Clearwater Roars Into the 1900s- Freedom Magazine Presents The History of Clearwater Part III

Plant also built the fabulous Belleview Biltmore Hotel. A local historian writes that “in those days it was fashionable for railroads to own hotels where important shippers and celebrities could be lavishly entertained, and whose patrons would help to create passenger traffic for the railroad.”

Plant’s agents explored the entire West Coast of Florida in search of the ideal location for his luxury resort. Seven years of research established that Upper Pinellas County enjoyed more days of sunshine per year than any other area. The Belleview Biltmore opened its doors on January 15, 1897 to wealthy vacationers from all parts of the world. The hotel became a mecca for railroad giants, steel magnates, utility kings, industrial barons and socialites and is today the world’s largest wooden structure still in use. Early features of the hotel included a circular asphalt bicycle track on which international championship races were held. One of the first golf courses in the state was built on the grounds, a six-hole course with shell greens.

By 1926, with the addition of a south wing and an east wing added earlier in 1902, four and five stories existed under 2 1/2 acres of roof and two miles of corridors connecting 285 rooms and 17 suites.