and May, Heritage Village will be offering hands-on classes in blacksmithing, basket weaving, open-fire cooking, antiquing and collecting, as well as a variety of children’s activities, author book readings and other types of educational events.

To find out more, call 727-582-2123 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/Heritage.

It’s Greek To Us

Tarpon Springs, the Greek enclave north of Clearwater, celebrates 100 years of Greek heritage throughout 2006. In fact, did you know that the “Sponge Capital of the World” has the highest percentage of Greek residents of any U.S. city? Tarpon Springs is Pinellas County’s oldest city so there are plenty of historical things to see and do. Be sure to visit downtown and the historic sponge docks, working seaport, and beautiful Victorian architecture. The Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum is another “must.” For more information, call 727-937-3540 or log onto www.epiphanycity.org.

St. Petersburg’s Florida International Museum hosts Ink & Blood: Sacred Treasures of the Bible through May 14, 2006. This once-in-a-lifetime exhibit contains papyrus fragments from the Dead Sea Scrolls, including portions of Genesis and Isaiah, ancient clay tablets and numerous Bibles including a medieval manuscript from the 15th century, the first translation of the Holy Book into English.

To find out more, call 727-341-7900 or go to www.floridamuseum.org.

The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg presents Photography Past/Forward: Aperture at 50 through April 30. One of the most compelling photography exhibits ever organized (by ground-breaking photography journal Aperture) Photography Past/Forward features 156 images encompassing some of the most striking fine art photography and photojournalism in the history of the medium.

For more information, 727-896-2667 or www.fine-arts.org

The greater Clearwater area has a 90-year history of spring training. Indeed, four Major League Baseball teams train in and around Clearwater, including the Philadelphia Phillies, the oldest, continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional sports. The Phillies have been spring training in Clearwater since 1947 and in 2004, moved to a state-of-the-art complex, Bright House Networks Field.

In addition to the Phillies, other teams include the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in St. Petersburg, who call Tropicana Field “home” and play here all season long, the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin and the New York Yankees in Tampa. There are also ten other teams within a two-hour drive. For more information about your favorite team, visit www.mlb.com

Calendar: Coming Right Up

Something for the Boys … and the Girls!

World War II Salute and Home Front Experience March 18 at Heritage Village
Take a trip back in time to the 1940s with home front demonstrations and hands-on activities, entertainment, a visit with “President Roosevelt” and more! Axis and Allied re-enactors bring the war years to life, along with displays, vintage automobiles and the chance to win a ride in a Red Baron Squadron® biplane! Enjoy a USO Revue and swing dancing, watch a military fashion show, view displays of memorabilia and mingle with Allied and Axis re-enactors. Kids can try on period clothing, play a “plane spotting” game and more!

Call 727-582-2426, or e-mail heritagevillage@pinellascounty.org for more information.

31st Annual SPIFFS International Folk Fair March 24 through 26 at St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field

The St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society presents the 31st annual International Folk Fair that allows visitors to travel the world in a day without leaving the country! This festival features cultural customs of more than 50 countries and nationalities. Groups representing various cultures set up “villages” with exhibits, ethnic foods and gift items. For more information, call 727-552-1896 or visit www.spiffs.org.

3rd Annual Caladesi Challenge March 25 on Honeymoon Island
This Kayak Race spans the coasts of Honeymoon and Caladesi Island State Parks. The event consists of two races: an eight-mile competitive race and a four-mile recreational race. Awards will be determined by gender, age, and boat type and length. Lunch will be provided for participants, and a raffle will follow the awards ceremony. All proceeds from the challenge benefit the Friends of the Island Parks’ efforts to build an environmental education center on Honeymoon Island State Park. For more information call 727-469-5942 or log onto www.islandparks.org. Registration is available at www.active.com .

Dalifest 2006 - A Community Celebration March 25 at the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg

The Salvador Dali Museum marks its 25th anniversary with the 5th annual Dalifest, featuring reduced admission to the museum, selections from the permanent collection, the "Student Surrealist Art exhibition," music performances, art activities for the whole community, and a variety of different food vendors. For more information, call 727-823-3767 or visit www.dalimuseum.com.

The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg April 2 on the streets of St. Petersburg

The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg returns with the famed IndyCar Series auto racing, Infiniti Pro Series, SCCA World Speed Challenge, stunt plane airshows, concerts, celebrities and more. (Practice and qualifying races begin March 31.) The event will be broadcast live on ESPN. It is the second running of the event and the only street-circuit race in the IndyCar Series. Covering 189 miles (in 100 laps), drivers will race at speeds in excess of 170 mph along a 14-turn, 1.8-mile temporary circuit that runs through the streets of downtown St. Petersburg, including along the waterfront and through the Albert Whitted Municipal Airport. This is a one-of-a-kind event for the Tampa Bay area and the entire southeast United States. Travel packages available. Log onto www.indyracing.com for details.

Highland Games Military Tattoo April 1 in Dunedin
The Dunedin Highland Games Festival Committee presents the 40th Annual Military Tattoo at Dunedin High School's Memorial Stadium. The Military Tattoo is a highlight of the Highland Games and features Massed Pipers, Drummers, and Highland & Country Dancers, the City of Dunedin Pipe Band, the Parade of Clans, the 2nd Time Arounders, and high school marching bands. The event also includes music, dancing and pageantry.

To learn more, call 727-733-3197 or visit www.dunedinhighlandgames.com.

Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup April 6 through 8 at Coachman Park in Clearwater
Over 125 anglers from across the nation will be hunting for the redfish that can win them $40,000. ESPN live weigh-in, Big Air Dog Competition, Key Lime Pie Eating Contest, Dog Training demonstrations, free fishing tips, outdoor concert and more.

To find out more, call 727-464-9644.

Fun 'n Sun Festival April 21 through May 7 throughout Clearwater
Since 1953, this event has attracted tens of thousands of fans annually. The multi-week festival incorporates a myriad of different events including theater performances, concerts, tournaments, competitions, food vendors, arts and crafts and more. All the fun leads to the main event: the 51st annual Illuminated Fun 'n Sun Night Parade on May 6, starting at Crest Lake Park at 7:30 p.m. Illuminated floats, pirate krewes, marching bands and more will be part of the magic. The parade is an original event of the first Fun ‘n Sun Festival which began over 50 years ago and remains one of Clearwater's most popular events for people of all ages.

For more information, call 727-562-4804 or visit the City of Clearwater’s web site, www.myclearwater.com.

Celebrate with Friends Island Fest 2006 May 6 and 7 on Honeymoon Island

This year's Island Fest will highlight the birds, animals and natural environment that make the Island Parks special. Highlights of the event will include live outdoor entertainment, food, fine artists, crafts, environmental vendors, amusement rides, rock climbing and a bigger than ever environmental display in Osprey Village! There will also be guided walks, talks and information about the upcoming Nature Center.

This is a spectacular event for the whole family to enjoy. For more information, call 727-738-2903 or (727) 733-3197 or visit www.islandparks.org/islandfest/

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.