Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, the official tourism marketing and management organization for Pinellas County, is telling the world that the destination is “Still Shining,” and ready to welcome visitors.
After recently weathering two major hurricanes, the beachside community has worked tirelessly to resume operations. Today, nearly 80% of the destination is now open and eager to welcome guests – including accommodations, attractions, restaurants, museums, shops and more.
“It’s important for everyone to know that St. Pete-Clearwater is Still Shining and ready as always to welcome residents and visitors to our beautiful beaches, amazing arts and experiences, and delicious coastal dining options,” said Brian Lowack, President & CEO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.
“While our destination experienced serious impact from the recent storms, the images and videos that have circulated do not represent the entirety of the destination and many of our visitors’ favourites are open and ready to welcome guests. Now is a great time to not just enjoy that walk on the beach, but also explore all the other amazing attributes that make us America’s favourite beaches.”
PHOTO: St. Pete Beach, Florida. (photo via Flickr/psyberartist)
Here are some details on the current status of tourism facilities:
· Beach access is open on the world-famous Clearwater Beach and many of the surrounding beaches, though some access points may be restricted as re-beautification continues along the 35 miles of beaches. Over the coming weeks, the destination is expected to open additional beaches and parks. Check VisitSPC.com/StillShining for updated information on the beaches.
· Much of the destination has quickly resumed operations, including renowned attractions like The Dalí Museum and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium as well as the many other art, cultural and interactive experiences.
· Popular waterfront venues and experiences like the St. Pete Pier and Hubbard’s Marina – the nation’s #1 fishing charter for three consecutive years – invite visitors to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
While the recovery has been rapid, the recent hurricane season was unprecedented for the Tampa Bay area with two notable storms impacting the area in quick succession. Visit St. Pete-Clearwater recommends all travellers visiting the destination contact their accommodation providers directly to ensure they have the most up-to-date information. While most of the destination is open for business, some communities still need a little longer to fully recover.
For more information on the current status of the destination, including updates on accommodations, attractions and more, click here.