The traffic where U.S.19 intersects Gulf to Bay Blvd in Clearwater resembles a parking lot at times, but this is what Spring break traffic looks like this time of year.
"Yes, it's picked up dramatically ever since the baseball games started and people come down from up North come down," said Eric Dalton, Dunedin resident. Dalton said he typically uses the side roads to avoid the tourist traffic.
Clearwater gets especially crowded because the Spring Break coincides with the Phillies Baseball Spring Training games at Brighthouse Field.
The city manually times the street lights to help cars get on and off the beach more quickly, and police are increasing patrols to deal with the extra traffic.
"We have officers on foot, officers on bicycles, on mobility vehicles, mules, ATV's as well as SUV's to patrol the sand area in addition to our regular patrol vehicles," said Lt. David Dalton,Clearwater Police. According to Clearwater traffic engineers, beach traffic doubles from 32,000 cars a day, to 60,000 during Spring Break peak.
The vacationing students we talked to said they have a simple plan to beat the back-up,"Pack the night before, wake up and get ready to party for Spring Break," said Steven Nichols, beach visitor.
Despite the crowds, no one seems to be complaining, especially not Ray Shafie. "I love being here. It's the heaven in the world. Clearwater is the best, just look at the white sand. I came from Massachusetts where it was cold and snowing," said Shafie.
Hillsborough students are on Spring Break this week, and Pasco and Pinellas students are off the week before Easter.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:59 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:59:54 GMT
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is suing a pool company that was the subject of an 8 On Your Side investigation this spring. Numerous customers of Pompano Beach-based Nationwide Pools contacted 8
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is suing a pool company that was the subject of an 8 On Your Side investigation this spring.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:46 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:46:51 GMT
Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire. Earlier this month the company refused
Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire. Earlier this month the company refused
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:09:00 GMT
Fewer U.S. adults are smoking, a new government report says. Last year, about 18 percent of adults participating in a national health survey described themselves as current smokers.
Fewer U.S. adults are smoking, a new government report says. Last year, about 18 percent of adults participating in a national health survey described themselves as current smokers.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:01 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:01:00 GMT
It seems getting down on one knee with a ring is taking a backseat to some very creative marriage proposals. In recent years, men have conceptualized and executed marriage proposals that have raised
It seems getting down on one knee with a ring is taking a backseat to some very creative marriage proposals. In recent years, men have conceptualized and executed marriage proposals that have raised
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:50:46 GMT
Sheriff Al Nienhuis would like to verify that the Hernando County Sheriff's Office is currently working on one of hundreds of very ambiguous leads in the Jennifer Odom Homicide.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis would like to verify that the Hernando County Sheriff's Office is currently working on one of hundreds of very ambiguous leads in the Jennifer Odom Homicide.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:14 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:14:41 GMT
Forecasters say a tropical depression crossing Mexico's Bay of Campeche is expected to become a tropical storm before making landfall in that country's Gulf Coast state of Veracruz.
Forecasters say a tropical depression crossing Mexico's Bay of Campeche is expected to become a tropical storm before making landfall in that country's Gulf Coast state of Veracruz.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:59 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:59:54 GMT
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is suing a pool company that was the subject of an 8 On Your Side investigation this spring. Numerous customers of Pompano Beach-based Nationwide Pools contacted 8
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is suing a pool company that was the subject of an 8 On Your Side investigation this spring.
