Clearwater FL

Clearwater – Where sparkling Gulf waters meet small-town charm, Clearwater is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Known for its award-winning beaches, vibrant marine life, and sunny skies, this Florida gem invites visitors to unwind, explore, and enjoy the natural beauty of the coast. Whether you're strolling along Pier 60, soaking up the sun on sugar-white sands, or meeting a dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, there's a little paradise here for everyone.

• Population: ~117,000
• Weather: Warm and sunny year-round (60-90°F); hot, humid summers and mild winters.
• Places To Visit: Clearwater Beach, Pier 60, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Moccasin Lake Nature Park, Coachman Park.
• Top Activities: Sunset festivals, paddleboarding in the bay, dolphin-watching cruises, bike rides on Pinellas Trail, beach volleyball.
• Famous Food: Grouper sandwiches, fresh gulf shrimp, smoked mullet, key lime pie, and beachfront seafood at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill.

Clearwater, FL is a vibrant coastal city known for its tourism, healthcare, and tech services. It offers a variety of career opportunities for professionals seeking steady work, good pay, and work-life balance. Below are some of the top careers currently in high demand in Clearwater.

Top 5 Jobs in Clearwater, FL

Clearwater, FL is a vibrant coastal city that offers students plenty of options to unwind, have fun, and enjoy the sunshine. From beach hangouts to cultural spots, Clearwater has something for every student seeking a break from their studies.

Clearwater Beach – Known for its stunning white sand and clear blue water, Clearwater Beach is the perfect place to swim, sunbathe, or play beach volleyball with friends. The nearby Pier 60 often hosts sunset festivals, offering entertainment and local crafts.

Sand Key Park – Just south of Clearwater Beach, this quieter spot is great for students who prefer a more laid-back beach experience. It’s ideal for picnicking, enjoying nature trails, or simply lounging in the sun.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium – Home to Winter the dolphin, this aquarium focuses on marine life rescue, rehabilitation, and release. It's an educational yet fun experience, perfect for animal lovers and those interested in marine biology.

Coachman Park – Situated near the city’s downtown area, this park regularly hosts concerts, festivals, and outdoor events. It's a great place to relax by the waterfront or catch some live music.

Downtown Clearwater – Explore the cultural heart of the city, filled with quirky shops, local eateries, and a vibrant art scene. Check out the Capitol Theatre for live performances and unique movie screenings.

Sunset Cinema at Pier 60 – Enjoy free outdoor movies on the beach every weekend. It's a fantastic way to unwind with friends after a long week of classes.

Caladesi Island State Park – Accessible by ferry or kayak, this island offers untouched natural beauty and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. It's perfect for kayaking, hiking, or simply enjoying a day in nature.

Clearwater, Florida, is a vibrant coastal city that offers access to several outstanding colleges and universities that serve both traditional and non-traditional students. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a degree in health science, business, technology, or the liberal arts, the city and its surrounding area provide quality educational opportunities through both public and private institutions.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Clearwater

St. Petersburg College (SPC) – Clearwater Campus – SPC is one of Florida’s top state colleges and has a strong presence in Clearwater. It offers associate and bachelor’s degrees with a focus on business, healthcare, IT, and education. The college is known for its affordability, flexibility, and student support services.

Pinellas Technical College – Clearwater Campus – A well-regarded public institution providing hands-on career training in fields like automotive, electrical systems, practical nursing, and cosmetology. It is highly valued for workforce development in the Clearwater area.

Hillsborough Community College (HCC) – While its main campuses are located in neighboring Tampa, many Clearwater residents choose HCC for its strong programs in health sciences, business, and hospitality management. It offers outstanding transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Palm Harbor University High School – Center for Wellness and Medical Professions – Though technically a high school, this magnet program collaborates with public colleges for dual enrollment, giving Clearwater students a head start on college coursework and medical careers.

University of South Florida (USF) – St. Petersburg Campus – Just a short commute from Clearwater, USF St. Petersburg offers a public university experience with top-tier programs in business, marine biology, journalism, and environmental science. It’s highly accessible for Clearwater residents.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Clearwater

Clearwater Christian College (formerly) – Though closed in 2015, this institution had a strong legacy in liberal arts and Christian education. Its alumni and historical significance still hold a place in the local academic community.

National Aviation Academy – Clearwater Campus – A leading private institution that specializes in aviation maintenance and avionics training. The academy is FAA-certified and provides hands-on training with real-world applications, making it ideal for students aiming for careers in aviation technology.

Trinity College of Florida – A private Christian college located in the greater Clearwater area, known for its faith-based education and programs in theology, Christian counseling, and ministry. It’s accredited and offers small class sizes for personalized learning.

Eckerd College – Just minutes from Clearwater, Eckerd is a highly respected private liberal arts college on the Gulf Coast. Known for its environmental studies, marine science, and global studies programs, Eckerd provides a top-tier educational experience in a scenic setting.

Rasmussen University – Tampa/Brandon Campus – With online and hybrid options accessible to Clearwater students, Rasmussen is a private institution offering career-focused degrees in healthcare, business, technology, and early childhood education.

Clearwater, FL is home to a range of excellent high schools that prepare students for future success. With options across both public and private institutions, students in this coastal city have access to quality education focused on academics, extracurriculars, and character development.

Top Public High Schools In Clearwater, FL

• Clearwater High School – Offers a wide range of AP courses and an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Known for dedicated teachers and diverse extracurriculars.
• Countryside High School – Recognized for its strong academic programs and robust extracurricular activities, including award-winning sports and arts programs.
• Palm Harbor University High School – Technically located in Palm Harbor, this magnet school draws students from Clearwater and surrounding areas. Features a top-rated IB program and medical magnet program.
• East Lake High School – Offers top academic programs along with strong athletic teams. It consistently ranks high in county and state evaluations.
• Dunedin High School – Known for its college preparatory curriculum and career academies, including veterinary science and robotics.

Top Private High Schools In Clearwater, FL

• Calvary Christian High School – A faith-based school emphasizing college preparation and leadership. Offers honors and AP courses along with athletics and fine arts programs.
• Clearwater Central Catholic High School – Accredited college preparatory school with a strong academic curriculum, International Baccalaureate program, and spiritual education.
• Admiral Farragut Academy – A private, college-prep, military-style school near Clearwater. Offers STEM-focused programs, leadership training, and international boarding options.
• Espiritu Santo Catholic School – While generally a K-8 institution, it’s affiliated with strong Catholic high schools in the area and known for strong academic foundations leading into high school.
• Center Academy – Clearwater – Specializes in offering individualized learning plans for students with learning differences. Known for a small student-teacher ratio and supportive environment.

Clearwater, Florida, is not widely known for having its own major-league professional sports teams, but its location in the Tampa Bay area gives residents and visitors access to some of Florida’s top sports franchises. Clearwater plays an important role as a spring training home and offers easy access to teams in neighboring cities such as Tampa and St. Petersburg.

⚾ Baseball – Philadelphia Phillies (MLB Spring Training)

• Philadelphia Phillies – Clearwater is the spring training home of the Philadelphia Phillies. Every year, the team trains at BayCare Ballpark, formerly known as Bright House Field. Fans can watch players and prospects prepare for the season under the Florida sun. Clearwater has hosted Phillies spring training since 1947, creating a strong connection between the city and the team.

🏈 Football – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Based in nearby Tampa, the Buccaneers are just a short drive from Clearwater. The team has won two Super Bowl titles (2002 and 2020). Their 2020 victory was historic as they became the first NFL team to win the Super Bowl in their home stadium with legendary quarterback Tom Brady.

⚾ Baseball – Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)

• Tampa Bay Rays – The Rays play their home games at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, which is easily accessible from Clearwater. The team reached the World Series in 2008 and 2020 and has earned a reputation for their smart roster-building and strong emphasis on player development.

🏀 Basketball – Orlando Magic (NBA)

• Orlando Magic – While not in Clearwater, the Magic are the closest NBA team, located about two hours away in Orlando. The team has made several playoff appearances and was especially successful in the 1990s and 2000s with stars like Shaquille O’Neal, Penny Hardaway, and Dwight Howard.

🏒 Hockey – Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)

• Tampa Bay Lightning – One of the NHL’s top teams, the Lightning play their home games at Amalie Arena in Tampa. They have won the Stanley Cup three times (2004, 2020, 2021). With stars like Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, they remain strong contenders and have a passionate local fanbase that includes Clearwater residents.

⚽ Soccer – Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship)

• Tampa Bay Rowdies – Based in nearby St. Petersburg, the Rowdies play in the USL Championship, the second tier of American soccer. They have a rich history and a strong local following, playing home matches at Al Lang Stadium near the waterfront. The team has revived enthusiasm for soccer across the region.

Clearwater, Florida is a vibrant coastal city known for its sunny beaches, outdoor adventures, and unique attractions. From its connection to movies to its rich marine life, here are some fun facts about Clearwater, FL:

1. Home of Award-Winning Beaches – Clearwater Beach has been named America’s Best Beach multiple times by TripAdvisor.
2. Winter the Dolphin – The star of the movie Dolphin Tale, Winter, lived at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
3. Sunshine Capital – Clearwater has an average of 361 days of sunshine each year! Perfect for outdoor lovers.
4. See-Through Waters – The name “Clearwater” comes from the area's crystal-clear spring waters that once flowed into the bay.
5. Famous Pier 60 – This popular pier offers daily sunset festivals with street performers and local vendors.
6. Dolphin Watchers’ Paradise – The waters around Clearwater are home to hundreds of wild dolphins, often seen during boat tours.
7. Scientology Headquarters – Clearwater is home to the spiritual headquarters of the Church of Scientology, known as the Flag Building.
8. Spring Training Legacy – The city hosts Philadelphia Phillies’ Spring Training at BayCare Ballpark every year.
9. Incredible Sunsets – The sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico in Clearwater are so iconic, there are daily celebrations honoring them.
10. An Island Getaway – Caladesi Island, just off the coast of Clearwater, is one of the few untouched islands in Florida and only accessible by boat or ferry.