News Summary
Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island Beach, and St. Pete Beach have been recognized in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking among top beaches in Florida. Clearwater Beach secured the second spot, while Treasure Island Beach and St. Pete Beach claimed third and seventh, respectively. In addition, Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach was honored as one of the Best Beach Bars in the U.S. Meanwhile, a health advisory due to high bacteria levels was recently issued for Clearwater Beach but has since been lifted. These findings highlight both the allure and challenges facing these popular destinations.
Clearwater, Florida – Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island Beach, and St. Pete Beach have received recognition in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, being ranked among the top beaches in Florida. Clearwater Beach secured the No. 2 spot, Treasure Island Beach came in at No. 3, and St. Pete Beach placed No. 7. These rankings are determined by public votes, demonstrating the popularity of these beach destinations.
In addition to these beach accolades, Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach, situated at Bilmar Beach Resort in Treasure Island, distinguished itself by being named one of the “Best Beach Bars in the U.S.” These awards highlight a range of top travel destinations, including beaches and bars, and are based on expert nominations and public voting.
Tourism in Hillsborough County continues to flourish, with the industry achieving a record $1.16 billion in taxable hotel revenue for 2024, representing an increase of $80 million from the previous year. New developments such as Moxy St. Pete have opened in St. Petersburg, providing a vibrant venue for gathering and staying, while the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort marks the largest development on the island in 50 years.
In a show of commitment to promoting local events, the Concession Golf Club in Bradenton is set to host the Senior PGA Championship from 2026 to 2028. Additionally, Tampa-based Slide Insurance is taking steps toward an initial public offering, having filed an S-1 as they celebrate their third year in business. In the world of local commerce, Buddy Brew Coffee has expanded its reach, now selling its signature BOLT canned cold brew at Erewhon Market locations across California.
Despite these positive developments, Clearwater Beach is currently under public health scrutiny. The Florida Department of Health recently issued a health advisory regarding high bacteria levels at Clearwater Beach, Sand Key, and Indian Rocks Beach. This advisory warns beachgoers against swimming due to potential health risks associated with elevated bacteria levels, which can indicate fecal pollution.
Many visitors to Clearwater Beach were reportedly unaware of the health advisory, as only a limited number of signs warning about the bacteria have been posted. Local beachgoers have been spotted swimming prior to becoming aware of these warnings. Recent water testing indicated that there had not been a significant advisory for Clearwater Beach in the past two years, while Sand Key had its last advisory in August 2023.
Health officials are actively monitoring the water quality situation and have been conducting additional water sampling in the area. The health advisory was lifted on May 15 after tests showed acceptable levels of enterococci bacteria, allowing residents and visitors to resume swimming safely.
As Clearwater, Treasure Island, and St. Pete Beach continue to be recognized for their beauty and appeal as top beach destinations, it remains vital for beachgoers to stay informed about water quality and health advisories to ensure safety during their visits.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Swimming Not Recommended at Popular Pinellas County Beaches Due to Bacteria
- Google Search: Pinellas County beaches bacteria
- St. Pete Catalyst: USA Today Recognizes Pinellas Beaches
- Wikipedia: Clearwater Beach
- WFLA: Swim Advisory for 3 Pinellas County Beaches Due to High Bacteria Levels
- Google Scholar: Bacteria Levels Pinellas County
- WTSP: Pinellas Beaches Swim Advisory Due to Bacteria
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bacteria Beaches
- Fox 13 News: Advisory Lifted at Popular Pinellas County Beaches for Acceptable Bacteria Levels
- Google News: Pinellas County beaches
