Twenty-two, uniquely painted, 8-foot Space Shuttle Statues will go on the auction block October 1, 2009, at www.AstronautScholarship.org/shuttles through October 8, to raise funds for the nonprofit Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
The statues were part of a community-wide art project and feature such unique designs from pop-art to animals to celestial scenes with genuine astronaut autographs including American heroes Buzz Aldrin and Jim Lovell! With an impressive 6-foot wingspan, 6-foot stature and measuring 8-foot in length, these statues will make an impression wherever they land. The auction is open to anyone nationwide, as the statues will be shipped to their winner.
Participate in Winter Wonderland Clearwater with Winter Wonderland Day Oct 24th
Written by Pam Ryan Anderson
Winter Wonderland is in its 17th year in downtown Clearwater, literally bringing thousands of people into downtown every year. Our holiday village has the purpose of being a food & toy drive for the needy in our community, in addition to creating a wonderful holiday experience for children of all ages, so as to instill a hope for the future.
As a result of Winter Wonderland, we have warmed the hearts of thousands and have delivered literally tons of food and toys to families in need over the years.
Winter Wonderland is put on each year by Clearwater Community Volunteers (CCV), a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Donations to CCV are tax deductible.
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Finds Ice Just Below Martian Surface
Written by NASA
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has revealed frozen water hiding just below the surface of mid-latitude Mars. The spacecraft's observations were obtained from orbit after meteorites excavated fresh craters on the Red Planet.
Scientists controlling instruments on the orbiter found bright ice exposed at five Martian sites with new craters that range in depth from approximately 1.5 feet to 8 feet. The craters did not exist in earlier images of the same sites. Some of the craters show a thin layer of bright ice atop darker underlying material.
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.
NASA Signs Agreement with France for Civil Space Cooperation
Written by NASA
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and French Space Agency President Yannick d'Escatha signed four agreements in support of U.S. and French space cooperation during a ceremony Thursday at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
"The French Space Agency has a long history of participating with NASA in Earth and space science missions," Bolden said. "I am pleased to see this cooperation expand as we look to further engage the international community in exploring space."
How Can You Make Good Use of the Rainwater that Runs Out of Your Roof and Into Your Gutters?
Written by Earth Talk
For most of us, the rain that falls on our roof runs off into the ground or the sewer system. But if you’re motivated to save a little water and re-distribute it on your lawns or plants—or even use it for laundry, dishes or other interior needs—collecting rainwater from your gutters’ downspouts is a no-brainer.
Florida Youth Represents USA at International Human Rights Summit Featured
Written by Chad Andro
At the Youth for Human Rights International Summit in Geneva, Switzerland (home of the United Nations Office of Human Rights), hundreds of people and twenty-six youths representing diverse countries from around the world were in attendance, all concerned with ONE. Under one roof, there was one group, one purpose, and one race; the human race, without discrimination.
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.
Global Pioneers Bring Help to the Dominican Republic Featured
Written by
The Global Pioneers, a group of volunteer Scientologists, made a name for themselves last winter and spring by visiting the country of Haiti in order to help the people. They did this by supplying the means to grow their own food, providing computers, and giving books and training developed and written by L. Ron Hubbard to the people of Haiti so they could improve their living conditions.
Recently, the Global Volunteers returned to the island Haiti is on, but this time to the other side to visit the country of the Dominican Republic.
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.
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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.
Space Shuttle Discovery Finally Launched on Friday, August 28th
Written by NASA
The Space Shuttle Discovery finally launched on Friday at 11:59 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The shuttle and its seven member crew will deliver supplies, equipment and a new crew member to the International Space Station.
The Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, a pressurized "moving van" that will be temporarily installed to the station. The module is intended to deliver storage racks; materials and fluids science racks; a freezer to store research samples; a new sleeping compartment; an air purification system; and a treadmill named after comedian Stephen Colbert. The name Colbert ws chosen after it received the most entries in NASA's online poll to name the station's Node 3.
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.
Space Shuttle Discovery Launch Moved - NASA Announces No Sooner than August 28th
Written by NASA
NASA has announced that the next launch attempt for the space shuttle Discovery will be no earlier than 12:22 am Friday, August 28th at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Wednesday's launch attempt was postponed after an indication that a valve in the shuttle's main propulsion system failed to perform as expected during fueling of the shuttle's external fuel tank. NASA managers officially postponed Wednesday's launch attempt because of uncertainty about whether a valve that was commanded to be closed actually was closed. The valve is associated with the fill and drain plumbing of the main propulsion system within the shuttle's aft compartment.
The City of Clearwater would like to remind you to do the Stingray Shuffle. The peak of stingray season May through October, so when visiting the beach, please be aware that stingrays might be in the water. To make sure you don’t accidentally step on one and get stung, shuffle your feet, instead of walking through the water. This causes a disturbance in the sand that causes the stingrays to move away.
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.
Jack H. Jones of St. Petersburg Florida, has been elected the Imperial Potentate (president and chief executive officer) of Shriners International. This makes him the highest-ranking Shriner in the world. In this role, Jones will also serve a yearlong term as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Shriners Hospitals for Children. “It’s a great responsibility and a great honor to serve,” says Jones of his position.
The Shriners International is the fraternal organization, which is, according to their Web site, “based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth.” The Shriners also founded and continue to support Shriners Hospital for Children.
NASA Mars Rover Opportunity Finds Clues to Planet's Past
Written by NASA
NASA's Mars Rover Opportunity is investigating a metallic meteorite the size of a large watermelon that is providing researchers more details about the Red Planet's environmental history.
The rock, dubbed "Block Island," is larger than any other known meteorite on Mars. Scientists calculate it is too massive to have hit the ground without disintegrating unless Mars had a much thicker atmosphere than it has now when the rock fell. Atmosphere slows the descent of meteorites. Additional studies also may provide clues about how weathering has affected the rock since it fell.