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Clearwater, Florida

Located in Pinellas County, Florida, Clearwater was established in 1891. Clearwater Beach is consistently ranked the #1 beach in America by TripAdvisor. The Church of Scientology's spiritual headquarters is in downtown Clearwater.
Founded 1891 | Population 117,397 | Peak 117,397 (2024) | County Pinellas County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Clearwater, Florida

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1891Town Founded: Henry Plant's railroad brings settlers to the Gulf Coast.
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1915City Incorporates: Tourism and fishing economy established.
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1955Spring Training Baseball: Philadelphia Phillies begin spring training in Clearwater.
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1975Scientology Arrives: Church of Scientology purchases Fort Harrison Hotel; establishes spiritual headquarters.
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1998Lisa McPherson Case: Death of Scientologist at church facility brings international scrutiny.
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2005Clearwater Beach Named Top Beach: Multiple rankings name Clearwater Beach #1 in America.
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2020Beach Tourism Booms: Clearwater Beach consistently ranked America's best beach.
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Latest News in Clearwater

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Complete Historical Timeline

1891 Transport
Town Founded
1915 Government
City Incorporates
1955 Sports
Spring Training Baseball
1975 Culture
Scientology Arrives
1998 Crime
Lisa McPherson Case
2005 Culture
Clearwater Beach Named Top Beach
2020 Business
Beach Tourism Booms

Did You Know?

1
Clearwater Beach is consistently ranked the #1 beach in America by TripAdvisor.
2
The Church of Scientology's spiritual headquarters is in downtown Clearwater.
3
The Phillies have held spring training in Clearwater since 1947.
4
Clearwater is located in Pinellas County, Florida.
5
Clearwater was founded in 1891.
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