Here is the website on parking...
http://www.clearwater-fl.com/gov/depts/pwa/engin/ParkingSystem/parking_beach.asp
If you picked the lot by the pier, you picked the most expensive lot....all have time limits, you have to read the fine print on the meters! All the lots have been changed some this year just a few months ago, Clearwater Beach is trying to get more money and are driving people away from the beach.... I've had more people this year ask me what time it is than years earlier.....all are concerned about the meter in the lot.
Cliff