Aerial Gondolas May Still Come To Pinellas County
As we told you back in 2021, Clearwater Beach is looking into the feasability of an aerial gondola.
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Photo by Mark Brown/Getty ImagesAs we told you back in 2021, Clearwater Beach is looking into the feasability of aerial gondolas.
Having the aerial gondolas traveling along the gulf coast to St. Petersburg was considered by TBARTA (Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority). The study began back in July of 2020.
The idea of gondolas was one of several concepts for Pinellas County, along with air taxis and hyperloop. Now, there's news that TBARTA has been continuing to study a potential gondola project.
The feasability study looks at two possible routes in Clearwater and St. Petersburg. That study was set to be competed in fall of 2022. With this information, TBARTA and the governing bodies in Pinellas County would be able to decide on whether any of the proposed routes are worth considering. Then, an assessment and possible contract could be brought up.
What is the information the study is looking to answer? Here are some of the details. What's the purpose or need of a gondola in each proposed corridor? What areas should be serviced by gondolas? What would the project cost and who would foot the bill? Who should own and operate the system? What's the government's responsibility? What gondola systems are available as options?
What do you think of the idea of a gondola connecting St. Petersburg and Clearwater?
[Source: Patch.com/tbarta.com]
Tampa Area Represented In Best Florida Beaches By US News Travel
There are so many beaches surrounding the state of Florida. With the number of lists of "best beaches," there will be differences in each.
US News Travel created a list of the top #15 beaches in Florida. Of course, the Tampa Bay area has its share of well-known beaches. In the annual list by the respected Dr. Beach, there were two Florida beaches in his top 10 beaches in the U.S. Those two were St. George Island State Park in the panhandle and Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin.
As always, these lists are very subjective, so it will be different than other lists. Also, this list focuses only on Florida beaches.
Which of them are represented in the list from US News Travel?
#15 Cocoa Beach
#14 St. Petesrburg
#13 Amelia Island
#12 Clearwater Beach
#11 Islamorada
#10 Naples
We love our Tampa Bay area beaches, but we still have to send some love to Naples.
#9 St. George Island
#8 Ft. Walton Beach
#7 Sanibel Island
#6 Destin
According to their tourism website, they are the "World’s Luckiest Fishing Village."
#5 Santa Rosa Beach
On the 'Emerald Coast' in the Florida Panhandle.
#4 Delray Beach
Their motto? The "Most fun small town in America"
#3 Palm Beach
They call themselves "America’s First Resort Destination."
#2 Marco Island
On the Gulf coast just a few minutes from the Florida Everglades.
#1 Siesta Key
...and they clearly know it!
