St. Pete/Clearwater, FL (August 17, 2009) – Clearwater Beach, already named one of America’s top family beaches earlier this year by Fodor’s Travel Publications, received the seal of approval this week from another key demographic as well: singles.
 

In the Orlando Sentinel’s just-released list of the Top Five Singles Beaches in Florida , Clearwater Beach ranks second only to Miami’s South Beach as the place to go if you’re single and looking to “mingle, have fun and enjoy an evening out after the beach."

Beaches in Fort Myers and perennial spring-break favorites in Cocoa Beach, Pensacola and Panama City rounded out the list.

According to the article, Clearwater’s easy beach access and “compactness” adds to its people-watching allure, as does the “can't miss” Pier 60, where “the party starts two hours before sunset.”

The “reawakening” hotspot was also lauded for its moderate prices and its ability “maintain its Old Florida feel” with mom 'n' pop hotels, shops, restaurants and attractions, “even as luxury resorts and a $30 million Beach Walk brick promenade are unveiled.”

For local officials, nods like these are confirmation that the many redevelopment projects now coming online are resonating with locals and tourists alike.

“This is what redevelopment is all about,” says Gerri Raymond, Vice President of Tourism for the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce . “To be recognized as a great family destination one month and then as a singles hotspot the next is a testament to the destination’sversatility, and a sign that we are on the right track.”

This is the latest in a long list of accolades for Clearwater Beach, including “Best City Beach” by both Conde Nast Traveler and Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman---a.k.a. “Dr. Beach.” Readers of USAToday.com also included Clearwater Beach on their top 10 list of “The Best Beaches from Maine to Hawaii.”

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater is the destination marketing organization for Pinellas County, Florida.

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For more information: www.VisitStPeteClearwater.com
Contact: CVB Assistant Director David Downing: David@VisitSPC.com
Phone: 727.464.7213

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