About Clearwater

Many moons ago the tribes of the Timucuan, Calusa and Apalachee watched as the crystal clear water bubbled from the earth dropping into the bay. The water has long since vanished and so have the native tribes but the name Clearwater is a vivid reminder of the past.

City Hall and the downtown area are located where the sparking waters used to flow Clearwater Bird bringing life to the inhabitants. The vivacious springs have long since disappeared but clear water is still present. The first settlers referred to their home as Clear Water Harbor. In 1906, Harbor was lost and today the area is known as Clearwater.

Early Visitors of Clearwater

In 1528, Panfilo de Narvaez stepped upon the coast, most likely Clearwater. In 1539, Hernando De Soto came ashore at Tampa Bay. In 1567, Pedro Menendez arrived along the coast with missionaries. His plan was to establish missions throughout Florida. The Jesuit missionaries at Safety Harbor were killed by Timucuans. The area was left to the natives until around 1800.

Fort Harrison was built by the government for recuperating soldiers during the Seminole Indian Wars. In 1841, the fort was abandoned. A plaque in downtown Clearwater on Druid Road is a grave reminder of life along the coast.

Dr. Odet Philippe a Frenchman served under General Napolean Bonaparte. On his St. Helena plantation the doctor raised citrus and a daughter. Dr. Philippe was the first white settler in the area now known as Safety Harbor. His daughter married Richard Clearwater Clear Water Booth. The names Booth and Philippe are well known in Clearwater.

The First Families of Clearwater

In 1841, James Parramore McMullen along with six of his brothers set up homes in the Clearwater area. Throughout the early years the family held many prestigious government positions. In 1842, the Federal Armed Occupation Act gave 160 acres to families and single men who would fight and farm the land. James Stevens and Samuel Stevenson were among the first families to occupy the area.

Early Industry of Clearwater

Many landowners grew vegetables and cotton. Fish was a staple in their Clearwater Beach

diet. Hurricanes and sudden storms were a constant hazard to the early settlers. The fruit fly and other pesky insects made life along the coast a constant struggle. Fruit groves were plentiful and the tiny yellowish limes that only grow in Florida have made key lime pie a favorite.

Henry Plant the railroad magnate built several grand hotels. In 1897 he built the luxurious Belleview Biltmore. In 1914, Morton F. Plant helped with financing of the first hospital. A grant from Andrew Carnegie helped construct the library. In 1940, the Philadelphia Phillies began spring training.

Clearwater Today

Clearwater is a small peninsula jutting out into the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Beach

sheltering Tampa Bay to the East. The bustling city of St. Petersburg is directly South of Clearwater and they almost merge as one. Clearwater separates itself from its neighbors by its own distinct personality. The population of Clearwater is around 102,000 and the winter residents add another 20,000.

Nagano City, Japan is the Sister City to Clearwater, Florida. Clearwater has developed a Hospitality Center in Nagano Tokyu. The center will be the main attraction of Olympic activity. The center will also highlight Florida�s diversity with accents on the citrus industry. Florida grapefruit juice will be served to all visitors FREE.