Gerri Raymond is the Vice President of Tourism for the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce.

I am especially excited to share this fantastic news that is due in a large part to you!

• Clearwater Beach named HOT SINGLES DESTINATION for 2009 from Orlando Sentinel's list of Top Five Singles Beaches in Florida being second only to Miami's South Beach .
• Fodor's Travel Publications named Clearwater Beach one of America's TOP FAMILY BEACHES
• BEST CITY BEACH was another recent accolade by both Conde Nast Traveler and Dr. Beach (coastal geologist Dr. Stephen Leatherman)
• USAToday.com identified Clearwater Beach on their top ten list of the BEST BEACHES from Maine to Hawaii.
• At this years Governor's Conference on Tourism, RUSS KIMBALL was inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame. Russ Kimball is the first and only general manager of the Sheraton Sand Key since the resorts opening in 1975, an amazing tenure in this industry.

To be recognized as a great family destination one month and then as a singles' hotspot the next is a testament to the destination's versatility, and a sign that you believe we are on the right track.

Fall Special Events

The magnificent soft, white, sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets provide an ideal backdrop for activities and events year round.

• October 2 – 4 – Inaugural Clearwater Super Boat National Championship, taking place in the Gulf of Mexico with free access and viewing from Pier 60 and the beaches. See the boats up close and meet the drivers in Coachman Park and on Clearwater Beach. Parades, bands, food and fun round out the weekend. www.superboat.com

• October 11 – Fifth Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival at Coachman Park including music by international performing artists, rides and exhibits. www.myclearwater.com/calendar/events

• October 15 – 18 – 30th Annual Marine Max Clearwater Jazz Holiday presented by Mercedes-Benz , 4 days and nights of free live jazz and art, featuring internationally renown performers Chris Botti, Boney James, Nicole Henry, Les Sabler, The Neville Brothers and more. “Blowing our Horns for 30 years.” www.clearwaterjazz.com
  Designed by John Brennan

• November 14 – Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run on Clearwater Beach by approximately 1,800 athletes competing for the total $100,000 professional prize purse. The 2009 Ironman 70.3 Series features 34 events, worldwide, that enable qualification to the World Championship event in Clearwater . www.ironman.com/worldchampionship70.3

• December 30 – Outback Bowl Beach Day in Clearwater , featuring the teams, bands and cheerleaders frolicking on the beach. www.outbackbowl.com

ONGOING ACTIVITIES

• Nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival where the fun starts two hours before sunset. This 6 – 10 pm free family celebration takes place on Pier 60 and features artisans, crafters, street performers and live musical entertainment. www.sunsetatpier60.com

• 4th Friday on Cleveland Street, free evening party of the street with music and food, often highlighting other monthly special events: September 25 - 4th Friday Jazz Kickoff; October 23 – 4th Friday Halloween Fright Night; and November 27 – 4th Friday Everybody Loves Elvis. www.4thFridayClearwater.com
  
• Each Wednesday Clearwater Downtown Farmer's Market on Cleveland Street provides the freshest produce, baked goods, gourmet foods, unique gifts, crafts, flowers and an ideal stop for breakfast or lunch. The Market starts again October 21, beginning its 14th year of operation, from 9 am to 2 pm and continues with lunch time music. www.clearwaterfarmersmarket.com

HYATT REGENCY CLEARWATER BEACH RESORT AND SPA

Scheduled to open in December 2009, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa's 250 guest suites will blend tropical elegance and a luxurious carefree experience. Located at 301 South Gulfview Blvd , Clearwater Beach, this four-star Mediterranean style resort, Hyatt's first waterfront resort on Florida 's west coast. is less than 20 miles from the St. Petersburg/Clearwater and Tampa international airports.

Breathtaking Gulf views will provide the backdrop for expansive floor plans ranging from studio suites to one and two bedroom condominium beach suites with rooftop terraces. Resort highlights include a Beach Walk, Hyatt Pure Spa, 8 th Level Pool and Resort Deck and several dining experiences to please every palette. Extensive function space, 12,500 square feet of indoor space and 20,000 square feet of private outdoor space, with breathtaking ocean views, is available for weddings and other special events.

For more information and to book your stay, please visit www.clearwaterbeach.hyatt.com or call 727-373-1234 or 800-872-3600.

Trolley Travel

The Jolley Trolley transports you in style, and at the right price, throughout Clearwater 's downtown and beaches. This fall enhancements are coming. Service hours are being extended and single ride and day pass prices will be reduced as will Snow Bird and Annual Passes . In a new partnership arrangement with Pinellas Suncoast Transportation Authority (PSTA), Jolley Trolley passes will be accepted on all PSTA routes allowing for travel on one ticket, county wide. Do remember on your birthday you ride for free. www.clearwaterjolleytrolley.com

Arts & Culture

A new set of three large-scale sculptures has been installed in the Cleveland Street District as the Sculpture360: Season II begins a year-long exhibition. A public opening and dedication of Season II will occur in September and will feature docents along Cleveland Street to provide tours of the artwork and information about the Sculpture360: Art in the Cleveland Street District program. www.myclearwater.com/culturalarts

Through a new partnership between the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Clearwater Arts Foundation the culture of this region will be highlighted and new art collaborations will be forthcoming. Future Footprints issues will note these artistic ventures. A fine art, wine and food event will welcome in the new year.

PUT YOURSELF IN OUR SHOES

(Photo: Peter Rose)

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: 401 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.