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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.
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Founded 1891 | Population 117,397 | Peak 117,397 (2024) | County Pinellas County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Clearwater, Florida

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

Mar 31, 2026
Random Stabbing of Pregnant Woman in Parking Lot Underscores Persistent Risks of Everyday Urban Violence
In broad daylight on March 18, 2026, a 38-year-old pregnant woman loading her 3-year-old child into her car in the parking lot of …
Mar 7, 2026
Southwest Flight 2094 Diverted Over Bomb Threat Claim
Mar 5, 2026
Oregon Democrats Block ICE Notification for Felony Convicts
Feb 20, 2026
Grandpa Opens Fire On Armed Criminals During Home Invasion – His Granddaughter Orchestrated The Whole Heist
Among those arrested was the homeowner’s granddaughter, the orchestrator of the crime.
Feb 20, 2026
Dad And Son Charged With 216 Counts Of Incest, Pay The Price
A father and son in West Virginia has been charged with over 216 counts of incest, sexual assault and sexual abuse that involved t…
Feb 20, 2026
Trump Admin Mocked Over This Small Detail In Venezuela ‘Situation Room’ Photo
In the wake of a bold and controversial U.S. military operation in Venezuela…

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.

Famous People from Clearwater, Florida

RF
Robert Finke
Swimmer · Born Nov 6, 1999 · Age 26
SB
Sara Blakely
Businessperson, Patron Of The Arts · Born Feb 27, 1971 · Age 54
MM
Melanie Margalis
Swimmer · Born Dec 30, 1991 · Age 34
KT
Keith Thurman
Boxer · Born Nov 23, 1988 · Age 37
RC
Ricky Carmichael
Racing Automobile Driver, Motocross Rider · Born Nov 27, 1979 · Age 46

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