[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

We've been to several beaches and find the gulf coast far superior to the ocean beaches.
The problem is that all of the decent beaches seem to be 2 hours or more.
Clearwater Beach is by far the best, but taking I275 can be a horror. It's under construction almost the entire way and it goes right through the middle of Tampa. There are cars exiting and entering on both the left and right and the traffic can be bumper to bumper stop and go for miles.
All the beaches south of Clearwater are nice. We've been to Madiera, Redington, Bellaire, Indian Rocks and the others. They are all pretty much the same but don't compare to Clearwater. There is a reason that it was voted the best beach in Florida.

But, all of those beaches are at least two hours drive. Is there anything north of Tarpon Springs that is a decent beach?

We went to Fort Island Park and it was a waste of time. Terrible brown water. I was told that Cedar Key beach was only 45 minutes but it took us over 2 hours to get there and it was a major disappointment.

We would happily settle for something that is of less quality that Clearwater Beach (then again, what isn't) that is an hour or so from The Villages.

All suggestions would be appreciated.