Clearwater Beach Lifestyles Archives

Florida Housing Market Report – October

Florida Housing Market Report

Florida’s housing market reported higher median prices, fewer days on market and a constrained inventory of homes for sale in October, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes rose last month with a total of 22,147, an increase of 1.2 percent over October 2014.

“October marked the 47^th consecutive month that statewide median sales prices increased year-over-year for both single-family homes and townhouse-condo properties,” said 2015 Florida Realtors President Andrew Barbar, a broker with Keller Williams Realty Services in Boca Raton. “Sellers received a higher percentage of their original list price, with single-family homes getting on average 94.3 percent and townhome-condos getting 93.3 percent. It also took less time for homes to sell in October: a median of 46 days for single-family homes and 50 days for townhouse-condos.

“The state’s housing market continues to benefit from more people moving to Florida, the increased job growth and stronger economy.”

The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes last month was $198,995, up 12.4 percent from the previous year, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations.
The statewide median price for townhouse-condo properties in August was $150,000, up 7.2 percent over the year-ago figure. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.

According to the National Association of Realtors®(NAR), the national median sales price for existing single-family homes in September 2015 was $223,500, up 6.6 percent from the previous year. The national median existing condo price was $209,200. In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in September was $482,150; in Massachusetts, it was $340,500; in Maryland, it was $260,126; and in New York, it was $240,000.

Looking at Florida’s townhouse-condo market, statewide closed sales last month totaled 9,294, down 0.9 percent compared to October 2014. The closed sales data reflected fewer short sales in October: Short sales for townhouse-condo properties declined 47.7 percent while short sales for single-family homes dropped 33.1 percent. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

“The Florida real estate market is catching its breath after a frantic summer and early fall,” said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo. “One month’s numbers do not make a trend, but the October numbers are signaling a return toward a more balanced market.”

Inventory remains constrained, with a 4.4-months’ supply in October for single-family homes and a 5.3-months’ supply for townhouse-condo properties, according to Florida Realtors. Most analysts consider a 6-month supply of inventory as the benchmark for a balanced market between buyers and sellers.

According to Freddie Mac, the interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.80 percent in October 2015, down from the 4.04 percent average recorded during the same month a year ago.

Florida Realtors® November 2015

The Balance of Success on Clearwater Beach

Balance of Success

About 15 years ago the city wrote policy designed to lure hotels and luxury resorts to the beach that was heavy with aging buildings and in need of an economic boost.

Clearwater is approaching a significant milestone in the beach’s history as a hotel density reserve created in 2008 has nearly run dry.

With intense redevelopment now accomplished, the next step should be better ways to handle the parking and traffic congestion that has followed, according to planning and development director Michael Delk.

“We’re at a point where we have to look at our transportation options,” Delk said.

Beach by Design required new hotels to provide parking for guests, but the city still struggles with accommodating the thousands of day-trippers who drive to the beach.

One parking solution in the works for nearly 15 years is the seven-story garage that broke ground last month on the north end’s Poinsettia Avenue. The structure is three stories higher than originally planned and will sit directly across from Day’s East Shore Resort, looming over bungalow homes and single-story structures.

William Selvidge, who retired to Clearwater Beach in 2010, sees the high rises and luxury resorts as benefits because development put everything within reach and created a walkable community.

For his move to Florida, Selvidge bought a convertible that has only 7,500 miles on it five years later. His only concern is congestion from what seems like a new development every day.

Buildings near the residential area are also getting bigger. Last month, the Community Development Board approved a complex of 22 three-bedroom units on a half-acre Avalon Street lot that was originally called Avalon Condos.

Beach By Design restricts condominiums in the district to 65 feet tall, but developers pitched the Avalon project instead as “resort attached dwellings,” a title that allows them to be used as residences or hotel rooms.

Promising the CDB they would reserve at least one unit at all times for a short-term rental, developers were granted the maximum height given to hotels of 75 feet.

Another north end project recently approved by the CDB is Somerset Vacation Townhomes, which will include 20 hotel rooms and a rooftop bar.

Charles Siemon, hired by the city from 1999 to 2001 to write Beach by Design, said redevelopment has been a balancing act of luring investment while maintaining quality of life for day trippers and residents.

But now that luxury hotels, restaurants, shopping and condos line the shore, Siemon said it may be time to re-evaluate whether the infrastructure has kept up.

“Success breeds success,” Siemon said. “The focus then was on getting something started. Now apparently there’s some perspective that they need to slow down.”

Siemon said Beach By Design called for parking strategies like city-run ferries, trolleys and shuttles to discourage cars on the island, but those alternatives have not materialized like he’d hoped.

To alleviate congestion, Siemon said the city could require more room between buildings, but limiting development once you’ve asked for it is tricky.

“You work like crazy to get people to invest, and when they do invest you tell them to slow down, so it’s not easy,” he said. “I think they should be going through the process of taking time to quickly analyze what’s good and what’s the bad and what’s the ugly. Fix the ugly. Promote the good and try to make it all work.”

TampaBay.com November 2015

Clearwater Sculpture 360 Exhibition

Three new sculptures were recently installed in downtown Clearwater’s Cleveland Street District as part of the city’s Sculpture 360: Season VII exhibition.

The program, sponsored by the city’s Public Art and Design Program, is a rotating display of large-format sculptures. It has featured the work of artists from Florida and other parts of the country for the last seven years.

This year’s lineup includes “Slices of Heaven,” by Craig Berube-Gray from Key West, Fla.; “Mountain Landscape,” by Hanna Jubran from Grimesland, N.C.; and “Leap,” by Claudia Jane Klein from Lake Worth. The sculptures of Season VII will be on display through April 2017.

What is Public Art?

Public art is artwork that is in the public realm, regardless of whether it is acquired through public or private funding. Public art can include anything from more traditional art objects like sculptures, paintings, fountains and mosaics to manhole covers, paving patterns, lighting and other functional elements created by an artist.

The Clearwater Public Art and Design Program recently completed the Public Art and Design Master Plan, establishing the criteria, policies and priorities that will be used to successfully manage and direct the public art program for years to come. In utilizing the Master Plan, the public art program will identify important places for public art throughout Clearwater and generate a shared vision of public art for both City Capital Improvement Projects and private development projects alike.

There are approximately 350 municipalities with public art programs in North America that actively commission artists to create public art for all types of public infrastructure. Some cities, where art in public places is plentiful, have become known as “museums without walls” as their artwork has become so accessible to citizens and visitors.

Sculpture 360 is part of the Clearwater Public Art and Design Program and is funded through a partnership with the Downtown Development Board, and brings high-quality public artwork to residents and visitors. Visit Scuplture 360

Florida Record-Breaking Tourism

The Sunshine State welcomed an estimated 79.1 million visitors during the first nine months of 2015, the most of any such period in Florida’s history.

The nine-month count was a 5.5 percent increase when compared with the same period in 2014.

Gov. Rick Scott has set a goal of drawing more than 100 million tourists to Florida this year, and that now seems within fairly easy reach.

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that 22.1 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in the third quarter of 2015, reflecting an 8.2 percent increase over the same period last year.

Estimates also show that 3.4 million international visitors came to Florida in quarter three of 2015. Preliminary figures for the first three quarters of 2015 show 67.4 million domestic visitors, 8.3 million overseas visitors and 3.4 million Canadians have come to the Sunshine State.

Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “With three record quarters and a fifth consecutive record year on the horizon, it’s clear that this continued growth does not happen by accident. It’s the direct result of a global marketing strategy focused on maximizing the economic impact of Florida tourism.

“Today’s announcement shows tourism marketing works and we have Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature to thank for their unparalleled support that will enable us to reach our goal of generating $100 billion in visitor spending by 2020.”

Tourism and recreation taxable sales for Florida increased year-over-year for January through August 2015 (last reported month), representing an 8.2 percent increase over the same period in 2014.

For quarter three of 2015, the average daily room rate (ADR) rose 5.1 percent, the occupancy rate for Florida hotels increased 3.6 percent and the demand in rooms sold grew 4.8 percent compared to quarter three of 2014.

John Tomlin, Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, said, “The continued growth of tourism for the third quarter, including a record number of tourism-related jobs, puts Florida on pace for a fifth consecutive record breaking year.

“These records also emphasize the power of tourism as an economic leader and job creator for the state. Outcomes like these are the direct result of the vision and support of the Governor, Legislature and our amazing tourism industry, as well as world-class strategies and execution by the VISIT FLORIDA staff.”

Bill Talbert, Vice Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau said, “Florida’s tourism continues to make history with another record-shattering quarter. New and established hotels, attractions, restaurants and hospitality-related businesses are fueling strong industry job growth and increased tax revenues.

Those who enthusiastically welcome and serve our visitors continue to deliver great experiences, contributing to our state’s growing popularity. We are fortunate to have a Governor and Legislature that support our industry and VISIT FLORIDA so that we can share the diverse treasures of our state with the world.”

Florida is fortunate to have the strong support of Governor Scott and the Legislature, as well as funding matched by dollars from great industry partners. This support allows VISIT FLORIDA to reach even more markets and potential visitors with compelling reasons to visit Florida and create memories that last a lifetime.”

Sun Sentinal/Sarasota Herald Tribune November 2015

Holiday Splendor on Clearwater Beach

Holiday Events in the Clearwater Beach Area

Great holiday events for everyone – lights, rides, concerts, fireworks and more.

Holiday Lights in the Gardens

Friday, November 27, 2015 — Thursday, December 31, 2015

Take in more than 750,000 lights as the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo are magically transformed into a holiday paradise for visitors to stroll through from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. each night. A donation of $4 is suggested for those 13 and over, while children 12 and under and parking are free. More Information

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens

Friday, December 4, 2015 — Saturday, December 5, 2015

Head to Busch Gardens for some great thrill rides and to see the park transform into a holiday wonderland of Christmastime entertainment, holiday shopping and more than a million twinkling lights! Santa will be available to take photos and the park will be open until 10 p.m. More Information

Florida Orchestra Pops: Holiday Pops

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Share the orchestra’s tradition with family and friends, and get into the spirit of the season with everyone’s favorite Christmas carols, yuletide tunes, musical chestnuts and more. Two shows take place at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete. More Information

Madeira Beach Holiday Boat Parade & ROC Park Concert

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Lighted and holiday decorated boats will light up the waterways. The parade will kick off behind the Madeira Beach Recreation Center at 6:30 p.m. and ends at John’s Pass Village. More Information

Christmas Parade on St. Pete Beach

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Head down to historic Corey Avenue for a Christmas parade, visit by Santa, train rides, activities and more! The parade begins at 4 p.m. form Gulf Blvd and Blind Pass heading south to Corey Ave, then east on Corey to Boca Ciega. Enjoy the free fun from 4-7 p.m. at Horan Park next to the St. Pete Beach Community Center. More Information

The Nutcracker at the Largo Cultural Center

Sunday, December 13, 2015 — Monday, December 14, 2015

Join Clara on her journey to save her beloved Nutcracker from the giant mice who battle toy soldiers. Then on to the palace of the Sugarplum Fairy with dancing candies and waltzing flowers. A Florida Dance Company & Bay City Ballet Production for all ages. Buy tickets at LargoArts.com. More Information

Safety Harbor Holiday Parade

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Head over to Main Street in Safety Harbor for amazing floats, old fashioned cars & a visit from Santa himself! The free fun starts at 1 p.m. More Information

A Christmas Carol at Ruth Eckerd Hall

Sunday, December 20, 2015

The longest-running touring production of A Christmas Carol in the U.S. make a stop in Clearwater for two shows! Enjoy this holiday classic at 2 and 7 p.m. More Information

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at The Mahaffey

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Bring the whole family for a great Christmas celebration! The Moscow Ballet will be performing the Great Russian Nutcracker with two shows at 4 and 8 p.m. More Information

Outback Bowl Beach Day

December 30, 2015
Hilton Clearwater Beach, 400 Mandalay Ave.
11:00 a.m. – 04:00 p.m.

Join the teams, their marching bands and cheerleaders as they enjoy the sun and beaches at the Hilton Clearwater Beach next to Pier 60. This fun day includes live music, skydivers, a tug-of-war and other contests from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. After Beach Day, stick around for Sunsets at Pier 60 featuring artisans, music and more while you watch the sunset on the Gulf of Mexico. The event is free.

Light it Up Clearwater Beach NYE 2016

Pier 60
December 31, 2015
9:00 p.m.

The Light it Up Clearwater Beach New Year’s Eve 2016 celebration will feature Fireworks at Midnight and an evening fun for the family with restaurants, shops and activities throughout the beach. More Information

25th Annual Suncoast Jazz Classic

25th Annual Suncoast Jazz Classic
Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 11/20 – 11/22/2015

Location
Sheraton Sand Key and Marriott Sand Key

The festival provides opportunities for both professional musicians from all over the United States as well as aspiring young musicians from our community to perform and share their music with enthusiastic and very appreciative audiences.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

THURSDAY NIGHT VIP GALA

Exclusively for sponsors, benefactors and four day ticket holders.

6:00 PM Lobby Opens

6:45 PM Buffet

8-10:00 PM Music and festivities

FESTIVAL FAVORITES with Bob Draga, Bill Allred, Dave Tatrow, Jason Wanner, Ron Jones, Billy Pillucere and Pepper.

ROSIE O’GRADYS GOODTIME JAZZ with Bill Allred, Don Johnson, Dave Bennett, Jason Wanner, Ron Jones, and Billy Pillucere, featuring Miss Ruth Crews.

Special Events

Friday Poolside Parasol Parade

Saturday 18 piece BIG BAND afternoon & evening – check your schedule

Saturday FESTIVAL DIVAS in the afternoon

Saturday CLARINET CLAMBAKE

Sunday Morning GOSPEL

Dedicated TRAD venues both Friday and Saturday – Friday, Zorch’s at the Sheraton……. Saturday, Al Downing at the Marriott

Swing Dance Party – Friday night at the Sheraton – dance the night away

Two Jam Sessions led by Dr. Jim Gover, Naples Dixieland Jazz Band – Saturday & Sunday

AFTERGLOW on Sunday

5:30 PM – Rusty’s in the Sheraton

Buffet

Music from 7-9PM

Featuring Festival Favorites!

Bob Draga, Bill Allred, Dave Tatrow, Jason Wanner, Billy Pillucere, Ron Jones, Pepper

PLEASE MAKE RESERVATIONS DIRECTLY AT RUSTY’S (727) 593-6000 X 2023

http://www.suncoastjazzclassic.com/

http://www.suncoastjazzclassic.com/festival-schedule/

Florida Home to 1 in 4 U.S. International Sales

Profile International Home Buyers 2015

ORLANDO, Fla. – Oct. 9, 2015 – The National Association of Realtors^® (NAR)’ research division just released the Profile of International Home Buyers in Florida 2015 Report, which it creates in cooperation with Florida Realtors.

According to the latest report, international sales are not the exception in Florida, they’re simply a normal part of doing business: A majority of Florida Realtors members (69 percent) say they have international clients. Overall, one in four U.S. international sales take place in The Sunshine State.

For the survey, NAR looked only at clients who are “citizens of another country,” which includes:

Non-resident foreigners with permanent residences outside the U.S. who typically purchase property as an investment or vacations
Resident foreigners who immigrated within the last two years or who hold temporary visas that last longer than six months

Report overview

About 25 percent of foreign home buyers purchasing U.S. property buy in Florida
International unit sales totaled 44,000 properties
As a percentage, international sales made up 12 percent of Florida’s residential market (15 percent a year ago) compared to four percent nationally
The dollar volume of international sales: $23.7 billion
By dollar volume, international sales made up 24 percent of Florida sales (19 percent a year ago), compared to 8 percent nationally
69 percent of Florida’s Realtors have international clients (52 percent a year ago). The U.S. average: 35 percent
31 percent of Florida’s Realtors have more than five international clients (19 percent a year ago). The U.S. average: 15 percent
The latest report saw a significant spike in buyers from Latin America – 56 percent compared to 23 percent one year earlier
Approximately 50 percent of foreign buyers purchased in Miami-Miami Beach (36 percent) and Fort Lauderdale (14 percent)
The average price of property purchased by foreigners: $538,600 ($300,600 in 2014).
63 percent of Realtors said that clients found Florida properties less expensive than comparable ones in their home country (76 percent a year ago)
29 percent of Florida’s Realtors reported an increase in the percentage of their international business (45 percent a year ago). The U.S. average: 13 percent

The complete Profile of International Home Buyers in Florida 2015 Report can be downloaded at Florida Realtors’ website

The survey of Florida Realtors members took place July 7-Aug. 9, 2015; 1,203 Realtors provided information on their client interaction during the 12 months ended June 2015, and on the characteristics of their most recent sale during this period.

Florida Realtors 10/2015

FLORIDA TOURISM HITS RECORD HIGH FOR 2015

Florida tourism is on pace to pass the highly anticipated 100-million visitor mark for 2015, with more than 54.1 million visitors coming to the Sunshine State in the first half of 2015.

New quarterly numbers released Wednesday from Visit Florida, the state’s tourism arm, show a 5.8 increase from last year and the highest amount of visitors of any six months in the state’s history.

In just the second quarter of 2015 ending June 30, 25.8 million visitors came to Florida, an increase of 5.5 percent from the same point in 2014.

With the fifth record-breaking year, the higher tourism is also bringing a record average number of direct travel-related jobs.

In a prepared statement from Gov. Rick Scott, Florida’s tourism industry now employs 1,213,500 people – a number up 4.9 percent from the previous year.

Encouraging tourism helps Florida become the “best place in the world for jobs,” Scott said. “We look forward to exceeding our goal of 100 million visitors to Florida this year.”

Visit Florida also estimates more than 2.7 million overseas visitors, 1.2 million Canadians, and 21.9 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in the second quarter of 2015, a 6.8 percent increase.

Totals for the first half of 2015 show 45.7 million domestic visitors, 5.5 million overseas visitors and 2.9 million Canadians have come to the Sunshine State, an increase of 6.7 percent, 1.7 percent and 1.1 percent respectively. Top U.S. states for Florida tourism are New York (10 percent), Georgia (8 percent), Texas (6 percent) and Illinois (5 percent).

Most international visitors in 2014 came from Canada (4.2 million), followed by the United Kingdom (1.6 million) and Brazil (1.6 million).

Continued growth of tourism, as well as tourism-related jobs, is putting Florida on track for a fifth consecutive record-breaking year, said Visit Florida Board of Directors Chairman John Tomlin. He emphasized the power of tourism as an economic job creator, crediting the vision of Scott, the Legislature and his staff for “world-class strategies and execution.”

As the number of people visiting Florida increases, so does the amount collected in taxes on sales from recreation and related activities. From January through May 2015, the state enjoyed a 9.0 percent increase in tax revenue.

Visit Florida also estimates the average daily room rate (ADR) for the second quarter of 2015 rose 4.7 percent, with occupancy rates for Florida hotels increasing 2.9 percent and the demand for rooms sold grew 4.4 percent compared to the same period last year.

“This continued growth does not happen by accident,” said Visit Florida CEO Will Seccombe, who thanked Scott and the Legislature for their “unparalleled support.”

Tampa Tribune August 19, 2015

Building Boom Clearwater Beach

Building Boom
New hotels will soon transform the southern portion of Clearwater Beach.

All told, the four projects that are expected to be under construction will bring a mix of 1,000 new upscale and mid-scale rooms to the narrow barrier island that lies just northwest of St. Petersburg. Until recently, South Clearwater Beach was mainly dotted with old-style lodges from the 1950s and ’60s.

“It’s huge, because the demand is as high as it has ever been,” said Leroy Bridges, a spokesman for Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. “Adding these rooms and these options is going to help meet that demand.”

Crews are already working on three of the new projects. In January, developers broke ground on the 15-story Wyndham Grand® Resort. Upon completion (slated for 2017) the Wyndham’s 450 rooms will make it the largest hotel on the narrow barrier island.
Further along is Opal Sands, an upscale, 230-room hotel that is also scheduled to open next February. Among the offerings at the 15-story hotel will be a spa and balconies sitting directly over the beach.
Nearby, the 181-room Clearwater Beach Hampton Inn is underway. And those three projects are expected to soon be joined by a 125-room Holiday Inn.

Like many Florida markets, the St. Pete/Clearwater area has enjoyed a boom in visitation over the past several years. Some 3.2 million people spent at least a night in a Pinellas County lodge, campground or motor home park in 2014, according to data from the county’s convention and business bureau, up from just more than 2.5 million in 2010. (Pinellas includes Clearwater and St. Pete)

Robust visitation, though, isn’t the main cause of the Clearwater Beach development boom, said Ed Armstrong, a land-use attorney who has worked on the Opal Sands and Hampton Inn projects. An even bigger incentive has been temporary land-use rules instituted by the city of Clearwater to spur hotel development. In 2009, the town decreed that up to 1,200 midscale hotel units could be developed at triple the usual density per acre; projects such as the Hampton Inn and the Holiday Inn are taking advantage of that rule. Meanwhile, the Wyndham Grand® is taking advantage of a similar such incentive that Clearwater had early targeted toward higher-end hotels.

Upping density allowances changed the financial calculations involved in developing on Clearwater Beach’s expensive waterfront property.

“It drastically altered the economics on Clearwater Beach in a very positive way,” Armstrong said.

Opal Sands Resort

Direct Beachfront with 230 Waterfront Rooms/Suites with Balconies

A refreshing blend of casual beachfront luxury and the lively ambiance of Clearwater Beach, guests will enjoy an array of leisure options. From long walks on pristine white sand beaches and a swim in the Gulf, to pampering spa services and poolside cocktails, this location will offer everything you’ve dreamed of in a luxury resort.

Amenities:

All 230 guest rooms and suites are oceanfront, with private balconies offering spectacular views of the Gulf
Directly on the ocean and beach
Spectacular zero-entry outdoor pool and sun deck
Large fitness center
Full-service spa
Waterfront dining and beach bar
All valet and indoor parking
Retail Shops

Beachfront Wyndham Grand® Resort in Clearwater Beach

Construction of the 450-room Wyndham Grand® Resort Clearwater Beach has begun on South Gulfview Boulevard at the north end of the prominent Beach Walk. Proposed as one of the largest hotel resorts in the area, the hotel is scheduled to open in early 2017. With approximately 24,000 square feet of event space, the resort will also house one of the largest banquet and meeting facilities in Pinellas County.

Services and amenities at Wyndham Grand® Resort will include:

Immediate access to top-rated Clearwater Beach
A large outdoor pool complex
Full-service Spa
Multiple restaurants accessible from Beach Walk

Bay9 News August 2015

St. Pete-Clearwater Beach – Beat the Beach Traffic

You don’t have to get stuck in beach traffic. Whether you’re down for the day or hanging out for the week, there’s no need to get in the car to move up or down the beach. There are multiple forms of transportation on St. Pete/Clearwater Beach. Here are some of your best options.

Rent a scooter/beach cruiser

Daily bike/scooter rentals are available. Great way to experience the beach.

“Free” beach shuttle

Rides are free to anywhere on the beach; drivers rely on tips. Cheap, drivers know the area. Doesn’t run after midnight.

FREE Rides

From the South end of Pass-A-Grille and cover all of St Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Johns Pass, Madeira Beach and South Redington Beach. Also travels across the Tom Stuart causeway to accommodate Courtyard Marriott Madeira Beach. See more

Take a Trolley

Ride the Suncoast Beach Trolley and explore area beaches, restaurants and local attractions the easy way–without worrying about directions or parking. Tour the Gulf Beaches stretching from Clearwater Beach south to Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Shores, North Redington Beach, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, St. Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille. Offered by Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. Cheap, worry-free, and yay! Public transit. Buses run every half hour or so from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. See more

Take the Jolley Trolley along Clearwater Beach or surrounding towns. Runs 7 days a week 10:00 am to midnight. See more

Taxi

BATS Taxi is headquartered on the beach, and plenty of other cabs are around. Drivers know the area, service is prompt. High demand times make it a little more time consuming to locate.

Uber

If you have the app on your phone, there are likely drivers around to take you up and down the beach. Probably your quickest bet. Note that your driver may not know the area well and might get stuck in the very traffic you’re trying to avoid.

By Ferry

Maybe try out the Clearwater Ferry serving Clearwater Beach, Downtown Clearwater, Island Estates, Caladesi Island and Dunedin. Regular operating hours are Monday – Saturday 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. See more