If you've ever watched a tourist's jaw drop the moment they set eyes on our beach for the first time you already know what U.S. News & World Report just confirmed Clearwater Beach is one of the best in the entire country. Ranked #9 nationally for 2026 we get to call this paradise home while others save up all year just to visit for a week. Not a bad place to live is it?

What makes Clearwater Beach stand out isn't just the sugar white sand or the crystal clear Gulf water; it's the fact that this beauty is accessible, welcoming, and genuinely one of a kind. Whether you're watching the sunset at Pier 60, grabbing fresh seafood on the strip, or just feeling the warm Gulf breeze on your face with your toes in the sand - this is our everyday. And honestly we wouldn't have it any other way.

See the Full 2026 US News & World Report List → Here

Big news for Clearwater residents - faster Internet is coming and it's about time. IQ Fiber, a Jacksonville based fiber network provider, has officially launched 100% fiber optic internet service in Pinellas County bringing high speed connectivity to Clearwater St. Petersburg, and Largo. This is part of a more than $100 million investment in our region expected to create over 50 permanent local jobs.

Mayor Bruce Rector welcomed the news saying "High-speed internet access is essential to Clearwater's growth and quality of life. We're pleased to welcome IQ Fiber to our community and look forward to the benefits that greater connectivity brings to our residents and businesses." Whether you work from home, stream, game, or just want reliable internet without the headaches. This is good news for all of us.

Read the Full Story→ Here

Sea turtle nesting season is officially here and if you live near Clearwater Beach that means those magical mornings of watching mama turtles make their way up the sand are back. Volunteers from Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Sea Turtle Trackers patrol our beaches every morning at sunrise searching for new nests, and when they find one they mark it off and protect it from predators so the eggs can hatch safely about two months later. This year experts are expecting a quieter season following a busy 2025, but every nest still matters.

Here's something worth knowing as a Clearwater resident, last year Clearwater beach made history with the first leatherback sea turtle nest ever discovered in this country. Pretty remarkable for a place we get to call home.

If you're heading to the beach remember that from now through October 31st white or yellow lights on the beach at night are prohibited and you must remove all belongings before leaving. It's a small thing we can do to help these incredible animals find their way home; just like we're trying to help Zena and our other lost pets do the same.

Read the Full Story→ 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.

🎵 Bush Live at Clearwater Sound Wednesday May 13th 6:30 pm The BayCare Sound - Coachman Park

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

🧘 Free Sunset Yoga Monday May 11th at 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm - FREE admission - Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, 33764, Meet on The Green 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