S3 E11 | How 1,000 Tons of Sand Generates a $30 million Impact

Lisa Chandler–a key player in Clearwater Beach’s transformation from tourist hot spot to year-round, family-friendly destination–joins host Owen LaFave for a lively discussion on all things sand. A Clearwater native, Lisa’s entrepreneurial journey began when she and her husband opened a 1950s-style diner that evolved into Pier 60 concessions. Inspired by a sand museum in South Africa, Lisa launched the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival in 2013, turning a simple idea into a multimillion-dollar event that draws international attention and generates approximately $30 million in economic impact annually. The festival’s success is driven by innovation, community involvement, and adaptability–such as incorporating augmented reality exhibits and using Elmer’s glue for environmentally friendly sand preservation. Lisa describes how Clearwater Beach has balanced growth with local needs, sharing insights into leveraging partnerships, ensuring long-term sustainability through strategic planning, and sourcing alternative transportation solutions. Her journey showcases how vision, persistence, and creative problem-solving can turn a niche idea into a world-famous community tradition that drives tourism.

 

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