In an effort to make getting to Clearwater's sugar sand beaches easier, city officials are teaming up with transportation officials to give visitors a break when enjoying spring break. 

  • City launches 'Park & Ride' service to Clearwater Beach
  • Visitors park in free lot, take trolley to Clearwater Beach Marina
  • Program runs from Feb. 24 - Apr. 30

Starting Feb. 24, visitors will be able to park in a low-cost or free designated downtown "Park & ride" lot, and ride a trolley to the beach for free. 

Visitors will have to pay a regular fare on the trolley, ferry, ride sharing service, or Florida Free Rides to get back downtown. 

The "Park & Ride" program is running through the spring break season, Feb. 24 - Apr. 30. City officials are hoping the service will allow visitors to enjoy more time on the beach and less time worrying about parking. 

Those riding to the beach will be dropped off at the Clearwater Beach Marina. 

The Clearwater Ferry will also be operating at full steam, adding extra boats to speed up wait times and get visitors back-and-forth between downtown and the beach faster. 

Clearwater Beach's newest parking garage, the Pelican Walk Parking Garage, is also open offering more than 400 new parking spots for visitors. Cost of parking in the garage during the spring break season will be $2.00 an hour.

Designated "Park & Ride" lots are:

*       Harborview/Coachman (Ferry also accessible at this location)

-       Free parking unless there is a special event in Coachman Park

*       Clearwater City Hall (Osceola Avenue)

-       Free parking through April 30

*       Garden Avenue Garage

-       50 cents an hour up to a $5 maximum. Free parking after 6 p.m. and on weekends.

For more information on the "Park & Ride" program, click here