Clearwater History

Clearwater's world-famous beaches, numerous recreational opportunities, and proximity to Tampa and Orlando have made the city one of the most popular vacation spots in Florida. Located on the Gulf of Mexico in the Tampa Bay area, Clearwater is the seat of Pinellas County. The name "Clearwater" comes from the freshwater springs that dot the bay front, producing crystal clear water.

The city of Clearwater began as Fort Harrison, an army outpost constructed around 1835, during the Seminole Wars. In 1842, the U.S. government passed the Federal Armed Occupation Act, offering 160 acres to any who would bear arms and cultivate the land. A passenger railroad line to the city in 1888 brought rapid expansion to Clearwater, and its reputation as a tourist town was given a significant boost with the building of the Belleview Biltmore in 1897. Clearwater was officially incorporated as a city in 1915.

Clearwater Beach has been deemed the "Best City Beach on the Gulf of Mexico," while Caladesi Island and Sand Key have been named among the Best Natural Beaches in the U.S. The Clearwater Marina boasts the largest recreational fishing fleet on Florida's west coast. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers a chance for visitors to get up close and personal with bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and sting rays.