From what this resident told me, at one time the residents tolerated the miscreants because it was temporary and there was money to be made from all these visitors. But at some point the destruction and crime became more expensive than any profit gained.
Sorry, but the upscaling of Clearwater Beach has little or nothing to do with spring break.
It’s simply a part of the gentrification of Pinellas County waterfront, and probably most Florida waterfront. Just about every waterfront lot is being bought up. 1200 SF 1920s homes and 2000 SF 1970s homes are torn down and they build 10,000 SF McMansions.
I assure you there’s no secret plot to keep out spring breakers. The secret plots are all by the Scientologists, anyway.
BTW, last summer there was a fairly extensive gun battle up and down the main drag on Clearwater Beach. Had nothing to do with spring break. Just boys from the Tampa hood.