You’ve probably noticed that there’s a lot going on at Clearwater Beach, and it’s not just the summer tourists.

There are four major construction projects underway, and more are in the works. 

Crews are working on the 15-story Wyndham Grand Resort, along with the 15-story, 230-room Opal Sands Resort, the 181-room Clearwater Beach Hampton Inn and a new Holiday Inn.

Melton Tramell spends his time split between his home in Atlanta and his condo on Clearwater Beach.

“Five years ago, we bought the condo," Tramell said. "We love it because it’s right here on the beach."

Over the last few weeks, he said he’s noticed a lot of changes on his morning walks through Clearwater Beach.  

“Everything’s growing," he said. "Atlanta’s growing, but nothing like Clearwater Beach. It must be the fastest-growing place in the country.”

And even though Clearwater Beach hasn’t earned that title just yet, it is definitely growing, and at a fast pace. Crossing over the bridge, the skyline is lined with cranes and construction crews.

“The city had the foresight to understand it wanted to be a family-orientated hotel destination market and they incentivized that,” said Brian Aungst Jr., chairman of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

Aungst says the city created the “Beach by Design” plan in 2001. At that time, it included plans for mostly residential properties, but after the recession, the city knew it had to do something different to keep the beach at its best.

“We wanted to attract families, we wanted an affordable place for them to stay, but (also) a high quality and nice place for them to stay,” said Aungst.

In 2009, the Clearwater City Council created incentives to attract family-oriented hotels on the beach, and within the last two years, it has approved 11 new properties.

In addition to the four projects, a new parking garage also is under construction. A total of 1,300 new hotel rooms will be added.

Aungst says the demand is there, and now the supply is catching up. He credits it all to more than just the city’s good planning. 

“The popularity of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter and the international recognition that Clearwater has received from two major motion pictures has certainly helped," he said. "But I think Clearwater Beach is just a beautiful, unique location."