Shephard's Beach Resort owners will celebrate a grand reopening Friday after completing a long awaited multi-million dollar, 18-month expansion.

"We've got one of the best beaches in Florida," said owner Bill Shephard. "It definitely warrants newer, nicer looking buildings."

The expansion includes a new six story tower with 93 contemporary hotel rooms. There's also a Tequila Bar & Tap Room called SALT, a new pool area, Ocean Flame Interactive Dining and an additional covered parking garage.

"We're bringing a little Vegas vibe to it," Shephard said.

Kicking off the expansion was the Tiki Bar area, which was decked out with a professional concert stage. Shephard said it was his late father's vision to expand the resort that first opened back in 1977. William Shephard passed away from cancer last December, before the expansion was complete.

"We like to think that he's looking down on us," said Shephard. "This was his dream and we wanted to make sure we completed it for him and I know he would be proud."

The deputy director with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, David Downing, said it makes good business sense to capitalize on the record number of tourists that visit Clearwater Beach every year.

“When hoteliers decide to invest that much money on renovation of existing product or investment in brand new product, believe me, there is good reason for it," he said. "We have all the metrics that suggest this is an upward trend and it’s smart to take advantage of it.” 

Guest Jeff Followell said he's been vacationing at Shephard's for the past 15-years from Indianapolis and noticed a big change during this trip.

"The rooms are a lot nicer. I like the pool that they've changed," he said. "They've just done a wonderful job. I mean, you couldn't ask for a better spot."

Shephard's is hosting two events to celebrate their grand reopening. The first is an invitation-only charity event held on Friday night that benefits Suncoast Hospice.

"They helped my family out a lot in the recent years," Shephard said. "We'll be doing a silent auction and the cover charge is going to be donated to them also."

The second event will take place on Saturday with a party that's open to the public.

"We're going to have a fireworks show ... Great bands, music, just a lot of fun," said Shephard. "It's been a long road, a tough road but we're real happy with the final product."