CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector held a press conference Tuesday welcoming residents and visitors back to the beach.
The area has been undergoing a re-beautification process for the past couple weeks after weathering Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
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“We had a lot of damage from two hurricanes in two weeks, but one thing that was not damaged was our beautiful white sand beach,” Rector said.
While some projects are still underway at Clearwater Beach and other beach communities, officials said Tuesday it is safe for beachgoers to return for walks on the sugar white sand.
Many of the establishments in the area are also ready to welcome back guests.
Brian Lowack, president and CEO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, estimated that nearly 80% of businesses and restaurants along the beach have reopened their doors.
Even so, officials said many businesses have taken a hit from the short-term impacts of the storms on the hospitality industry.