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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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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?

Clearwater Beach is consistently ranked the #1 beach in America by TripAdvisor.

The Church of Scientology's spiritual headquarters is in downtown Clearwater.

The Phillies have held spring training in Clearwater since 1947.

Clearwater is located in Pinellas County, Florida.

Clearwater was founded in 1891.

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