St. Pete and Clearwater beaches are FABULOUS. I don't live on the beach but live in St. Petersburg. Weather has been fantastic...no real "winter" to speak of. It is about 1.5 hour drive to the theme parks from my house...so form the beach would be about 2 hours. Not a great drive, but very doable and pretty easy. Straight shot.
Downtown St. Peterburg and a cute waterfront town w/ a few things to do.
Busch Gardens is in Tampa--just across the bay, as is an Aquarium and a few other things. Although Tampa does not have the tropical feeling you get on "My" side of the bay.
Just a thought!