Clearwater, Florida: Difference between revisions
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{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}} |
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{{Use American English|date=August 2023}} |
{{Use American English|date=August 2023}} |
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{{Infobox settlement |
{{Infobox settlement |
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<!-- Basic info---------------->| name = Clearwater, Florida |
<!-- Basic info----------------> |
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| name = Clearwater, Florida |
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| settlement_type = [[City]] |
| settlement_type = [[City (Florida)|City]] |
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| image_skyline = Florida-Clearwater-Beach.jpg |
| image_skyline = Florida-Clearwater-Beach.jpg |
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| imagesize = |
| imagesize = |
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| image_caption = Clearwater |
| image_caption = Clearwater in June 2022 |
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| image_seal = Seal of Clearwater, Florida.png |
| image_seal = Seal of Clearwater, Florida.png |
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| seal_size = |
| seal_size = |
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| motto = "Bright and Beautiful•Bay to Beach" |
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| image_map = Pinellas County Florida Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Clearwater Highlighted.svg |
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| image_map = {{maplink |
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| map_caption = Location in [[Pinellas County, Florida|Pinellas County]] and the state of [[Florida]] |
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| frame = yes |
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| plain = yes |
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| subdivision_name = United States |
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| frame-width = 280 |
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| frame-height = 280 |
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| frame-coord = {{coord|qid=Q244146}} |
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| zoom = 10 |
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| type = shape |
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| marker = city |
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| stroke-width = 2 |
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| stroke-color = #0096FF |
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| fill = #0096FF |
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| id2 = Q244146 |
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| type2 = shape-inverse |
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| stroke-opacity2 = 0 |
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| fill2 = #000000 |
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}} |
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| map_caption = Interactive map of Clearwater |
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| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]] |
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| subdivision_name = [[United States]] |
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| subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]] |
| subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]] |
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| subdivision_name1 = [[Florida]] |
| subdivision_name1 = [[Florida]] |
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| subdivision_name2 = [[Pinellas County, Florida|Pinellas]] |
| subdivision_name2 = [[Pinellas County, Florida|Pinellas]] |
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| government_footnotes = |
| government_footnotes = |
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| government_type = |
| government_type = [[Council-manager government|Council-Manager]] |
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| leader_title = Mayor |
| leader_title = [[Mayor]] |
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| leader_name = Bruce Rector |
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| leader_name = Brian Aungst Sr.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/politics-issues/2023-03-27/clearwater-city-council-names-brian-aungst-sr-interim-mayor |title=Brian Aungst Sr. is named Clearwater's interim mayor |date=March 27, 2023 |first=Mark |last=Schreiner |website=WUSF}}</ref> |
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| leader_title1 = [[City Council|Councilmembers]] |
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| leader_name1 = Ryan Cotton,<br>Michael Mannino,<br>David Allbritton, and<br>Lina Teixeira |
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| leader_title2 = [[City Manager]] |
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| leader_name2 = Jennifer Poirrier |
| leader_name2 = Jennifer Poirrier |
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| leader_title3 = [[City Clerk]] |
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| established_title = Incorporated |
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| leader_name3 = Rosemarie Call |
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| established_date = 1891 |
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| leader_title4 = [[City Attorney]] |
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| established_title2 = Re-Incorporated |
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| leader_name4 = David Margolis |
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| established_title = [[Settler colonialism|Settled<br>(Clear Water Harbor)]] |
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| established_date = 1888 |
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| established_title1 = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated<br>(Town of Clear Water Harbor)]] |
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| established_date1 = 1891 |
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| established_title2 = [[Municipal corporation|Reincorporated<br>(City of Clearwater)]] |
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| established_date2 = May 27, 1915 |
| established_date2 = May 27, 1915 |
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| area_magnitude = |
| area_magnitude = |
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| elevation_m = 9 |
| elevation_m = 9 |
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| elevation_ft = 30 |
| elevation_ft = 30 |
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<!-- Area/postal codes & others -------->| postal_code_type = [[ZIP Code]]s |
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| postal_code_type = [[ZIP Code]]s |
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| postal_code = 33755–33767 |
| postal_code = 33755–33767, 33769 |
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| area_code = [[Area code 727|727]] |
| area_code = [[Area code 727|727]] |
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| blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]] |
| blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]] |
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}} |
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'''Clearwater''' is a city |
'''Clearwater''' is a city and the [[county seat]] of [[Pinellas County, Florida]], United States, west of [[Tampa, Florida|Tampa]] and north of [[St. Petersburg, Florida|St. Petersburg]]. To the west of Clearwater lies the [[Gulf of Mexico]] and to the southeast lies [[Tampa Bay]]. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the city had a population of 117,292.<ref name="Census 2010">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Clearwater city, Florida |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=May 4, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref> It is the smallest of the three principal cities in the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metropolitan area, most commonly referred to as the [[Tampa Bay area]]. |
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[[Clearwater Beach]] is part of the city of Clearwater, but is separated from it by the [[Intracoastal Waterway]]. Cleveland Street is one of the city's historic avenues, and the city includes [[BayCare Ballpark]] and Coachman Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.myclearwater.com/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/4/265?npage=2|title=Coachman Park Info Page|access-date= |
[[Clearwater Beach]] is part of the city of Clearwater, but is separated from it by the [[Intracoastal Waterway]]. Cleveland Street is one of the city's historic avenues, and the city includes [[BayCare Ballpark]] and Coachman Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.myclearwater.com/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/4/265?npage=2|title=Coachman Park Info Page|access-date=June 20, 2019}}</ref> |
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The [[Church of Scientology]] owns the majority of property in the Clearwater downtown core district.<ref name="tbt2019"/><ref name=TampaBayTimes>{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2009/reports/project/campus/index.shtml|title=A look inside Scientology's spiritual headquarters|newspaper=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|date=March 12, 2018|author=McManus, Tracey|access-date=August 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927191249/http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2009/reports/project/campus/index.shtml|archive-date=September 27, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
The [[Church of Scientology]] owns the majority of property in the Clearwater downtown core district.<ref name="tbt2019"/><ref name=TampaBayTimes>{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2009/reports/project/campus/index.shtml|title=A look inside Scientology's spiritual headquarters|newspaper=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|date=March 12, 2018|author=McManus, Tracey|access-date=August 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927191249/http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2009/reports/project/campus/index.shtml|archive-date=September 27, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Present-day Clearwater was originally the home of the [[Tocobaga]] people. Around 1835, the [[United States Army]] began construction of [[Fort Harrison, Florida|Fort Harrison]], named after [[William Henry Harrison]], as an outpost during the [[Seminole Wars]].<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|title=A History of Clearwater Florida|url=http://cometoclearwater.com/a-history-of-clearwater-florida/|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=cometoclearwater.com|language=en-US}}</ref> The fort was located on a bluff overlooking Clearwater Harbor, which later became part of an early 20th-century residential development called Harbor Oaks. [[University of South Florida]] archaeologists excavated the site in 1962 after Mark Wyllie discovered an underground ammunition bunker while planting a tree in his yard.<ref name="auto2"/> |
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The area's population grew after the Federal Armed Occupation Act of 1842 offered {{convert|160|acre|km2}} to anyone who would bear arms and cultivate the land.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|title=History {{!}} City of Clearwater, FL|url=https://www.myclearwater.com/news-info/about-us/history|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=www.myclearwater.com}}</ref> Early settlers included the Stevens, Stevenson, Sever and McMullen families, who claimed and farmed large tracts of land.<ref name="auto1"/> Prior to 1906, the area was known as Clear Water Harbor. The name "Clear Water" is thought to have come from a fresh water spring flowing from near where the old City Hall building was located. There were many other freshwater springs that dotted the bluff, many in the bay or harbor itself. |
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Present-day Clearwater was originally the home of the [[Tocobaga]] people. Around 1835, the [[United States Army]] began construction of [[Fort Harrison, Florida|Fort Harrison]], named after [[William Henry Harrison]], as an outpost during the [[Seminole Wars]].<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|title=A History of Clearwater Florida|url=http://cometoclearwater.com/a-history-of-clearwater-florida/|access-date=2020-10-22|website=cometoclearwater.com|language=en-US}}</ref> The fort was located on a bluff overlooking Clearwater Harbor, which later became part of an early 20th-century residential development called Harbor Oaks. [[University of South Florida]] archaeologists excavated the site in 1962 after Mark Wyllie discovered an underground ammunition bunker while planting a tree in his yard.<ref name="auto2"/> |
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The area's population grew after the Federal Armed Occupation Act of 1842 offered {{convert|160|acre|km2}} to anyone who would bear arms and cultivate the land.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|title=History {{!}} City of Clearwater, FL|url=https://www.myclearwater.com/news-info/about-us/history|access-date=2020-10-22|website=www.myclearwater.com}}</ref> Early settlers included the Stevens, Stevenson, Sever and McMullen families, who claimed and farmed large tracts of land.<ref name="auto1"/> Prior to 1906, the area was known as Clear Water Harbor. The name "Clear Water" is thought to have come from a fresh water spring flowing from near where the City Hall building is located today. There were many other freshwater springs that dotted the bluff, many in the bay or harbor itself. |
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Originally part of [[Hillsborough County, Florida|Hillsborough County]], the first road joining Clearwater and Tampa was built in 1849, which dramatically reduced the prior day-long commute between the cities. |
Originally part of [[Hillsborough County, Florida|Hillsborough County]], the first road joining Clearwater and Tampa was built in 1849, which dramatically reduced the prior day-long commute between the cities. |
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[[File:Florida - Brandenton through Clearwater - NARA - 23936571 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Clearwater in 1932]] |
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During the [[American Civil War]], [[Union (American Civil War)|Union]] gunboats repeatedly raided the community's supplies, as most of the able-bodied men were away fighting for the [[Confederate States Army|Confederate Army]].<ref name="auto2"/> The town began developing in the late nineteenth century, prompted by [[Peter Demens]]' completion of [[Orange Belt Railway|the first passenger railroad line into the city]] in 1888. Clearwater was incorporated in 1891, with James E. Crane becoming the first mayor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://clearwaterhistory-nineties.theflaglandbase.org/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010302025959/http://clearwaterhistory-nineties.theflaglandbase.org/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 2, 2001|title=Clearwater Roars Into the 1900s- Freedom Magazine Presents The History of Clearwater Part III|website=clearwaterhistory-nineties.theflaglandbase.org|access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref> The area's popularity as a vacation destination grew after railroad magnate [[Henry B. Plant]] built a sprawling Victorian resort hotel named [[Belleview Biltmore]] just south of Clearwater in 1897. |
During the [[American Civil War]], [[Union (American Civil War)|Union]] gunboats repeatedly raided the community's supplies, as most of the able-bodied men were away fighting for the [[Confederate States Army|Confederate Army]].<ref name="auto2"/> The town began developing in the late nineteenth century, prompted by [[Peter Demens]]' completion of [[Orange Belt Railway|the first passenger railroad line into the city]] in 1888. Clearwater was incorporated in 1891, with James E. Crane becoming the first mayor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://clearwaterhistory-nineties.theflaglandbase.org/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010302025959/http://clearwaterhistory-nineties.theflaglandbase.org/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 2, 2001|title=Clearwater Roars Into the 1900s- Freedom Magazine Presents The History of Clearwater Part III|website=clearwaterhistory-nineties.theflaglandbase.org|access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref> The area's popularity as a vacation destination grew after railroad magnate [[Henry B. Plant]] built a sprawling Victorian resort hotel named [[Belleview Biltmore]] just south of Clearwater in 1897. |
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[[File:Florida - Brandenton through Clearwater - NARA - 23936571 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Clearwater in 1932]] |
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By the early 1900s, Clearwater's population had grown to around 400, ballooning to nearly 1,000 in the winter. Clearwater's oldest existing newspaper, the ''Clearwater Sun'', was first published on March 14, 1914.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.clearwatersun.org|title=The Clearwater Sun - Smallest of the World's Leading Newspapers|website=www.clearwatersun.org|access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref> Clearwater was reincorporated, this time as a city, on May 27, 1915, and was designated the county seat for Pinellas County, which broke from Hillsborough County in 1912. In 1915, a bridge was built across Clearwater Harbor, joining the city with [[Clearwater Beach]] to the west. Clearwater Beach, although located on a separate barrier island, belongs to the city of Clearwater and fronts the Gulf of Mexico. A new, much higher bridge now arcs over the bay, replacing the former [[drawbridge]]; the connecting road is part of [[Florida State Road 60|State Road 60]] and is called [[Clearwater Memorial Causeway]]. |
By the early 1900s, Clearwater's population had grown to around 400, ballooning to nearly 1,000 in the winter. Clearwater's oldest existing newspaper, the ''Clearwater Sun'', was first published on March 14, 1914.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.clearwatersun.org|title=The Clearwater Sun - Smallest of the World's Leading Newspapers|website=www.clearwatersun.org|access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref> Clearwater was reincorporated, this time as a city, on May 27, 1915, and was designated the county seat for Pinellas County, which broke from Hillsborough County in 1912. In 1915, a bridge was built across Clearwater Harbor, joining the city with [[Clearwater Beach]] to the west. Clearwater Beach, although located on a separate barrier island, belongs to the city of Clearwater and fronts the Gulf of Mexico. A new, much higher bridge now arcs over the bay, replacing the former [[drawbridge]]; the connecting road is part of [[Florida State Road 60|State Road 60]] and is called [[Clearwater Memorial Causeway]]. |
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During [[World War II]], Clearwater became a major training base for US troops destined for Europe and the Pacific. Virtually every hotel in the area, including the Belleview Biltmore and the [[Fort Harrison Hotel]], was used as a barracks for new recruits.<ref name="auto2"/> Vehicle traffic was regularly stopped for companies of soldiers marching through downtown, and nighttime blackouts to confuse potential enemy bombers were common practice. Pre-development Sand Key was used as a target by [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] fighter-bombers for strafing and bombing practice. |
During [[World War II]], Clearwater became a major training base for US troops destined for Europe and the Pacific. Virtually every hotel in the area, including the Belleview Biltmore and the [[Fort Harrison Hotel]], was used as a barracks for new recruits.<ref name="auto2"/> Vehicle traffic was regularly stopped for companies of soldiers marching through downtown, and nighttime blackouts to confuse potential enemy bombers were common practice. Pre-development Sand Key was used as a target by [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] fighter-bombers for strafing and bombing practice. |
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===Timeline=== |
===Timeline=== |
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* 1888 |
* 1888 |
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** Settlement of Clear Water Harbor founded.{{ |
** Settlement of Clear Water Harbor founded.{{r|Hellmann2006}} |
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** "Narrow-gauge railroad" begins operating.{{ |
** "Narrow-gauge railroad" begins operating.{{r|Hellmann2006}} |
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* 1891 |
* 1891 |
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** Town of Clear Water Harbor incorporated.{{ |
** Town of Clear Water Harbor incorporated.{{r|Hellmann2006}} |
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* 1894 – [[Orange Belt Railroad]] begins operating.{{ |
* 1894 – [[Orange Belt Railroad]] begins operating.{{r|Hellmann2006}} |
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* 1897 – [[Belleview-Biltmore Hotel|Belleview Hotel]] in business in nearby [[Belleair, Florida|Belleair]].<ref name=CityHistory /> |
* 1897 – [[Belleview-Biltmore Hotel|Belleview Hotel]] in business in nearby [[Belleair, Florida|Belleair]].<ref name=CityHistory /> |
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* 1900 – Population: 343.<ref name=census1905>{{citation |chapter=Population of Cities and Towns |chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=rn0zAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA185 |title=Census of the State of Florida...1905 |year = 1906|publisher=Capital Pub. Co. |location=Tallahassee }}</ref> |
* 1900 – Population: 343.<ref name=census1905>{{citation |chapter=Population of Cities and Towns |chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=rn0zAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA185 |title=Census of the State of Florida...1905 |year = 1906|publisher=Capital Pub. Co. |location=Tallahassee }}</ref> |
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* 1905 – Population: 610.<ref name=census1905 /> |
* 1905 – Population: 610.<ref name=census1905 /> |
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* 1906 – Clear Water Harbor renamed "Clearwater".{{ |
* 1906 – Clear Water Harbor renamed "Clearwater".{{r|Hellmann2006}} |
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* 1911 – [[Clearwater Yacht Club]] formed. |
* 1911 – [[Clearwater Yacht Club]] formed. |
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* 1912 – Clearwater designated [[county seat|seat]] of newly created [[Pinellas County, Florida|Pinellas County]].<ref name=CityHistory>{{cite web |url=http://www.myclearwater.com/news-info/about-us/history |title=About Us: History |work= Myclearwater.com |publisher=City of Clearwater |access-date= April 20, 2017 }}</ref> |
* 1912 – Clearwater designated [[county seat|seat]] of newly created [[Pinellas County, Florida|Pinellas County]].<ref name=CityHistory>{{cite web |url=http://www.myclearwater.com/news-info/about-us/history |title=About Us: History |work= Myclearwater.com |publisher=City of Clearwater |access-date= April 20, 2017 }}</ref> |
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* 1914 |
* 1914 |
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** ''Clearwater Evening Sun'' [[List of newspapers in Florida|newspaper]] begins publication.<ref name=LOC>{{cite web |url= http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/search/titles/results/?city=Clearwater&rows=50&state=Florida&page=1&sort=date |title=US Newspaper Directory |location=Washington DC |work=[[Chronicling America]] |publisher=Library of Congress |access-date= April 20, 2017 }}</ref> |
** ''Clearwater Evening Sun'' [[List of newspapers in Florida|newspaper]] begins publication.<ref name=LOC>{{cite web |url= http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/search/titles/results/?city=Clearwater&rows=50&state=Florida&page=1&sort=date |title=US Newspaper Directory |location=Washington DC |work=[[Chronicling America]] |publisher=Library of Congress |access-date= April 20, 2017 }}</ref> |
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** [[Tampa and Gulf Coast Railroad]] begins operating.{{ |
** [[Tampa and Gulf Coast Railroad]] begins operating.{{r|Hellmann2006}} |
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* 1915 – City of Clearwater [[Local government in the United States|incorporated]].<ref>{{ |
* 1915 – City of Clearwater [[Local government in the United States|incorporated]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://localgov.fsu.edu/readings_papers/Boundaries%20of%20Government/Munincipal_Incorporations_in_Florida.pdf |year=2001 |title=Overview of Municipal Incorporations in Florida |author=[[Florida Legislature|Florida Legislative Committee on Intergovernmental Relations]] |location=Tallahassee |series=LCIR Report |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428092419/https://localgov.fsu.edu/readings_papers/Boundaries%20of%20Government/Munincipal_Incorporations_in_Florida.pdf |archive-date=April 28, 2017}}</ref> |
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* 1916 – Public library and bridge to [[Clearwater Beach]] built.<ref name=CityHistory /> |
* 1916 – Public library and bridge to [[Clearwater Beach]] built.<ref name=CityHistory /> |
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* 1918 – [[Old Pinellas County Courthouse|Pinellas County Courthouse]] built.{{ |
* 1918 – [[Old Pinellas County Courthouse|Pinellas County Courthouse]] built.{{r|Hellmann2006}} |
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* 1920 – Population: 2,427. |
* 1920 – Population: 2,427. |
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* 1921 – [[Capitol Theatre (Clearwater, Florida)|Capitol Theatre]] in business.<ref name=cinema>{{cite web |url= http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/united-states/florida/clearwater?status=all |title=Movie Theaters in Clearwater, FL |work=CinemaTreasures.org |publisher= Cinema Treasures LLC |location=Los Angeles |access-date= April 20, 2017 }}</ref> |
* 1921 – [[Capitol Theatre (Clearwater, Florida)|Capitol Theatre]] in business.<ref name=cinema>{{cite web |url= http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/united-states/florida/clearwater?status=all |title=Movie Theaters in Clearwater, FL |work=CinemaTreasures.org |publisher= Cinema Treasures LLC |location=Los Angeles |access-date= April 20, 2017 }}</ref> |
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* 1923 – Peace Memorial Church built.{{ |
* 1923 – Peace Memorial Church built.{{r|Federal Writers' Project 1939}} |
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* 1926 – [[Fort Harrison Hotel]] rebuilt. |
* 1926 – [[Fort Harrison Hotel]] rebuilt. |
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* 1930 – Population: 7,607. |
* 1930 – Population: 7,607. |
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* 1959 – WAZE [[List of radio stations in Florida|radio]] begins broadcasting.<ref name=Radio1964 /> |
* 1959 – WAZE [[List of radio stations in Florida|radio]] begins broadcasting.<ref name=Radio1964 /> |
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* 1970 – Population: 52,074. |
* 1970 – Population: 52,074. |
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* 1972 – [[Clearwater Marine Aquarium|Marine Science Center]] established.{{ |
* 1972 – [[Clearwater Marine Aquarium|Marine Science Center]] established.{{r|Hellmann2006}} |
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* 1976 |
* 1976 |
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** [[Church of Scientology]] headquartered in Clearwater.{{ |
** [[Church of Scientology]] headquartered in Clearwater.{{r|Farley2004}} |
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** Countryside Six cinema in business.<ref name=cinema /> |
** Countryside Six cinema in business.<ref name=cinema /> |
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* 1978 – May 4: [[Tornadoes of 1978|Tornado]] occurs.{{ |
* 1978 – May 4: [[Tornadoes of 1978|Tornado]] occurs.{{r|Hellmann2006}} |
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* 1980 – Population: 85,170. |
* 1980 – Population: 85,170. |
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* 1984 – Regional [[Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority]] formed. |
* 1984 – Regional [[Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority]] formed. |
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==Geography== |
==Geography== |
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The approximate coordinate for the City of Clearwater is located at {{Coord|27.973644|-82.764271|type:city_region:US-FL|format=dms|display=i}}.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> |
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Clearwater is located at {{Coord|27.973644|-82.764271|type:city_region:US-FL|format=dms|display=i}}.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> |
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According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|101.6|km2|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|66.2|km2|order=flip}} is land and {{convert|35.4|km2|order=flip}} (34.86%) is water.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Clearwater city, Florida |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=May 4, 2012 }}</ref> |
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|101.6|km2|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|66.2|km2|order=flip}} is land and {{convert|35.4|km2|order=flip}} (34.86%) is water.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Clearwater city, Florida |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=May 4, 2012 }}</ref> |
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===Downtown=== |
===Downtown=== |
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{{Update|section|date=May 2023}} |
{{Update|section|date=May 2023}} |
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Clearwater's [[downtown]] has been undergoing major redevelopment in recent years. General beautification has been done along with completion of several high-rise condos and a large marina.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/nov/17/na-clearwater-develops-a-downtown-identity/ |title=Clearwater Develops A Downtown Identity |last=Girard |first=Steven |date=November 17, 2008 |website=The Tampa Tribune |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004110217/http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/nov/17/na-clearwater-develops-a-downtown-identity/ |archive-date=October 4, 2012 |access-date=June 18, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/downtown-clearwater-boosters-celebrate-areas-progress/1097946|title=Downtown Clearwater boosters celebrate area's progress|website=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=June 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810160152/http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/downtown-clearwater-boosters-celebrate-areas-progress/1097946|archive-date=August 10, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> New bars, restaurants, and other amenities are coming to the area, renamed the "Cleveland Street District".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/military/clearwater-to-kick-off-memorial-day-weekend-with-fourth-friday-parade/1098112|title=Clearwater to kick off Memorial Day weekend with Fourth Friday parade, festivities|website=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=June 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810162031/http://www.tampabay.com/news/military/clearwater-to-kick-off-memorial-day-weekend-with-fourth-friday-parade/1098112|archive-date=August 10, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tonys-pizzeria-amp-ristorante-moving-west-in-downtown-clearwater/1128416|title=Tony's Pizzeria & Ristorante moving west in downtown Clearwater|website=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=June 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529212324/http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tonys-pizzeria-amp-ristorante-moving-west-in-downtown-clearwater/1128416|archive-date=May 29, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Royalty Theatre is also slated to be renovated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/neighborhoods/downtown-clearwater/|title=Downtown Clearwater|website=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=June 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617042201/http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/neighborhoods/downtown-clearwater|archive-date=June 17, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.clearwater-fl.com/gov/depts/econ_devel/projects/downtown/pdf/DowntownDirectory.pdf|title=Cleveland Street District Directory|date=November 2008|website=www.clearwater-fl.com|access-date=June 18, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025020/http://www.clearwater-fl.com/gov/depts/econ_devel/projects/downtown/pdf/DowntownDirectory.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016 |
Clearwater's [[downtown]] has been undergoing major redevelopment in recent years. General beautification has been done along with completion of several high-rise condos and a large marina.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/nov/17/na-clearwater-develops-a-downtown-identity/ |title=Clearwater Develops A Downtown Identity |last=Girard |first=Steven |date=November 17, 2008 |website=The Tampa Tribune |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004110217/http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/nov/17/na-clearwater-develops-a-downtown-identity/ |archive-date=October 4, 2012 |access-date=June 18, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/downtown-clearwater-boosters-celebrate-areas-progress/1097946|title=Downtown Clearwater boosters celebrate area's progress|website=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=June 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810160152/http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/downtown-clearwater-boosters-celebrate-areas-progress/1097946|archive-date=August 10, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> New bars, restaurants, and other amenities are coming to the area, renamed the "Cleveland Street District".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/military/clearwater-to-kick-off-memorial-day-weekend-with-fourth-friday-parade/1098112|title=Clearwater to kick off Memorial Day weekend with Fourth Friday parade, festivities|website=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=June 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810162031/http://www.tampabay.com/news/military/clearwater-to-kick-off-memorial-day-weekend-with-fourth-friday-parade/1098112|archive-date=August 10, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tonys-pizzeria-amp-ristorante-moving-west-in-downtown-clearwater/1128416|title=Tony's Pizzeria & Ristorante moving west in downtown Clearwater|website=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=June 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529212324/http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tonys-pizzeria-amp-ristorante-moving-west-in-downtown-clearwater/1128416|archive-date=May 29, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Royalty Theatre is also slated to be renovated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/neighborhoods/downtown-clearwater/|title=Downtown Clearwater|website=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=June 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617042201/http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/neighborhoods/downtown-clearwater|archive-date=June 17, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.clearwater-fl.com/gov/depts/econ_devel/projects/downtown/pdf/DowntownDirectory.pdf|title=Cleveland Street District Directory|date=November 2008|website=www.clearwater-fl.com|access-date=June 18, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025020/http://www.clearwater-fl.com/gov/depts/econ_devel/projects/downtown/pdf/DowntownDirectory.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> |
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===Climate=== |
===Climate=== |
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| year percentsun = |
| year percentsun = |
||
|source=Weatherbase<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=428880&cityname=Clearwater-Florida-United-States-of-America|title=Weather Clearwater, Florida|website=Weatherbase|access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref> |
|source=Weatherbase<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=428880&cityname=Clearwater-Florida-United-States-of-America|title=Weather Clearwater, Florida|website=Weatherbase|access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref> |
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|source 2=Weather Atlas<ref |
|source 2=Weather Atlas<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/florida-usa/clearwater-climate|title=Monthly Weather Forecast and Climate - Clearwater, Florida|publisher=Weather Atlas|access-date=August 19, 2020}}</ref> |
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}} |
}} |
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Line 287: | Line 316: | ||
|footnote=Source:1900-2010<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/phc3-us-pt1.pdf|title=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> |
|footnote=Source:1900-2010<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/phc3-us-pt1.pdf|title=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> |
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}} |
}} |
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=== |
===2020 census=== |
||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |
||
|+'''Clearwater, Florida – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small> |
|+'''Clearwater, Florida – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small> |
||
!Race / Ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small> |
!Race / Ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small> |
||
!Pop |
!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Clearwater city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALSF12000.P004?g=160XX00US1212875|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> |
||
!Pop |
!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Clearwater city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US1212875&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> |
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!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Clearwater city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US1212875&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> |
|||
!% 2000 |
|||
!% 2010 |
!% 2010 |
||
!% 2020 |
!{{partial|% 2020}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] (NH) |
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] (NH) |
||
|85,015 |
|||
|76,536 |
|76,536 |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |75,773 |
|||
|75,773 |
|||
|78.15% |
|||
|71.07% |
|71.07% |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |64.60% |
|||
|64.60% |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] (NH) |
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] (NH) |
||
|10,361 |
|||
|11,267 |
|11,267 |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |11,806 |
|||
|11,806 |
|||
|9.52% |
|||
|10.46% |
|10.46% |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |10.07% |
|||
|10.07% |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] (NH) |
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] (NH) |
||
|220 |
|||
|234 |
|234 |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |214 |
|||
|214 |
|||
|0.20% |
|||
|0.22% |
|0.22% |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.18% |
|||
|0.18% |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] (NH) |
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] (NH) |
||
|1,757 |
|||
|2,255 |
|2,255 |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |3,355 |
|||
|3,355 |
|||
|1.62% |
|||
|2.09% |
|2.09% |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |2.86% |
|||
|2.86% |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]] (NH) |
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]] (NH) |
||
|68 |
|||
|124 |
|124 |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |152 |
|||
|152 |
|||
|0.06% |
|||
|0.12% |
|0.12% |
||
| style='background: #ffffe6; |0.13% |
|||
|0.13% |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Other races (U.S. Census)|Some other race]] (NH) |
|[[Other races (U.S. Census)|Some other race]] (NH) |
||
|168 |
|||
|219 |
|219 |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |609 |
|||
|609 |
|||
|0.15% |
|||
|0.20% |
|0.20% |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.52% |
|||
|0.52% |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Multiracial Americans| |
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed race or Multiracial]] (NH) |
||
|1,444 |
|||
|1,805 |
|1,805 |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4,942 |
|||
|4,942 |
|||
|1.33% |
|||
|1.68% |
|1.68% |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4.21% |
|||
|4.21% |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race) |
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race) |
||
|9,754 |
|||
|15,245 |
|15,245 |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |20,441 |
|||
|20,441 |
|||
|8.97% |
|||
|14.16% |
|14.16% |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |17.43% |
|||
|17.43% |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|'''Total''' |
|'''Total''' |
||
|'''108,787''' |
|||
|'''107,685''' |
|'''107,685''' |
||
|'''117,292''' |
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''117,292''' |
||
|'''100.00%''' |
|'''100.00%''' |
||
|'''100.00%''' |
|'''100.00%''' |
||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%''' |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|} |
|} |
||
Line 355: | Line 404: | ||
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 117,292 people, 48,211 households, and 27,233 families residing in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES - 2020: Clearwater city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Clearwater+city;+Florida+&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1101|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> |
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 117,292 people, 48,211 households, and 27,233 families residing in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES - 2020: Clearwater city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Clearwater+city;+Florida+&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1101|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> |
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In 2019, the city's population was spread out, with 18.7% under the age of 18, 59.4% between the age of 18 and 64, and 21.9% who were 65 years of age or older.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Clearwater city, Florida|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/clearwatercityflorida/BZA210218|access-date= |
In 2019, the city's population was spread out, with 18.7% under the age of 18, 59.4% between the age of 18 and 64, and 21.9% who were 65 years of age or older.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Clearwater city, Florida|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/clearwatercityflorida/BZA210218|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=www.census.gov|language=en}}</ref> |
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Between 2014 and 2018, the median income for a household in the city was $47,070, and the median income for a family was $46,228.<ref name="auto3"/> 15.9% of the population fell below the poverty line.<ref name="auto3"/> |
Between 2014 and 2018, the median income for a household in the city was $47,070, and the median income for a family was $46,228.<ref name="auto3"/> 15.9% of the population fell below the poverty line.<ref name="auto3"/> |
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===Languages=== |
===Languages=== |
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As of 2000, speakers of [[English language|English]] as their [[first language]] were 84.43% of residents, [[Spanish language|Spanish]] as a [[mother tongue]] was 8.55%, [[Greek language|Greek]] accounted for 1. |
As of 2000, speakers of [[English language|English]] as their [[first language]] were 84.43% of residents, [[Spanish language|Spanish]] as a [[mother tongue]] was 8.55%, [[Greek language|Greek]] accounted for 1.16%, [[French language|French]] made up 1.00% of speakers, [[German language|German]] at 0.97%, and [[Italian language|Italian]] speakers comprised 0.85% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Data Center Results |url=http://www.mla.org/map_data_results&SRVY_YEAR=2000&geo=&state_id=12&county_id=&mode=&lang_id=&zip=&place_id=12875&cty_id=®ion_id=&division_id=&ll=&a=&ea=&order=r&pc=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102203402/https://apps.mla.org/map_data_results?SRVY_YEAR=2000&geo=&state_id=12&county_id=&mode=&lang_id=&zip=&place_id=12875&cty_id=®ion_id=&division_id=&ll=&a=&ea=&order=r&pc=1 |archive-date=2 January 2016 |access-date=June 18, 2016 |website=www.mla.org}}</ref> |
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==Economy== |
==Economy== |
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Clearwater's economy employs nearly 50,400 people. Major employers include [[Morton Plant Hospital]], [[Tech Data]], and [[Honeywell]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.clearwaterflorida.org/Relocation/employment.aspx|title=Employment in the Clearwater Region - Clearwater Regional Chamber {{!}} Clearwater, FL|website=www.clearwaterflorida.org|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130907011429/http://www.clearwaterflorida.org/Relocation/employment.aspx|archive-date= |
Clearwater's economy employs nearly 50,400 people. Major employers include [[Morton Plant Hospital]], [[Tech Data]], and [[Honeywell]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.clearwaterflorida.org/Relocation/employment.aspx|title=Employment in the Clearwater Region - Clearwater Regional Chamber {{!}} Clearwater, FL|website=www.clearwaterflorida.org|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130907011429/http://www.clearwaterflorida.org/Relocation/employment.aspx|archive-date=September 7, 2013}}</ref> Employment in Clearwater grew 1.84% from 2015 to 2016 with 50,345 people in the workforce.<ref name=DataUSA>{{cite web |title=Clearwater, FL |url=https://datausa.io/profile/geo/clearwater-fl/#economy |website=Data USA |access-date=November 15, 2018}}</ref> The most common job groups include Service, Sales & Office, Science, and Business. As of 2020, the median household income for Clearwater was $50,335, which is below the average for both the United States as well as the state of Florida.<ref name="DataUSA" /> |
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==Art and culture== |
==Art and culture== |
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====Capitol and Royalty Theatre==== |
====Capitol and Royalty Theatre==== |
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Pre-Capitol Theatre, a bandstand stood at 405 Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater, where the community gathered to listen to music.<ref name="auto4">{{Cite news|first=Paul|last=Guzzo|title=Clearwater's Capitol Theatre, which hosted vaudeville and maybe Jesus, turns 100|date= |
Pre-Capitol Theatre, a bandstand stood at 405 Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater, where the community gathered to listen to music.<ref name="auto4">{{Cite news|first=Paul|last=Guzzo|title=Clearwater's Capitol Theatre, which hosted vaudeville and maybe Jesus, turns 100|date=March 16, 2021|website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|language=en|url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/history/2021/03/16/clearwaters-capitol-theatre-which-hosted-vaudeville-and-maybe-jesus-turns-100/|access-date=March 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316105438/http://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/history/2021/03/16/clearwaters-capitol-theatre-which-hosted-vaudeville-and-maybe-jesus-turns-100/|archive-date=March 16, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The names of locals serving in World War I were etched on the wall of the adjacent ''Clearwater Sun'' building; this "Panel of Honor" was obscured when the original Capitol Theatre was built but uncovered when the newspaper building was torn down in 2013.<ref name="auto4"/> |
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[[File:Clearwater, Florida Courthouse pmr01.jpg|thumb |
[[File:Clearwater, Florida Courthouse pmr01.jpg|thumb|Pinellas County Courthouse in Clearwater]] |
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The [[Capitol Theatre (Clearwater, Florida)|Capitol Theatre]] opened March 21, 1921. |
The [[Capitol Theatre (Clearwater, Florida)|Capitol Theatre]] opened March 21, 1921. It was built by Senator-elect [[John Stansel Taylor]]. The theater's architect was [[Lester Avery]] and the contractor was John D. Phillipoff.<ref>New Capitol Theatre Finished and Opened, ''The Clearwater News'', March 24, 1921</ref> Avery is known for his architecture in [[Miami]]. Philipoff also built the Coachman Building (1916), the [[Donald Roebling Estate]] in [[Belleair, Florida|Belleair]] (added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979),<ref name="nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/fl/Pinellas/state.html |title=National Register of Historical Places - FLORIDA (FL), Pinellas County |publisher=Nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com |access-date=July 26, 2012}}</ref> the [[old Pinellas County Courthouse]] (added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992),<ref name="nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com" /> other historical homes which have been saved,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8egNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4696,491932&dq=henry+plant+clearwater+phillipoff|title=St. Petersburg Times - Old homes may find a place in history|website=news.google.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> and did work at the [[Belleview Hotel]].<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=G6kLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xlQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4203,3652567&dq=john-phillipoff Personals]. ''The Evening Independent''. December 26, 1923</ref> |
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Groundbreaking was December 6, 1920.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JYILAAAAIBAJ&pg=3873,3738850&dq=theatre+clearwater+taylor|title=The Evening Independent - Invitation Accepted|website=news.google.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> The "New Capitol Theatre" was damaged in a storm on October 26, 1921 (so it had been completed).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4rYKAAAAIBAJ&pg=3876,1860580&dq=capitol+theater+clearwater+damage+storm|title=St. Petersburg Times - Clearwater Swept By Furious Storm|website=news.google.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> A [[theatre organ]] was installed in 1922, to accompany [[silent film]]s with music. The organ was made and installed by the [[Robert Morton Organ Company]]. |
Groundbreaking was December 6, 1920.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JYILAAAAIBAJ&pg=3873,3738850&dq=theatre+clearwater+taylor|title=The Evening Independent - Invitation Accepted|website=news.google.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> The "New Capitol Theatre" was damaged in a storm on October 26, 1921 (so it had been completed).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4rYKAAAAIBAJ&pg=3876,1860580&dq=capitol+theater+clearwater+damage+storm|title=St. Petersburg Times - Clearwater Swept By Furious Storm|website=news.google.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> A [[theatre organ]] was installed in 1922, to accompany [[silent film]]s with music. The organ was made and installed by the [[Robert Morton Organ Company]]. |
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Line 402: | Line 451: | ||
The theatre was managed by various movie companies (EJ Sparks, Paramount, ABC-Southeastern Theatres, and Plitt Southern) and played the most recent movies of the day. The theatre also offered [[vaudeville]] on Friday nights in the 1930s. Headliners included [[Sally Rand]], [[Fred Stone]] and his daughter, and [[Lum and Abner]] (of radio).<ref name="olddays" /> The theatre was renovated in 1962.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-tAOAAAAIBAJ&pg=3037,4021303&dq=capitol+theater+clearwater|title=St. Petersburg Times - Two more shops open along Cleveland street|website=news.google.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> The Morton theatre organ was most likely removed during this renovation. When Plitt Southern did not renew their contract in 1979, Bill Neville and Jerry Strain tried to save the theatre with film classics and reduced prices. However, the theatre closed its doors on October 28, 1980. |
The theatre was managed by various movie companies (EJ Sparks, Paramount, ABC-Southeastern Theatres, and Plitt Southern) and played the most recent movies of the day. The theatre also offered [[vaudeville]] on Friday nights in the 1930s. Headliners included [[Sally Rand]], [[Fred Stone]] and his daughter, and [[Lum and Abner]] (of radio).<ref name="olddays" /> The theatre was renovated in 1962.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-tAOAAAAIBAJ&pg=3037,4021303&dq=capitol+theater+clearwater|title=St. Petersburg Times - Two more shops open along Cleveland street|website=news.google.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> The Morton theatre organ was most likely removed during this renovation. When Plitt Southern did not renew their contract in 1979, Bill Neville and Jerry Strain tried to save the theatre with film classics and reduced prices. However, the theatre closed its doors on October 28, 1980. |
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Royalty Theater Company signed leases with the Taylor family in February 1981 when it then became known as the Royalty Theater (Clearwater, Florida). The building was renovated with Ron Winter of Winter Associates as the contractor<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=N_oNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GXsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7011,6907944&dq=clearwater+royalty "Royalty Can Start Renovating New Home Now That Papers Are Signed"], ''St. Petersburg Times''. September 30, 1981.</ref> and Scott Musheff as the architect.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hvoNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QXsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5602,2478432&dq=scott+musheff+theater+clearwater "Royalty Theatre Off To Good Start At Capitol With Oliver"], ''St. Petersburg Times'', December 3, 1981.</ref> |
Royalty Theater Company signed leases with the Taylor family in February 1981, when it then became known as the Royalty Theater (Clearwater, Florida). The building was renovated with Ron Winter of Winter Associates as the contractor<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=N_oNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GXsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7011,6907944&dq=clearwater+royalty "Royalty Can Start Renovating New Home Now That Papers Are Signed"], ''St. Petersburg Times''. September 30, 1981.</ref> and Scott Musheff as the architect.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hvoNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QXsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5602,2478432&dq=scott+musheff+theater+clearwater "Royalty Theatre Off To Good Start At Capitol With Oliver"], ''St. Petersburg Times'', December 3, 1981.</ref> |
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During the renovations, Bill Neville's murdered body was found in the balcony.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19810529&id=6XFQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5397,3645402&hl=en|title=The Evening Independent - Canadian Man Arrested In Theater Murder Case|website=news.google.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> |
During the renovations, Bill Neville's murdered body was found in the balcony.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19810529&id=6XFQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5397,3645402&hl=en|title=The Evening Independent - Canadian Man Arrested In Theater Murder Case|website=news.google.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> |
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The theatre remained in the Taylor family estate until it was sold in 1996. In July 2008 the building went into foreclosure.<ref name="Capitol Theater">{{Cite news|title=Clearwater negotiating to buy old Royalty Theatre building|website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/article838940.ece|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330130640/www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/article838940.ece|archive-date=March 30, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
The theatre remained in the Taylor family estate until it was sold in 1996. In July 2008, the building went into foreclosure.<ref name="Capitol Theater">{{Cite news|title=Clearwater negotiating to buy old Royalty Theatre building|website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/article838940.ece|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330130640/http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/article838940.ece|archive-date=March 30, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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In January 2009, the City of Clearwater and [[Ruth Eckerd Hall]] joined forces to purchase the theatre (renamed Capitol Theatre) as well as the neighboring Pat Lokey building as part of a renovation and revitalization of the historic [[Capitol Theater (Clearwater, Florida)|Capitol Theater]].<ref name="Capitol Theater"/> Fowler Associates Architects, Inc. was selected for the renovation of the Capitol Theatre.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Renderings reveal Capitol Theatre plans|url=https://www.tbnweekly.com/clearwater_beacon/article_71784c70-d367-5b84-be44-c371a2d48729.html|access-date= |
In January 2009, the City of Clearwater and [[Ruth Eckerd Hall]] joined forces to purchase the theatre (renamed Capitol Theatre) as well as the neighboring Pat Lokey building as part of a renovation and revitalization of the historic [[Capitol Theater (Clearwater, Florida)|Capitol Theater]].<ref name="Capitol Theater"/> Fowler Associates Architects, Inc. was selected for the renovation of the Capitol Theatre.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Renderings reveal Capitol Theatre plans|url=https://www.tbnweekly.com/clearwater_beacon/article_71784c70-d367-5b84-be44-c371a2d48729.html|access-date=March 31, 2021|website=TBNweekly|date=April 3, 2012 |language=en}}</ref> The $10 million renovation and expansion began in 2012 and was completed in 2013.<ref name="auto4"/> In 2019, a $2.5 million donation renamed the building the Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre.<ref name="auto4"/> |
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====Clearwater Public Library System==== |
====Clearwater Public Library System==== |
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In 1911, the city of Clearwater witnessed a vast population increase as well as acquiring telephones, electricity, paved streets and an ice factory. It is during this time that the Clearwater Library Association opened a subscription library on the second floor of the local People's Bank. Its popularity and support led to the request of $10,000 from the [[Carnegie Corporation of New York|Carnegie Foundation]] to build a [[public library]]. The building was designed by Tampa architect F.J. Kennard. In its first year, the library had over 1,277 visitors and 2,792 books borrowed. As a vacation town, the library provided free access to materials for all residents and winter visitors.<ref name=ClearwaterLibrary>{{Cite web|url=http://www.myclearwater.com/cpl/about/history/|title=Our History: A Century of Service: Checking Out the History of the Clearwater Library|publisher=City of Clearwater, Florida|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614191124/http://www.myclearwater.com/cpl/about/history/|archive-date=June 14, 2016 |
In 1911, the city of Clearwater witnessed a vast population increase as well as acquiring telephones, electricity, paved streets and an ice factory. It is during this time that the Clearwater Library Association opened a subscription library on the second floor of the local People's Bank. Its popularity and support led to the request of $10,000 from the [[Carnegie Corporation of New York|Carnegie Foundation]] to build a [[public library]]. The building was designed by Tampa architect F.J. Kennard. In its first year, the library had over 1,277 visitors and 2,792 books borrowed. As a vacation town, the library provided free access to materials for all residents and winter visitors.<ref name=ClearwaterLibrary>{{Cite web|url=http://www.myclearwater.com/cpl/about/history/|title=Our History: A Century of Service: Checking Out the History of the Clearwater Library|publisher=City of Clearwater, Florida|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614191124/http://www.myclearwater.com/cpl/about/history/|archive-date=June 14, 2016}}</ref> |
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During the Depression, the Clearwater Public Library faced many of the same threats seen at other libraries seen throughout the United States. This includes increased patron usage and dwindling budget. In the 1940s, the Clearwater library increased its staff from three assistants to five assistants. The library's collection also grew from 18,047 to over 100,000. To account for this increase, the Librarian and Board President Traver Bayly made an appeal to the City Commission for additional space.<ref name=ClearwaterLibrary/> |
During the Depression, the Clearwater Public Library faced many of the same threats seen at other libraries seen throughout the United States. This includes increased patron usage and dwindling budget. In the 1940s, the Clearwater library increased its staff from three assistants to five assistants. The library's collection also grew from 18,047 to over 100,000. To account for this increase, the Librarian and Board President Traver Bayly made an appeal to the City Commission for additional space.<ref name=ClearwaterLibrary/> |
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As a result of [[Racial segregation in the United States|segregation]], the Clearwater Public Library was for White patrons only from its founding in 1911 to the mid-twentieth century. In 1950, the City Commission agreed to the building of the North Greenwood library. Designed by Architect Eugene Beach, the new library allowed access for the city's African American population to many information sources. This library was renovated in 1984. The new Main library was rebuilt beginning in 2000. It opened in May 2004.<ref name=ClearwaterLibrary/> |
As a result of [[Racial segregation in the United States|segregation]], the Clearwater Public Library was for White patrons only from its founding in 1911 to the mid-twentieth century. In 1950, the City Commission agreed to the building of the North Greenwood library. Designed by Architect Eugene Beach, the new library allowed access for the city's African American population to many information sources. This library was renovated in 1984. The new Main library was rebuilt beginning in 2000. It opened in May 2004.<ref name=ClearwaterLibrary/> |
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As the population continued to increase throughout the late twentieth century, the library system continued to grow. The Clearwater Public Library System now includes five libraries: Clearwater Main, Countryside, North Greenwood, Beach, and East. In recent years, the Clearwater Public Library System has become increasingly digital, providing patrons with access to computers, online databases, and an online library catalog. This was made possible by the Greater Clearwater Public Library Foundation, Inc. which formed in 1984.<ref name=ClearwaterLibrary/> As a part of the library's Centennial Celebration, a project is commencing to add [[makerspaces]] to the libraries. The Main library's makerspace is the "Studios at Main" and targets creative arts making.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.myclearwater.com/cpl/flyers/2016-library-article.pdf |title=Library Launches MakerSpaces |access-date= |
As the population continued to increase throughout the late twentieth century, the library system continued to grow. The Clearwater Public Library System now includes five libraries: Clearwater Main, Countryside, North Greenwood, Beach, and East. In recent years, the Clearwater Public Library System has become increasingly digital, providing patrons with access to computers, online databases, and an online library catalog. This was made possible by the Greater Clearwater Public Library Foundation, Inc. which formed in 1984.<ref name=ClearwaterLibrary/> As a part of the library's Centennial Celebration, a project is commencing to add [[makerspaces]] to the libraries. The Main library's makerspace is the "Studios at Main" and targets creative arts making.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.myclearwater.com/cpl/flyers/2016-library-article.pdf |title=Library Launches MakerSpaces |access-date=August 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806151430/http://www.myclearwater.com/cpl/flyers/2016-library-article.pdf |archive-date=August 6, 2016 |page=9}}</ref> |
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The [[Clearwater Public Library System]] is a contributor to the Pinellas Memory Project.<ref name=ClearwaterLibrary/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pinellasmemory.contentdm.oclc.org/|title=Pinellas Memory|website=pinellasmemory.contentdm.oclc.org|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> This system of libraries is part of the [[Pinellas Public Library Cooperative]] which seeks to provide patrons with access to information and programs to benefit the community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pplc.us/about.shtml|title=About PPLC|website=www.pplc.us|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210082323/http://www.pplc.us/about.shtml|archive-date=February 10, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
The [[Clearwater Public Library System]] is a contributor to the Pinellas Memory Project.<ref name=ClearwaterLibrary/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pinellasmemory.contentdm.oclc.org/|title=Pinellas Memory|website=pinellasmemory.contentdm.oclc.org|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> This system of libraries is part of the [[Pinellas Public Library Cooperative]] which seeks to provide patrons with access to information and programs to benefit the community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pplc.us/about.shtml|title=About PPLC|website=www.pplc.us|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210082323/http://www.pplc.us/about.shtml|archive-date=February 10, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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==== Clearwater Marine Aquarium ==== |
==== Clearwater Marine Aquarium ==== |
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The [[Clearwater Marine Aquarium]] is a small non-profit [[Public aquarium|aquarium]]. Opening in 1972 on Clearwater Beach, the aquarium is most famous for Winter the dolphin. Rescued as a calf in 2005, Winter was one of the first dolphins to have been fitted with a prosthetic tail after losing it due to entanglement in a crab trap. The aquarium is also home to other dolphins, otters, pelicans, nurse sharks, and turtles among several species of fish and other marine life. CMA also assists in animal strandings and other emergencies regarding sea life. Animals that have stranded are rehabilitated, and if possible, released back into the wild once they have made a full recovery. It has been featured as the main setting of the American family movie series ''[[Dolphin Tale]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dolphin Tale Set|url=https://www.cmaquarium.org/winters-inspiration/dolphin-tale/|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=Clearwater Marine Aquarium|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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The [[Clearwater Marine Aquarium]] is a small non-profit [[Public aquarium|aquarium]]. Opening in 1972 on Clearwater Beach, the aquarium is most famous for Winter the dolphin. Rescued as a calf in 2005, Winter was one of the first dolphins to have been fitted with a prosthetic tail after losing it due to entanglement in a crab trap. The aquarium is also home to other dolphins, otters, pelicans, nurse sharks, and turtles among several species of fish and other marine life. CMA also assists in animal strandings and other emergencies regarding sea life. Animals that have stranded are rehabilitated, and if possible, released back into the wild once they have made a full recovery. It has been featured as the main setting of the American family movie series ''[[Dolphin Tale]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dolphin Tale Set|url=https://www.cmaquarium.org/winters-inspiration/dolphin-tale/|access-date=2020-10-22|website=Clearwater Marine Aquarium|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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==Sports== |
==Sports== |
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[[BayCare Ballpark]] in Clearwater is the [[spring training]] home of [[Major League Baseball]]'s [[Philadelphia Phillies]], as well as their Low-A affiliate, the [[Clearwater Threshers]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Phillies Spring Training Information|url=https://www.mlb.com/phillies/spring-training|access-date= |
[[BayCare Ballpark]] in Clearwater is the [[spring training]] home of [[Major League Baseball]]'s [[Philadelphia Phillies]], as well as their Low-A affiliate, the [[Clearwater Threshers]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Phillies Spring Training Information|url=https://www.mlb.com/phillies/spring-training|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=MLB.com|language=en}}</ref> |
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==Parks and recreation== |
==Parks and recreation== |
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[[Moccasin Lake Nature Park]] is a {{convert|51|acre||adj=mid| nature preserve}} with a {{convert|5|acre||adj=mid| lake}} owned and operated by the city. The preserve also features the Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, which offers [[environmental education]] classes, programs and camps. The Center features live rehabilitated birds of prey, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic wildlife.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/depts/parksrec/facilities/mlnp.asp|title=Moccasin Lake Nature Park - An Environmental and Energy Education Center|website=www.myclearwater.com|access-date=June 19, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040116102145/http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/depts/parksrec/facilities/mlnp.asp|archive-date=January 16, 2004 |
[[Moccasin Lake Nature Park]] is a {{convert|51|acre||adj=mid| nature preserve}} with a {{convert|5|acre||adj=mid| lake}} owned and operated by the city. The preserve also features the Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, which offers [[environmental education]] classes, programs and camps. The Center features live rehabilitated birds of prey, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic wildlife.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/depts/parksrec/facilities/mlnp.asp|title=Moccasin Lake Nature Park - An Environmental and Energy Education Center|website=www.myclearwater.com|access-date=June 19, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040116102145/http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/depts/parksrec/facilities/mlnp.asp|archive-date=January 16, 2004}}</ref> It opened in 1982. The City of Clearwater contains five pools: Ross Norton, North Greenwood, Morningside, the Long Center, and Clearwater Beach.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/depts/parksrec/athletics/aquatics.asp|title=Aquatics|website=www.myclearwater.com|access-date=June 19, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818173338/http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/depts/parksrec/athletics/aquatics.asp|archive-date=August 18, 2016}}</ref> Swim lessons are offered throughout the year to patrons, and the pools have both a recreation summer pool league and the Clearwater Aquatics Team. These pools have participated in the World's Largest Swim Lesson. |
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==Government== |
==Government== |
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[[File:Clearwater, florida city hall pmr01.jpg|thumb|Clearwater City Hall looking up and east from the foot of the bluff toward the rear of the building|225x225px]] |
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The City of Clearwater is administered by a council-manager form of government, and the [[city manager]] serves as the chief executive and administrative officer of the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/|title=Government|website=www.myclearwater.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> |
The City of Clearwater is administered by a council-manager form of government, and the [[city manager]] serves as the chief executive and administrative officer of the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/|title=Government|website=www.myclearwater.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> |
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* [[Ultimate Medical Academy]] |
* [[Ultimate Medical Academy]] |
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* [[Clearwater Academy International]] |
* [[Clearwater Academy International]] |
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* [[Clearwater Christian College]] |
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* [[Nova Southeastern University]] |
* [[Nova Southeastern University]] |
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{{div col end}} |
{{div col end}} |
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==Transportation== |
==Transportation== |
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===Airport=== |
===Airport=== |
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[[Tampa International Airport]] serves Clearwater and the rest of the [[Tampa Bay Area]] as the primary means of air travel. [[St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport]] has also seen its usage increase. The city owns [[Clearwater Air Park]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Clearwater Airpark {{!}} City of Clearwater, FL|url=https://www.myclearwater.com/government/city-departments/marine-aviation/clearwater-airpark|access-date= |
[[Tampa International Airport]] serves Clearwater and the rest of the [[Tampa Bay Area]] as the primary means of air travel. [[St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport]] has also seen its usage increase. The city owns [[Clearwater Air Park]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Clearwater Airpark {{!}} City of Clearwater, FL|url=https://www.myclearwater.com/government/city-departments/marine-aviation/clearwater-airpark|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=www.myclearwater.com}}</ref> |
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===Public transportation=== |
===Public transportation=== |
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==Notable people== |
==Notable people== |
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* [[Kirstie Alley]], television and film actress<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/tampa/2022/12/05/kirstie-alley-star-cheers-look-whos-talking-dies-cancer-tampa/|title=Kirstie Alley, Emmy-winning 'Cheers' star and Clearwater resident, dies at 71| publisher=Tampa Bay Times|date=December 5, 2022|access-date=December 6, 2022}}</ref> |
* [[Kirstie Alley]], television and film actress<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/tampa/2022/12/05/kirstie-alley-star-cheers-look-whos-talking-dies-cancer-tampa/|title=Kirstie Alley, Emmy-winning 'Cheers' star and Clearwater resident, dies at 71| publisher=Tampa Bay Times|date=December 5, 2022|access-date=December 6, 2022}}</ref> |
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* [[Austin Aries]], professional wrestler<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mooneyham|first=Mike|title=TNA star Austin Aries more than a wrestler|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/staff/mike_mooneyham/tna-star-austin-aries-more-than-a-wrestler/article_c84d3689-9d86-5f31-aecc-3611fa194405.html|access-date= |
* [[Austin Aries]], professional wrestler<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mooneyham|first=Mike|title=TNA star Austin Aries more than a wrestler|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/staff/mike_mooneyham/tna-star-austin-aries-more-than-a-wrestler/article_c84d3689-9d86-5f31-aecc-3611fa194405.html|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=Post and Courier|date=October 5, 2013 |language=en}}</ref> |
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* [[Sara Blakely]], founder of [[Spanx|Spanx, Inc.]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Forbes says Spanx's Sara Blakely, of Clearwater, is world's youngest self-made female billionaire|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/forbes-says-spanxs-sara-blakely-of-clearwater-is-worlds-youngest-self-made/1218862/|access-date= |
* [[Sara Blakely]], founder of [[Spanx|Spanx, Inc.]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Forbes says Spanx's Sara Blakely, of Clearwater, is world's youngest self-made female billionaire|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/forbes-says-spanxs-sara-blakely-of-clearwater-is-worlds-youngest-self-made/1218862/|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=Tampa Bay Times|language=en}}</ref> and a minority owner of the [[Atlanta Hawks]] |
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* [[Donald Byrd (choreographer)|Donald Byrd]] (born 1949), modern dance choreographer<ref>Choreographer Comes Home – Donald Byrd Says the World Opened up for Him in the Tampa Bay Area, Where He First Discovered Dance," by John Fleming, ''[[Tampa Bay Times]],'' October 10, 1999, pps. 1F & 6F (accessible ''via'' Newspapers.com; subscription required)</ref> |
* [[Donald Byrd (choreographer)|Donald Byrd]] (born 1949), modern dance choreographer<ref>Choreographer Comes Home – Donald Byrd Says the World Opened up for Him in the Tampa Bay Area, Where He First Discovered Dance," by John Fleming, ''[[Tampa Bay Times]],'' October 10, 1999, pps. 1F & 6F (accessible ''via'' Newspapers.com; subscription required)</ref> |
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* [[Ricky Carmichael]], supercross/motocross racer<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kidzworld.com/article/7643-ricky-carmichael-biography|title=Ricky Carmichael Biography|website=Kidzworld|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> |
* [[Ricky Carmichael]], supercross/motocross racer<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kidzworld.com/article/7643-ricky-carmichael-biography|title=Ricky Carmichael Biography|website=Kidzworld|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> |
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* [[Ken Climo]], professional disc golfer, 12-time [[Professional Disc Golf Association|PDGA]] Professional Open World Champion and three-time PDGA Professional Masters World Champion<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ken Climo - 11 time PDGA World Champion|url=http://www.kenclimo.com/bio.htm|access-date= |
* [[Ken Climo]], professional disc golfer, 12-time [[Professional Disc Golf Association|PDGA]] Professional Open World Champion and three-time PDGA Professional Masters World Champion<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ken Climo - 11 time PDGA World Champion|url=http://www.kenclimo.com/bio.htm|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=www.kenclimo.com|archive-date=June 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613075536/https://kenclimo.com/bio.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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*[[Carter W. Clarke]], U.S. Army General who oversaw the [[Venona project]] and much of the post-war investigation into the intelligence failure that lead to the [[Pearl Harbor Attack]] spent his retirement in Clearwater |
*[[Carter W. Clarke]], U.S. Army General who oversaw the [[Venona project]] and much of the post-war investigation into the intelligence failure that lead to the [[Pearl Harbor Attack]] spent his retirement in Clearwater |
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*[[Chick Corea]], jazz pianist<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chick Corea, jazz legend and longtime Clearwater resident, dies at 79|url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/music/2021/02/11/chick-corea-jazz-legend-and-longtime-clearwater-resident-dies-at-79/|access-date= |
*[[Chick Corea]], jazz pianist<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chick Corea, jazz legend and longtime Clearwater resident, dies at 79|url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/music/2021/02/11/chick-corea-jazz-legend-and-longtime-clearwater-resident-dies-at-79/|access-date=February 11, 2021|website=Tampa Bay Times|language=en}}</ref> |
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* [[Tom Cruise]], actor and film producer<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tom Cruise's New Florida Penthouse Near Scientology Headquarters Features 'Pool Garden and Kitchen'|url=https://popculture.com/celebrity/news/tom-cruise-new-florida-penthouse-scientology-headquarters/|access-date= |
* [[Tom Cruise]], actor and film producer<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tom Cruise's New Florida Penthouse Near Scientology Headquarters Features 'Pool Garden and Kitchen'|url=https://popculture.com/celebrity/news/tom-cruise-new-florida-penthouse-scientology-headquarters/|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=Celebrity|language=en}}</ref> |
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* [[Jared Frayer]], American [[Freestyle wrestling|freestyle wrestler]], competed at [[2012 Summer Olympics]] for Team USA<ref>[https://hokiesports.com/news/2023/5/11/jared-frayer-inducted-into-florida-wrestling-hall-of-fame.aspx Hard Frayer inducted into Florida Wrestling Hall of Fame]. ''hokiesports.com''. Retrieved March 18, 2024.</ref> |
* [[Jared Frayer]], American [[Freestyle wrestling|freestyle wrestler]], competed at [[2012 Summer Olympics]] for Team USA<ref>[https://hokiesports.com/news/2023/5/11/jared-frayer-inducted-into-florida-wrestling-hall-of-fame.aspx Hard Frayer inducted into Florida Wrestling Hall of Fame]. ''hokiesports.com''. Retrieved March 18, 2024.</ref> |
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* [[Jeremiah George]], former American football player |
* [[Jeremiah George]], former American football player |
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* [[Raquel Gibson]], model and actress, and ''[[Playboy]]'' [[Playmate of the Month]] (November 2005)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Raquel Gibson|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2106809/|access-date= |
* [[Raquel Gibson]], model and actress, and ''[[Playboy]]'' [[Playmate of the Month]] (November 2005)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Raquel Gibson|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2106809/|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=IMDb}}</ref> |
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* [[Joseph W. Hatchett]], [[Florida Supreme Court]] Justice<ref>{{Cite web|last=Maxwell|first=Elissa|date= |
* [[Joseph W. Hatchett]], [[Florida Supreme Court]] Justice<ref>{{Cite web|last=Maxwell|first=Elissa|date=March 15, 2018|title=Joseph Woodrow Hatchett (1932- )|url=https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/hatchett-joseph-woodrow-1932/|access-date=October 22, 2020|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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* [[Hulk Hogan]], professional wrestler<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hulk Hogan downsizes into $3.3 million mansion on tony stretch of Clearwater Beach|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/realestate/hulk-hogan-downsizes-into-33-million-mansion-on-tony-stretch-of-clearwater/1228994/|access-date= |
* [[Hulk Hogan]], professional wrestler<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hulk Hogan downsizes into $3.3 million mansion on tony stretch of Clearwater Beach|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/realestate/hulk-hogan-downsizes-into-33-million-mansion-on-tony-stretch-of-clearwater/1228994/|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=Tampa Bay Times|language=en}}</ref> |
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* [[Howard Johnson (baseball)|Howard Johnson]], [[1986 World Series]] Champion with the [[New York Mets]], Major League Baseball third baseman<ref>{{Cite web|title=Howard Johnson Minor & Independent Leagues Statistics & History|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=johnso005how|access-date= |
* [[Howard Johnson (baseball)|Howard Johnson]], [[1986 World Series]] Champion with the [[New York Mets]], Major League Baseball third baseman<ref>{{Cite web|title=Howard Johnson Minor & Independent Leagues Statistics & History|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=johnso005how|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en}}</ref> |
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* [[Evel Knievel]], stuntman<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2007/07/11/Hillsborough/Knievel__rapper_eye_m.shtml|title=Hillsborough: Knievel, rapper eye mediation|website=www.sptimes.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> |
* [[Evel Knievel]], stuntman<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2007/07/11/Hillsborough/Knievel__rapper_eye_m.shtml|title=Hillsborough: Knievel, rapper eye mediation|website=www.sptimes.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> |
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* [[Nigel Mansell]], [[1992 Formula One World Championship|1992 Formula One World Champion]], resident during early 1990s |
* [[Nigel Mansell]], [[1992 Formula One World Championship|1992 Formula One World Champion]], resident during early 1990s |
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* [[Clark Mills (boatbuilder and designer)|Clark Mills]], creator of international [[Optimist dinghy]] (first sailed in Clearwater)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Croson|first=Curtis|title=Clark Mills And The Dunedin Woodwright - The boatbuilder and workshop that impacted and revolutionized sailing throughout the world.|url=http://tampahistorical.org/items/show/29|access-date= |
* [[Clark Mills (boatbuilder and designer)|Clark Mills]], creator of international [[Optimist dinghy]] (first sailed in Clearwater)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Croson|first=Curtis|title=Clark Mills And The Dunedin Woodwright - The boatbuilder and workshop that impacted and revolutionized sailing throughout the world.|url=http://tampahistorical.org/items/show/29|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=Tampa Historical|language=en}}</ref> |
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* [[Kirstjen Nielsen]], former [[United States Secretary of Homeland Security]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Secretary of Homeland Security: Who Is Kirstjen Nielsen?|url=http://www.allgov.com/news?news=860354|access-date= |
* [[Kirstjen Nielsen]], former [[United States Secretary of Homeland Security]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Secretary of Homeland Security: Who Is Kirstjen Nielsen?|url=http://www.allgov.com/news?news=860354|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=AllGov}}</ref> |
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* [[Tilian Pearson]], musician, lyricist, and vocalist for post-hardcore band [[Dance Gavin Dance]] |
* [[Tilian Pearson]], musician, lyricist, and vocalist for post-hardcore band [[Dance Gavin Dance]] |
||
* [[Lisa Marie Presley]], former resident<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2002/10/10/NorthPinellas/Manse_with_celebrity_.shtml|title=Northpinellas: Manse with celebrity ties hits market|website=www.sptimes.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> |
* [[Lisa Marie Presley]], former resident<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2002/10/10/NorthPinellas/Manse_with_celebrity_.shtml|title=Northpinellas: Manse with celebrity ties hits market|website=www.sptimes.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> |
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* [[Gary Puckett]], singer<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/2022/06/24/gary-puckett-play-casino-ballroom-weekend-happy-together-tour/7721000001/ |title=Gary Puckett to play Casino Ballroom this weekend in the Happy Together Tour |first=Dick |last=Trust |date=June 24, 2022 |website=[[SeacoastOnline]]}}</ref> |
* [[Gary Puckett]], singer<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/2022/06/24/gary-puckett-play-casino-ballroom-weekend-happy-together-tour/7721000001/ |title=Gary Puckett to play Casino Ballroom this weekend in the Happy Together Tour |first=Dick |last=Trust |date=June 24, 2022 |website=[[SeacoastOnline]]}}</ref> |
||
* [[Jimmy Roselli]], singer-pianist, WWII veteran<ref>{{Cite news|last=Fox|first=Margalit|date= |
* [[Jimmy Roselli]], singer-pianist, WWII veteran<ref>{{Cite news|last=Fox|first=Margalit|date=July 10, 2011|title=Jimmy Roselli, Italian-American Singer, Dies at 85 (Published 2011)|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/arts/music/jimmy-roselli-italian-american-singer-dies-at-85.html|access-date=October 22, 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |
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* [[Melanie Safka]], singer-songwriter<ref>{{Cite web|title=Woodstock singer Melanie wants a new home in Tampa Bay. All she needs is the key.|url=https://www.tampabay.com/features/humaninterest/Woodstock-singer-Melanie-wants-a-new-home-in-Tampa-Bay-All-she-needs-is-the-key-_164445761/|access-date= |
* [[Melanie Safka]], singer-songwriter<ref>{{Cite web|title=Woodstock singer Melanie wants a new home in Tampa Bay. All she needs is the key.|url=https://www.tampabay.com/features/humaninterest/Woodstock-singer-Melanie-wants-a-new-home-in-Tampa-Bay-All-she-needs-is-the-key-_164445761/|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=Tampa Bay Times|language=en}}</ref> |
||
* [[Juliet Simms]], musician, Scientologist, contestant on ''[[The Voice (U.S. TV series)|The Voice]]'', resident from 1994 to 2006<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.truthaboutscientology.com/stats/by-name/j/juliet-simms.html|title=Juliet Simms - Scientology Service Completions | Truth About Scientology Statistics Project|website=www.truthaboutscientology.com|access-date=June 29, 2017|archive-date=November 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106121124/http://www.truthaboutscientology.com/stats/by-name/j/juliet-simms.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Belcher |first1=Walt |title=Clearwater's Juliet Simms riding wave of support since "The Voice" |url=http://www.tbo.com/arts_music/clearwaters-juliet-simms-riding-wave-of-support-since-the-voice-592484 |access-date=2020 |
* [[Juliet Simms]], musician, Scientologist, contestant on ''[[The Voice (U.S. TV series)|The Voice]]'', resident from 1994 to 2006<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.truthaboutscientology.com/stats/by-name/j/juliet-simms.html|title=Juliet Simms - Scientology Service Completions | Truth About Scientology Statistics Project|website=www.truthaboutscientology.com|access-date=June 29, 2017|archive-date=November 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106121124/http://www.truthaboutscientology.com/stats/by-name/j/juliet-simms.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Belcher |first1=Walt |title=Clearwater's Juliet Simms riding wave of support since "The Voice" |url=http://www.tbo.com/arts_music/clearwaters-juliet-simms-riding-wave-of-support-since-the-voice-592484 |access-date=February 5, 2020 |work=[[The Tampa Tribune]] |date=December 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106103930/http://www.tbo.com/arts_music/clearwaters-juliet-simms-riding-wave-of-support-since-the-voice-592484 |archive-date=January 6, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cltampa.com/arts/clearwater-rocker-juliet-simms-finds-her-voice-12303393|title=Clearwater rocker Juliet Simms finds her Voice|first=Julie|last=Garisto|website=Creative Loafing Tampa Bay}}</ref> |
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* [[Lynn D. Stewart (businessman)|Lynn D. Stewart]], co-founder of the [[Hooters]] restaurant chain<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2005/11/10/Business/Hooters__founder_blam.shtml|title=Business: Hooters' founder blames ex-friend|website=www.sptimes.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> |
* [[Lynn D. Stewart (businessman)|Lynn D. Stewart]], co-founder of the [[Hooters]] restaurant chain<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2005/11/10/Business/Hooters__founder_blam.shtml|title=Business: Hooters' founder blames ex-friend|website=www.sptimes.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> |
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* [[Elsie Thompson]], supercentenarian<ref>{{Cite web|title=Elsie Thompson, country's oldest person, dies in Clearwater|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/elsie-thompson-countrys-oldest-person-dies-in-clearwater/2112360/|access-date= |
* [[Elsie Thompson]], supercentenarian<ref>{{Cite web|title=Elsie Thompson, country's oldest person, dies in Clearwater|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/elsie-thompson-countrys-oldest-person-dies-in-clearwater/2112360/|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=Tampa Bay Times|language=en}}</ref> |
||
* [[Keith Thurman]], professional boxer<ref>{{Cite web|title=Keith Thurman - Next Fight, Fighter Bio, Stats & News|url=https://www.premierboxingchampions.com/keith-thurman|access-date= |
* [[Keith Thurman]], professional boxer<ref>{{Cite web|title=Keith Thurman - Next Fight, Fighter Bio, Stats & News|url=https://www.premierboxingchampions.com/keith-thurman|access-date=October 22, 2020|website=PBC Boxing|date=February 19, 2015 |language=en}} |
||
</ref> |
</ref> |
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==Church of Scientology== |
==Church of Scientology== |
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{{see also|Flag Land Base}} |
{{see also|Flag Land Base}} |
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[[File:Scientology Clearwater headquarters.JPG|thumb|250px|The [[Church of Scientology]]'s Clearwater headquarters, the [[Super Power Building]]]] |
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The [[Church of Scientology]]'s "spiritual headquarters" are located in downtown Clearwater. The Church refers to Clearwater as its "Flag Land Base".<ref name=TampaBayTimes/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scientology.org/churches/flag-land-base.html|title=Official Church of Scientology Video: Religious Mecca, Flag Land Base|website=www.scientology.org|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> |
The [[Church of Scientology]]'s "spiritual headquarters" are located in downtown Clearwater. The Church refers to Clearwater as its "Flag Land Base".<ref name=TampaBayTimes/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scientology.org/churches/flag-land-base.html|title=Official Church of Scientology Video: Religious Mecca, Flag Land Base|website=www.scientology.org|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> |
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[[File:Scientology Clearwater headquarters.JPG|thumb|The [[Church of Scientology]]'s Clearwater headquarters, the [[Super Power Building]]]] |
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The Church of Scientology owns several historical landmark buildings including the [[Fort Harrison Hotel]] and the Clearwater Bank Building. As of 2019, Scientology had purchased so much property in downtown Clearwater that it owned most of the commercial buildings in the downtown core, many of which remained vacant. According to an investigation by the ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'', "The [Church of Scientology], its members and companies they control now own 185 properties that cover 101 acres in the center of downtown. Half the properties were bought since January 2017. ...Seventy-three percent of the property is [now] tax-exempt for religious purposes."<ref name="tbt2019">{{multiref2 |1={{cite web |url=https://projects.tampabay.com/projects/2019/investigations/scientology-clearwater-real-estate/ |title=How Scientology doubled its downtown Clearwater footprint in 3 years |first=Tracey |last=McManus |date=October 20, 2019 |website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}} |2={{cite web |url=https://www.tampabay.com/gallery/2019/10/20/slideshow-all-the-church-of-scientologys-buildings-in-pinellas-county/ |title=Slideshow: All the Church of Scientology's buildings in Pinellas County |first=Tracee |last=Stockwell |date=October 20, 2019 |website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}} }}</ref> |
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The Church of Scientology owns several historical landmark buildings including the [[Fort Harrison Hotel]] and the Clearwater Bank Building. As of 2019, Scientology had purchased so much property in downtown Clearwater that it owned most of the commercial buildings in the downtown core, many of which remained vacant. According to an investigation by the ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'', "The [Church of Scientology], its members and companies they control now own 185 properties that cover 101 acres in the center of downtown. Half the properties were bought since January 2017. ...Seventy-three percent of the property is [now] tax-exempt for religious purposes."<ref name="tbt2019">{{multiref2 |1={{cite web |url=https://projects.tampabay.com/projects/2019/investigations/scientology-clearwater-real-estate/ |title=How Scientology doubled its downtown Clearwater footprint in 3 years |first=Tracey |last=McManus |date=October 20, 2019 |website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}} |2={{cite web |url=https://www.tampabay.com/gallery/2019/10/20/slideshow-all-the-church-of-scientologys-buildings-in-pinellas-county/ |title=Slideshow: All the Church of Scientology's buildings in Pinellas County |first=Tracee |last=Stockwell |date=October 20, 2019 |website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}} }}</ref> By 2024, the count was up to 210 parcels purchased ''since'' 2017, including the office tower where city government offices were located, and leaving only seven remaining commercial property owners who are ''not'' associated with Scientology or government.<ref>{{Cite web |title=$58M sale extends Scientologists’ control of downtown Clearwater |url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2024/04/04/58m-sale-extends-scientologists-control-downtown-clearwater/ |first=Tracey |last=McManus |date=April 4, 2024 |work=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref> |
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Beginning in the 1970s under the code-name [[Project Normandy]], the [[Church of Scientology]] began targeting Clearwater in order to "establish area control" of the city and county. The operations were exposed in a Pulitzer Prize winning series of articles in the ''Clearwater Sun''.<ref>{{cite news | first = Richard | last = Leiby | title = Scientologists plot city takeover | url = http://www.moreaboutscientologycult.eu/usa/us-articles-clearwater-sun-1.pdf#page=26 | format = PDF scan, 1.9MB | publisher = Clearwater Sun | date = November 3, 1979 | access-date = January 1, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120208125759/http://www.moreaboutscientologycult.eu/usa/us-articles-clearwater-sun-1.pdf#page=26 | archive-date = February 8, 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref> [[Gabe Cazares]], who was the mayor of Clearwater at the time, went so far as to call it "the occupation of Clearwater"<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://lisatrust.bogie.nl/scientology/normandy1.htm|title=SECRET POWER PROJECT : 3 NORMANDY Ref. GO Order 261175 LRH "POWER" Target 3|date=December 5, 1975|website=lisatrust.bogie.nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030610193814/http://lisatrust.bogie.nl/scientology/normandy1.htm|archive-date=June 10, 2003|access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref> and later characterized it as a "paramilitary operation by a terrorist group".<ref name="interview">{{Citation|last=Mark Bunker|title=Scientology: Gabe Cazares Interview|date=November 1, 2012|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQtH8TLwm30| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211111/eQtH8TLwm30| archive-date=2021 |
Beginning in the 1970s under the code-name [[Project Normandy]], the [[Church of Scientology]] began targeting Clearwater in order to "establish area control" of the city and county. The operations were exposed in a Pulitzer Prize winning series of articles in the ''Clearwater Sun''.<ref>{{cite news | first = Richard | last = Leiby | title = Scientologists plot city takeover | url = http://www.moreaboutscientologycult.eu/usa/us-articles-clearwater-sun-1.pdf#page=26 | format = PDF scan, 1.9MB | publisher = Clearwater Sun | date = November 3, 1979 | access-date = January 1, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120208125759/http://www.moreaboutscientologycult.eu/usa/us-articles-clearwater-sun-1.pdf#page=26 | archive-date = February 8, 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref> [[Gabe Cazares]], who was the mayor of Clearwater at the time, went so far as to call it "the occupation of Clearwater"<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://lisatrust.bogie.nl/scientology/normandy1.htm|title=SECRET POWER PROJECT : 3 NORMANDY Ref. GO Order 261175 LRH "POWER" Target 3|date=December 5, 1975|website=lisatrust.bogie.nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030610193814/http://lisatrust.bogie.nl/scientology/normandy1.htm|archive-date=June 10, 2003|access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref> and later characterized it as a "paramilitary operation by a terrorist group".<ref name="interview">{{Citation|last=Mark Bunker|title=Scientology: Gabe Cazares Interview|date=November 1, 2012|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQtH8TLwm30| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211111/eQtH8TLwm30| archive-date=November 11, 2021 | url-status=live|access-date=June 19, 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Church of Scientology targeted Cazares, attempting to entrap him in a sex scandal.<ref name="shipbrook Cazares handling">{{cite web|url=http://www.shipbrook.com/jeff/CoS/docs/handling.html|title=Mayor Cazares Handling Project|access-date=June 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812024403/http://www.shipbrook.com/jeff/CoS/docs/handling.html|archive-date=August 12, 2010}}</ref><ref name="shipbrook Cazares speedy">{{cite web|url=http://www.shipbrook.com/jeff/CoS/docs/speedy.html|title=Speedy Gonzalez|access-date=June 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100805045247/http://shipbrook.com/jeff/CoS/docs/speedy.html|archive-date=August 5, 2010}}</ref> Scientology also staged a phony [[hit-and-run accident]] with Cazares in an attempt to discredit him. Cazares and his wife [[lawsuit|sued]] the Church of Scientology for $1.5 million. The church settled with Cazares in 1986.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2006/09/30/Northpinellas/For_the_disadvantaged.shtml|title=Northpinellas: For the disadvantaged and against Scientology|website=www.sptimes.com|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> |
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==Sister cities== |
==Sister cities== |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist| |
{{Reflist|refs= |
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<ref name="Farley2004">{{citation |title=Scientology's Town |first=Robert |last=Farley |url= http://www.sptimes.com/2004/07/18/Tampabay/Scientology_s_town.shtml |work= [[St. Petersburg Times]] |date= July 18, 2004}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Federal Writers' Project 1939">{{cite book |author=[[Federal Writers' Project]] |title= Florida: a Guide to the Southernmost State |series=[[American Guide Series]] |location=New York |publisher= Oxford University Press |year= 1939 |chapter= Clearwater |pages= 424–425 |isbn= 9781623760090 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=uOnhezTJonkC |via=Google Books}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Hellmann2006">{{cite book |first=Paul T. |last=Hellmann |title=Historical Gazetteer of the United States |year= 2006 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=1-135-94859-3 |chapter= Florida: Clearwater}}</ref> |
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}} |
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==Bibliography== |
==Bibliography== |
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}} |
}} |
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* {{cite book |title=Clearwater (Pinellas County, Fla.) City Directory |publisher=R.L. Polk & Co. |url=https://archive.org/details/referencedesk_myclearwater_1937 |year=1937 }} {{free access}} |
* {{cite book |title=Clearwater (Pinellas County, Fla.) City Directory |publisher=R.L. Polk & Co. |url=https://archive.org/details/referencedesk_myclearwater_1937 |year=1937 }} {{free access}} |
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* {{cite book |
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|author=[[Federal Writers’ Project]] |title= Florida: a Guide to the Southernmost State |series=[[American Guide Series]] |location=New York |publisher= Oxford University Press |year= 1939 |
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|chapter= Clearwater |pages= 424–425 |
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|isbn= 9781623760090 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=uOnhezTJonkC |via=Google Books |
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| ref = {{harvid|Federal Writers' Project|1939}} |
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}} |
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* {{cite book |title=Clearwater, Dunedin and Largo (Pinellas County, Fla.) City Directory |publisher=[[R.L. Polk & Co.]] |url=https://archive.org/details/polksclearwaterd00unse_2 |year=1965 }} {{free access}} |
* {{cite book |title=Clearwater, Dunedin and Largo (Pinellas County, Fla.) City Directory |publisher=[[R.L. Polk & Co.]] |url=https://archive.org/details/polksclearwaterd00unse_2 |year=1965 }} {{free access}} |
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** [https://archive.org/details/polksclearwaterd00unse_8 1973 ed.] |
** [https://archive.org/details/polksclearwaterd00unse_8 1973 ed.] |
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* Hampton Dunn |
* {{Cite book |first=Hampton |last=Dunn |title=Yesterday's Clearwater |publisher=E.A. Seeman Publishing |year=1973 |ol=5433254M |isbn=0912458313}} |
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* {{cite book |title= Clearwater | |
* {{cite book |title= Clearwater |first=Lisa |last=Coleman |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=jKXcnjtAHeUC |series=Images of America |publisher=Arcadia |location=Charleston, South Carolina |year= 2002 |isbn= 9780738514437 }} |
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* {{cite book|first1=Sandra W. |last1=Rooks|first2=Randolph |last2=Lightfoot|title=Clearwater, Florida|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SlstK5Kc9dgC|year=2002|publisher=Arcadia |series=Black America |isbn=978-0-7385-1473-4}} |
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|isbn= 9780738514437 }} |
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* {{cite book|author1=Sandra W. Rooks|author2=Randolph Lightfoot|title=Clearwater, Florida|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SlstK5Kc9dgC|year=2002|publisher=Arcadia |series=Black America |isbn=978-0-7385-1473-4}} |
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* {{citation |title=Scientology's Town |author=Robert Farley |url= http://www.sptimes.com/2004/07/18/Tampabay/Scientology_s_town.shtml |work= [[St. Petersburg Times]] |date= July 18, 2004 |
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| ref = {{harvid|Farley|2004}} |
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}} |
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* {{cite book |
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|author=Paul T. Hellmann |
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|title=Historical Gazetteer of the United States |
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|year= 2006 |
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|publisher=Taylor & Francis |
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|isbn=1-135-94859-3 |
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|chapter= Florida: Clearwater |
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| ref = {{harvid|Hellmann|2006}} |
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}} |
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{{refend}} |
{{refend}} |
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{{Tampa Bay Area}} |
{{Tampa Bay Area}} |
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{{Pinellas County, Florida}} |
{{Pinellas County, Florida}} |
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{{Florida cities and mayors of 100,000 population}} |
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{{Florida county seats}} |
{{Florida county seats}} |
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[[Category:Populated places established in 1842]] |
[[Category:Populated places established in 1842]] |
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[[Category:Cities in Florida]] |
[[Category:Cities in Florida]] |
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[[Category:Scientology]] |
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[[Category:1891 establishments in Florida]] |
[[Category:1891 establishments in Florida]] |
Revision as of 18:28, 21 August 2024
Clearwater, Florida | |
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Motto(s): "Bright and Beautiful•Bay to Beach" | |
Coordinates: 27°58′25″N 82°45′51″W / 27.97361°N 82.76417°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Florida |
County | Pinellas |
Settled (Clear Water Harbor) | 1888 |
Incorporated (Town of Clear Water Harbor) | 1891 |
Reincorporated (City of Clearwater) | May 27, 1915 |
Government | |
• Type | Council-Manager |
• Mayor | Bruce Rector |
• Councilmembers | Ryan Cotton, Michael Mannino, David Allbritton, and Lina Teixeira |
• City Manager | Jennifer Poirrier |
• City Clerk | Rosemarie Call |
• City Attorney | David Margolis |
Area | |
• City | 35.92 sq mi (93.04 km2) |
• Land | 26.13 sq mi (67.68 km2) |
• Water | 9.79 sq mi (25.36 km2) |
Elevation | 30 ft (9 m) |
Population (2020) | |
• City | 117,292 |
• Density | 4,488.62/sq mi (1,733.06/km2) |
• Metro | 2,783,243 |
Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
ZIP Codes | 33755–33767, 33769 |
Area code | 727 |
FIPS code | 12-12875[2] |
GNIS feature ID | 0280543[3] |
Website | myclearwater |
Clearwater is a city and the county seat of Pinellas County, Florida, United States, west of Tampa and north of St. Petersburg. To the west of Clearwater lies the Gulf of Mexico and to the southeast lies Tampa Bay. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 117,292.[4][5] It is the smallest of the three principal cities in the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metropolitan area, most commonly referred to as the Tampa Bay area.
Clearwater Beach is part of the city of Clearwater, but is separated from it by the Intracoastal Waterway. Cleveland Street is one of the city's historic avenues, and the city includes BayCare Ballpark and Coachman Park.[6]
The Church of Scientology owns the majority of property in the Clearwater downtown core district.[7][8]
History
Present-day Clearwater was originally the home of the Tocobaga people. Around 1835, the United States Army began construction of Fort Harrison, named after William Henry Harrison, as an outpost during the Seminole Wars.[9] The fort was located on a bluff overlooking Clearwater Harbor, which later became part of an early 20th-century residential development called Harbor Oaks. University of South Florida archaeologists excavated the site in 1962 after Mark Wyllie discovered an underground ammunition bunker while planting a tree in his yard.[9]
The area's population grew after the Federal Armed Occupation Act of 1842 offered 160 acres (0.65 km2) to anyone who would bear arms and cultivate the land.[10] Early settlers included the Stevens, Stevenson, Sever and McMullen families, who claimed and farmed large tracts of land.[10] Prior to 1906, the area was known as Clear Water Harbor. The name "Clear Water" is thought to have come from a fresh water spring flowing from near where the old City Hall building was located. There were many other freshwater springs that dotted the bluff, many in the bay or harbor itself.
Originally part of Hillsborough County, the first road joining Clearwater and Tampa was built in 1849, which dramatically reduced the prior day-long commute between the cities.
During the American Civil War, Union gunboats repeatedly raided the community's supplies, as most of the able-bodied men were away fighting for the Confederate Army.[9] The town began developing in the late nineteenth century, prompted by Peter Demens' completion of the first passenger railroad line into the city in 1888. Clearwater was incorporated in 1891, with James E. Crane becoming the first mayor.[11] The area's popularity as a vacation destination grew after railroad magnate Henry B. Plant built a sprawling Victorian resort hotel named Belleview Biltmore just south of Clearwater in 1897.
By the early 1900s, Clearwater's population had grown to around 400, ballooning to nearly 1,000 in the winter. Clearwater's oldest existing newspaper, the Clearwater Sun, was first published on March 14, 1914.[12] Clearwater was reincorporated, this time as a city, on May 27, 1915, and was designated the county seat for Pinellas County, which broke from Hillsborough County in 1912. In 1915, a bridge was built across Clearwater Harbor, joining the city with Clearwater Beach to the west. Clearwater Beach, although located on a separate barrier island, belongs to the city of Clearwater and fronts the Gulf of Mexico. A new, much higher bridge now arcs over the bay, replacing the former drawbridge; the connecting road is part of State Road 60 and is called Clearwater Memorial Causeway.
During World War II, Clearwater became a major training base for US troops destined for Europe and the Pacific. Virtually every hotel in the area, including the Belleview Biltmore and the Fort Harrison Hotel, was used as a barracks for new recruits.[9] Vehicle traffic was regularly stopped for companies of soldiers marching through downtown, and nighttime blackouts to confuse potential enemy bombers were common practice. Pre-development Sand Key was used as a target by U.S. Army Air Corps fighter-bombers for strafing and bombing practice.
Timeline
- 1888
- 1891
- Town of Clear Water Harbor incorporated.[13]
- 1894 – Orange Belt Railroad begins operating.[13]
- 1897 – Belleview Hotel in business in nearby Belleair.[14]
- 1900 – Population: 343.[15]
- 1905 – Population: 610.[15]
- 1906 – Clear Water Harbor renamed "Clearwater".[13]
- 1911 – Clearwater Yacht Club formed.
- 1912 – Clearwater designated seat of newly created Pinellas County.[14]
- 1914
- Clearwater Evening Sun newspaper begins publication.[16]
- Tampa and Gulf Coast Railroad begins operating.[13]
- 1915 – City of Clearwater incorporated.[17]
- 1916 – Public library and bridge to Clearwater Beach built.[14]
- 1918 – Pinellas County Courthouse built.[13]
- 1920 – Population: 2,427.
- 1921 – Capitol Theatre in business.[18]
- 1923 – Peace Memorial Church built.[19]
- 1926 – Fort Harrison Hotel rebuilt.
- 1930 – Population: 7,607.
- 1948 – WTAN radio begins broadcasting.[20]
- 1950 – Population: 15,581.
- 1953 – Palm Drive-In cinema in business.[18]
- 1959 – WAZE radio begins broadcasting.[20]
- 1970 – Population: 52,074.
- 1972 – Marine Science Center established.[13]
- 1976
- Church of Scientology headquartered in Clearwater.[21]
- Countryside Six cinema in business.[18]
- 1978 – May 4: Tornado occurs.[13]
- 1980 – Population: 85,170.
- 1984 – Regional Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority formed.
- 1998 – City website online (approximate date).[22][23]
- 2004 – Clearwater Public Library new building opens.
- 2005 – Clearwater Memorial Causeway opens.
- 2010 – Population: 107,685.[24][25]
- 2012 – George Cretekos becomes mayor.
- 2013 – Church of Scientology's Super Power Building dedicated.
- 2017 – Charlie Crist becomes U.S. representative for Florida's 13th congressional district.[26]
- 2018 – The shooting of Markeis McGlockton receives national attention and triggers a debate regarding stand-your-ground laws.[27]
Geography
The approximate coordinate for the City of Clearwater is located at 27°58′25″N 82°45′51″W / 27.973644°N 82.764271°W.[28]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 39.2 square miles (101.6 km2), of which 25.6 square miles (66.2 km2) is land and 13.7 square miles (35.4 km2) (34.86%) is water.[29]
Downtown
This section needs to be updated.(May 2023) |
Clearwater's downtown has been undergoing major redevelopment in recent years. General beautification has been done along with completion of several high-rise condos and a large marina.[30][31] New bars, restaurants, and other amenities are coming to the area, renamed the "Cleveland Street District".[32][33] Royalty Theatre is also slated to be renovated.[34][35]
Climate
Clearwater has a humid subtropical climate. Clearwater is far enough south that it lies in the broad transition zone from subtropical to tropical climates. As such, Clearwater is mostly warm to hot year round, with few nights of frost. Most of the annual rainfall comes in the wet season (June through September), when daily thundershowers erupt due to the strong solar heating. The dry season starts in October and runs through May, at which time the weather is sunny, dry, and there is little change in daily weather.[36]
Climate data for Clearwater | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °F (°C) | 86 (30) |
87 (31) |
89 (32) |
92 (33) |
97 (36) |
97 (36) |
96 (36) |
96 (36) |
95 (35) |
94 (34) |
89 (32) |
87 (31) |
97 (36) |
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 71.4 (21.9) |
71.4 (21.9) |
76.1 (24.5) |
81.2 (27.3) |
86.2 (30.1) |
89.1 (31.7) |
89.9 (32.2) |
90.0 (32.2) |
88.5 (31.4) |
83.6 (28.7) |
76.4 (24.7) |
71.9 (22.2) |
81.3 (27.4) |
Daily mean °F (°C) | 62.3 (16.8) |
62.3 (16.8) |
66.9 (19.4) |
71.9 (22.2) |
77.2 (25.1) |
80.9 (27.2) |
82.1 (27.8) |
82.1 (27.8) |
80.7 (27.1) |
75.1 (23.9) |
67.2 (19.6) |
62.8 (17.1) |
72.6 (22.6) |
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 52.9 (11.6) |
53.2 (11.8) |
57.8 (14.3) |
62.7 (17.1) |
68.2 (20.1) |
72.6 (22.6) |
74.2 (23.4) |
74.2 (23.4) |
72.9 (22.7) |
66.5 (19.2) |
58.1 (14.5) |
53.7 (12.1) |
63.9 (17.7) |
Record low °F (°C) | 24 (−4) |
27 (−3) |
29 (−2) |
41 (5) |
53 (12) |
60 (16) |
62 (17) |
65 (18) |
61 (16) |
45 (7) |
27 (−3) |
19 (−7) |
19 (−7) |
Average precipitation inches (cm) | 2 (5.1) |
3.5 (8.9) |
3.5 (8.9) |
2 (5.1) |
2.1 (5.3) |
6.2 (16) |
9.5 (24) |
9.5 (24) |
7.2 (18) |
2.8 (7.1) |
1.8 (4.6) |
2.5 (6.4) |
52.6 (134) |
Average precipitation days | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 12 | 15 | 17 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 104 |
Mean monthly sunshine hours | 217 | 197.75 | 279 | 300 | 310 | 270 | 279 | 248 | 240 | 248 | 210 | 186 | 2,984.75 |
Percent possible sunshine | 66.0 | 62.5 | 75.0 | 77.5 | 74.1 | 64.7 | 65.7 | 61.1 | 65.0 | 69.6 | 64.8 | 57.7 | 67.0 |
Source 1: Weatherbase[37] | |||||||||||||
Source 2: Weather Atlas[38] |
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1900 | 383 | — | |
1910 | 1,171 | 205.7% | |
1920 | 2,427 | 107.3% | |
1930 | 7,607 | 213.4% | |
1940 | 10,136 | 33.2% | |
1950 | 15,581 | 53.7% | |
1960 | 34,653 | 122.4% | |
1970 | 52,074 | 50.3% | |
1980 | 85,170 | 63.6% | |
1990 | 98,669 | 15.8% | |
2000 | 108,787 | 10.3% | |
2010 | 107,685 | −1.0% | |
2020 | 117,292 | 8.9% | |
Source:1900-2010[39] |
2020 census
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000[40] | Pop 2010[41] | Pop 2020[42] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
White (NH) | 85,015 | 76,536 | 75,773 | 78.15% | 71.07% | 64.60% |
Black or African American (NH) | 10,361 | 11,267 | 11,806 | 9.52% | 10.46% | 10.07% |
Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 220 | 234 | 214 | 0.20% | 0.22% | 0.18% |
Asian (NH) | 1,757 | 2,255 | 3,355 | 1.62% | 2.09% | 2.86% |
Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian (NH) | 68 | 124 | 152 | 0.06% | 0.12% | 0.13% |
Some other race (NH) | 168 | 219 | 609 | 0.15% | 0.20% | 0.52% |
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 1,444 | 1,805 | 4,942 | 1.33% | 1.68% | 4.21% |
Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 9,754 | 15,245 | 20,441 | 8.97% | 14.16% | 17.43% |
Total | 108,787 | 107,685 | 117,292 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 117,292 people, 48,211 households, and 27,233 families residing in the city.[43]
In 2019, the city's population was spread out, with 18.7% under the age of 18, 59.4% between the age of 18 and 64, and 21.9% who were 65 years of age or older.[44]
Between 2014 and 2018, the median income for a household in the city was $47,070, and the median income for a family was $46,228.[44] 15.9% of the population fell below the poverty line.[44]
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 107,685 people, 46,264 households, and 26,317 families residing in the city.[45]
Languages
As of 2000, speakers of English as their first language were 84.43% of residents, Spanish as a mother tongue was 8.55%, Greek accounted for 1.16%, French made up 1.00% of speakers, German at 0.97%, and Italian speakers comprised 0.85% of the population.[46]
Economy
Clearwater's economy employs nearly 50,400 people. Major employers include Morton Plant Hospital, Tech Data, and Honeywell.[47] Employment in Clearwater grew 1.84% from 2015 to 2016 with 50,345 people in the workforce.[48] The most common job groups include Service, Sales & Office, Science, and Business. As of 2020, the median household income for Clearwater was $50,335, which is below the average for both the United States as well as the state of Florida.[48]
Art and culture
In 2012, the city was listed among the 10 best places to retire in the U.S. by CBS Money Watch.[49]
Tourism
Clearwater Public Art and Design Program
The Clearwater Public Art and Design Program,[50] adopted by City Council in 2005, is funded through a 1% allocation on all city capital improvement projects valued at more than $500,000. The program commissions an average of 2–3 new projects per year.
Capitol and Royalty Theatre
Pre-Capitol Theatre, a bandstand stood at 405 Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater, where the community gathered to listen to music.[51] The names of locals serving in World War I were etched on the wall of the adjacent Clearwater Sun building; this "Panel of Honor" was obscured when the original Capitol Theatre was built but uncovered when the newspaper building was torn down in 2013.[51]
The Capitol Theatre opened March 21, 1921. It was built by Senator-elect John Stansel Taylor. The theater's architect was Lester Avery and the contractor was John D. Phillipoff.[52] Avery is known for his architecture in Miami. Philipoff also built the Coachman Building (1916), the Donald Roebling Estate in Belleair (added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979),[53] the old Pinellas County Courthouse (added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992),[53] other historical homes which have been saved,[54] and did work at the Belleview Hotel.[55]
Groundbreaking was December 6, 1920.[56] The "New Capitol Theatre" was damaged in a storm on October 26, 1921 (so it had been completed).[57] A theatre organ was installed in 1922, to accompany silent films with music. The organ was made and installed by the Robert Morton Organ Company.
Donald Roebling was a frequent patron, having his own double seat installed at the theatre.[58]
The theatre was managed by various movie companies (EJ Sparks, Paramount, ABC-Southeastern Theatres, and Plitt Southern) and played the most recent movies of the day. The theatre also offered vaudeville on Friday nights in the 1930s. Headliners included Sally Rand, Fred Stone and his daughter, and Lum and Abner (of radio).[58] The theatre was renovated in 1962.[59] The Morton theatre organ was most likely removed during this renovation. When Plitt Southern did not renew their contract in 1979, Bill Neville and Jerry Strain tried to save the theatre with film classics and reduced prices. However, the theatre closed its doors on October 28, 1980.
Royalty Theater Company signed leases with the Taylor family in February 1981, when it then became known as the Royalty Theater (Clearwater, Florida). The building was renovated with Ron Winter of Winter Associates as the contractor[60] and Scott Musheff as the architect.[61]
During the renovations, Bill Neville's murdered body was found in the balcony.[62]
The theatre remained in the Taylor family estate until it was sold in 1996. In July 2008, the building went into foreclosure.[63]
In January 2009, the City of Clearwater and Ruth Eckerd Hall joined forces to purchase the theatre (renamed Capitol Theatre) as well as the neighboring Pat Lokey building as part of a renovation and revitalization of the historic Capitol Theater.[63] Fowler Associates Architects, Inc. was selected for the renovation of the Capitol Theatre.[64] The $10 million renovation and expansion began in 2012 and was completed in 2013.[51] In 2019, a $2.5 million donation renamed the building the Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre.[51]
Clearwater Public Library System
In 1911, the city of Clearwater witnessed a vast population increase as well as acquiring telephones, electricity, paved streets and an ice factory. It is during this time that the Clearwater Library Association opened a subscription library on the second floor of the local People's Bank. Its popularity and support led to the request of $10,000 from the Carnegie Foundation to build a public library. The building was designed by Tampa architect F.J. Kennard. In its first year, the library had over 1,277 visitors and 2,792 books borrowed. As a vacation town, the library provided free access to materials for all residents and winter visitors.[65]
During the Depression, the Clearwater Public Library faced many of the same threats seen at other libraries seen throughout the United States. This includes increased patron usage and dwindling budget. In the 1940s, the Clearwater library increased its staff from three assistants to five assistants. The library's collection also grew from 18,047 to over 100,000. To account for this increase, the Librarian and Board President Traver Bayly made an appeal to the City Commission for additional space.[65]
As a result of segregation, the Clearwater Public Library was for White patrons only from its founding in 1911 to the mid-twentieth century. In 1950, the City Commission agreed to the building of the North Greenwood library. Designed by Architect Eugene Beach, the new library allowed access for the city's African American population to many information sources. This library was renovated in 1984. The new Main library was rebuilt beginning in 2000. It opened in May 2004.[65]
As the population continued to increase throughout the late twentieth century, the library system continued to grow. The Clearwater Public Library System now includes five libraries: Clearwater Main, Countryside, North Greenwood, Beach, and East. In recent years, the Clearwater Public Library System has become increasingly digital, providing patrons with access to computers, online databases, and an online library catalog. This was made possible by the Greater Clearwater Public Library Foundation, Inc. which formed in 1984.[65] As a part of the library's Centennial Celebration, a project is commencing to add makerspaces to the libraries. The Main library's makerspace is the "Studios at Main" and targets creative arts making.[66]
The Clearwater Public Library System is a contributor to the Pinellas Memory Project.[65][67] This system of libraries is part of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative which seeks to provide patrons with access to information and programs to benefit the community.[68]
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a small non-profit aquarium. Opening in 1972 on Clearwater Beach, the aquarium is most famous for Winter the dolphin. Rescued as a calf in 2005, Winter was one of the first dolphins to have been fitted with a prosthetic tail after losing it due to entanglement in a crab trap. The aquarium is also home to other dolphins, otters, pelicans, nurse sharks, and turtles among several species of fish and other marine life. CMA also assists in animal strandings and other emergencies regarding sea life. Animals that have stranded are rehabilitated, and if possible, released back into the wild once they have made a full recovery. It has been featured as the main setting of the American family movie series Dolphin Tale.[69]
Sports
BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater is the spring training home of Major League Baseball's Philadelphia Phillies, as well as their Low-A affiliate, the Clearwater Threshers.[70]
Parks and recreation
Moccasin Lake Nature Park is a 51-acre nature preserve (21 ha) with a 5-acre lake (2.0 ha) owned and operated by the city. The preserve also features the Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, which offers environmental education classes, programs and camps. The Center features live rehabilitated birds of prey, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic wildlife.[71] It opened in 1982. The City of Clearwater contains five pools: Ross Norton, North Greenwood, Morningside, the Long Center, and Clearwater Beach.[72] Swim lessons are offered throughout the year to patrons, and the pools have both a recreation summer pool league and the Clearwater Aquatics Team. These pools have participated in the World's Largest Swim Lesson.
Government
The City of Clearwater is administered by a council-manager form of government, and the city manager serves as the chief executive and administrative officer of the city.[73]
The Clearwater City Council comprises the mayor and four council members, each of whom serves a four-year term. The council is responsible for setting policies and making decisions on local government issues including tax rates, annexations, property code variances and large contract awards. The city manager and city council are supported by the various city departments.[citation needed]
Education
Transportation
Airport
Tampa International Airport serves Clearwater and the rest of the Tampa Bay Area as the primary means of air travel. St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport has also seen its usage increase. The city owns Clearwater Air Park.[74]
Public transportation
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus service is currently Pinellas County's only general public transit. The service offers approximately 35 local routes, two express routes which cross Tampa Bay to the east, and a beach trolley that runs north and south along the county's roughly 25-mile-long (40 km) chain of barrier islands.[75]
The city was formerly served by Amtrak at Clearwater station.
Notable people
- Kirstie Alley, television and film actress[76]
- Austin Aries, professional wrestler[77]
- Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, Inc.[78] and a minority owner of the Atlanta Hawks
- Donald Byrd (born 1949), modern dance choreographer[79]
- Ricky Carmichael, supercross/motocross racer[80]
- Ken Climo, professional disc golfer, 12-time PDGA Professional Open World Champion and three-time PDGA Professional Masters World Champion[81]
- Carter W. Clarke, U.S. Army General who oversaw the Venona project and much of the post-war investigation into the intelligence failure that lead to the Pearl Harbor Attack spent his retirement in Clearwater
- Chick Corea, jazz pianist[82]
- Tom Cruise, actor and film producer[83]
- Jared Frayer, American freestyle wrestler, competed at 2012 Summer Olympics for Team USA[84]
- Jeremiah George, former American football player
- Raquel Gibson, model and actress, and Playboy Playmate of the Month (November 2005)[85]
- Joseph W. Hatchett, Florida Supreme Court Justice[86]
- Hulk Hogan, professional wrestler[87]
- Howard Johnson, 1986 World Series Champion with the New York Mets, Major League Baseball third baseman[88]
- Evel Knievel, stuntman[89]
- Nigel Mansell, 1992 Formula One World Champion, resident during early 1990s
- Clark Mills, creator of international Optimist dinghy (first sailed in Clearwater)[90]
- Kirstjen Nielsen, former United States Secretary of Homeland Security[91]
- Tilian Pearson, musician, lyricist, and vocalist for post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance
- Lisa Marie Presley, former resident[92]
- Gary Puckett, singer[93]
- Jimmy Roselli, singer-pianist, WWII veteran[94]
- Melanie Safka, singer-songwriter[95]
- Juliet Simms, musician, Scientologist, contestant on The Voice, resident from 1994 to 2006[96][97][98]
- Lynn D. Stewart, co-founder of the Hooters restaurant chain[99]
- Elsie Thompson, supercentenarian[100]
- Keith Thurman, professional boxer[101]
Church of Scientology
The Church of Scientology's "spiritual headquarters" are located in downtown Clearwater. The Church refers to Clearwater as its "Flag Land Base".[8][102]
The Church of Scientology owns several historical landmark buildings including the Fort Harrison Hotel and the Clearwater Bank Building. As of 2019, Scientology had purchased so much property in downtown Clearwater that it owned most of the commercial buildings in the downtown core, many of which remained vacant. According to an investigation by the Tampa Bay Times, "The [Church of Scientology], its members and companies they control now own 185 properties that cover 101 acres in the center of downtown. Half the properties were bought since January 2017. ...Seventy-three percent of the property is [now] tax-exempt for religious purposes."[7] By 2024, the count was up to 210 parcels purchased since 2017, including the office tower where city government offices were located, and leaving only seven remaining commercial property owners who are not associated with Scientology or government.[103]
Beginning in the 1970s under the code-name Project Normandy, the Church of Scientology began targeting Clearwater in order to "establish area control" of the city and county. The operations were exposed in a Pulitzer Prize winning series of articles in the Clearwater Sun.[104] Gabe Cazares, who was the mayor of Clearwater at the time, went so far as to call it "the occupation of Clearwater"[105] and later characterized it as a "paramilitary operation by a terrorist group".[106] The Church of Scientology targeted Cazares, attempting to entrap him in a sex scandal.[107][108] Scientology also staged a phony hit-and-run accident with Cazares in an attempt to discredit him. Cazares and his wife sued the Church of Scientology for $1.5 million. The church settled with Cazares in 1986.[109]
Sister cities
Clearwater has city partnerships with the following cities:
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Bibliography
- St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Vicinity (Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Gulfport, Largo and Pass-A-Grille) City Directory. R.L. Polk & Co. 1914.
- "Clearwater". Florida State Gazetteer and Business Directory. R. L. Polk & Co. 1918.
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- Dunn, Hampton (1973). Yesterday's Clearwater. E.A. Seeman Publishing. ISBN 0912458313. OL 5433254M.
- Coleman, Lisa (2002). Clearwater. Images of America. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia. ISBN 9780738514437.
- Rooks, Sandra W.; Lightfoot, Randolph (2002). Clearwater, Florida. Black America. Arcadia. ISBN 978-0-7385-1473-4.
External links
- City of Clearwater official website
- Clearwater Beach Tourism website with live webcams
- Clearwater travel guide from Wikivoyage
- "(Clearwater)". Florida Memory. Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services.
- Items related to Clearwater, Florida, various dates (via Digital Public Library of America)