Clearwater Historical Society

10/02/2026

TODAY IN CLEARWATER HISTORY — OCTOBER 2, 1946

The Man Behind The Clearwater Sun

On October 2, 1946, Victor H. Morgan died at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater.

Morgan was a nationally known newspaper editor who had worked with the Scripps-Howard newspaper organization before moving to Florida.

In 1928, Morgan purchased The Clearwater Sun and became its editor, making him an important figure in Clearwater’s newspaper history.

For nearly two decades, The Clearwater Sun was part of the story of our growing community — recording the people, businesses, events and changes that shaped Clearwater.

Today, those old newspapers are more than yesterday’s news. They are historical records that help us understand Clearwater’s past.

🗞️ What stories from old Clearwater newspapers would you like to see brought back to life?

10/01/2026

TODAY IN FLORIDA HISTORY — OCTOBER 1, 1971

“It all started with a mouse…” 🐭

On this day in 1971, Walt Disney World officially opened its gates in Central Florida.

But what does Disney have to do with Clearwater?

By the 1970s, Clearwater was already a well-established Florida tourist destination, famous for its beaches, hotels, sunshine and visitors from around the country. As Disney transformed Central Florida tourism, destinations like Clearwater continued to draw visitors to Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Today, millions of visitors come to Florida looking for different versions of the Florida experience — from the Magic Kingdom to the Gulf of Mexico.

Two very different attractions. One very big Florida tourism story! 🌴☀️🏰

What was your first trip to Disney World — or your first trip to Clearwater?

10/01/2026

09/30/2026

On this day, we look back to one of the most powerful storms ever to shape our community.
In late September 1848, the Great Gale, a massive Category 4 hurricane swept across the Pinellas peninsula, reshaping the coastline and altering Clearwater’s early settlement patterns. Though the storm struck between September 24–28, its impact defined the days that followed, including September 30, as residents assessed damage and rebuilt their lives.

🌊 The storm surge flooded the entire peninsula “to the waist,” destroying early homesteads and fishing ranchos.
🌬️ Barrier islands shifted, including the creation of John’s Pass, still a landmark today.
🏛️ Early Clearwater families faced weeks of recovery, marking one of the earliest recorded communities wide rebuilding efforts in our region.
As we honor Clearwater’s past, we remember the resilience of those who came before us—and how their strength helped shape the city we love today.