Clearwater, FL

Clearwater, Florida has a population of more than 108,000 people. Located in Pinellas County, Florida, Clearwater encompasses more than 37 square miles. Clearwater is the smallest of the three principal cities in the Tampa Bay area, the larger cities being Tampa and Saint Petersburg.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The established industries in Clearwater are health care, manufacturing, information technologies, marine sciences, medical technologies and financial service. The city also has a stable and growing retail service sector ranging from small boutiques to major shopping centers. Clearwater was home to the first Hooters restaurant. One Fortune 500 company, Tech Data, is headquartered in Clearwater.

Clearwater is also home to Aerosonic Corporation, which researches, designs and creates cutting-edge flight products for the entire world. Intricately wired displays for cockpits, as well as sensors and probes, are produced on site. Forbes magazine has named the company one of the Top 200 Best Small Companies.

The major employers in the city are Lincare Holdings Inc., Tech Data Corporation, Morton Plant Hospital Association Inc., Barnett Recovery Systems, Morton Plant Hospital, National Magazine Exchange, Special Data Processing Corporation and MarineMax Inc.

The worldwide spiritual headquarters of the Church of Scientology is located in Clearwater. Officially known in Scientology as Flag Land Base, this international headquarters was founded in the late 1970s when an anonymous Scientology-founded group called "United Churches of Florida" purchased the Fort Harrison Hotel for $3 million. In the years since its foundation, Flag Land Base has expanded as the church has gradually purchased additional property in the downtown Clearwater area. Scientology's largest project in Clearwater has been the construction of an enormous high-rise complex called the "Super Power Building."

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

All of the population in the city of Clearwater is urban. Neighborhoods and districts of Clearwater accommodate above 56,000 houses, out of which more than 48,000 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, more than 30,000 are owner-occupied while renters occupy around 18,000 houses. The median home price in Clearwater is a little lower than the statewide median price.

The walkability of the city is fairly good. However, visitors and residents may need a car to commute to some places, such as coffee shops, bars and movie theatres.

Downtown Clearwater is undergoing a major revitalization to bring a wider availability of retail, residential and parking to the area. With a larger property tax base and revenue from increased sales tax in the area, residents hope for a safer, more industrious and aesthetic atmosphere. Residential developments and hotels are being built along Cleveland Street, which hosts street festivals and events to attract visitors. The Downtown Clearwater district is bordered to the north, south and west by affluent communities such as Island Estates, Harbor Oaks and Sand Key.

FOR VISITORS

Clearwater Marine Aquarium: The aquarium takes advantage of its warm, tropical location and educates the public about ecosystems and those in danger surrounding the area. Sea turtle experts answer questions about nests marked on the beach and also release turtles into the wild. Other marine animals performing and are on display.

Thriller Power Boat Tours: A high-speed, 22-mile ride along Clearwater Beach takes visitors for a tour of movie film sites, celebrity homes, sandy beaches, islands, and more. The boat has two independent steering systems that the captain encourages passengers to take charge of. While out at sea, there may even be an encounter with dolphins swimming up for a friendly meet and greet.

Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise: This pirate ship offers a swashbuckling good time for either day cruises or champagne evening sailing. The ship departs several times a day and includes the antics of salty pirates and wild wenches. The ship can also be chartered for corporate parties and weddings as well as children's birthday parties.

Pier 60: During the summer months, Pier 60 lights up as the premier evening destination, with vendors on hand selling wares and food. Amusement rides dot the area for kids and adults alike, and there are trampolines, playgrounds, and more. In season, look for live music or karaoke. During the day, the pier is a popular fishing destination, bringing an assortment of fresh fish to local restaurants in the area.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Clearwater Public Art and Design Program: This program was designed to enhance Clearwater for those who visit and live within the city. Through the commission of unique public artworks that enhance the city's diversity, character, and heritage, this program will contribute to a legacy for generations to come.

The Capitol/Royalty Theatre: Built in the 1920s, the Capitol/Royalty Theatre used to play movies of the day, but it has since experienced times of cobwebs as well as times of grandeur. New owner Bill Neville tried to save the theater after a time of vacancy, but after it was bought and during renovations, Neville's body was found murdered on the balcony. Today, the building is still in foreclosure, not currently being used.

EVENTS

Fun N Sun Festival: In 1954, the residents of Clearwater decided their city needed a springtime festival. Since then, the event has grown from a parade of decorated cars and homemade floats to a full-blown spectacle of floats, colorful units, and marching bands. Now, it's a two-day party with concerts, tournaments, with more exciting features added each year.

Pirate Days: Activities during this event include a pirate ship battle, a street parade, storytelling, a village-wide treasure hunt, a Pirates' Ball, a Pirates and Wenches Auction, costume contests for children and adults, and a hurricane exposition.

Clearwater Sea Blues Festival: Festival attendees munch on delicious jumbo shrimp, crab cakes, oysters, crawfish, and gumbo while overlooking the ocean. Downtown concerts include blues headliners from around the world, such as Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Jonny Lang, John Nemeth, and Elvin Bishop.

EDUCATION

Clearwater Christian College offers a bible-based, accredited education where students can earn an associate's, bachelor's, or doctorate degree. Everest University offers career training in medical, business, and accounting. Saint Petersburg College has two- and four-year programs available in a wide variety of fields.

There are also several technical colleges in Clearwater, providing training for a variety of trades:

Florida Career College specializes in massage therapy training.

Pinellas Technical Education Center has several art programs, including interior design, jewelry design and repair, and web design. Hands-on jobs like masonry, cabinetry, and electrical work are popular studies here as well.

Sunstate Academy has courses that focus on cosmetology as well as health and medical services.

LOCAL MEDIA

Newspapers that serve the Clearwater area include:

• Belleair Bee
• Clearwater Citizen
• Clearwater Gazette