Keep your cool! Summertime is the best time to visit Clearwater.

Why?

How about less traffic? Fewer crowds on the beach? Shorter waits at popular restaurants and watering holes? Lower rates at hotels and other lodging establishments?

Convinced?

True, the temperature rises - like everywhere else - (summer air temperatures throughout the Clearwater area range from a low of 73.6° F to a high of 89.9° F), but the heat is cooled by the almost daily - but brief - afternoon rains.

So… with all due respect George Gershwin, it’s summertime and nowhere is the livin’ easier than in Clearwater, Florida.

In keeping with our focus this year on the assets of “natural Clearwater,” in this issue we’re highlighting the area’s magnificent beaches, including two of the very best: Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island State Park.

More than anything else, the Clearwater area is best known for its beaches, many of which have been recognized internationally for their overall “beach health,” including sand and water quality as well as for safety and their vast array of recreational offerings. And with over 28 miles of coastline, visitors face an embarrassment of riches!

Stephen Leatherman, Ph.D. (aka “Dr. Beach”), director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University, and founder of the National Healthy Beaches Campaign, consistently ranks several of the area’s beaches - including Caladesi Island and Fort DeSoto Park - among the best. In fact, after being consistently named to the list over the years, and being named the best beach in the U.S. in 2005, Fort DeSoto Park was “retired” from consideration.

Many of the Clearwater area’s beaches have also received the Blue Wave designation from the Clean Beaches Council, a nonprofit organization devoted to sustaining America’s beaches. Blue Wave certification acknowledges that a beach is a safe, healthy and clean place to visit. Area beaches that have received the Blue Wave certification include Caladesi Island, Clearwater Beach, Fort DeSoto Park, Honeymoon Island and Sand Key Park.

Caladesi Island: The Country’s Number 2 Beach!

For the second consecutive year, Caladesi Island was named the country’s number two beach by “Dr. Beach.” Leatherman unveiled his list of America’s Best Beaches in early June.
Accessible only by boat, Caladesi Island State Park is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, more than a mile offshore from Dunedin. The park offers a dune-fringed, sandy expanse on the Gulf side and mangrove bays on its east side, where kayak trails wind through labyrinthine mangrove tunnels. Virgin pine flatwoods and live oak hammocks occupy much of the pristine interior, and 375 species of birds---from monk parakeets to eastern brown pelicans---flourish among the vegetation. Visitors can explore nature trails, take ranger-guided tours, or simply take advantage of the location’s peerless opportunities for swimming, fishing, shelling, boating and relaxation.

The island offers a 108-slip marina, picnic shelters, bathhouses, a ranger station and concession stand; and boardwalks provide beach access while protecting the fragile ecosystem that thrives in the dunes and sea oats. The Caladesi Connection, a ferry service that operates from nearby Honeymoon Island, offers roundtrip transportation. The park is open daily from 8 am until sunset.

Learning’s a Beach
Meanwhile, the $900,000 Rotary Centennial Nature Center opened on Honeymoon Island in May.

The nature center is a terrific complement to the pristine island’s natural assets. Visitors can learn about the fascinating history of the island and the equally fascinating ecosystem that thrives throughout its trails and shoreline. Indeed, more than 208 plant species and 260 species of birds live here with gopher tortoises, fish, manatees and dolphins.

Honeymoon Island already offered guided tours and a network of trails; now, those experiences are enhanced by the center which includes dioramas, interactive exhibits, videos, and a locator map of park features.

In 2006, over 950,000 people visited Honeymoon Island, making it the state’s second-most popular park, behind Lovers Key in Lee County.

The Rotary Centennial Nature Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Honeymoon Island State Park, located at 1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin, is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Admission to the nature center is free with paid admission to the park ($5 per vehicle; or $3 for single admittance in vehicle. Pedestrians and bicyclists are $1). Call 727-738-2903 for information.

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Winter in the Summer Time

Last winter, ‘Winter,’ the dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium made international headlines as she fought to survive despite missing one key piece of anatomy – her tail. Her story has been featured on NBC’s “The Today Show,” CNN and the BBC, as well as many newspapers throughout the world.

“She’s doing amazingly well and is completely healthy,” said David Yates, CEO, Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

The aquarium is working with a team of experts to develop a prosthetic tail for Winter. The group consists of Clearwater Marine Aquarium biologists and Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. of Bethesda, Md., and is being advised by Mike Walsh, DVM, former Director of Veterinary Services at SeaWorld, Steve McColluch, Director of Dolphin Research and Conservation at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and Juli D. Goldstein, DVM and marine mammal specialist.

The team has spent the past several months conducting high-tech laboratory research and developing models of what the tail will, well, entail. Throughout the process, Winter is gradually being introduced to what will be a new part of her so that she doesn’t reject the tail once it’s in place. For instance, caretakers are wrapping the material that will eventually be used on the tail around her body so that she will become familiar with the material’s feel and texture.

Thought it may take months or even years for a final prosthetic tail to become a reality, the team is dedicated to seeing the project through and bettering Winter’s life. In the meantime, countless visitors to the aquarium have thrilled to see her as she continues to thrive alongside Panama, a 30-year-old female dolphin.

And in More Aquarium News …

In addition to the terrific progress Winter is making, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is making progress itself. Summer camps are doing extremely well, and there are plenty of opportunities for young marine scientists, in kindergarten through grade 12, to get involved through the end of August.

“Kids love our summer camps because it’s very hands-on, they get to go out on the boat and snorkeling, and it’s a lot of fun,” said Yates of the aquarium. “Parents like them, too, because their kids have fun and learn something in the process.”

The aquarium recently reopened its refurbished primary sea turtle exhibit on the second floor of the facility. “Turtle Bayou,” funded by Progress Energy Florida, provides a higher level of animal care for the turtles who call the Clearwater Marine Aquarium their permanent home.

Also on the second level, the dolphins are jumping higher thanks to the newly-installed retractable roof over the dolphin pool. Part of a five-month refurbishment plan, the ceiling above the main dolphin pool was removed, creating an open-air environment for guests and allowing the resident dolphins more room to jump.

Outside of the main building, the aquarium is transforming a holding tank into a mini-IMAX theater. Later this summer, guests will be able to view documentary-type films that show the work that aquarium volunteers and staff do on a daily basis, including turtle nesting monitoring and release, rescue and rehabilitation.

“Our theater will give our guests a chance to see what we do behind the scenes,” said Yates, “as well as the end result that they see with our animals in the aquarium.”

Note: Sea Turtle nesting season began May 1 and continues through October 31. Beachgoers are asked to never disturb a nest and, if an unmarked nest is discovered, to please notify the Clearwater Marine Aquarium at 727-441-1790, extension 224.

 

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Opening in late August and the first luxury property on Clearwater Beach in 25 years, the Sandpearl Resort is sure to be a true gem with 253 luxurious guest rooms – 50 of which are suites – with private balconies overlooking 700 feet of sugary-white sands of Gulf of Mexico beach. Introductory vacation packages, including the Romantic Memories package, Personal Indulgence Spa package, Sandpearl Escape for Two and Pampered Pals Getaway, start at $235 per room per night.

In addition to these packages and luxurious accommodations, Sandpearl Resort invites guests to indulge in a variety of enrichment programs, such as wine tastings, dolphin sightseeing cruises, sea turtle rescues with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, kitchen tours and more.

Caretta on the Gulf, Sandpearl Resort’s signature restaurant, will offer a taste of local specialties fused with international cuisine in menus developed by Executive Chef Stephen Jordan. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy spa and children’s menus, holiday meal packages, cooking classes for kids and much more.

Since breaking ground in November 2006, construction of Aqualea, Hyatt’s resort and residences property on Clearwater Beach, continues. According to Todd Lax, project manager, “we’re building away” and the resort should be ready for its grand opening in 2009.

As we’ve recently reported, Phase I of Beach Walk was completed earlier this year. Coronado Drive is newly paved with three lanes operating. Pedestrians are enjoying the new sidewalks that line the roadway. The newly landscaped Pier 60 parking lot is open with 133 spaces available. (Eventually the lot will have 152 spaces, but 19 spaces on the lot’s western edge are being used by the contractor.)

Beach Walk’s Phase II is well underway, with construction on the walking and biking promenade beginning in the Pier 60 parking lot and points south.

The targeted completion date for Beach Walk remains before Super Bowl 2009 (Feb. 1).

Additional information about Beach Walk, as well as a sequencing map, can be found on www.myclearwater.com/beachwalk. A parking lot map is available at www.billiondollarbeach.com.

 

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Sailing, Sailing Away…

Yacht StarShip of Tampa has introduced Yacht StarShip II at the Clearwater Municipal Marina, offering a unique dining experience to visitors and locals. Teresa Hibbard, wife of Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard, formally christened Yacht StarShip II in mid-June at the marina, along with an invitation-only crowd of local dignitaries and VIPs.

Formerly a fine-dining yacht in New York City, Yacht StarShip II is the first dining yacht in its class in Clearwater, specializing in weddings, banquets, corporate events and other special occasions. And like its sister yacht docked at Tampa’s Channelside, Yacht Starship II is a reservation destination for fine dining and entertainment. The over 100-feet yacht features seating for 149 guests in the dining salon, a dance floor with live entertainment, a cocktail lounge and bar on the second deck, an open-air third deck and a luxury bridal changing suite. The galley is fully staffed and ready to prepare Yacht StarShip’s AAA three-diamond rated menu.

The Yacht StarShip II claims some compelling background. Formerly named the Excalibur, it was docked at the World Trade Center Marina, and from 1995 to 2001, offered fine dining, private charters and special events. In September 2001, Excalibur became a part of history when it was used to evacuate New Yorkers off the island following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers.

For reservations and more information about Yacht StarShip II, please visit www.yachtstarship.com or call 813-223-7999.

Far From Home … But Loving It

10 Black-footed Penguins are thriving in their new surroundings at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. The zoo’s “Penguin Beach” exhibit includes a waterfall and 22,000-gallon pool.

The flightless birds are native to the waters around Cape Town, South Africa. They're also called jackass penguins for the braying sounds they make that are similar to those of donkeys. They grow as tall as 14 inches.

According to the zoo, the penguins, which arrived in May, have had no trouble adapting to the Florida climate which is similar to South Africa’s.

The Penguin Beach exhibit is open year-round and is located near the entrance to the zoo's Safari Africa section.

For more information, call 813-935-8552 or visit www.lowryparkzoo.com.

 

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Play Ball!

With the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Clearwater Threshers and Dunedin Blue Jays calling St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Dunedin home, it’s always a great time to go out to the ballgame!

The Devil Rays go up against other Major League Baseball teams throughout their season at Tropicana Field – where it’s always 72 degrees – in St. Petersburg. For more information, including tickets starting at just $4, call 1-888-FAN-RAYS (326-7297).

The Philadelphia Phillies Advanced Class A minor league affiliate, the Clearwater Threshers, play at Bright House Networks Field. Feeding Frenzy Monday features “All-You-Can-Eat” food specials every Monday for $10. The Threshers play a day game every Wednesday. Come out to meet Phinley, the Clearwater Threshers new mascot!

Bright House Networks Field is located at 601 Old Coachman Road. For more information, including tickets, call 727-467-4457.

The Dunedin Blue Jays, the minor league affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, swing for the fences in Knology Park, ranked as one of the top five facilities to watch MLB spring training games by Sports Illustrated. For information, including tickets, call 727-733-9302.

Sky Rockets in Flight

Celebrate the 4th of July in style! The 17th Annual Clearwater Celebrates America, held on July 3 and 4 in Coachman Park, downtown Clearwater, features national recording artists, “Taste of America” food expo, exhibitor and sponsor booths, a patriotic concert on the 4th and the "Bright House Blast" fireworks show. Fun for the entire family! Admission is free. For more information, call 727-562-4800 or visit www.myclearwater.com.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Area museums continue to bring the finest exhibits to the Clearwater area. Here are just a couple of upcoming shows.

The Salvador Dalí Museum presents the premier exhibition of the complete “Dalí’s ‘Biblia Sacra’ ” in two separate presentations (now through July 29, and Aug. 3 through Nov. 18).

The exhibit features 105 paintings based on passages selected from the Latin Vulgate Bible. The paintings were commissioned by Dr. Giuseppe Albaretto, a friend of Dalí’s, in an attempt to “persuade Dalí to meditate on the Catholic religion.” The works, completed between 1963 and 1964, feature a combination of gouache, watercolor, ink and pastel techniques.

In addition to “Dalí’s ‘Biblia Sacra,” the museum is the permanent home of the world’s most comprehensive collection of Dalí’s work, with 96 oil paintings gracing its walls. For additional information, call 727-823-3767.

The Florida International Museum will be closed for the summer and will reopen Sept. 14 with “Age of Armor.” For more information on the museum and upcoming exhibits, call 727-341-7900.

The 18th Annual Taste of Clearwater will take place on Sept. 18 at downtown Clearwater’s Harborview Center. Over 50 area restaurants participate in this, the largest indoor "taste" event in the Tampa Bay region.

Attendees can sample food and drink for the price of one single ticket. The event also includes live musical performances, kids’ entertainment and raffles.

For more information, call 727-461-0011.

The Sand Key Triathlon will take place on September 23; the event begins and ends in - where else? - Sand Key Park (1060 Gulf Blvd. Clearwater)! The race kicks off at 7:15 am, and includes a 1/3 mile swim, 11-mile bike and a 3.1-mile run.

Race fees range from $65.00 to $75.00 (for individuals) and from $130.00 to $150.00 (for teams). Proceeds benefit the Clearwater Community Sailing Center. For more information, visit www.trithisinc.com or call 727-773-5675.

 

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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 quarterly by the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the City of Clearwater. To submit news items for consideration, please contact
Ebe Bower, Vice President, Tourism, Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce.

*Photo courtesy of the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area CVB

 

CLEARWATER BEACH GULFVIEW RESORT AND SUITES - TOURISM DIVISION PARTNER

 

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