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TAMPA, FLORIDA —

The center of Hurricane Debby is expected to reach the Big Bend coast of Florida early Monday bringing potential record-setting rains, catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surge as it moves slowly across the northern part of the state before stalling over the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina.

Debby was located about 40 miles (70 kilometers) west of Cedar Key, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 kph). The storm was moving north at 12 mph (19 kph), the National Hurricane Center in Miami said early Monday.

Debby is the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season after Tropical Storm Alberto, Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Chris, all of which formed in June.

Forecasters warned heavy amounts of rain from Debby could spawn catastrophic flooding in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia.

The storm was expected to make landfall around midday Monday in the Big Bend area of Florida, north of Tampa, the hurricane center said. A tornado watch also was in effect for parts of Florida and Georgia until 6 a.m. Monday.

"Right now, we are trying secure everything from floating away," said Sheryl Horne, whose family owns the Shell Island Fish Camp along the Wakulla River in St. Marks, Florida, where some customers moved their boats inland. The sparsely populated Big Bend region in the Florida Panhandle was hit last year by Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane.

"I am used to storms and I'm used to cleaning up after storms," Horne said.

Debby was expected to move eastward over northern Florida and then stall over the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina, thrashing the region with potential record-setting rains totaling up to 76 centimeter) beginning Tuesday. Officials also warned of life-threatening storm surge along Florida's Gulf Coast, with 1.8 to 3 meters of inundation expected Monday between the Ochlockonee and Suwannee rivers.

"There's some really amazing rainfall totals being forecast and amazing in a bad way," Michael Brennan, director of the hurricane center, said at a briefing. "That would be record-breaking rainfall associated with a tropical cyclone for both the states of Georgia and South Carolina if we got up to the 30-inch level."

Flooding impacts could last through Friday and are expected to be especially severe in low-lying areas near the coast, including Savannah, Georgia; Hilton Head, South Carolina; and Charleston, South Carolina. North Carolina officials were monitoring the storm's progress.

Officials in Savannah said the area could see a month's worth of rain in four days if the system stalls over the region.

"This is going to a significant storm. The word historic cannot be underscored here," Savannah Mayor Van. R. Johnson said during a press conference.

The hurricane center said at 11 p.m. that Debby was located about 161 kilometers west of Tampa, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph. The storm was moving north at 19 kph.

Debby's outer bands grazed the west coast of Florida, flooding streets and bringing power outages. Sarasota County officials said most roadways on Siesta Key, a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, were under water. The hurricane center had predicted the system would strengthen as it curved off the southwest Florida coast, where the water has been extremely warm.

At a briefing Sunday afternoon, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned the storm could lead to "really, really significant flooding that will happen in North Central Florida."

The storm would follow a similar track to Hurricane Idalia but would "be much wetter. We are going to see much more inundation," he said.

A hurricane warning was issued for parts of the Big Bend and Florida Panhandle areas, while tropical storm warnings were posted for Florida's West Coast, the southern Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas. A tropical storm watch extended farther west into the Panhandle.

Tropical storms and hurricanes can trigger river flooding and overwhelm drainage systems and canals. Forecasters warned of 15 centimeters to 30 centimeters of rain and up to 46 centimeters in isolated areas of Florida.

Storm surge expected to hit Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay

Flat Florida is prone to flooding even on sunny days and the storm was predicted to bring a surge of 0.6 to 1.2 meters along most of the Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay, with a storm tide of up to 2.1 meters north of there in the Big Bend region.

Forecasters warned of "a danger of life-threatening storm surge inundation" in a region that includes Hernando Beach, Crystal River, Steinhatchee and Cedar Key. Officials in Citrus and Levy counties ordered a mandatory evacuation of coastal areas, while those in Hernando, Manatee, Pasco and Taylor counties called for voluntary evacuations. Shelters opened in those and some other counties.

Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast estimated 21,000 people live in his county's evacuation zone.

Residents, businesses prepare for flooding

Residents in Steinhatchee, Florida, which flooded during Hurricane Idalia, spent Sunday moving items to higher ground.

"I've been here 29 years. This isn't the first time I've done it. Do you get used to it? No," Mark Reblin said as he moved items out of the liquor store he owns.

Employees of Savannah Canoe and Kayak in Georgia said they were busy tying down their watercraft, laying sandbags, and raising equipment off the ground. Mayme Bouy, the store manager, said she wasn't too concerned about the forecast calling for a potential historic rain event.

"But we do have some high tides this week so if the rain is happening around then, that could be bad," Bouy added. "I'd rather play it safe than sorry."

Governors declare emergencies ahead of landfall

DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 61 of Florida's 67 counties, with the National Guard activating 3,000 guard members. Utility crews from in and out of state were ready to restore power after the storm, he said in a post on X. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster made their own emergency declarations.

In Tampa alone, officials gave out more than 30,000 sandbags to barricade against flooding.

"We've got our stormwater drains cleared out. We've got our generators all checked and full. We're doing everything that we need to be prepared to face a tropical storm," Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said.

Northeast coast also preparing for storm conditions

Emergency managers in New England and New York were already monitoring the path of the storm for the possibility of remnants striking their states. States including New York and Vermont have been hit by heavy rain and thunderstorms in recent weeks and were still coping with flooding and saturated ground.

MIAMI (AP) — A tropical depression over Cuba is growing better organized, forecasters said Saturday, and is likely to bring drenching rain and coastal flooding to much of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The storm strengthened into a tropical depression late Friday, and is expected to become a tropical storm by Saturday night, once it has maximum sustained winds of 39 mph (63 kph) or more. If the depression reaches tropical storm status, it would be named Debby, the fourth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.

Circulation was centered just south of Cienfuegos, Cuba, on Saturday morning, but associated wind and thunderstorms were spread out over a broad region, including southern Florida, the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. One location in the middle of the Florida Keys island chain was reporting sustained winds of 30 mph (48 kph) on Saturday morning.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami forecasts that the depression will strengthen as it curves northward off the southwest Florida coast, where the water has been extremely warm, with temperatures approaching 92 degrees Fahrenheit (33 Celsius) this week.

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Predictions show the system could come ashore as strong tropical storm late Sunday or early Monday and cross over northern Florida into the Atlantic Ocean, where it’s likely to remain a tropical storm threatening Georgia and the Carolinas early next week. Tropical storm warnings are posted for most of Florida’s west coast and the Dry Tortugas. A hurricane watch is posted for parts of the Big Bend, recognizing that there is a chance that Debby could reach hurricane status before coming ashore.

Flat Florida is prone to flooding even on sunny days when so-called king tides surge in coastal areas. This storm is predicted to push up storm tides of 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters) along most of Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay, with a higher tide of 3 to 5 feet predicted farther north in Florida’s sparsely populated Big Bend region, where the Florida peninsula bends westward into the state’s Panhandle region.

Tropical storms and hurricanes can also trigger river flooding and overwhelm drainage systems and the region’s canals. Forecasters are warning of 5 to 10 inches (125 mm to 250 mm) of rain, which could create “locally considerable” flash and urban flooding. Forecasters are also already warning of moderate flooding for some rivers along Florida’s West Coast.

Some of the heaviest rains could actually come next week in a region along the Atlantic Coast from Jacksonville, Florida, north through Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina.

On Saturday morning, conditions were windy and squally on Long Key, but Scott Battle, operator of Florida Boy Bar and Grill, pronounced things as “fine.”

“It’s spitting off and on and blowing a little, but not too bad,” he said by phone.

People in some Florida cities on Friday filled sandbags to protect against possible flooding. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for most Florida counties, extending from the Florida Keys up through Central Florida and the Tampa Bay region and into the western Panhandle.

Christina Lothrop is the general manager at Blue Pelican Marina in Hernando Beach, a barrier island about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of St. Petersburg. She said Saturday still seemed like a regular summer day, with the public ramp across the street jammed with people launching boats and people filling local bars and restaurants.

“Today it’s kind of normal, which is kind of weird,” Lothrop told The Associated Press by telephone.

On the other hand, Lothrop said workers at her marina have been getting ready for the storm since Tuesday. They’re securing boats that are stored on racks, stowing away tool boxes, and tying down anything that could blow around.

“Right now what we’re doing is mostly tying up boats,” she said, saying no boats would be left in the water to guard against them coming untied and drifting away or causing damage.

Before the marina store closes Saturday, Lothrop said she will lift computers up off the floor and sandbag and tape doors. She said she mostly fears a storm surge. Last year’s Hurricane Idalia pushed about a foot of water (30 centimeters) into the store. Like many Florida coastal developments, Hernando Beach is built around a series of manmade canals that provide easy access to the water, but also act as a highway for storm surge.

On Friday, crews pulled floating cranes away from a bridge construction project across Tampa Bay, lashing together 74 barges and 24 floating cranes and anchoring them to try to hold them in place until the storm passes, project engineer Marianne Brinson told the Tampa Bay Times. Crews also laid down cranes on land on their sides.

For some Floridians, the name Debby summons up bad memories of a 2012 tropical storm of the same name that caused $250 million in losses and eight deaths, including seven in the Sunshine State. That storm dumped torrential rains all up the Florida Gulf Coast into northern Florida, including an astronomical 29 inches (73 centimeters) at a location south of Tallahassee.

Rick Falkenstein, who owns Hurricane Seafood Restaurant in St. Pete Beach, told WTSP-TV that he remembers “the high tides, the flooding” from that storm.

Pinnellas County crews paused a $5 million beach renourishment project necessitated in part by erosion from past storms.

Meanwhile, far off Mexico’s western coast, Hurricane Carlotta continued moving westward, deeper into the Pacific Ocean on Saturday, with top sustained winds reaching 90 mph (145 kph). The hurricane center said Carlotta may strengthen a little more, but should begin losing strength on Sunday as it moves into an area of unfavorable winds and drier air. The storm is likely to dissipate into a remnant of thunderstorms in three to four days. No watches or warnings are in effect.

Tampa Bay’s first tropical test in what could be a historically active hurricane season trudged over western Cuba Saturday morning, spitting out rain bands and whipping up winds that gusted near 35 mph.

The Tropical Depression that formed late Friday was expected to jump to tropical storm strength later today or tonight as it strengthens over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico and moves northwest, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Federal meteorologists had much of Florida’s west coast, including the Tampa Bay area, under a tropical storm warning on Saturday and said storm surge could reach up to 4 feet if the storm’s peak arrives at high tides.

It prompted Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and officials in Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties to issue local state of emergencies Friday afternoon, following Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ emergency order for 54 counties a day earlier.

The storm’s center is expected to pass to the west of Tampa Bay by 3 p.m. Sunday, bringing up to 40-mph winds and five to 10 inches of rain through the weekend, according to Rodney Wynn, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Tampa Bay office. Areas along the coast could see higher amounts of rain, he said.

A potential landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a tropical storm or hurricane could come Monday, although the track remains uncertain. The area from the Indian Pass to Yankeetown was in a hurricane watch on Saturday, meaning hurricane conditions are possible there by Sunday night.

If the depression is upgraded to a tropical storm or hurricane, it will be named Debby.

The Tampa Bay region was under a storm surge watch as of Saturday morning, as the storm’s arrival looked likely to coincide with a new moon that could swell tides to higher levels than normal. There was a chance that rising waters pushing inland could reach heights up to 4 feet in the Tampa Bay area if the storm’s peak rolls in at high tide.

Still, all county officials in the Tampa Bay region have held off on issuing evacuation orders as forecasts have kept the storm below hurricane strength. While Pinellas County officials said Friday evening they had no plans to open shelters or evacuate residents. Pasco said it would open a shelter at 6 p.m. to people with special needs and those living in flood-prone areas at the Fasano Regional Hurricane Center, 11611 Denton Ave.

The sandbag shuffle was in full swing Friday and into Saturday morning, with residents in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties scrambling to stuff their bags at government-designated fill-up sites in the hopes it could stave off possible flooding. While sandbags are good for curbing minor water intrusion, officials note they don’t stop storm surge or major floodwaters.

Forecasters warned Friday night that isolated tornadoes could pop up east of the storm’s center late Saturday evening.

Clearwater Emergency Management Division Chief Jevon Graham said Saturday morning that storm surge and rainfall are the biggest threats for the city. Four feet of storm surge could go over the seawalls on north Clearwater Beach, he said.

The city was preparing by clearing debris and drainage systems in low-lying areas, prepping sand bag locations and placing generators in a few key spots near lift stations.

Graham said heavy rainfall, which could reach 15 inches in some areas along the coast, could also impact the city’s utilities and public works departments.

”We’re just kind of prepping the city for the flood that may potentially come our way,” he said

The storm is churning through a swath of extra-hot ocean water as it makes the trek northward. Sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico, from the Big Bend south to the Florida Keys, bordered 90 degrees Fahrenheit this week. That’s warmer than average for this early in August, according to Brian McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miami.

Top meteorologists agreed in May that the 2024 season was shaping up to be potentially historic, with federal experts issuing their most aggressive outlook in history.

Forecasters pointed to warmer-than-usual Atlantic temperatures and an emerging La Niña weather pattern for their reasoning. Hurricanes can strengthen as they pull energy from hot waters, and a La Niña is known to be more friendly to hurricane formation with typically favorable environmental conditions.

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Nestled along the Gulf Coast of Florida, Clearwater is a haven for beach lovers, boasting pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant coastal atmosphere. Whether you seek the thrill of water sports, the tranquility of sun-soaked relaxation, or the charm of seaside neighborhoods, Clearwater's beaches offer something for everyone. Here are the 10 best beaches in Clearwater to explore with your family and friends.

Table of Contents

10 Best Beaches in Clearwater, Florida

Clearwater Beach, a gem of Florida's Gulf Coast, is a haven for sun-seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Its soft, sugar-white sand, reminiscent of fine crystals, and gentle turquoise waters, shimmering like aquamarine jewels, create an idyllic setting for a beach getaway.

Highlights of the Beach:

Unwind and reconnect with nature at Caladesi Island State Park, an unspoiled gem nestled off the coast of Florida. The three-mile beach is located on a barrier island off the coast of Clearwater Beach. This secluded slice of paradise offers a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, inviting you to embrace the tranquility of the natural world.

Highlights of the Beach:

Unwind at Fort De Soto Park, a sprawling waterfront gem encompassing five distinct beaches. Each beach offers a unique personality, from the bustling ambiance of North Beach to the tranquil serenity of East Beach. Discover Civil War-era ruins, explore tidal pools, or simply bask in the splendor of the Gulf Coast.

The park is located on five islands in Pinellas County, southwest of Mullet Key. The islands were once used for military fortifications, and the park has a museum and exhibits that showcase this history. Fort De Soto Park has three miles of white sand beaches.

There are also two large swim centers, including the North Beach Swim Center, which has a food concession area. The park has multiple bathrooms and showers at the beach areas. There are also ramps from the parking lot to the sidewalk and five beach wheelchairs

Highlights of the Beach:

Families flock to Treasure Island Beach, a haven for fun and relaxation. Its calm waters provide a safe haven for swimming, while a variety of kid-friendly activities, including playgrounds, miniature golf courses, and ice cream parlors, keep children entertained for hours.

Highlights of the Beach:

Step back in time at Pass-A-Grille Beach, a charming enclave exuding a nostalgic small-town atmosphere. This seaside haven offers a sanctuary for those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a place where time slows down and memories are made to last a lifetime. Stroll along its historic pier, indulge in fresh seafood at local restaurants, or simply relax on its pristine shores, soaking in the laid-back coastal vibes.

Highlights of the Beach:

Embark on an underwater adventure at Sand Key Park, a haven for snorkeling, swimming, and fishing. Explore its vibrant coral reefs, teeming with marine life, or take a guided kayak tour through the mangroves. The park also features a nature center, offering educational programs and exhibits. Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or a curious beginner, Sand Key Park offers an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Highlights of the Beach:

Nestled amidst lush tropical foliage, Honeymoon Island State Park offers a tranquil escape for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Its secluded beaches, accessible only by ferry, provide a private haven for intimate moments and unforgettable memories. Seek romantic seclusion at Honeymoon Island State Park, a picturesque getaway nestled amidst lush tropical foliage.

Highlights of the Beach:

Discover a world of water sports at Anclote Key Preserve State Park, a paddler's paradise. Its calm waters and sheltered coves provide ideal conditions for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Explore the island's mangrove forests and encounter a variety of birdlife.

Highlights of the Beach:

Escape the bustling crowds and find serenity at Belleair Beach, a tranquil haven tucked away from the tourist hotspots. Its serene atmosphere, uncrowded shores, and abundance of green spaces provide a peaceful retreat, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Highlights of the Beach:

Indulge in family fun at Indian Rocks Beach, a lively beachfront community. Its expansive shoreline offers ample space for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports, while a plethora of beachfront restaurants, shops, and entertainment options provide endless possibilities for fun.

Highlights of the Beach:

Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a taste of local charm, Clearwater's beaches offer a diverse array of experiences, catering to every traveler's desire. Embrace the sun-kissed shores, immerse yourself in the vibrant coastal atmosphere, and create unforgettable memories along the breathtaking beaches of Clearwater, Florida.

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Last Updated 12 mins ago

There's no need to fly over the ocean for an incredible beach vacation.

Florida may best be known for Orlando, Miami, and endless retirees rockin' Hawaiian shirts and knee-high socks, but that's not even scratching the surface.

Yes, Florida is a haven for senior citizens collecting their pension, and yes, Disney World and Miami's nightlife often overshadow the Sunshine State's true paradises.

Away from the roaring crowds of the big city life, there are dozens of gorgeous beaches to spend your days in sun and sand without needing to keep track of your passport.

Spoiler alert: you may want to start scouring flights and rental cars in Tampa as beaches on this side of the state are stunning!

Some are better than others, of course, but these 4 Florida white sand beaches rival the Caribbean this summer – and 1 might surprise you!

If there is ever a place to live up to its name, it's Clearwater. Turquoisewater and Bluewater would suffice too, but bottom line, Clearwater is a beaut!

This vibrant beach city across Tampa Bay is a far cry from less-than-stellar bay water – it's a picture-perfect paradise.

Lined with beautiful high-rise condos to rent along with beachside hotels, you'll forget all about The Bahamas and Jamaica overlooking Florida's gorgeous blue waters and soft white sand.

There are so many beach rankings nowadays, but Clearwater always finds its name in the mix.

For example, USA Today named Clearwater the #1 in the South, while Travel and Leisure featured the vacation hotspot in their 2024 list of ‘15 Best White-sand Beaches Around the World‘.

There's fun for all ages here (not just retirees!). With top-rated attractions such as Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Caladesi Island State Park for even more pristine beaches, it's a winner year-round.

Duking it out in a fight for the top beach, Siesta Key always finds its name at the top of the list with the likes of Clearwater.

Having been here myself, I can see why.

This may seem like a small example for such a renowned beach, but I was impressed by how much available parking there was making it easy to lug your cooler, lounge chairs, and snorkeling gear to this Caribbean-esque beach.

Siesta Key is located a little over an hour away from Tampa International Airport (TPA), but you can also fly into Sarasota (SRQ) under 30 minutes away.

Once here, you'll be welcomed by soft white sand and mind-blowing shades of blue waters comparable to Caribbean islands lined with nice beachfront hotels.

There are tons of fun water activities to spend your days in one of America's top-rated beaches, from parasailing, fishing, and dolphin spotting to kayaking.

If the latter is your jam, consider paddling away from the crowds into the hidden gem of narrow mangrove tunnels for an adventurous tour in an entirely different landscape.

Another Caribbean-like gem in the Tampa region is tucked away from any congregation of crowds.

In fact, recent beachgoers to the northernmost Anna Maria beach, Bean Point, claimed in a Google review, ‘Very little people due to its location' and loved the ‘soft sand'.

Rather than deal with hordes of tourists wanting to hit up the more notable names like Clearwater and Siesta Key, Anna Maria is more laid-back, spacious, and arguably just as pretty.

It's not just the white sand beaches that are big draws – the small town charm reminiscent of ‘Old Florida' is delightful to peruse.

And make sure you save time for a meal at The Ugly Grouper, a local seafood eatery where patrons rave about the namesake Grouper Tacos.

My personal favorite on the list is Nokomis – Florida's best-kept secret that I proudly revealed to the world despite locals begging me not to reveal their anti-tourist haven.

Undoubtedly the best alternative to Siesta Key given its close proximity, Nokomis is an unsuspecting town you may have never heard of before, but will leave a lasting impression.

Ample parking, easy access to beaches, white sand, clear waters for snorkeling, and Bohemian vibes transform relaxing beach days into lively parties at night.

Pending weather, Drum Circles, a local tradition, draw in all walks of life, from seasoned musicians to your average 9-to-5-ers looking to let loose on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.

While you're fighting for elbow room at Siesta Key, just know you have Nokomis less than half an hour down the coast and it makes for a great launchpad to explore the scenic waterways of Southwest Florida with pontoon boat rentals from Cool Breeze.

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.