Clearwater, Florida
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| Clearwater, Florida | |
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| Name | Clearwater, Florida |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "The Clear" |
| Motto | "A Great Place to Live, Work and Play" |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Florida |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Pinellas |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1830s |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | 1891 |
| Government type | Council–Manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Bruce Rector |
| Leader title1 | City Manager |
| Leader name1 | Jennifer Poirrier |
| Area total km2 | 103.50 |
| Area total sq mi | 39.96 |
| Area land km2 | 67.72 |
| Area land sq mi | 26.15 |
| Area water km2 | 35.78 |
| Area water sq mi | 13.81 |
| Elevation ft | 30 |
| Population total | 117292 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 1731.6 |
| Population density sq mi | 4485.4 |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 33755–33769 |
| Area code | 727 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 12-12875 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0280525 |
| Website | https://www.myclearwater.com/ |
Clearwater, Florida. It is the county seat of Pinellas County and a principal city within the Tampa Bay Area. Renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches and year-round sunshine, the city is a major tourist destination and the spiritual headquarters for the Church of Scientology. The community blends coastal resort living with a vibrant downtown anchored by cultural institutions and professional sports facilities.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Tocobaga people before Spanish exploration in the 16th century. American settlement began in the 1830s, with the community initially known as Clear Water Harbor. The Fort Harrison Hotel, built in 1926, became a landmark. Following the arrival of the Orange Belt Railway and incorporation in 1891, the city grew as a winter resort. A significant modern development was the establishment of the international spiritual headquarters for the Church of Scientology by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1970s, which transformed the downtown core. The city also played a role in the Tampa Bay region's early aviation history and was impacted by events like the Great Depression and the Florida land boom of the 1920s.
Geography
The city is located on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, with the Intracoastal Waterway running along its eastern side. Its most famous geographic feature is Clearwater Beach, accessible via the Clearwater Memorial Causeway. The city's topography is largely flat coastal plain, with significant waterfront along Sand Key and the Clearwater Harbor area. Major parks include the Moccasin Lake Nature Park and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, situated on Island Estuary. The climate is classified as humid subtropical, influenced by the Köppen climate classification.
Demographics
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2020 population was 117,292. The city has a diverse population, with a significant percentage of residents over the age of 65, reflecting its popularity as a retirement destination. Major ancestry groups include those of German, Irish, and English descent. The presence of the Church of Scientology also contributes a distinct international community. Educational attainment levels are near the national average, and the city is part of the broader Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metropolitan statistical area.
Economy
The economy is heavily driven by tourism and healthcare. Major employers include BayCare Health System, Morton Plant Hospital, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The Church of Scientology is a significant property owner and employer downtown. The city is a hub for financial services, hosting companies like Franklin Templeton Investments and Tech Data, now part of TD Synnex. The Clearwater Threshers, a Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies, and spring training for the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark also contribute economically.
Culture and recreation
The city is famous for its daily sunset celebration at Pier 60. The Ruth Eckerd Hall is a major performing arts venue hosting Broadway shows and concerts. The Clearwater Jazz Holiday is an annual music festival, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to Winter the dolphin from the *Dolphin Tale* films, is a key attraction. Sports enthusiasts follow the Clearwater Threshers and the Philadelphia Phillies during Grapefruit League spring training. The Church of Scientology's landmark buildings, including the Flag Building, offer architectural points of interest.
Government
The city operates under a council-manager system. The current mayor is Bruce Rector, and the city manager is Jennifer Poirrier. The Clearwater City Council is the legislative body. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including its own Police Department and Fire & Rescue Department. It is part of Florida's 13th congressional district and falls under the jurisdiction of the Sixth Circuit Court of Florida.
Category:Cities in Florida Category:Pinellas County, Florida Category:County seats in Florida Category:Tampa Bay Area