Clearwater Beach Featured On ESPN

Clearwater Beach will be featured in this year’s Outback Bowl Preview Special on ESPN2 and ESPNU. In addition to Clearwater Beach, Busch Gardens Tampa, the Florida Aquarium, Channelside Bay Plaza, Ybor City, St. Pete museums and area events will also be featured.  The Outback Bowl, named for sponsor Outback Steakhouse,  kicks off at 11 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa and will be telecast internationally on ESPN TV. The event is in its 24th year.

The half-hour show also will highlight Auburn University and Northwestern University football teams, who will compete in the bowl. The show will air at 2 p.m. on Dec. 28th on ESPN2 and is scheduled to run eight additional times until Dec. 31 on ESPNU.

Outback Bowl Clearwater Beach Day

The Outback Bowl Clearwater Beach Day is December 30th. Join the teams, their marching bands and cheerleaders as they enjoy the sun and beaches at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort next to Pier 60. The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, City of Clearwater, the Hilton, Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 95.7 the Beat and 93.3FLZ Radio sponsor this fun day which includes live music, skydivers, a tug-of-war and other contests from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Guy Harvey To Appear At Marine Aquarium

World famous marine wildlife artist and conservationist Guy Harvey will appear at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to create a one-of-a-kind painting with Winter the dolphin.

Winter is the world famous dolphin who lost her tail after getting caught in a crab trap line in 2005 and is now learning to swim with prosthetic tail. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine life.

The event will include a talk by Harvey, a private dolphin show, raffles, silent and live auctions featuring Harvey artwork, food, drinks, and music. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation.

When: December 6th, 6pm
Cost: $75 - limited seating available
Where: Clearwater Marine Aquarium

249 Windward Passage on Island Estates

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Valentine's Day Wedding Contest

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is giving away a free Valentine’s Day wedding package. The winning couple of the 2nd Annual Wedding of a Lifetime Contest will get married on a platform over the main dolphin pool on Valentine's Day 2010.

The package is valued at more than $20,000 and includes wedding rings, wedding dress, photography, a honeymoon and more donated by local businesses. The one-of-a-kind wedding dress will be designed by celebrity costume designer Maria McGill, who has made dresses for “Dancing With the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” Resident aquarium dolphins Nicholas and Winter will assist in the nuptials.

Entrants should submit a photo and explanation of why they should be chosen to win CMA’s “2nd Annual Wedding of a Lifetime Contest” to weddingcontest@cmaquarium.org.
The entry deadline is December 4th, and the winning couple will be chosen December 11th. Call 727-441-1790 ext. 228 with any questions. Visit http://www.seewinter.com/ for more information.

New Hotels Approved For Clearwater Beach

The Clearwater Community Development Board has approved new hotel projects on Clearwater Beach. They will also require the City Council's approval as well because they're seeking more than their allotted number of rooms.

Tropicana Resort Motels, headed by developer Gus DiGiovanni, received approval to build 2 hotels between Hamden and Coronado south of Third Street. The properties are currently occupied by a number of buildings including the Sandman Resort, Sea Cove Motel and Alex Family Restaurant. One hotel will hae 142 rooms, the other will have 118 rooms.

Shephard's Beach Resort was given approval for a major expansion. The hotel and entertainment complex will add nearly 100 rooms. One of the existing buildings will be torn down to construct a new one.

Register Now For Island Estates Holiday Boat Parade

The 35th annual Memorial Holiday Boat Parade is scheduled for December 12th. The lighted boat parade is sponsored by the Island Estates Yacht Club and is one of the most popular boating events in the area. Boats will assemble at 6 pm in Mandalay Channel, between Island Estates and Clearwater Beach. They will proceed through Island Estates' canals, arriving at Coachman Park at 8 pm, then sail under the Memorial Causeway Bridge, into the Clearwater Marina Channel and ending at the Clearwater Yacht Club judging stand. Registration is free, contact Joel Briskman at 727-688-3144 or 727-461-1147 or joelbrisk@yahoo.com.

Rough Surf May Change Ironman Course

High surf and possible rip currents in the Gulf have closed parts of Clearwater Beach.

Yesterday, buoys were supposed to be placed for the swim portion of the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 but dangerous waters did not allow for it. The Ironman staff is meeting this morning to determine whether the swim should be moved from the Gulf of Mexico to the Intracoastal.

Weekend Ironman Schedule

The Foster Grant Ironman 70.3 World Championship is Saturday, with 1800 competitors traversing Clearwater, Largo, Safety Harbor and East Lake.

The race will begin and end at Pier 60, beginning at 6:45 am and lasting about 7.5 hours. There will be a 1.2 mile swim on Clearwater Beach followed by a 56 mile bike course on the Memorial Causeway Bridge, Drew St, Countryside Blvd, McMullen-Booth Rd, East Lake Rd, Bayside Bridge, Roosevelt Blvd, Belcher Rd and Gulf-to-Bay Blvd. It will be capped off with a 13.1 mile run through Clearwater Beach, downtown Clearwater, and Harbor Oaks.

The swim can be watched from Pier 60, and the bike and run can be best veiwed from the courthouse and the causeway. Parking in downtown Clearwater is recommended, there will be shuttles available for spectators.

Police will be present to help drivers at traffic signals along the route. At intersections without signals, bikes have the right of way on the course.

Starting 3 a.m. Saturday, drivers won't be permitted south of the Clearwater Beach roundabout. People needing access to and from the south Clearwater Beach will need to use the Belleair Causeway. There will also be delays at the following intersections, most will be blocked during the race.

• Coronado Dr at the roundabout, 3 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• MLK Jr. Ave and Court St, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Drew St and Keene Rd, 7:15 to 9:30 a.m.

• Drew St and Belcher Rd, 7:15 to 10 a.m.

• Countryside Blvd and SR 580, 7:15 to 9:45 a.m.

• McMullen-Booth and Curlew roads, 7:30 to 11:15 a.m.

• McMullen-Booth and Keystone roads, 8 to 11 a.m.

• McMullen-Booth and Enterprise roads, 8:15 to 11:30 a.m.

• McMullen-Booth Rd and Drew St, 8:30 to 11:45 a.m.

• McMullen-Booth Rd and Roosevelt Blvd, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

• East Bay Dr and Belcher Rd, 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

• Belcher and Belleair roads, 8:45 to 12:15 p.m.

• Belcher Rd and Gulf-to-Bay Blvd, 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Gulf-to-Bay Blvd to Clearwater Beach, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Medians along East Lake Rd between Tampa Rd and Trinity Blvd will be closed.

Clearwater Pass Jetty Will Get Warning Lights

City Council has decided to put navigational warning lights on the Clearwater Pass jetty, by installing a series of yellow flashing lights on the jetty to warn boaters to steer clear.

The rock jetty was built in 1975 to prevent beach erosion and extends hundreds of feet into the gulf from Sand Key Park and stands about 7 feet above the water. Boaters are supposed to stay in the marked channel north of the jetty, which has its lights but the jetty has been the scene of several boat crashes. The channel between Sand Key and Clearwater Beach is narrow and heavily traveled. Despite being well lit inexperience, bad weather, or carelessness can cause boaters to strike the jetty in the dark.

Another boating hazard will also be removed. There is an 85,000-pound block of concrete submerged in Clearwater Harbor off the Seminole Boat Ramp, the remains of the base of a turnstile that was in the middle of the Seminole Bridge, built in 1917. Concrete can still be seen at very low tides and has been struck several times by vessels.

Governor Charlie Crist recently asked the U.S. Coast Guard to install lights on the Bayboro jetty in St Petersburg after a fatal accident on October 2nd where a boat struck the jetty.

Open House Nov 4th For One Way Street Debate

A public meeting will be held Wednesday evening about a plan to change Coronado and Hamden into one-way streets. Coronado Drive would be southbound only, and Hamden Drive northbound only. There will be an "open house" between 4 and 7 pm where you can view displays and talk to city staffers at the Clearwater Beach Library, 69 Bay Esplanade. For more information, call (727) 562-4750.

Marina's Future In Question

In 1925, the state gave the local government land in Clearwater Bay to build a causeway to Clearwater Beach, to be forever used for public purposes like parks and recreation. Any other use would require that it be returned to the state.

The city wants to remove the requirement so it can someday redevelop the Clearwater Municipal Marina that sits on the land, adding more parking and shops.

Some activists are wary of the idea, fearing a developer could come along and build a large hotel on the property. The homeowners associations of Clearwater Beach, Island Estates and Sand Key are also opposed to the idea.

Both sides say they want to preserve public access to the waterfront.

The city has asked Representative Jim Frishe to help pass a law during the upcoming legislative session eliminating the "reverter clause". Frishe will hold a public hearing beginning at 6 p.m. Monday at Clearwater's City Hall. Frishe said that public access to the waterfront needs to be protected, but that the marina will need to be redesigned at some point.

Public hearing:
6-8 p.m. Monday
Clearwater City Hall,
112 S Osceola Ave

Super Boat Weekend A Huge Success

Last weekend's Super Boat International Offshore Race is considered to be a success by it's organisers and the Chamber of Commerce and the event is expected to return again next October.

The 3 day festival had good turnout, especially on Sunday when spectators watched the race from both land and sea. About 20,000 people viewed the race offshore from anchored boats. Another estimated 7,000 people watched from the beach, while others observed from hotels and restaurants.

Weekend Super Boat Festival Schedule

2009 Clearwter Super Boat National Championship & Festival

This weekend long event offers fun for the whole family.

Friday October 2nd, 4pm - 9pm

· Coachman Park: Super Boats in the Dry Pits with food, drinks and fun for the entire family.

Saturday October 3rd

· Coachman Park: Super Boats in the Dry Pits 10am - 4pm

· Clearwater Beach at Pier 60: “Make a Difference Fishing Tournament” 8am - NOON

· Clearwater Beach at Pier 60: Super Boat practice runs NOON - 6pm off

· Clearwater Beach at Pier 60: Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration at 2pm

· Clearwater Beach at Pier 60: Caribbean Chillers Concert at 6pm

· Clearwater Beach at Pier 60: Fireworks at 8:30 pm

Sunday October 4th, 10am - 3pm

· Clearwater Beach at Pier 60: The Clearwater Super Boat Offshore National Championship Races

Visit official website

Frenchy's Stone Crab Festival and Block Party

In addition to the traditional Stone Crab Weekend, Frenchy's will have a block party to celebrate their 25th anniversary in front of the Original Frenchy's Cafe (41 Baymont St, Clearwater Beach.) The block party will be Oct. 16th and 17th from 11am-11pm with live music. Along with entertainment there will be a variety of food, beer specials and of course Stone Crab at wholesale prices. The special Stone Crab prices will apply at all locations throughout the weekend, while supplies last.

Labor Day Weekend Event - Vanilla Ice & Rob Base

It's "Old Skool Weekend" at Shephard's Beach Resort. The party runs Friday thru Monday, with 93.3 FLZ broadcasting live all weekend.

This year Shep­hard's annual Labor Day party features drink specials, dance shows and a perfomance by Vanilla Ice and Rob Base 10 pm Sunday.

Cover is $10 (21 and up); $15 for Sunday's concert. 619 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach. (727) 441-6875

Offshore Boat Racing Coming To Clearwater Beach

Boats will be racing at speeds up to 140 mph off Clearwater Beach on October 4th when the Clearwater Super Boat National Championship offshore powerboating race comes to town. Some proceeds from the race will benefit the Clearwater Community Sailing Center.

Super Boat International of Key West has been staging races for 30 years and is best known for its annual races in Key West, Sarasota and New York City. It recently struck a deal with CBS to broadcast the Clearwater race and 7 others. The races feature 50-foot boats with F-16 jet canopies and 4,800-horsepower engines. During races, they reach speeds of 100 to 140 mph, depending on weather conditions. Super Boat International plans 9 races this year, the 1st was last weekend in Miami.

Super Boat International says it has applied for a race permit from the U.S. Coast Guard, and it expects to get one. Spotters in helicopters will watch for manatees and sea turtles, and will stop a race if necessary and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be assisting.

The race on Sunday will be free and open to the public, around 40,000 spectators are expected. Free parties at Coachman Park and Pier 60, and a free concert and fireworks are also planned for the weekend.
Boats up to 50 feet long will race from Pier 60 north for about 2½ miles and back, doing multiple laps around the loop. 30 to 35 boats are expected to compete in two races. Powerboats and their pit crews will set up beginning Friday, Oct. 2, in Coachman Park, where the public can get a closer look at them. The plan is for them to launch from the nearby Seminole Boat Ramp.

Oct. 2: Racing boats set up in Coachman Park.
Oct. 3: Racers check out the course at regular speed.
Oct. 4: Two races between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

New Hotel On Coronado Approved

Last night the Clearwater City Council unanimously approved a development allowing construction of a Holiday Inn Express at Coronado and Devon Drive.

The new hotel will replace the now closed Port Vue hotel next to the marina, and will have 8 stories with 108 hotel rooms.

Frenchy's Owner Opening Clearwater Beach Hotel

Mike "Frenchy" Preston, owner of popular Frenchy's restaurants has purchased 2 Clearwater Beach hotels with plants to open a hotel with a retro "classy early 1960's theme".

The $1.6 million dollar purchase includes Ann's Edgewater and the Olympia Motel. The Olympia will be renovated and should be complete in a few months. There are no plans yet for changes to Ann's Edgewater.

The 2 properties located on East Shore Drive next to Frenchy's Seafood Co., which supplies the Frenchy's Restaruants with fresh seafood.

Clearwater Beach Post Office May Close

We could lose the Clearwater Beach post office as early as October. It is on the list of thousands of post offices around the country that may close.

Other Pinellas locations on the list are Countryside, Cleveland St, St Pete Beach and Pass a Grille. The full list is here.

Local Olympic Sailer Gets Sponsor

Sunsail Sailing Vacations of Clearwater announced a sponsorship agreement to support local sailor Zach Railey, who learned how to sail in the youth program at Clearwater Yacht Club. Railey brought home a Silver medal from the 2008 Beijing Olympics and wants to to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London.

Pro Volleyball Comes To Clearwater Beach

Corona Light's Extreme Volleyball Professionals Tour will stop in Clearwater Beach for the first time on May 5th. The EVP Tour is a travelling, two-on-two beach volleyball series with men's and women's professional divisions

15 to 35 teams are expected to participate in the double-elimination tournament. Local teams can enter for a $100 fee. Top pros are expected to compete for a total purse of $5,000. First place in each division pays $900 and the top 7 teams in each division will cash.

1st Annual Clearwater Super Boat National Championship

Boats will be racing at speeds up to 140 mph off Clearwater Beach on October 4th when the Clearwater Super Boat National Championship offshore powerboating race comes to town. Some proceeds from the race will benefit the Clearwater Community Sailing Center.

Super Boat International has been staging races for 30 years and is best known for its annual races in Key West, Sarasota and New York City. It recently struck a deal with CBS to broadcast the Clearwater race and 7 others. The races feature 50-foot boats with F-16 jet canopies and 4,800-horsepower engines. During races, they reach speeds of 100 to 140 mph, depending on weather conditions. Super Boat International plans 9 races this year, the 1st was last weekend in Miami.

Super Boat International says it has applied for a race permit from the U.S. Coast Guard, and it expects to get one. Spotters in helicopters will watch for manatees and sea turtles, and will stop a race if necessary and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be assisting.

The race on Sunday will be free and open to the public. Boats up to 50 feet long will race from Pier 60 north for about 2½ miles and back, doing multiple laps around the loop.

30 to 35 boats are expected to compete in two races. Powerboats and their pit crews will set up beginning Friday, Oct. 2, in Coachman Park, where the public can get a closer look at them. The plan is for them to launch from the nearby Seminole Boat Ramp.

Oct. 2: Racing boats set up in Coachman Park.
Oct. 3: Racers check out the course at regular speed.
Oct. 4: Two races between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Sets Attendance Record

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), located on Island Estates, announced that it has set a new all-time attendance record. 2053 people visited CMA on Tuesday, April 7. The previous daily attendance record was set in April 2007 with 1,544 visitors.

Attendance at CMA was up 34 percent in 2008. CMA atributes the hike in interest in Winter the dolphin, and the interactive features of the facility.

The Aquarium opened in 1972. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to marine life rescue, rehabilitation and release, and environmental education. For more information, visit http://www.seewinter.com/.

Sandpearl Ranked One Of Top Hotels Worldwide

The Sandpearl Resort has ranked 8th on by Expedia on its "Expedia Insiders‚ Select 2009" list, which ranks top hotels and resorts worldwide based on customer satisfaction and value. Sandpearl was noted for its friendly, yet informal customer service as well as the elegant contemporary design.

The Expedia Insiders‚ Select represents the top 1% of the nearly 80,000 properties offered by Expedia, the world’s leading online travel company. Sandpearl Resort is the 1st new beachfront resort on Clearwater Beach in over 25 years. Situated along 700-feet of Gulf Coast beach, the Sandpearl features 253 rooms and suites, a lagoon-style beachfront pool, private cabanas, fine casual dining, a full-service spa and meeting event space.

Sand Key, Island Estates, and Clearwater Beach Residents Seek Independence

The Islands Independence Initiative, a group of residents from Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Sand Key and Island Estates are looking into whether the 3 island communities can secede from Clearwater and start their own city. They will present their case tonight at the Island Estates Civic Association meeting. The idea is in its early stages, and they don't know how exactly the de-annexing would work. The will be exploring the legal and practical issues for the next 90 days.

They say they are dissatisfied with the service they're getting from Clearwater and have hired an attorney to represent them. Officials say they're doing their best to serve the barrier islands as well as the rest of the city and are disappointed by the initiative. They site Clearwater Beach's library, marina, BeachWalk, and the Sailing Center on Sand Key, among other benefits to the island communities. The group decided to explore alternatives after many disappointments with the city.

• Among them -
• a lack of a beach parking garage while the city builds boat slips downtown;
• a refusal to use Penny for Pinellas money to underground utilities on Island Estates;
• unenforced short-term rental rules on North Clearwater Beach;
• the approval of the Cabana Club project on Sand Key;
• allowing a developer to seek a rezoning for the Shoppes at Sand Key.

Clearwater officials say it would be difficult or impossible to accomplish a secession. All Clearwater taxpayers — not just the island taxpayers who pay 40% of the taxes — own much of the public buildings and infrastructure along the beaches. And, the new city would need to assume its share of Clearwater debt. It would be extremely complicated, and expensive

Phillies Phan Fest Tonight At Brighthouse Field

Brighthouse Field Clearwater Florida 6-8 Pm - Fireworks start at 8 pm

The event will once again feature something for fans of all ages, including player autographs and several games and activities for children. Admission is free. The City of Clearwater Department of Parks and Recreation, the Phillies and Clearwater Threshers are sponsors of the event.

PHAN FEST HIGHLIGHTS:
Autographs: Brad Lidge, Jamie Moyer, Geoff Jenkins, Kyle Kendrick, Carlos Ruiz, Pedro Feliz, So Taguchi and Greg Dobbs will sign autographs from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. The players will be set up in two stations. Cost is $15.00 per station, which will include four autographs. Fan may purchase additional coupons while supplies last.

Photo Booth: Phillies Alumni Club legends Garry Maddox and Gary Matthews will be stationed at the Photo Booth on the main concourse behind home plate from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The $15.00 fee will include a photo of the two former Phillies as well as an autograph.

Silent Auction: This year's auction will feature close to 40 items, including bats, jerseys and balls signed by current and former Phillies. The auction will take place on the third base side of the main concourse.

Raffle: There will be three prizes for this year's raffle: 2006 MVP Ryan Howard autographed bat, 2007 MVP Jimmy Rollins autographed ball, Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt autographed ball. Raffle tickets will be sold at various locations in the ballpark at $2.00 each and three for $5.00. The winning tickets will be drawn at 7:45 p.m.

Yard Sale: Discounted, game-worn jerseys from Phillies major and minor league players and coaches will be available at the yard sale, located on the first base side of the main concourse. Prices will range from $25 to $150.

Fireworks: The evening concludes with a large aerial fireworks show that will start shortly after 8:00 p.m.

Mascots: The Phillie Phanatic will travel from Philadelphia to make a special appearance at Phan Fest. He'll be joined by Threshers mascot Phinley.

Special Feature: Legendary boxing trainer Angelo Dundee will take part in a book signing at Phan Fest for his new release "My View From The Corner." Dundee has trained several world champion boxers, including Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Kids Activities: Face painters, speed pitch, moon bounce, playground in left field and rock climbing will be among the activities available for kids.

Phillies Charities, Inc.: Phan Fest proceeds will go to Phillies Charities, Inc, which in turn will distribute the dollars to Clearwater For Youth, Clearwater Little League and Hospice of the Florida Suncoast.

Aquarium Announces Wedding Contest Winners

On Tuesday the Clearwater Marine Aquarium announced the winners of its "Wedding of a Lifetime" contest. The winners however, didn't know they were even in the contest - they had been entered by friends. Kevin Freeland and Samantha Stahl were among 77 entries in the contest to win a Valentine's Day wedding at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Island Estates.They found out Tuesday afternoon at the Clearwater Police Department, where Stahl is a dispatcher. Freeland attended thinking Stahl was going to win a work-related award. Stahl showed up thinking she had an employee evaluation.
David Yates, the aquarium's CEO, was there to give them the happy news. The bride and groom can invite 100 guests to the ceremony at the aquarium on Valentine's Day. The Sheraton Sand Key is providing the reception hall and honeymoon night at the hotel. Publix will donate a wedding cake, and clothing, wine, and flowers will be donated by other local businesses.

Stahl and Freeland met on Match.com about 5 years ago. Freeland has suffered severe health problems, being diagnosed with oral cancer in 2001 with 2 relapses. He is now 6 months out of treatment and in remission. They were engaged in August and planned to marry in October 2009. The prize was a welcome relief to the couple. Due to financial setbacks they had considered eloping instead of having a large ceremony with friends and family.