Downtown Clearwater has been extensively renovated and redeveloped in the last decade. As a result, there are numerous newly built high-rise condo buildings and a large marina. The recently named Cleveland District brought new restaurants, bars, and amenities to the area as well. The Royalty Theatre, one of the oldest landmarks in Clearwater, has also undergone renovation.
Cleveland Street is both one of the busiest streets in Clearwater and one of the most historic. Along this street are landmarks like Spectrum Field, the spring training baseball stadium for the Philadelphia Phillies, and Coachman Park, a shorefront park that hosts dozens of festivals, musical concerts and exhibitions throughout the year. Pier 60 is one of the most popular waterfront parks in which to picnic, fish and enjoy the water. Racing fans can stop by the Tampa Bay Grand Prix, the nearby historic auto race track.
There are 38,425 single-family homes in Clearwater, making them the most prevalent housing option in the city. Condos come in second place with 20,375 units. There are 2,325 multi-family homes, 234 coop units, 41 other types of residential properties and 2,598 vacant lots.
Commercial assets make up 2,398 of the buildings in the city, along with 1,135 industrial buildings, and 43 buildings zoned for mixed use.
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority offers a number of public transportation options throughout the county, including 35 bus routes, two express routes and a beach trolley. The most heavily traveled road in Clearwater is US Route 19. On some stretches of this road, more than 100,000 vehicles travel on a daily basis.
There are 4 colleges in Clearwater, including Sunstate Academy and Clearwater Christian College. Many public schools are located here as well, all of which are overseen by the Pinellas County Schools. Private schools include a number of parochial schools and charter schools.
Morton Plant Hospital, located in Clearwater, has 687 beds and offers service in upwards of 50 specialties. It’s part of the larger BayCare Health System and in 2006 expanded with the addition of the Morgan Heart Hospital.
Recent FBI data noted 679 reported violent crimes. The Clearwater Police Department has 232 sworn officers and volunteer positions for administrative duties, patrolling and data entry. In Clearwater, youth below the age of 17 are prohibited from driving between 11 PM and 6 AM, unless accompanied by an adult above the age of 21.
The City of Clearwater owns and oversees Moccasin Lake Nature Park. With more than 50 acres of nature preserve, including a 5-acre lake, visitors can enjoy the great outdoors and stop by the Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center to learn more about area wildlife. The City of Clearwater also operates 5 public pools with lessons throughout the year, as well as a summer pool league and aquatics team. Sports fans can stop by Spectrum Field, to see the Philadelphia Phillies for spring training, or catch the High-A affiliate Clearwater Threshers.
Nearly every type of cuisine can be found in Clearwater, including typical beachfront snacks and desserts at Pearly’s Beach Eats, hot dogs and burgers at Detroit Coney Island, and Asian fusion at Ocean Hai. Basimo Beach Café serves smoothies, juice and coffee, while the Clear Sky Café is a tapas hotspot.
Laidback Jamminz Beach Bar is a beer and beach-themed cocktail oasis, Coasters Lounge serves more upscale drinks, and Tommy’s Tiki Bar would be as welcome in the Caribbean as it is in Clearwater.
