Current Beach Updates & Conditions

St. Pete-Clearwater is Still Shining following two storms this fall

Many parts of our destination have bounced back quickly following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with the vast majority of accommodations, attractions and restaurants open and welcoming guests. Some areas, specifically parts of the barrier islands and some beaches, need a little more time to fully recover. Thanks to the dedication of local business, government, emergency services and volunteers, our community's spirit remains strong, and we are committed to restoring our slice of paradise. We are Still Shining.

Updated December 3, 2024

Are the beaches open after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton?

Many of our coastal communities have reopened some or all of their beaches. However some individual municipalities may have limited access as they prepare the beaches for the return of guests. Additionally, along the 35 miles of beaches, some areas experienced damage to boardwalks and access points, which are being repaired. 

Confirmed Open

• Clearwater Beach: The City of Clearwater Beach reports that the beach is ready to welcome guests. However, some parts are still in the re-beautification process. At this time, Pier 60 and restrooms are not accessible. Lifeguards are at four towers (two south of Pier 60, and two to the north of Pier 60). Beach parking is available at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center parking lot at 69 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater Beach. The Pier 60 parking lot and south beach lot 32 are closed at this time. Sunsets at Pier 60 has started up again, and the Pier 60 parking lot is open; however, the pier itself is still closed.
• Treasure Island: Beaches are open, with the exception of Sunset Beach. Please avoid the marked areas of the beaches and the Beach Trail, which is still undergoing a re-beautification process. Parking is limited and public restrooms are not accessible at this time.
• St. Pete Beach: The Beach Access at County Park (at 4700 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach) is open. Upham Beach is open. In some areas, beaches are still undergoing a re-beautification process.
• Madeira Beach: The John's Pass Park parking lot and adjacent beach access are open. Several additional beach access points are open on Gulf Blvd. at 130th Ave., 131st Ave., 133rd Ave. and 155th Ave. The parking lot at 130th Ave. is open.
• Indian Shores: Beaches are open, although the city asks that you use caution, as some areas are still being revitalized. The beach access points at 196th and 198th avenues are closed; all other access points are open.
• Redington Shores: Beaches are open. However, beach access points sustained damage in the recent storms, so please exercise caution and be aware of working conditions associated with the beach re-beautification process.
• Belleair Beach: The Morgan Park beach access at 2650 Gulf Boulevard is open to the public.

Water quality has been tested at a number of area beaches, and all reports are good, with no advisories. See the latest Florida Healthy Beaches report for Pinellas County.

Partially Open

The main beach parking lot and the dog beach are open at Honeymoon Island State Park. However, much of the park remains closed, including North Beach, Oasis Beach, bike trails, picnic areas, the Osprey Trail, and Nature Center. All bathhouses are closed. The Caladesi Ferry is not operating from Honeymoon Island, as Caladesi Island State Park remains closed.

Currently Closed

Several area beaches are temporarily closed, including:

• Sunset Beach on Treasure Island
• Egmont Key State Park
• Caladesi Island State Park
• Sand Key Park
• Fort De Soto Park (the causeway and boat ramp only are open, but the park is closed)
• Fred Howard Park (the park is open, but the causeway and beach are closed)

Take a look at this live beach webcam to see what's happening on Clearwater Beach. And check out our live webcam page for even more views of our beaches.

What's New With St. Pete-Clearwater Beaches

The beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater change each year and every season. Some changes are due to investments to maintain our pristine 35 miles of white-sand beaches, such as renourishment projects that restore and widen the beach to provide more room for fun and to protect coastal wildlife. Perfect beach conditions are also maintained by the tireless efforts of residents and visitors participating in clean up and restoration projects throughout the various St. Pete-Clearwater beach communities. 

At times, threats to beach health can include effects of storm surge and coastal flooding as well as red tide, which is a high-than-normal concentration of alga harmful to marine life and causes respiratory irritation for some.

In addition to these, St. Pete-Clearwater's beaches experience seasonal changes in more subtle ways:

• Turtles nest on our beaches May 1 through October 31. During this time, visitors and resident are strongly encouraged to be extra dedicated to leaving the beach clean and flat, as well as keeping lights dim or off at night to prevent turtle disorientation.
• Gulf Water temperatures vary with the seasons. In winter conditions are around 65°F, while in summer the water can reach above 85°F. Changes in the temperature can effect the the movement of marine life. For example, the best time to see manatees is between November and April and the best time to fish for Tarpon is March to July. Stone crab season starts October 15 and runs through May 1.
• The busiest time of the year to visit the beach is during spring vacation. Beaches tend to be less occupied during fall periods when there are fewer school breaks.

Many Florida beaches, including beaches in St. Pete-Clearwater, utilize a beach warning flag system to let beachgoers know of current beach conditions. You'll most often see beach warning flags posted on or near lifeguard stands. 

Here are the beach warning flag colors and what they mean:

Green Flag: Low hazard, calm conditions.

Yellow Flag: Medium hazard with moderate surf or currents.

Red Flag: High hazard, with high surf or strong currents; when these conditions are present, lifeguards may ask swimmers to get out of the water.

Double Red Flag: Water is closed to the public (you may still walk on the beach, but you may not enter the water).

Blue Flag: Stinging or hazardous marine life such as stingrays or jellyfish are present.

It's important to note that rip currents can occur unexpectedly at any beach. Swimmers should be aware of their surroundings and read about what to do if they get caught in a rip current.