We flew down to Clearwater Beach in early December to hide from our first real cold snap and otherwise enjoy a change in the scenery. We first travelled to Clearwater Beach in 1989 on the advice of one of my colleagues at Rollins College. We liked it and have kept returning. The sunsets, white sand beaches, and salt air never get old. We are already planning for our 2025 trip. Next time I think we’ll hang around for a month or so.

The oceanside view of the beach from our condo was the best. A combination of incredible sunsets, windsurfers, and a beachside wedding highlighted the visuals from our fourth floor digs. Watching the sun do its splash down at the end of each day was most excellent. The crowds, what little there were given that it’s still off-season, assembled waiting to see the mythical blue flash. It never comes, but we can’t stop assembling hoping that today is the day.

The damage from Hurricane Helene was extensive. A combination of storm surge and relentless wind pounded the island for several hours. Almost everything that wasn’t at least three feet above the ground took water. Mandalay Avenue, the main north-to-south drag had three feet of water, drowning the shops and restaurants that line it. We saw a lot of damage and efforts to repair and restore. Our favorite restaurant, Palm Pavillion, is nowhere close to reopening. Clear Sky, an excellent place for breakfast, is still weeks out before they can welcome back customers. Pier 60 was heavily damaged and still is not safe to traverse. The boat damage was extensive. We observed two sunken sailboats, only their masts could be seen above the water. However, beach residents, business owners, and employees have grit. They are rebuilding. Restaurant workers are slowly coming back. They’ve been here before. They know the drill.