Mornings can be an excellent time to visit Clearwater Beach.
Many times, parking abounds before 9 a.m., the breeze feels great and people are scarce. During my recent visit in mid-September, a lone man swept the beach avidly looking for coins and jewelry with a metal detector, two boys ran joyously chasing the seabirds, and a couple bent over searching for shells.
Another couple fed the seagulls, which caused quite a stir and sent me scuddling for cover under the pier roof, lest an unwanted blessing fell from heaven.
All in all, the beach is peaceful after sunrise, calming the soul.