Pinellas County (183)
Volunteers Strike Back at Drug Abuse and Addiction in Tampa Bay
Written by Antonella Antonecchia
While the abuse of illicit and prescription drugs endangers lives and families in cities across America, there are those who are striking back at the heart of this problem. For three days, September 25th – 27th, more than seventy volunteers organized by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World hit the streets throughout the Tampa Bay area, reaching Clearwater Beach, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Ybor City and Ocala with anti-drug educational brochures. The booklets they handed out, called The Truth About Drugs, educate young and old alike on the dangers and addictiveness of both illegal and over-the-counter drugs.
Downtown Clearwater Receives Award of Distinction for Redevelopment of the Cleveland Street District
Written by Alice Roses
The City of Clearwater’s Community Redevelopment Agency received an Award of Distinction at the International Downtown Association’s 55th annual conference in Milwaukee this September. The award was given in recognition of the city’s active program to recruit new retail, business and restaurant enterprises, and for the Cleveland Street District, the new name of the city’s recently redeveloped downtown.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Launches Speaker Series on Oct 8
Written by CMA
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) will launch of a new speaker series on Thursday, October 8. The first presentation, “All About Dolphins and More About Winter,” will include an in-depth look at how dolphins live, feed and breed in the wild. It will explore what we need to know in order to help them survive in the wild. CMA staff will also share how this organization works around the clock to rescue, rehabilitate and release animals back into the wild. Staff members will also discuss the story of Winter, a young dolphin who survived after losing her natural tail.
Delphi Academy of Florida Announces Plans for a High School
Written by Tracey Campana
“Will there ever be a Delphi High School in Clearwater?” was the question posed rhetorically by Colin Taufer, Headmaster of Delphi Academy of Florida, at a school event in June. And it was his emphatic response to his own question that brought the audience to its feet, “Yes! There will be a Delphi High School in Clearwater!”
"Linear V" and "Going Green" - part of Sculpture 360: Season II - installed in Downtown Clearwater
Written by Heidi Lux
On September 3rd, the sculpture “Linear V” by Jarrett K. Hawkins was erected on Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater, joining “Going Green” by Jack Howard Potter which went up a week prior on August 27th. The sculptures are part of Sculpture 360: Season II. A third piece, coming soon, will fill out the series.
Sea Turtle Released by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium with the Help of Winter's Tail Authors
Written by Heidi Lux
“Showtime!” a volunteer from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium said as the Loggerhead sea turtle named Betsy was lifted from a truck, on a stretcher, on Clearwater Beach. The turtle, who had spent the past three months on rest and rehabilitation at the aquarium, was finally recuperated enough to be released back into the wild on August 27.
Life Force Arts & Technology Charter School Cuts Ribbon on August 14 Featured
Written by David Ziff
The grounds at the intersection of Kings Highway and Sunset Point in Clearwater seem destined to be devoted to schooling. When a Christian school at that location closed another school rose to take its place: Life Force Arts & Technology Academy (LATA) which had its official ribbon cutting on August 14th, 2009.
LATA is the brain child of a cultural visionary: Ms. Jai Hinson, a prominent figure in the arts of Pinellas County, who was assisted by a well-known community leader in Clearwater: Mr. Maurice Mickens, the chairman of the school’s board of directors. The dream of a new type of school was converted into reality by the hard work of Mr. Mickens and Ms. Hinson together with the board’s distinguished consultant, Dr. English Bradshaw.
To Drill or Not to Drill? - A Debate on Offshore Drilling off Pinellas County Beaches
Written by Heidi Lux
At the Sheraton Sand Key resort on, as Mayor Frank Hibbard called it, “beautiful Clearwater Beach, which we want to keep beautiful,” the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted an offshore drilling symposium† on August 28th to address this hot-button issue, an issue that could greatly impact Pinellas County. A balanced panel featuring three men for drilling, and three against it, spoke and debated.
Largo Citizen Joseph Stefko Starts Grass Roots Movement to Improve Old Northwest Neighborhood
Written by Heidi Lux
Unsatisfied with the run-down aspect of his neighborhood in Largo, one citizen, Joseph Stefko of The Hair Jungle and planetbuzz.com, took matters into his own hands. Instead of sitting back and hoping things would get better, he took action and pushed for the revitalization of Downtown Largo that is in effect today.
Bark at the Ball Park III Held at Bright House Field on August 21st
Written by Heidi Lux
On Friday, August 21st, Man’s best friend met America’s Pastime at Bark at the Ball Park. Dog owners brought their pets of all breeds and sizes to Bright House Field for a Clearwater Threshers game.
The event is put on by the Humane Society of Pinellas annually during the minor league season. “Ultimately these types of events are Fundraisers,” says Twila Cole, the special events coordinator for the Humane Society of Pinellas. “We raise money through selling Sponsorship, Vendor spaces, tickets for Raffle Baskets that are made with donations and for some events we also sell shirts.
Cleveland Street Sculpture "Going Green" Installed in Downtown Clearwater on August 27th
Written by
The first of three large-scale sculptures was installed on Cleveland Street on August 27th. The piece is titled “Going Green” by Jack Howard Potter of Long Island City, NY and is on display east of the Cleveland Street and Garden Avenue intersection.
The sculptures are part of the Sculpture 360: Season II year-long exhibit of public art. The sculpture program provides new works every year in Downtown Clearwater and is funded through a partnership with the Downtown Development Board. The program brings high-quality public art work to enhance the aesthetics of the area for residents and visitors can enjoy.
Old Clearwater Bay Wins Neighborhood of the Quarter Award
Written by Heidi Lux
The Old Clearwater Bay Neighborhood received the 2009 Summer “Neighborhood of the Quarter” award at the City Council Meeting on Thursday, August, 6th. Siouxie Boshoff, president of the Old Clearwater Bay Neighborhood Association, accepted the award with her husband, Grant, Jennifer Brewer, the social coordinator for the association, and Scott Axford, the patrol leader for the volunteer patrol.
Citizens Walk in Police Officer's Shoes During "A Night Against Crime"
Written by David Ziff
The reporter approached the Blue Ford Explorer cautiously, with gun drawn and knocked on the driver’s side. Suddenly the door was flung open, a shot gun stuck in his face and bang, he’s dead. His mistake? He failed to call for backup before approaching the alleged perpetrator.
The scenario? An opportunity “to walk in a police officer’s shoes,” with a simulated traffic stop of a reported felon; just one of the highlights of the “26th Annual National Night Out Against Crime” that took place on August 4, 2009 in Clearwater Mall in the parking lot outside Target.
Old Belleair Bridge Demolished on July 15th Featured
Written by Heidi Lux
A section of the old Belleair Bridge was demolished on July 15th as construction continued into the next phase on the newer, bigger and better Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge.
The Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge connects the Pinellas County Mainland Peninsula to the Barrier Islands, from Belleair Bluffs to Sand Key and Belleair Shore. The former structure was built in 1950, with an expected life span of fifty years. In the 21st century, the design had become obsolete and was too expensive to maintain so a new bridge was built.
Winter the Dolphin Paints with the Children's Cancer Center Kids at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Written by David Ziff
What do children of the Children's Cancer Center and a dolphin have in common? As it turns out, quite a lot!
Had you been at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium on July 21, 2009, you might have witnessed an unusual and heart-warming encounter. A group of children, kindergarten-aged and under, sat by the side of a pool producing colorful artwork while a dolphin with a paintbrush in her mouth was producing art of her own. The purpose? To sell the artwork on eBay and raise funds for the Children's Cancer Center.
Coast Guard Celebrates 219th Birthday with a Week of Events Featured
Written by Joshua T. Gillion
This August the United States Coast Guard turns 219 years old and the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC), partnering with the City of Clearwater and the Navy League of the United States - Clearwater Council, invite you to join them "to thank our dedicated Coast Guard service men and women as well as bring greater awareness to our community [of] the important role the Coast Guard plays in the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of the United States and specifically Pinellas County."
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Dolphin Release by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium on July 27, 2009
Written by Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium will help release a rehabilitated dolphin “Dunham” on Monday, July 27th.
Staff from the CMA and Gulf World Marine Park and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute plan to release rehabilitated Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, Dunham. CMA staff rescued Dunham from Anclote Key Island in December 2008. CMA staff will monitor Dunham’s progress through the use of a VHF transmitter for two months after the release. This will help provide researchers with important information about his progress and travels.
Scientology Volunteer Arm Model Fashions for Charity August 29, 2009
Written by Angela LeMay
The Clearwater Community Volunteers (CCV) is excited to announce: the 7th annual “Fashions with Flair” silent auction and fashion show fundraiser on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at the Belleair Country Club from 11 am to 2:30 pm.
CCV is the volunteer arm of the Church of Scientology in Clearwater, and is a non-profit charitable organization made up entirely of volunteers. The CCV produces the huge Easter Egg Hunt in Coachman Park in Clearwater every spring and “Winter Wonderland” – its annual holiday charity drive in downtown Clearwater featuring 5 village buildings, 90 live pine trees, a fully functioning stage with entertainment, tens of thousands of tiny white lights, pony & train rides, a playground, a giant slide and bouncy house, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus.
RCS Grace House and Solar Source Team Up for Cost Efficient and Eco Friendly Water Heating 2009
Written by Heidi LuxThe Religious Community Services (RCS) Grace House has received a grant from the City of Largo to install six solar domestic water heating systems from Solar Source. The RCS Grace House is an eight -week program for homeless families. The families can stay in an apartment building and save money to give them a head start. Food, clothing and household goods are available to the families, as well as shelter.
Pirate Days in Johns Pass Celebrates Pirate History and Prepares for Hurricane Season 2009 Featured
Written by Heidi Lux
John’s Pass celebrated its rich pirating history with the annual three day “Pirate Days” festival. The festival honors the discovery of John’s Pass by John Levique who, according to legend, was a French peasant boy, forced to take up a life of piracy after the Spanish sailing vessel, on which he was a cabin boy, got hijacked by pirates. He rose up through the ranks, eventually becoming a pirate captain himself. After retiring from his life of piracy on the high seas, Levique became a turtle farmer, and was set to take a shipment of turtles to New Orleans and return to his treasure buried on the West Coast of Florida, but the hurricane of September 1848 had other plans for him. Upon Levique’s return, he found the hurricane had split the land by its massive gale force winds, and so he sailed through the new pass, which has been known as John’s Pass ever since.
Pirate Days also offers education on hurricane preparation, by providing a hurricane expo where people can educate themselves on safety.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Dolphin Winter Stars in Tribeca Film Festival Documentary 2009
Written by Angela LeMay
Enmeshed in our own daily challenges, it’s easy to overlook the valuable lessons in survival that nature still has to offer our societal and technical advancements. “Winter, The Dolphin That Could”, is an inspiring film of a dolphin that was rescued from the near death of being entangled in a crab trap off Cape Canaveral. The recounting of this true story reminds us of the amazing miracles that abound from the shear will to survive - against all odds - and a little help from our friends.
Courtney Campbell Causeway Rededication Ceremony Bridges Hillsborough and Pinellas 2009
Written by Heidi Lux
“Today is a historic day, today is a scenic day,” noted Pinellas County Commissioner, Karen Seel, speaking at the June 25th Courtney Campbell Causeway 75th anniversary rededication of a historical marker. The Causeway “is just beautiful and it leads me to paradise. “
The marker honoring the Courtney Campbell Causeway had been moved due to construction and the rededication also celebrated its return in a short ceremony in which Clearwater Mayor, Frank Hibbard, spoke, along with others. Many dignitaries from Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties were in attendance, truly a symbol of how the Courtney Campbell “bridges” the two counties.
Hurricane Season - How to Prepare and How to Avoid Tips 2009
Written by Pam Ryan Anderson
Hurricane Season – Well, it’s that time of year again… but, if you have your umbrella with you it won’t rain. That’s my viewpoint on hurricanes. If you are totally prepared, then you probably won’t need your supplies. We seem to live in an area that hurricanes avoid, and it’s my viewpoint that they should just keep on missing us!
Heritage Village Named One of Top Five Museums in Florida 2009
Written by
Heritage Village recently was designated as one of the top five living history museums in Florida by "American Heritage" Magazine. The honor was announced in the magazine's Summer 2009 issue in the magazine's "Guide to Historic Sites in Florida" special section.
"Clothes to Kids" Announces Second Location to Open in St. Petersburg
Written by
St. Petersburg, Florida - Jennifer Silva, Executive Director of Clothes To Kids, announced today that the organization has selected a location for its new St. Petersburg store. Clothes To Kids (CTK), whose mission is to provide new and quality used clothing to low income, school-age children in Pinellas County free of charge, has been operating for nearly six years out of a single location in Clearwater. The addition of the second store will allow CTK to better fulfill its mission by making its services more accessible to the more than 25,000 eligible children who live south of Ulmerton Road. The new CTK store, slated to open in August of this year, is located in the Cornerstone Center at 3251 Third Avenue North, Suite 145 South, in St. Petersburg.
Clearwater City Council Discusses Potential Police Cutbacks in East Gateway Neighborhood May 21,2009
Written by Heidi Lux
Clearwater, FL -- On a rainy Thursday evening in late May, concerned citizens from the East Gateway neighborhood of Clearwater came together in the City Chambers to speak out regarding potential cutbacks to the police contingent in their neighborhood.
The City of Clearwater is facing $7 to $13 million dollars worth of budget cuts. The City of Clearwater commissioned a matrix efficiency study to find out any areas of potential improvement or cost reduction. This study reported the police department is run for the most part efficiently, but could save by reducing the number of bike team staff as well as eliminating the Beach Walk team, despite the fact that Clearwater already has the lowest officer-to-1,000 citizens ratio for any tourist destination city in Florida and that crime in the beach area has been significantly reduced.