Free Parking & Shuttle From Downtown Clearwater to the Beach

The Gasparilla pirates are gone. Now it's time for the Spring Breakers invasion. One Spring Break perk for Tampa area residents is free parking and shuttle service to Clearwater Beach returns this weekend. The City of Clearwater announced they have worked with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) to once again offer the complimentary parking and transportation to Clearwater Beach starting Sunday, February 25. You simply park at one of the several downtown designated lots and ride the trolley to the beach.

50,000 vehicles drive through the Clearwater Beach roundabout on a typical spring break day, according to the City of Clearwater. This definitely helps keeps things moving. I used this free service a few times last year and have to tell you - it's great. There were plenty of parking spots and shuttles ran often. Sure the beach area gets crowded with tourists once you get there, but I guess it makes me just more thankful to know I get to live here year round. We live where others vacation. And sunsets at Clearwater Beach are worth dealing with the tourists. Grab some grouper nuggets at Frenchy's, stroll along the beach and chill out on the pier... without having to find parking or get stuck in traffic on the causeway.

You can park for free any day of the week at the old Clearwater City Hall at 112 South Osceola Avenue or 200 Osceola Avenue. There's a boarding spot right there too. On weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), you can also park at 310 Court Street at the County Garage.

The free downtown to the beach shuttles run from 10am to 10pm Monday through Thursday. Catch one every 30 minutes. On weekends, they extend the service until midnight and double the service, with the trolley leaving about every 15 minutes.

Here's my pro tip: Before you go, down the mobile app called "Transit." Or go to jolleytrolleytracker.com to get real-time updates on where the closest Jolley Trolley is at any given moment. For more info on the parking and shuttle options, visit PSTA.net.

Normally I like to give you MY picks for great spots to grab a bite to eat. This time, I flipped the script and asked YOU where you like to go to dine outside when the Florida summer heat finally goes away. This week temps are in the 80s and humidity is low and I have a dozen or so new places to try.

18 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Christine Coston likes to have some seafood on a picnic table with gulf views at the Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar.

101 Coronado Dr, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
The Pier House 60 hotel's rooftop bar Jimmys Crows Nest is a great place to be outdoors, according to Rana Haze.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZhMfk7M6Nr/

7 Rockaway St, Clearwater, FL 33767
Tommy Iven Richards Jr picked one of my favorites Frenchies... I love their grouper nuggets.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc3aaKSF4fB/

2832 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707
Steven Kaniadakis likes Taco Tuesdays at Sea Dog Cantina.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfWf2lvsVqJ/?hl=en

1505 N Wheeler St, Plant City, FL 33563
Strawberry Hut Sandwich Shop is David Overcast's favorite.
https://www.facebook.com/StrawberryHutPlantCity/photos/pb.100049992863834.-2207520000../2506613789497288/

10708 Palmetto St, Riverview, FL 33569
Samantha Carey says she enjoys both dining inside and outside seating on the river.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiDjMhtLSc3/

1350 Pasadena Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33707
Linda McKeage Roberts says Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish has got yummy burgers, German potato salad & loves the smoked fish. Bring cash though and says they're closed Monday & Tuesday.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdBlVanu9ll/

300 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Melissa Bennett likes Fresco's for brunch or dinner. Love the view of the boats!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca2UcqQL-Ps/

1572 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Erin Buffaline says The Edge Eatery has delicious food, live entertainment and a “speak easy” in the back room.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiqItIRJL4X/

13090 Gandy Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Bobby Jo Anthony picked The Getaway, which is one of our favorites at Q105 since it's around the corner and a nice escape from the office.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYMI9lIr6fe/

Second Floor Albert Whitted Airport, 540 1st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Barry Linda Frank likes to sit outside and watch the planes take off at The Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CifWzgvt0yY/

5021 E Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33619
It's not terribly scenic, but John Reina picked another one of my favorites... the enormous sandwiches at Brocato's Sandwich Shop.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVLgToIr81r/

5415 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611
Nicole Mae says the seafood at Salt Shack on the Bay is pretty tasty.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Civ7ZuUMAaK/?hl=en

937 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Danielle Dunn loves Rusty Bellies' nice outdoor patio area and that the seafood is fresh caught and locally sourced. Shelly Green DeMillion agreed, saying the Mary L pasta is to die for.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfJvaMkuy0E/