It's Happening: Direct Flight from Bridgeport to St. Pete/Clearwater is a Doable Dream
By Julie Perine on June 04, 2025 from It’s Happening
If you haven’t taken advantage of the direct flights from North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) to Florida, consider adding a Floridian vacation to your summer 2025 bucket list.
Allegiant flights to Daytona/Orlando/Sanford (SFB), Destin/Fort Walton (VPS), and St. Pete/Clearwater (PIE) are available through August. A friend and I recently made an impromptu trip to Clearwater, and it was nothing but smooth.
The two-hour flights to PIE are offered Mondays and Fridays, and we opted for a Monday through Friday getaway. The base flights are crazy cheap, but seating, luggage check and even a carry-on tack on extra cost. Still, we traveled there and back for about $200 
per person.
per person.
We decided against renting a car, mostly because we didn’t plan to venture far from the beach once we got there! We downloaded the Grouper Shuttle app, scheduled a pick-up and our ride was waiting for us upon arrival just outside the terminal. It cost us a mere $8 per person for the ride. The return trip was just as easy and cheap, even at 4:45 a.m.!
There are obviously endless options for lodging, but we stayed at the Palm Pavillion Inn in Clearwater, about a 30-minute commute from PIE. Offering just a few dozen rooms, it is an older establishment which has been renovated in recent years. Most of the staff has been there for 
many years and the hotel gave a throwback, caring vibe as everyone we met was pleasant and helpful. The on-site pool was just steps from our room and where I opted to have my coffee most mornings. Beach towels were available in the lobby where they could be returned, eliminating the need for bringing.
many years and the hotel gave a throwback, caring vibe as everyone we met was pleasant and helpful. The on-site pool was just steps from our room and where I opted to have my coffee most mornings. Beach towels were available in the lobby where they could be returned, eliminating the need for bringing.
Although it is steps from the beach, the Palm Pavillion Inn only has limited rooms with a coastal view. That is because just next door is the Palm Pavillion Bar & Grille which is a major perk. Offering beach-inspired cocktails and a diverse menu, the eatery features a massive ocean front deck where food, drinks, non-stop live entertainment, and killer sunsets can be enjoyed. There is indoor seating, too, if a respite from the outdoors is desired.
Other restaurants we enjoyed included Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill and The Salty Crab, both close to our hotel. We were also within easy walking distance to Pier 60 and options for parasailing/jet ski rentals. We indulged in the latter and had absolutely no regrets.
We meandered Mandalay Avenue during the evenings and found it pretty and welcoming, abundant with palm trees, breezy vibes, lots of sidewalk seating and mellow guitarists/vocalists.
Despite all the area perks, our favorite spot was the beach. The white powdery sand is unlike any other I have seen and according to regular visitors to the area, it used to be even finer before last year’s hurricane. The ocean was bathwater warm and indeed clear. In the mornings, a variety of fish joined me for a swim. We also were treated to a manatee sighting – right off-shore. Four of them ventured into the shallow waters, drawing an excited crowd. They hung around for a few hours then returned to sea. (See video below.)
We hated seeing our little getaway end, but plan to return because it is an affordable and doable trip from right here in Bridgeport, West Virginia. I have 
made the Orlando trip a few times, but have yet to make the Destin trip, but certainly plan to.
made the Orlando trip a few times, but have yet to make the Destin trip, but certainly plan to.
Download the Allegiant app for easy booking or visit allegiantair.com.
