Clearwater construction really that bad??

[TheresaNY]

I read on the boards somewhere that Clearwater was a mess -it was by someone from Tarpon Springs I think. Is it really that bad ? Bad enough that we should consider going elsewhere ? Like...Don Cesar's or down in that area ? We are only staying one night. We were there last summer and they were ripping up Ulmberton Road but it was manageable - Clearwater was just busy not under construction. I think 19 was too (under construction). Anyone been there recently - or any natives around.....like the person from Tarpon Springs.......any opinions ?????

 

[4eyedbuzzard]

I haven't been down there in several years, but used to go every other year. I seem to remember 19 always being a bit of a mess at some place or time - it is a very busy highway. Always road construction somewhere, strip malls going up on top of strip malls, MV accidents, rush hour. Same old, same old.

 

[mumzie2three]

We were in Clearwater this April and only had one problem with US19 being under construction. They closed a ramp we needed but it was only closed for about 30 mins. But our in-laws avoided taking us to the beach because they ripped up the public parking and parking for the beach is hard to find unless you are staying at a property.

 

[motofox4]

we were just in clearwater beach 2 weeks ago and they are doing construction on PART of Gulf Blvd., but we didn't find it horrible at all. You're detoured around the construction but it is very manageable. Depending on where you're staying, you may not even encounter this part of the road.

 

[CoPirate]

I live here. Its manageable. 19 Southbound is a nightmare in the AM for the morning commute. As is Ulmerton and Roosevelt. Just give yourself an extra half hour or so of travel time.

I travel all three of those roads daily for my commute and its not a big deal.

 

[jtopicz1]

US 19 traffic construction is not that bad. Typical detours, etc. but they have it laid out allright.

It is the beach that is a mess. As I've said, we've owned a charter fishing business at the city marina for over 40 years and it has never been this bad. Parts (around 50%) of S. Gulfview Blvd are torn up/closed.

The mom and pop motels have been replaced by mega-condos that for the most part sit empty.

The worst part is parking. Unless you are staying at the Hilton, or one of the few remaining hotels with parking, there is virtually no place to park, especially holidays, weekends, and summer. The local newspaper reported that 50% of the parking spots on the beach have or will be removed in the first half of the year to erect their Beachwalk complex. Wonder where they think all the beachwalk visitors will be staying or parking.

As a lifelong resident, I would not recommend our beach. Florida has many nicer beaches further south (even as close as st pete) and especially on the east coast.

Your experience may vary, and you may not experience any or all of these problems, but from talking with our customers about the area, very few plan to return.

Hope this helps, and if you do decide to brave Clearwater, be sure to stop by for some fishing

Jim

 

[CoPirate]

US 19 traffic construction is not that bad. Typical detours, etc. but they have it laid out allright.

It is the beach that is a mess. As I've said, we've owned a charter fishing business at the city marina for over 40 years and it has never been this bad. Parts (around 50%) of S. Gulfview Blvd are torn up/closed.

The mom and pop motels have been replaced by mega-condos that for the most part sit empty.

The worst part is parking. Unless you are staying at the Hilton, or one of the few remaining hotels with parking, there is virtually no place to park, especially holidays, weekends, and summer. The local newspaper reported that 50% of the parking spots on the beach have or will be removed in the first half of the year to erect their Beachwalk complex. Wonder where they think all the beachwalk visitors will be staying or parking.

As a lifelong resident, I would not recommend our beach. Florida has many nicer beaches further south (even as close as st pete) and especially on the east coast.

Your experience may vary, and you may not experience any or all of these problems, but from talking with our customers about the area, very few plan to return.

Hope this helps, and if you do decide to brave Clearwater, be sure to stop by for some fishing

Jim

I have to disagree with 1 part of this.

It may be a matter of personal opinion, but I prefer our FL West coast beaches to the east coast ones. The east coast sand looks like desert sand and is rough and ugh.

The gulf beaches are beautiful! And if you're scared to venture into Clearwater, head a bit further south to Siesta Key (where i used to live) Siesta Key, imo, is one of the most beautiful beaches period.

Or even furhter down to venice, and you can collect shark teeth!

I love where I live!

 

[jtopicz1]

I agree with Siesta Key. Or even Longboat Key or the Naples area.

To clarify my point on the east coast beaches, many people like them due to the clearer water. The sand is definatly a bit more coarse.

 

[jcriket]

Yes Clearwater Beach is a mess right now, it will be nice when it's finished. http://www.clearwater-fl.com/gov/depts/pwa/engin/projects/beachwalk/index.asp
You don't have to go far to avoid it though. Pinellas County has lots of nice beaches, and places to stay on the beach. Sand Key just over the bridge from Clearwater Beach is fine. There's Treasure Island, Indian Rocks, Redington, Maderia, and St. Pete Beach. (Fort Desoto Beach rated #1 beach last year.) Don't be afraid to come over, just avoid Clw. Beach this year.

 

[fla4fun]

Sand Key is my favorite spot (well, Fort DeSoto is a close second) when I'm in that area.

 

[TheresaNY]

I am booked at Sheraton Sand Key. Any info ??? Think my sister-in-law is staying at Quality Hotel on the Beach. Any info on that place either ???

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My family and I have reservations at the Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sandy Key this August before we arrive at WDW and this December after WDW, so it will be intresting to see the construction when we are there.

 

[jcriket]

Sand Key and all the beaches south are fine, and right now clearwater isn't too bad as crowds go, so you can get around the construction ok, it's just not as nice to see the mess. If you click the link I left above you can see their plans. Sheraton is nice, you should be pleased.