Sandpearl Resort Opens Today

CLEARWATER BEACH, FL (August 27, 2007) – As the sun shone down over Clearwater Beach, city and county officials, representatives from the tourism sector and area business leaders took part in the official Ribbon Cutting for the 253-room Sandpearl Resort.

The luxury property, along 700 feet of pristine Gulf of Mexico beach and Mandalay Avenue, heralds in a new era for Pinellas County as a draw for tourism on a luxurious scale.

Officiating in the opening were Mike Cheezem, CEO of the resort’s development company, JMC; John Ayers, Chairman and Lee Weeks, CEO of Coral Hospitality –management company for the Sandpearl; Sandpearl General Manager, Stuart Arp; Vice Mayor, John Doran and Pinellas County Commissioners, Ronnie Duncan and Karen Seel.  The invocation was performed by the Reverend Turkot.

Noted during the ceremony is the fact that one of the goals of the resort’s developer, Mike Cheezem, is that Sandpearl be a leader in how new developments along the Gulf Coast can be built in more energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive ways. Mr. Cheezem’s foresight and vision of “building better” have resulted in such sustainable benefits as energy-efficiency, indoor air quality, water conservation, and natural resource conservation. Because of this, Sandpearl resort is tracking to qualify as a LEED certified hotel. LEED is a nationally recognized rating system produced by the U.S. Green Building Council, which stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.”

Sandpearl’s 253 luxurious guest rooms, range from luxurious accommodations featuring private balconies to two-bedroom suites overlooking the Gulf. In addition, guests can enjoy such amenities as a lagoon-style beachfront pool with five private cabanas, fine and casual dining, plus meeting and event space.

The world class Spa at Sandpearl offers guests innovative spa therapies. The menu of services reflects the objective of living fully, with therapeutic and result-oriented treatments and programs that embrace the environment and resort community.
Sandpearl also exclusively offers enrichment programs reflective of the surrounding community. Travel the area with Audubon excursions to nesting observations at Three-Rooker Island. Explore the natural environment, observe playful dolphins, ageless sea turtles and become a marine biologist for a day. Clearwater Beach is the perfect spot to kayak, canoe, parasail or just cruise as you enjoy the beautiful waters of Mandalay channel. Or learn about art first-hand with the Artist in Residence program, which features a local artist one week each month who provides expert guidance and instruction using a featured craft so that guests can create their own work of art as a keepsake, as well as observe and appreciate the work of the visiting artist.

The culinary delights of the Florida Gulf Coast are best served at the resort’s two main restaurants, Caretta on the Gulf and Tate Island Grill. Caretta on the Gulf offers sweeping gulf views and an upscale dining experience featuring Chef’s table dining, as well as dining within the wine cellar and the Ceviche and Raw Bar. Those seeking a more casual dining experience will appreciate the laid back atmosphere reminiscent of old tavern days at Tate Island Grill, a breezy bar and grill named for the original settler of Clearwater Beach.  

Other unique resort experiences include nightly Sunset Celebrations, with a chosen guest ringing the dinner bell from the former Clearwater Beach Resort, and Camp Ridley Kids Club, featuring campfire storytelling and sing-a-longs, treasure hunts, nature excursions, and arts & crafts.

Besides the resort’s restaurants and spa, residents can indulge in membership in the Sandpearl Beach Club. Membership entitlements include complete access to beach services, the resort’s lagoon-style beachfront pool, fitness center, the members-only Beachfront Club Room, resort enrichment programs, Camp Ridley for Kids, resort discounts, and much more. Whether entertaining out-of-town guests, pursuing leisure activities, or stealing away for a self-indulgent weekend, members will enjoy solicitous service and consummate quality at the Sandpearl Beach Club.

The Sandpearl Resort (www.sandpearl.com) was developed by JMC Communities (www.jmccommunities.com) of St. Petersburg, Fla., and is managed by Naples, Fla.-based Coral Hospitality (www.coralhospitality.com). Other project partners include the Hunter Hotel Group and Greenfield Partners.

For reservations and information call the resort at (727) 441-2425. The Sandpearl Resort is located at 500 Mandalay Avenue, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767.

Media Contact:
Amanda Jackson
Ypartnership Public Relations
(407) 838-1812
amanda.jackson@ypartnership.com