Boat shoes and golf cleats, loafers and high heels – North Pinellas County lifestyle combines career opportunities with beaches and sun. Florida Trend recently ranked Pinellas County the number one large metropolitan county in Florida to live based on traffic congestion, availability of healthcare, crime rates, housing costs, and high school graduation rates. Entrepreneur magazine has ranked Pinellas County among the top 40 of large counties considered to be the best fit for small businesses, according to a 2005 survey by Dunn & Bradstreet and Entrepreneur magazine.

Located in the Pinellas County, Clearwater is home to the Best “City Beach” where residents are comfortable in business suits or flip-flops. More than 5 million visitors come to Pinellas County beaches each year while the permanent population of the county is almost one million residents strong.

Chartered as a municipality in 1915, Clearwater provides a long history of beauty. When Spanish explorers arrived in 1528, they learned that the inhabiting Indians called the area “Pocotopaug,” meaning “clear water.”

Diversity is the key to Clearwater’s business community – tourism, manufacturing, healthcare services and trade all contribute to the economy. A strong school system and higher education opportunities provide a well-paid, educated work force to serve area businesses.

By taking full advantage of the area’s many strengths and resources, residents and visitors will find North Pinellas County a better place to live, work and play.Copy provided by Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce