Contrary to what we read in the 'big' newspaper that often relies on the media rule that doom and gloom sells newspapers, I am writing to assure you and your readers that Clearwater Beach IS NOT DEAD!
The beach hasn't lost its award winning appeal. Waterfront property and boating access anywhere in our area will always be coveted. It's basically a supply and demand issue, and available waterfront property is becoming a rare commodity. Ups and downs in the Real Estate market are a given. If you check local statistics, you will find that every few years an 'up' market levels out.
Most developers on the beach have been smart enough to know that even some of them got carried away with exceptionally inflated prices and with the perceived wants and needs of prospective buyers. Many have redesigned their projects and rethought their marketing plans to balance this, and sales are picking up.
The next step is to build more Hotels and to find ways to incentivise builders and developers to make it financially feasible to create accommodations that will appeal to a broad market. The City of Clearwater has been working towards that as part of its vision for the beach. Adding more amenities, such as parking garages, well-lit and pedestrian friendly designed streets and quality retail shops as well as boat accessible venues is going to create a climate where all can thrive.
We are far from dead...we are just in the process of "movin' on up"!
Sheila Cole
Executive Director
Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce
www.beachchamber.com
727-447-7600