The second largest portion of visitors to Pinellas County after domestic visitors, are visitors from Europe, at 18%. This portion of visitors increased 2% in 2012-2013. European visitors make up a major part of the tourist economy. Because this is such a large portion of gulf coast visitors, it is helpful to have an understanding of the economy in Europe. A major change is beginning in the coming months in Europe Continue reading Brexit and Gulf Coast Tourism
Category Archives: Tourism
Bed Tax Goes Up to Six Percent in Pinellas County
The Tourist Development Tax is a tax collected in Pinellas County. It is also known as the Bed Tax. The Bed Tax proceeds go to marketing and community functions, including beach re-nourishment and construction on stadiums and museums. Continue reading Bed Tax Goes Up to Six Percent in Pinellas County
Tampa International Airport Renovations
Tampa International Airport, or TIA for short, is spending close to a billion dollars to expand and renovate the airport. The project is estamated to cost $943 million dollars. After completion the airport will be able to support 35 million passengers each year, more than double the airports current capacity. The project is intended to “…maximize the capacity and longevity of the existing main terminal facilities while ensuring the high level of service for which TPA is known.” (Airport Master Plan Update, 2013). This project is coming in the wake of a recovering housing and financial services market, not to mention record low fuel prices. Continue reading Tampa International Airport Renovations
Seafood Restaurant Renovations
The old Crabby Bills at the main round-a-bout on Clearwater Beach is taking on a major renovation project. The old building is being replaced by this new 3 story facility. And from what I have heard, this is one of the few restaurants on the island that will cook your catch for you. The restaurant is expected to reopen in March of 2017.
More Clearwater Beach Construction
This 100 unit hotel is being constructed at the intersection of Bay Esplanade Continue reading More Clearwater Beach Construction
Clearwater Beach Construction Projects
Clearwater Beach is currently in the largest hotel and resort expansion the island has seen in a very long time. It may even be the most dramatic expansion Clearwater Beach has ever seen. There are currently four major construction projects underway. There is also one large parking garage underway. The four major projects and the parking garage are listed below. Continue reading Clearwater Beach Construction Projects
Free Parking on Clearwater Beach
Free Parking on Clearwater Beach
I have bad news for those of you who used to frequent the Idlewild and Glendale streets area of Clearwater Beach. The stretch of beach associated with the main area of free parking spaces on the beach no longer has free parking spaces. The parking spaces that lined the street along Mandalay Avenue have been converted to metered spaces. And, the spaces on the streets on Glendale and Idlewild have also been converted to metered parking spaces. Now, if you want to park along that iconic stretch of Clearwater Beach, you’ll have to pay the outrageous hourly prices prorated by the parking meters on a seasonal basis. Continue reading Free Parking on Clearwater Beach