Welcome to Clearwater Beach , Florida
Clearwater began in 1841 with the establishment of a military outpost – Fort Harrison – during the Seminole Indian Wars. After the fighting ended, settlers moved into the area to take advantage of land grants from the federal government, and by 1859 their numbers justified opening a post office. The small farming community, then known as Clear Water Harbor, was incorporated 1891, and in 1912, when Pinellas County was formed out of what was then part of Hillsborough County, Clearwater became the county seat by virtue of building a new courthouse before its larger rival, St. Petersburg.
The city continued to grow steadily in the years following World War I and through the boom years of the 1920s, but slowed during the Great Depression of the 1930s. But real growth began in the Post War years, as air conditioning and other amenities, as well as a booming economy made life in Florida more attractive.
The Philadelphia Phillies have held their spring training here since 1946, and millions of visitors have flocked to top-rated Gulf beaches. In the following half-century, Clearwater expanded to become a city of more than 100,000 permanent residents, with an additional 30,000 seasonal residents and tourists.
Life is a …beach , after all…isn’t ?
Bring your beach umbrella or rent one; bring your beach chairs, and find your spot on the beach. Then give the kids the boogie boards and beach toys and you’re set for the day in the sun on Florida’s Beach – one of the top ten beaches in the nation – Clearwater Beach! All beaches are public, and accessible from convenient points, as well as the municipal beach adjacent to Pier 60. Every evening, enjoy Sunsets at Pier 60; and experience live free entertainment, artisans and street performers. Early evening, as the sun begins to set, is the perfect time for a walk along the shoreline in the cool evening gulf breezes.
Check out Live video cams from Clearwater Beach :
The community of Clearwater is a harbor community nestled between Tampa Bay to the east and Clearwater Harbor on the west. Only the architecturally unique Memorial Causeway Bridge separates Clearwater from Clearwater Beach, one of many Gulf beaches. Oak lined avenues and streets run along gentle sloping terrain throughout this third largest metro area in the Tampa Bay region.
Clearwater Mall and Westfield Countryside Malls, local shops and boutiques, local and chain restaurants, recreation, sports and accommodations are all conveniently located. Clearwater is in close proximity to Tampa International and St.Petersburg/Clearwater International Airports.
For biking and recreation enthusiasts, the Pinellas Trail is the longest urban trail in the United States winding through Clearwater, parks, coastal areas, shady ancient live oaks areas, waterways and neighborhoods. It is a great trail to bike, walk or skate for fitness!
Come to an outdoor concert under starry skies at Coachman Park. While you listen to the music, enjoy the hillside vistas and stunning views of Clearwater Harbor. Nightlife and entertainment are as varied as daytime activities. Dance to the latest music; go to the theatre or a comedy show.
Choose a concert; or choose a karaoke club; and be the concert. Clearwater offers endless possibilities and choices for your vacation enjoyment.
Come personally experience our warm Gulf sunsets, our unique cultural heritage, our vast sporting and recreational activities, fresh seafood and great shopping. There are world-renowned museums, family fun and endless sunshine. We’re everything you want from your vacation, all right here!
This well-known Florida’s Beach community on the white sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico welcomes you to their sunny beaches. The three miles stretch of beach is home to Pier 60, deep sea fishing charters, dinner and adventure cruises, luxury hotels, condominiums, local restaurants, attractions; and of course the main attraction, THE BEACH – most within walking distance. Several restaurants on the beach offer casual dining inside or at outside seating areas.
Check out my photos at :
Check out Live video cams from Clearwater Beach :
The community of Clearwater is a harbor community nestled between Tampa Bay to the east and Clearwater Harbor on the west. Only the architecturally unique Memorial Causeway Bridge separates Clearwater from Clearwater Beach, one of many Gulf beaches. Oak lined avenues and streets run along gentle sloping terrain throughout this third largest metro area in the Tampa Bay region.
The community of Clearwater is a harbor community nestled between Tampa Bay to the east and Clearwater Harbor on the west. Only the architecturally unique Memorial Causeway Bridge separates Clearwater from Clearwater Beach, one of many Gulf beaches. Oak lined avenues and streets run along gentle sloping terrain throughout this third largest metro area in the Tampa Bay region.
Clearwater Mall and Westfield Countryside Malls, local shops and boutiques, local and chain restaurants, recreation, sports and accommodations are all conveniently located. Clearwater is in close proximity to Tampa International and St.Petersburg/Clearwater International Airports.
For biking and recreation enthusiasts, the Pinellas Trail is the longest urban trail in the United States winding through Clearwater, parks, coastal areas, shady ancient live oaks areas, waterways and neighborhoods. It is a great trail to bike, walk or skate for fitness!
Come to an outdoor concert under starry skies at Coachman Park. While you listen to the music, enjoy the hillside vistas and stunning views of Clearwater Harbor. Nightlife and entertainment are as varied as daytime activities. Dance to the latest music; go to the theatre or a comedy show.
Choose a concert; or choose a karaoke club; and be the concert. Clearwater offers endless possibilities and choices for your vacation enjoyment.
Come personally experience our warm Gulf sunsets, our unique cultural heritage, our vast sporting and recreational activities, fresh seafood and great shopping. There are world-renowned museums, family fun and endless sunshine. We’re everything you want from your vacation, all right here!
This well-known Florida’s Beach community on the white sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico welcomes you to their sunny beaches. The three miles stretch of beach is home to Pier 60, deep sea fishing charters, dinner and adventure cruises, luxury hotels, condominiums, local restaurants, attractions; and of course the main attraction, THE BEACH – most within walking distance. Several restaurants on the beach offer casual dining inside or at outside seating areas.
Check out my photos at :
Busch Gardens…Africa in Florida !
Spring is in the air…what a great time to visit Africa…in Florida !!! Oh yes !!! Come to Busch Gardens, in Tampa and you will see what I mean. Here is the link :
Busch Gardens is a thrilling African safari and a sun-soaked Florida vacation all rolled into one. Experience up-close encounters with wild animals, and explore fascinating attractions based on cultures and legends of far away lands.
A unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country’s premier zoos featuring nearly 3,000 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games, Busch Gardens provides unrivaled excitement for guests of every age.Experience up-close encounters with amazing animals, take an unforgettable safari across the Serengeti Plains, test your courage on pulse-pounding coasters, or catch live entertainment all year long.
Jump into the jungle at Jungala. Get face-to-face with orangutans. Test your strength in a wild game of tug-of-war with a tiger: any guess who will win? Explore the layers of the jungle in a three-story play area of mazes, ropes and crawl tubes. And young adventurers can soar above the treetops on a zip line. It’s the only jungle in the world that plays with you!!
If you’re looking for thrills, challenge our incredible, floorless dive coaster, SheiKra: 200 feet up, 90 degrees straight down. Take on the mighty Gwazi: a colossal wooden coaster with a record-breaking six fly-bys and crossing speeds of 100 miles an hour. Or take on Kumba, a roaring steel coaster that will leave you breathless.
Just over an hour west of Orlando near Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, you’ll find yourself on the edge of Africa at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay.
For park details , rules, info etc … click at these links :
I have taken dozen of photos…is is impossible to show them all here , so go to Flickr , at :
There are dozens of video clips on YouTube...enjoy one of mine :
So, what do you think ? Not bad eh ? Plan to visit NOW…you SHALL have FUN !!!!
Florida State Fair
Recently , I took my family to the annual Florida State Fair, in Tampa. It is a salute to the state’s best in the agriculture and equestrian industry including an abundance of shows, music, rides, food and shopping for 12 consecutive days. Excitement is in the air all over the fairgrounds with plenty of free entertainment included with admission. You have to plan your day in advance to enjoy all the sights, sounds, and tastes the state fair has to offer. Parking is free during the Fair. Gates open daily at 9 a.m. and closing time varies by the day of the week and weather conditions.
Here is a list of what you can see , at the fair :
1.A Las Vegas-style show – held on select days in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall enjoy some of the best musical performances of the decades featuring tribute artists singing classics from Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Donna Summer, Tina Turner and Reba McEntire.
2. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Exhibit :
3. Rides…Rides…Rides…oh boy…if you want to get dizzy and throw up, then be my guest…you will not forget it…HINT : DO NOT EAT BEFORE YOU RIDE…you will regret it !!!!
The most truly amazing ride was …on a helicopter, oh yes …a helicopter, but not the one you might think…no !!! It was the original ” Batcopter ” , from the 1960s Batman television series.The Batcopter was a functional helicopter provided by National Helicopter Service and based on the Bell 47, which was designed by Bell Helicopter Textron in 1941.
4. The most important of all….FOOD....and more FOOD…oh boy, we were staffed !!!!
We had a great time and were too sad to leave…but we had to…we were exhausted but mainly…cold, oh yes cold…it was breezy , but it worth it. We will come back again next year !!!
Christmas in Disneyland
Christmas in Disneyland ?…oh yes !!! Come and experience a treasured yuletide tradition that celebrates holiday dreams! “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade takes you on a jolly journey with some of your favorite Disney Characters in fun-filled holiday scenes of the season…Catch a special appearance by Santa Claus.. Laugh along as Goofy and Max find fun decorating a life-size gingerbread house..marvel at Mickey and Minnie enjoying a romantic skate on an icy pond…see Geppetto and Pinocchio help create toys for Santa….and much more !!!
For more info on schedules , prices , acommodations …etc , refer to :
Come to Florida and visit Disneyland’s Christmas Fantasy Parade during the holidays…it is simply amazing…look at these video clips:
Check out all these photos at :
So , when are YOU coming ?…come on , join the fun…I will see you there !!!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to ALL !!!
