Summer is here and Clearwater Beach is calling, but before you hit the sand, here's what you need to know to keep your family safe and your day worry-free.

🛟 Swim Near a Lifeguard Tower

Always swim within the designated Safe Bathing Limit — 300 feet west of the high water line, marked by buoys. Never overestimate your abilities and never swim alone. Lifeguards are there for a reason — listen to them.

⛈️ When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors

Florida weather can turn fast. If lightning is present, get off the beach and out of the water immediately. No tan is worth the risk.

🌀 Don't Fight a Rip Current

If caught in a rip current, don't panic and don't fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you're free of the current, then angle back toward the beach. Wave for a lifeguard. Staying calm saves lives.

🦈 Do the Stingray Shuffle

Stingrays aren't aggressive — they just don't want to be stepped on. Shuffle your feet slowly through the sand from the moment you enter the water until you exit. If you do get stung, see a lifeguard or visit a nearby fire station.

🚩 Know Your Beach Flags

The flags flying from lifeguard towers tell you everything about current water conditions — and conditions can change quickly. When in doubt, ask the lifeguard on duty. Check real-time flag status Here

Swim Sober

Alcohol is a major factor in drowning deaths. It impairs both swimming ability and judgment — and it is not allowed on Clearwater Beach.

🛟 Don't Float Where You Can't Swim

Flotation devices give a false sense of security. If you can't swim, stay in shallow water. The only safe offshore exception is a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

No Diving Headfirst

Diving into unknown water can cause life-altering spinal injuries. Always go feet first the first time. When body surfing, keep one hand extended in front of you.

🦺 Boaters and Jet Skiers

80% of boating fatalities involve drowning — most from people who never expected to end up in the water. Life jackets save lives, especially for children. Boaters and jet skiers must stay outside the Safe Bathing Limit area.

♿ Beach Wheelchairs Available

The City of Clearwater provides both manual and motorized beach wheelchairs for visitors with special needs — free of charge. Find out more Here

🧴 Stay Hydrated and Wear Sunscreen

Florida sun is intense. High SPF sunscreen and plenty of water are not optional — they are essential for a safe and enjoyable day at the beach.

🛴 No E-Bikes or Scooters on Beach Walk

Motorized and electric bikes, hoverboards, and scooters are no longer permitted on Beach Walk; medically necessary devices excepted. These vehicles are still allowed in designated vehicular areas such as streets and parking lots.

Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy everything beautiful Clearwater Beach has to offer.

Share this with someone headed to the beach this week! For more local stories and updates visit My Clearwater Scoop: → Here

Florida summers are beautiful but brutal, and while we love soaking up the sun, our pets need extra care to stay safe when temperatures soar. Here are the essential tips every pet owner in Clearwater and the Tampa Bay area should know this summer.

Keep Them Hydrated

Water is everything under the Florida sun. Keep fresh water available at all times and consider multiple water stations throughout your home. Many pets prefer moving water so a pet fountain with a charcoal filter is a great investment. You can also freeze treats in a bowl of water for a fun, cooling snack. Adding water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumber to their diet is another easy win. Smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can also help with digestion in the heat. And remember, NEVER leave food out too long in the heat as spoiled meat poses a real salmonella risk.

Time Your Walks Wisely

Skip the midday heat entirely. Early morning and late evening are your best windows for walks. Before heading out always place your hand on the pavement, if it's too hot for your hand it's too hot for your pet's paws. Stick to grassy areas when possible or consider protective booties for pavement walks. On the hottest days set up a simple indoor activity course to keep them moving without the risk.

Sun Protection for Pets

Yes, pets can get sunburned too. Apply pet-friendly sunscreen to areas with thin fur or exposed skin like the nose and ears. Always use a formula designed specifically for animals. Keep them in the shade when outdoors and if your pet has light-colored or sensitive eyes, protective doggy sunglasses are more than just a cute look.

Know the Signs of Heatstroke

Act fast if you notice heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, lethargy, dizziness, or excessive drooling. These are all warning signs of heatstroke. Have the number of your nearest 24-hour emergency vet saved in your phone before you need it. Put together a basic pet emergency kit with first-aid supplies, a recent photo, leash, carrier, and any medications.

NEVER Leave Pets in a Parked Car

Even with windows cracked a parked car in Florida summer heat can reach deadly temperatures within minutes. Not worth the risk. Ever.

Stay Safe, Stay Cool

A little preparation goes a long way. Keep them hydrated, keep them in the shade, and keep an eye on how they're feeling. Our pets count on us; especially when the Florida heat hits hardest.

For more local pet news, lost and found updates, and community stories visit My Clearwater Scoop → Here

If you've been waiting for the Gulf to warm up the wait is over. Clearwater Beach water temperatures have reached 81 degrees. Warm, clear, and perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or just wading in. Historically Gulf temperatures peak around 85-86 degrees in late summer so we're already well into comfortable swimming territory ahead of schedule.

Check current water temperatures and conditions Here

Watch the live Clearwater Beach Cam Here

Our pets aren't just animals — they're family. If you've seen any of the pets below please email us at [email protected] and we will connect you directly with their families. One share could bring someone's baby home.

Zena has been missing for over 95 days from the Seville Condo area near Clearwater Costco. Her heartbroken family will not give up searching

LEARN MORE →

Leah has been missing since April 28th from the King Arthur Court in Dunedin. Her Mom has owned her since she was a puppy.

LEARN MORE →

Lobo has been missing since May 11th from Gladden Park in St. Petersburg. Her Mom has owned her since she was a puppy.

LEARN MORE →

River is a one-year-old male tabby (brown, white, and gray) who slipped out the front door on May 30th, and last seen near 134th Ave and Trotter Rd in Largo.

LEARN MORE →

🎭 Lucy Darling in VIVA! Tuesday, June 9th at 7:30 pm Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

Viral TikTok sensation Lucy Darling is bringing her Las Vegas-style show VIVA to Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. A dazzling variety spectacular packed with razor-sharp wit, skillful magic, and old-Hollywood glamour. Don't miss Carisa Hendrix and her piano-playing co-star Sarah Hester Ross as this debonair duo lights up the stage with rhinestones, charm, and plenty of mischief! INFO & TICKETS →

🐢 Sea Turtle Nesting Patrol Experience Join conservation volunteers monitoring nests along the beach Reservations required INFO & TICKETS →

🧘 Free Sunset Yoga Monday June 8th at 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm - FREE admission - Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, 33764, Meet on The Green LEARN MORE →

🚶‍♀️ SilverSneakers: Zumba Gold Class Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am - Aging Well Center @ The Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, 33765, View Map LEARN MORE →

⛵ Clearwater Community Sailing Center A nonprofit sailing center at 1001 Gulf Blvd offering boat rentals, sailing lessons for all ages, and Summer Camp. Open Tuesday through Sunday 9am to 5pm. LEARN MORE →

🏓 Pickleball Court Locations: Here is the easiest way to find Pickleball courts near you with an interactive map. LEARN MORE →

🏖️ Near the Beach

🏙️ Inland

⚠️ Trivia nights and schedules can change. We recommend confirming directly with the venue before heading out. Know of a change or a new spot? Tell Scout →

Thanks for reading My Clearwater Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone that you think would be interested.

Until next time,

Stan, Scoop and Scout