St. Petersburg-Clearwater beach questions

I'll be in St. Petersburg for a couple days on business.  Will have Sunday evening and Monday morning free for swimming and running.  (wasn't planning on hauling my bike).  I'll be staying at what likes a nice joint- the Sheraton Sand Key which is right on Clearwater beach.

I'd love to get in some open water swimming.  What's the deal in that area?  How the water temp/conditions?  Is the gulf the better side to swim in- or the bay?

for running.  Are there water fountains along the way down Clearwater beach?  (I wanna' know if I need to bring my amphipod belt for water or not)

thanks all