Clearwater is a Florida city located within the County of Pinellas. It is situated northwest of St. Petersburg and almost due west of Tampa. The Gulf of Mexico lies to the west of Clearwater and Tampa Bay is located towards the east. According to the Census of the year 2000, the city had a population of about 107,600. The city of Clearwater is the county seat of Pinellas County and is the smallest amongst the 3 main cities found in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan region which is usually called the Tampa Bay Area.
The Tocobagan Indian Tribe was the first people of the Clearwater Area. It was approximately the year 1835 when the first settlement of the area Fort Harrison was built by the United States Army. It was used as an outpost during the Seminole wars. The city of Clearwater was repeatedly raided by Union gunboats during the Civil War who were looking for supplies.
There are 2 airports and two main thoroughfares situated near the city, with the Tampa International Airport and the St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport situated nearby. The Coachman Park is one more popular place in the region and is home to various yearly events.
Over recent years, the downtown Clearwater part has undergone major redevelopment. There has been the completion of a new big marina and some high rise condo buildings. General beautification has been carried out with numerous restaurants, amenities and new bars coming to the region. The updated downtown has been renamed the "Cleveland Street District." The Royalty Theatre is also on the renovation program. The downtown core is about 2 miles from Clearwater Beach and 6 miles from downtown Dunedin. When driving through various parts of downtown and to the different abovementioned places specifically, there are spectacular views of the Clearwater Memorial Causeway and general views of the water to see.
The spiritual head office of the Church of Scientology religion is located in the city of Clearwater, in the state of Florida. The Church of Scientology in the city of Clearwater is also called the Flag Service Organization. They have acquired various properties within the area including the historic Fort Harrison Hotel and the Clearwater Bank Building. These property acquisitions have led to arguments from political viewpoints, citizens and local interests combined.
There are as many as 12,000 Scientologists living within the city, based on current estimates. The city likewise sees more than 2,000 church members and approximately 1,200 church employees come to the city of Clearwater from outlying areas to receive religious instruction. It has been speculated that Scientology is responsible for contributing roughly $156.8 million a year to the city's economy.
From the city of Clearwater, visitors and residents have easy access to nearby Tampa and St. Petersburg. There are many wonderful beaches all around Clearwater for individuals looking for fun in the sun. The Pinewood Cultural park, the Clearwater marine Aquarium, The Gulf Coast Museum of Art, The Clearwater Fine ARts Show, the Clearwater Pier 60 Make A Difference Children's Fishing Tournament, The Dunedin Fine Art Center/David L. Mason Children's Art Museum, Heritage Village and the Florida Botanical Gardens are just amongst the special places to enjoy in and around the city of Clearwater.