CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. — Even with red tide lingering on the Pinellas County coast, it’s expected to be a big year for spring break in Clearwater Beach.

Business owners and residents out by the coast say due to Hurricane Ian recovery continuing to our south, they’re expecting more people to visit Pinellas County’s beaches.

What You Need To Know

  •  Free trolley service runs March 1 through April 30

  •  Beach walk construction limits access in some areas of Clearwater Beach

  •  50,000 cars enter Clearwater Beach daily during spring break

In Clearwater, ongoing beach walk construction mixed with an influx of visitors means traffic will be at an all-time high.

Free Park-and-Ride Beach Trolley

In order to alleviate traffic and parking issues on Clearwater Beach, the city teamed up with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) for a free beach trolley program that runs from March 1 through April 30.

The trolley runs Monday through Thursday, every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Then, from Friday to Sunday, it runs every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to midnight. On Sunday, service concludes at 10 p.m.

You can park for free at the former Clearwater City Hall at 112 S. Osceola Ave. any day of the week. On weekends, free parking for trolley service is also available at 310 Court St., 450 Oak Ave. and 440 Court St.

“On a typical spring break day we’re moving 50,000 cars a day across one bridge to come park here on the beach,” explained City Council Member Mark Bunker. “We’ve got to help alleviate that stress.”

To head back to the mainland parking lots, you can board at the Clearwater Beach Marina which is across from Pier 60.

New traffic pattern for Clearwater Beach roundabout

The City of Clearwater its trying a new traffic pattern at the Clearwater Beach roundabout to help alleviate traffic.

According to the city, the biggest change is that the right lane from Mandalay Avenue will now force you through the roundabout and turn onto Coronado Drive.

“This is a problem that’s been happening at our roundabout for years and years, and it's something we’re constantly working on to find ways to alleviate that problem,” Bunker said.

The change will stay in play for six months and then the city will assess if it works and if it should stay.

Red Tide on the beaches

For the last couple of weeks, some Pinellas County beaches have been victim to a red tide blooms that’s been moving up the coast.

Ride tide is patchy and the severity can change daily based on currents and wind direction. It can cause irritation in your throat and respiratory system, and experts recommend if you feel symptoms to get into air conditioning until you feel better.