Moonlight Bathing on the Beach at Clearwater, Fla. · 2015-01-07 · residences in Fort Myers. The Tampa Bay Hotel in its glory years would become headquarters for ... Moonlight Bathing

FEBRUARY / 2008 ISSUE 3

PRESORTED STDU S POSTAGE

P A I DPerm

it No.39Clearw

ater,FL

The Beach has always been the big draw in our part of Florida. This vintage postcards shows tourists enjoyingClearwater’s Beach in the early 1940’s. At that time, there was no “Clearwater Beach”, it was all called Clearwater

Wayne Ayers' book , “FLORIDA’S GRAND HOTELS from the GILDED AGE”, is available at area book stores and selected gift shops.

"For a great part of our country, Florida is the onewinter resort," reads the first sentence of a bookpromoting the state's wonders, published in1912.Yet, swaying palm trees and warm sunshine werean impossible dream for the vast majority ofAmericans until two entrepreneurs opened thedoor to winter tourism in the late 1800s, at leastfor those who could afford it.The two Henrys, Plant and Flagler, built aninfrastructure that would provide accessibility andbring the comforts of home to the remote Floridawilderness. Henry Plant chose Tampa as thetermination point of his railway system in 1884,later extending the line down the west coast as faras Naples. On the route, he built the Tampa BayHotel, a fantastical Moorish castle, on the banksof the Hillsborough River, and the fashionableSwiss Chalet-styled Belleview on Clearwater Bay.The rich and famous would now share thewarmth and sunny days with the few adventuroussportsmen and determined invalids who hadroughed it in previous decades to reach paradiseon earth.The Belleview, later Belleview Biltmore, would playhost to heads of state, including three U.S.presidents, the Duke of Windsor, sports superstarsfrom Babe Ruth to Arnold Palmer and industrytitans Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. Edisonand Ford would come up from the winterresidences in Fort Myers. The Tampa Bay Hotel in

its glory years would become headquarters forthe Spanish-American War campaign led byRough Rider Teddy Roosevelt.Winter enjoyment of Florida was not exclusivelylimited to the well-to-do or the ritzy hotels. Theautomobile age brought middle class"adventurers" from up north who were willing tobrave less than first-class roads in rickety,breakdown-prone vehicles. "Tin can tourists" evenarrived with their winter homes (trailers) in tow. City residents in Tampa and St. Pete constructedcottages along the shore for both winter andsummer enjoyment, and real estate sales boomedalong the beaches in the early 1900s. A numberof those cottages along the beaches have beenpreserved and passed along though thegenerations.A series of hurricanes in the 1920s and the GreatDepression wiped out many Florida dreams. Buta great tourism revival blew in following WorldWar II on the cool winds of a miraculous newinvention: air conditioning. Indoor comfort, the allure of refreshing gulfbreezes and a first class federal highway systembrought thousands of baby boom familiessouthward to enjoy an extended family vacation…in the summer.The era saw Florida's coming ofage as a year round touristdestination.

Moonlight Bathing on the Beach at Clearwater, Fla.Moonlight Bathing on the Beach at Clearwater, Fla.

By Wayne Ayers,Indian RocksHistorical Society

BBEELLLLEEAAIIRR AARREEAA NNEEIIGGHHBBOORRHHOOOODD NNEEWWSSLLEETTTTEERR

CITY NUMBERSCITY OF BELLEAIR BLUFFSwww.belleairbluffs.org2747 Sunset Blvd City Hall: 584-2151

FIRE DEPT: 584-8392 SHERIFF: 582-6200------MAYOR - Chris Arbutine, Sr COMMISSIONERS —

Troy Krotz - Vice Mayor • Robert RussoHunt Brand • David Shimkus

CITY OF BELLEAIR BEACHwww.cityofbelleairbeach.com444 Causeway Blvd City Hall: 595-4646

FIRE DEPT: 595-1117POLICE: 595-4646------MAYOR - Lynn Rives COMMISSIONERS — Kathy Mortensen -

Vice Mayor • Mitchell Krach • StanSofer Mary Schoonover • RichardCrowl • Rob Baldwin

TOWN OF BELLEAIR SHOREwww.belleairshore.com1200 Gulf Blvd, Belleair Shore 593-9296

FIRE DEPT: 595-1117POLICE DEPT: 595-4646------MAYOR: John A. Robertson COMMISSIONERS — John E. Hayes, Jr.Carl W. Hilton • Robert E. Schmidt, Jr.Ray Piscitelli

TOWN OF BELLEAIRwww.townofbelleair-fl.gov901 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Belleair 588-3769

FIRE DEPT: 588-8392POLICE DEPT: 588-3769------MAYOR - Gary H. KaticaCOMMISSIONERS — Stephen R. Fowler

Deputy Mayor• Tom Shelly• KarlaRettstatt• Stephanie Oddo

CITY OF LARGO www.Largo.com201 Highland Ave, Largo Info: 587-6700

FIRE DEPT: 587-6714POLICE: 586-7427------MAYOR - Patricia GerardCOMMISSIONERS — Mary Gray Black

Andy Guyette • Rodney J. WoodsGigi Arntzen • Harriet K. CrozierGay Gentry

BELLEAIR AREA ROTARY CLUBMeets at Jorge's Seafood Grill Tues. 6:15PMPat France, President . . . . . . . . 581-0519BLUFFS BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONKim Bender, President . . . . . . . . 559-7881 TOWN OF BELLEAIR CIVIC ASSOC.Patricia Jordon, President . . . . . 587-9495EMERGENCIES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1-1SHERIFF NON-EMERGENCIES 582-6200SHERIFF DISPATCH . . . . . . . . . 582-6177PINELLAS COUNTY INFO . . . . 464-3000CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Gulf Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . . 360-6957Clearwater Beach . . . . . . . . 447-7600Largo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 584-2321

ELECTRICITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443-2641PHONE (Residential) . . . . . 800-483-4000PHONE (Business) . . . . . . . 800-483-5000WATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4000CABLE (Bright House) . . . . . . . . 329-5020-------------------------------------------------COUNTY INFORMATION . . . . 464-3000COMMISSION OFFICES. . . . . . 464-3377

Kenneth Welch . . . . . . . . . . 464-3614Karen Seel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-3278

STATE:Senator Dennis Jones . . . . 727-549-6411

Republican, District 138940 Seminole Blvd, Seminole [email protected]

Representative Jim Frishe . 727-480-5901Republican, District 54125 Indian Rocks Rd, Belleair [email protected]

Governor Charlie [email protected]

FLORIDA UNITED STATES SENATORS:Mel Martinez . . . . . . . . . . 202-224-3041

www.Martinez.Senate.govBill Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202-224-5274

www.BillNelson.Senate.govAREA UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE:Rep Bill Young . . . . . . . . . . 727-394-6950

9210 113th St, Seminole, FL 33772www.house.gov/young

FFEEBBRRUUAARRYYSunset Sounds at Ulmer Park 8Valentine’s Day (Thur) 14Bluff’s Business Assn Mixer 21Presidents Day (Mon) 18Leap Year’s Sadie Hawkins Day 29MMAARRCCHHDaylight Savings Time Begins 9Election Day If Applicable 11Bluff’s Business Assn Mixer 13Sunset Sounds at Ulmer Park 14Great American Clean Up 15St Patrick’s Day (Monday) 17Good Friday 21Antique Car Show Heritage Village 22Easter Sunday 23

APRILApril Fool’s Day (Tuesday) 1Guppy’s Gallop (IRB 5K run) 5Beauty and The Beach (IRB) 5Heritage Village WW II Event 5Bluff’s Business Assn Mixer 10Sunset Sounds at Ulmer Park 11Property Taxes Due 15Biggest Beach Party Ever (IRB) 26MAYCinco de Mayo (Mon) 5Bluff’s Business Assn Mixer (Thur) 8Postal Workers Food Drive (Sat) 10Mother’s Day 11Memorial Day 26

CREDITS

2008 CALENDAR OF LOCAL EVENTS

This newsletter is published by GRIFFINPRODUCTIONS, Inc. and is mailed tooccupied residence and business inBelleair Beach, Belleair Bluffs, HarborBluffs. We are not officially associatedwith any city government.

PUBLISHERBob & Becky GriffinART DIRECTION

Becky GriffinSALES

727-517-1997 CONTACT INFO

P.O. BOX 1314Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785517-1997 ~ 517-1998 FAX

BeachNewsletters.comPublished Feb l May l Aug l NovPlease send all comments tobboobb@@ggrriiffffiinnddiirreeccttoorriieess..ccoommPUBLISHER’S COMMENTS.

It’s March - time for our third BelleairArea Neighborhood Newsletter This issue, features the “History ofTourism” on the cover because thetourists are here through Easter. Thisarticle by Wayne Ayers features theBelleview Biltmore which was not onlyone of the first deluxe hotels in thearea but also one of the largest.Opened with 145 rooms in 1897. In1910 the “East Wing” was builtdoubling the number rooms. In 1924,a final addition was added, bringingthe room count to 425. Today only 2 hotels in Pinellas havemore rooms. The Clearwater BeachHilton has 428 rooms and St PeteBeach’s Trade Winds in has 570. TheRenaissance Vinoy in downtown StPetersburg has only 360 rooms.Though Belleair does not have manyhotels, we get the benefit of touristdollars. Approximately 35% of thePenny for Pinellas come from tourists.Penny for Pinellas dollars are buildingthe Belleair Causeway Bridge.We can thank Henry Plant for bringingthe railroad to Belleair and buildingthe “White Queen on the Gulf “ in ourbackyard.Please read the related article in thisissue written by your Pinellas CVB, too.Our next issue will be in May.

Bob & Becky Griffinwww.beachnewsletters.com

© 2008 Griffin Productions, Inc.


YOUR REPRESENTATIVEIN WASHINGTON

Congressman C. W. BillYoung (R-Indian Shores),serving his 19th term inCongress as arepresentative of the TenthCongressional District ofFlorida has announced hewill he will run for a 20thterm. He is the seniormember of the Floridacongressional delegationand the senior Republicanin the House ofRepresentatives.

A veteran of the Army National Guard, Young isnationally known for his expertise on defense andsecurity issues. He is on the House AppropriationsSubcommittee on Defense, and is a member of theAppropriations Subcommittee on Military Quality of Lifeand Veterans Affairs. He wants to return to office so hecan continue to address the needs of the military andthe wounded. He is a major influence on bringingFederal money back to Florida and Pinellas County

Young was born in Harmarville, Pennsylvania, andmoved to the St. Petersburg area at the age of 15.Before being sworn into Congress in 1970, Youngserved ten years in the Florida State Senate.Congressman Young lives in Indian Shores.

BILL YOUNG

The Indian Rocks Beach HomeownersAssociation and the Rotary Club presents

BBIIGGGGEESSTT BB EEAACC HHBBIIGGGGEESSTT BB EEAACCHHPPAARRTT YY EEVV EERR!!PPAARRTT YY EEVVEE RR!!

SSAATTUURRDDAAYY -- AAPPRRIILL 2266,, 22000088ENJOY FOOD, DRINKS, MUSICAND SUNSET ON THE BEACH.

Indian Rocks BeachCounty Park,

1700 Gulf Blvd 7 pm - 11 pm

ENJOY THE PARTY ON OUR BEAUTIFUL BEACH

No Coolers Please - Restrooms are available at The Park. Proceeds to benefit the IRB Rotary Club, and the Indian Rocks Beach Homeowners Assoc.,

Visit www.irbhome.com for more information

THIS EVENT IS FREE TO EVERYONE.

Beer, Wine, Food & soft drinks will be available for purchase. DJ Services

will be provided


BELLEAIR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (BBA) The BBAhas lots going on this year. Mark your calendars.

- Feb. 21: Mixer by Ecoquest at City Hall.- March 13: By Linda Burhans in Seminole- April 10: Belleair Bluffs City Hall (Several Sponsors)- May 8: AAA Belleair Travel & Bella Vino Wine Bash

For more information, call Kim Bender 559-7881. To Join the BBA, call Bob Griffin, 517-1997__________________________________________________

MARLIN DARLINGRILL NOW HASA PIANO BAR!Every Friday andSaturday eveningthey will have a newPiano Bar. Enjoy themusic and singing ofAllon Sams startingat 9 pm.__________________

TURNING LEAFCUSTOM HOMESThey’re not new, buttheir offices are at321 Indian Rocks

Road, North, Suite A. Gary Gregory specializes incustom homes over $1.5 million.__________________________________________________

MOVED OR OUT OF BUSINESS- Dream Theatre, Indian Rocks Road (Moved)- Realty Executives, West Bay (Moved)- The Loft Consignment, Next to Bonefish Grill- Unique Flowers, West Bay__________________________________________________

BUSINESS BRIEFS

ABILITIES GUILD PRESENTS ROSE BILAL, JAZZ SINGER

Feb. 10th, 6:30 p.m, the Abilities Guild will present anevening of Jazz entertainment featuring Classical Jazzsinger Rose Bilal and trio at Ruth Eckerd Hall Murray StudioTheater in Clearwater. Ms. Bilal is a singer, visual artist,motivational speaker, actor and writer. In 2004 shefounded Jazziorian, Inc. dedicated to preserving ClassicalJazz as a rare & valuable national American treasure.

Café style seating in the Theater sets the atmosphere forthis evening. Hardy Hors D’Oeurves from Delectables FineCatering, 1 free drink and a cash bar served by period-dressed hostesses round out the evening. Period costumesare encouraged but not required.

Cost is $60.00 per person. This includes admission,complimentary parking, food and 1 free drink. Reservationsrequired; seating limited to 100. For information orreservations contact Deborah 586-2055.

All proceeds benefit the Abilities Foundation to helppersons with disabilities with job training, job placement,housing, health and recreation needs.



MMOORRTTOONN PPLLAANNTTIISS RREECCOOGGNNIIZZEEDDas a 2007 Top100 Hospital inthe Thomson Top

100 Hospitals for cardiology. Morton Plant is one of onlytwo hospitals in the US to receive this recognition in heartcare for nine consecutive years. The hospital performed itsfirst open heart procedure there more than 30 years ago.Established in 1916, Morton Plant Hospital is a 687 bedfacility located in Clearwater at 1240 South Fort HarrisonRoad. Call 462-7000 for more information.___________________________________________________BBEELLLLEEAAIIRR’’SS NNEEWW SSIINNGGLLEE SSEENNIIOORRSS CCLLUUBB meets the firstFriday of each month at the Belleair City Hall. Thisorganization is open to singles, widows, and widowersand divorced men and women ages 50 to 70, living inthe greater Belleair area. They plan monthly socialmeetings, pot luck get togethers, dinners, movie nightsand visits to area attractions, such as Spring Trainingbaseball games. Men are asked to bring a non-alcoholic beverage and women to bring an appetizerplate to share. Call Mary Lou McCarthy at 581-6189 formore information.___________________________________________________MMOOBBIILLEE WWAASSTTEERREECCYYCCLLIINNGG AATT LLAARRGGOOHHOOMMEE DDEEPPOOTT:: ThePinellas County MobileCollection Center willbe open on March 22at the Largo HomeDepot located at10689 Ulmerton. Bringyour old chemicals,paint, and electronics(TV’s, computers, etc) from 9AM-2PM. See the completelist at www.PinellasCounty.org / utilities.___________________________________________________BBEELLLLEEAAIIRR BBLLUUFFFFSS RROOTTAARRYY AANNNNOOUUNNCCEESS NNEEWWPPRREESSIIDDEENNTT.. Chery Pacheco, owner of Wildwood Florist,has been elected incoming president if the Belleair Bluff’s

Rotary for 2008-2009. Cherylwill take office in June.____________________________

REPUBLICAN COUNSELBrian P Battaglia, PA, a residentof the Town of Belleair , wasappointed Legal Counsel forthe Pinellas County RepublicanExecutive Committee. Mr.Battaglia is a partner in theLaw Firm of Battaglia, Ross,Dicus and Wein. ___________________________________________________

TTHHEE BBEELLLLEEVVIIEEWW BBIILLTTMMOORREE CCOORRRREECCTTIIOONN:: The BelleviewBiltmore will not start it’s “restoration” process until thespring of 2009. The resort will be closed for 2 full years.We printed an incorrect date last issue.

Did You Know...

Email: [email protected] HHHHAA ##229999999922228822

Quality Home Care for the Way You Live Assisting with Life Enrichment Activities

E A S Y L I V I N G I N C

HOME CARE FOR THE WAY YOU LIVE

TM

Call 727-448-0900

1465 S. Ft. Harrison Ave. Suite 200 Clearwater

l Personal Assistant(Companion/Homemaker)

l Personal Care Assistant

(Certified Nursing Assistant

Home Health Aide) l Medication Managementl Transportation


TTHHEE 22NNDD AANNNNUUAALL IIRRBB ""LLOOVVEE IISS IINN TTHHEE AAIIRR"" VVAALLEENNTTIINNEE''SSPPAARRTTYY is Feb. 9th from 7-11 pm. Presented by non-profit,Action 2000, Inc. (A2K), the event is intended to bring thecommunity together to have some fun. The BYOB Partyfeatures music and dancing with a fully catered buffet andspecial holiday desert station. Tickets are $35 per personand can be purchased at City Hall, The Cookie Cutter, IRBWelcome Center or contact A2K at [email protected] hurry, tickets are almost sold-out.___________________________________________________FFIIRREEMMEENN DDEELLIIVVEERRCCHHRRIISSTTMMAASS InDecember, SantaClaus, along withmembers of theBelleair Bluffs areafire department andtheir elves, helpeddeliver toys andfamilies in theimmediate area. Parents drop off pre-wrapped presentsfor their kids, and Santa shows up at their house beforeChristmas. Call Macho Liberit 365-6386 for more infofor next year.___________________________________________________IIRRRRIIGGAATTIIOONN RREESSTTRRIICCTTIIOONNSS:: We are in a drought, soSWFWMD has extended watering restrictions to one daya week until June 30th. The continued lack of raincreated the need to leave the once-a-week schedule inplace. If you use “reclaimed water” this does not applyto you. To see what else you can do visitswfwmd.state.fl.us/drought.___________________________

MMAARRKKEETT IINN TTHHEE PPAARRKKCCOONNTTIINNUUEESS at12520Ulmerton, next to HeritageVillage. It is more than just afarmer’s market. They arebringing together healthy, farmfresh local produce, delicious

gourmet foods, beautiful plants and much more. Plusthere will be seminars on gardening, nutrition andcooking. It is held every Saturday (8AM-1PM) throughApril 26th___________________________________________________BBIIKKEERRSS && WWAALLKKEERRSS BBEEWWAARREE!! Belleair Causeway’sconstruction management is concerned people walking,jogging or riding bikes along the Causeway are indanger of being hit by a car or causing an accidentwhen cars try to avoid hitting them. They recommendyou do cross the Belleair Causeway on foot or onbicycles.___________________________________________________SSEENNIIOORR CCIITTIIZZEENN’’SS AADDDDIITTIIOONNAALL HHOOMMEESSTTEEAADD PPRROOPPEERRTTYYTTAAXX EEXXEEMMPPTTIIOONNSS DDEEAADDLLIINNEE -- MMAARRCCHH 11 Applicantsqualify if at least one property owner is over 65, youalready receive Homestead Exemption, your total yearlyhousehold income is less than $24,214 and you live ina tax district offering this exemption. This exemptiondoes not renew automatically. Citizens who received theSenior Exemption last year may renew by mail. Call theProperty Appraiser’s office at 464-3294 with questions.__________________________________________________OONNLLIINNEE:: Read this issue and others online atwww.BeachNewsletter.com. Watch for our next issue in May.This Newsletter survives on local advertising. Pleasesupport the people advertising here. If you are interestedin advertising in this or our Downtown St. Pete, MadeiraBeach or Indian Rocks Beach issues call 727-517-1997


BELLEVIEW BILTMORE NEWS

Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, new owners of theBelleview Biltmore, have filed a formal application withthe town of Belleair for the redevelopment of the historicBelleview Biltmore Hotel site. The formal process for thefinal approval of the redevelopment is now under way.

“The plan is truly a community effort and product, “says Joseph Penner, Managing Director of Legg Mason.

The following proposed improvements are scheduled:

-Removal of the existing pagoda structure at the currentfront entrance to the main hotel.-Elegantly landscaped grounds and the elimination ofsurface parking thru the construction of undergroundparking garages.-A newly landscaped grand entrance to the main hotel.-A fully resorted 256 room main hotel structure with fiveballrooms, meeting rooms, restaurants and retail shops.-A new, but architecturally consistent, 174 room annexhotel adjacent to the main hotel structure.-Three resorted Victorian Cottages.-A new 1 story spa facility with underground parking.-A refurbished club house and improved landscapingand parking at the Pelican Golf Club.


HEROES HONORED AT THE 14THAPPRECIATION DINNER

Pinellas Commissioner John Morroni's 14th AnnualAppreciation Dinner for Law Enforcement Firefightersand EMS Personnel was held Feb. 1, at the RenaissanceVinoy Resort, in downtown St. Petersburg.

For the first time in the dinner's history, a lawenforcement K-9 and his handler, were honored. Otheraward recipients represent the many heroic deeds thatare actually just a part of these heroes' everyday worklives.

The event was started in memory of Belleair PoliceOfficer Jeffery Tackett. The 28 year old died from agunshot wound on June 13, 1993, when responding toa call and was shot with his own weapon.

The loss of the officer deeply affected the entirecommunity. Those who attended the memorial serviceswere struck with the tragedy, including then state Rep.John Morroni, who pledged to do something to helpprevent this from happening again.

Morroni co-sponsored the Tackett Bill with Sen. DennisJones in 1995. The state legislation requires two officersbe on duty at all times, unless mutual aid agreementswith other law agencies are in place, so lawenforcement officers do not respond to calls alone.

"In all of my years as a state legislator, the Tackett Bill isby far my greatest source of pride," said Morroni. "Notfor myself - my pride lies with the men and women whoput their lives on the line for us and in the thought thatbecause of this law, officers that are safer because theyhave backup while they are doing their jobs of keepingus safe."

In 1995, Morroni organized the first Law EnforcementAppreciation Dinner. As a County commissioner, Morronicontinues the tradition every year, expanding it toinclude firefighters/EMS personnel. It is now in its 14thyear. Special honorees included Officer Tackett's familyand emergency personnel who helped in the rescueefforts in New York City following the 9/11 attack. Lastyear, the families of firefighters from New York Citymade their own presentation to Morroni in a show ofgratitude that was a complete surprise to the host.


BELLEAIR BEACH:The City is still looking for a place to hold its meetingswhen the construction starts on their new City Hallbuilding. Presently they are planning to use the housenext door at 1001 Cedar Drive (the green house).Meeting will be held in the garage until further notice.___________________________________________________

DUES ARE DUE FOR THE TOWN OFBELLEAIR'S CIVIC ASSN: If you are a member,your dues statements are being mailed inside your waterbill. If you live in a condo, however, bills will bedelivered by hand. Dues are only $15. You may paymore. Your dues helps the civic association plan eventsfor the community, such as, Halloween, Holiday TreeLighting, and Spring Fest (see Things To Do). TheAssociation also helps fund projects with the RecreationDepartment. People paying dues will be noted with astar in the 2009-2010 Directory. Call Sherrie Morton at581-8313 if you have any questions.___________________________________________________

THE CAUSEWAY CONSTRUCTION is still onschedule for September 2009. Get more information attheir web site www.BelleairCausewayBridge.com. Viewthe bridge via their Web cam on this web site; just clickon the Web cam button on the left hand side. Cameraviews can be adjusted to watch from every direction withthe option to zoom. Call 453-3355 if you haveadditional questions, 24 hours per day.___________________________________________________

LITTLE LEAGUE STARTS First games are February23rd. Belleair Bluffs is associated with West Pinellas LittleLeague. However, kids in the Town of Belleair play withClearwater Little League. Belleair Beach kids plays withWest Pinellas. West Pinellas plays some of their games inIndian Rocks Beach and some in Largo off WalsinghamRoad. West Pinellas call either 586-1533 or 581-7646.For the Clearwater LL, call 796-9070___________________________________________________

MARCH ELECTION NEWS:While Tuesday, March 11th is the municipal election day,certain communities have no need to hold an election.

BBEELLLLEEAAIIRR BBLLUUFFFFSS:: No election for CommissionersHunt Brand and David Shimkus have no opposition.TTOOWWNN OOFF BBEELLLLEEAAIIRR::Referendum to increase the term of office for Mayor and Commissioners from 2 to 3 years.Seven new charter amendments on March Ballot.No election for CommissionersBBEELLLLEEAAIIRR BBEEAACCHH::No election for Commissioners.David Dumville will replace Mary Schoonover.Incumbents Richard Crowl and Mitch Krach will repeatterms as commissioners for a 2 year term.BBEELLLLEEAAIIRR SSHHOORREESS:: No election for Commissioners.Mr. Jordan is assuming the seat vacated by Mr. Hilton


LET’S GO ORGANIC!If your New Year's Resolution had something to do withyour health, you are in good company. A person's healthis often their top priority with the New Year. Included inthis group are the co-owners of Crunchy Mama HealthFood Store in Largo. Andrea Harms and Christy Ward(both mothers of young children) believe health is acomplex balancing act with ups and downs. Striving to keep illness in check and teaching their childrenproper eating habits becomes a second full time job. Theybelieve disease is often caused by toxin build-up, and it isimportant to keep the toxins to a minimum. A toxin isanything that enters the body, does not become part of itsorganic tissue and is not excreted. Toxins can create animbalance in our system and come to us from manysources - the air, our water, the way we think, how we eat.We fill up on toxins eating fast and processed foods, andfoods sprayed or injected with chemicals. Toxins get intoour cells and tissue. The tissue becomes inflamed. Ourbody communicates to us by excreting the toxins throughour mucus membranes. We feel lousy, we take a pill orwe go to the doctor and get an antibiotic. These thingssuppress the body's ability to communicate. We may feelbetter, but our bodies are now left with even more toxins!One way to decrease the amount of daily toxins weconsume is to eat balanced Organic food. "Organic"vegetables, fruits, meats, and dairy products have notbeen poisoned with chemicals such as pesticides,fungicides, herbicides, growth hormones, or antibiotics.The main difference between organic and conventionalfood is the method used to grow or make it. Conventionallivestock is injected with hormones to fatten them asquickly as possible and antibiotics to keep them fromgetting sick in their overcrowded feed-lots. Organiclivestock grow naturally without hormones and antibiotics.The land they graze and the feed they eat is certifiedorganic. Conventional produce is sprayed with harshchemicals to keep bugs and disease away. They are notsprayed on organic fruits and vegetables. Instead, organicfarmers use natural alternative methods.The American way of producing food has become one ofthe biggest threats to the environment. After decades ofusing industrial fertilizers and spraying chemicals, bugs arestronger and harder to eradicate and the land is lessfertile. We have over sprayed and over farmed and notallowed the land to take care of itself through its ownnatural rhythm. Organic farming mimics the earth's ownprocesses for long-term health and renewal. Let this be the year we make a resolution for the health ofthe Earth as well as our families; let's go ORGANIC!

12788 Indian Rocks Road #8, Largo - 727-593-1800



EDUCATION A TOP PRIORITYBy Jim FrisheRepresentative, District 54

As we approach the beginning of2008 Legislative Session, improvingeducation for Florida's studentsremains a top priority for me and myfellow House Republicans. To ensureall Florida students receive a world-class education, we willcontinue to advance successful accountability measures inour schools and raise the bar on academic expectations thatwill enable our students to be more competitive in the globalmarketplace.

Republicans have lead the way in reforming education,holding students to higher academic expectations andincreased accountability measures in our public schools.Recent test results and national rankings show that reform isworking. Florida students are making real learning gainsand achieving success in the classroom.

Every year, the National Assessment of Education Progressreleases "the nation's report card," which compares testscores in both reading and math from around the country.This year's report, released several months ago, held greatnews for our state: our students are making remarkablelearning gains. Reading and math scores are improvingacross the board, and Florida has the distinction of beingone of only four states that made significant increases infourth and eighth grade reading since 2005. We areclosing the so-called achievement gap between white andminority students, reducing it to the smallest gap ever.

A recent report from the Education Week reflected this trendof education improvement in Florida. Florida's K-12education system scored 7th in the nation for elementaryand secondary performance; the state's education systemcumulatively scored 14th in the nation, significantimprovements over recent years.

This spring, we hope to build on the successful aspects ofeducation reform and continue to raise the bar higher forour students. We plan on bolstering our statewideeducational standards, updating them to better reflect theeducational benchmarks our students will need to meet toexcel in the classroom and beyond. Florida students shouldbe equipped with the education not only to compete, but tobe leaders in the global marketplace.

As you probably know, Florida is in the midst of a historicbudget crisis that has significantly tightened stategovernment spending. Despite lower state revenues, we stillmanaged to increase per-student funding over last year'slevel. This year, per student funding in Pinellas County is$7,314, 6.55% greater than last year.

At this point, our realistic goal is to maintain educationfunding and programs and continue to look for innovativeways to improve education without creating an additionalburden on Florida taxpayers. We know that providing all ofour children with a quality education is one of the bestinvestments we can make for the future of our state.

Orion Marine Group's wholly owned subsidiary, Misener Marine Construction of Tampa, has teamed up with Johnson Bros ofLithia, to create a Joint Venture Partnership to construct a new high level Belleair Bridge and adjacent causeway. The projectconsists of building a 3,350 foot long main bridge with 75 feet of vertical clearance over the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.Additionally, a low level secondary bridge is being built over the relief channel, west of the main bridge. Once the new bridge iscompleted, the existing draw bridge will be demolished. In addition to the bridges, there is over 5,000 feet of roadwayreconstruction including new utilities, pavement, curbs, and sidewalk. The project includes a new fender system for protection ofthe newly constructed bridge and a much improved Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp facility for use by the general public.

With an original total contract value of over $72 million, the project is managed by a staff of 13 superintendents, engineers,and managers. There are approximately 80 employees within the Joint Venture consisting of foreman, carpenters, heavyequipment operators, commercial divers, captains, deck hands, pipe layers, and laborers.

Spanning over three years in total, the estimating and bid proposal process began in September of 2006 and the project wasawarded by Pinellas County Public Works to Johnson Bros / Misener Marine - A Joint Venture in December of 2006.Immediately, planning and preparation for mobilization began. Crews and equipment began to mobilize in March of 2007.The estimated completion date is the end of 2009.

From the work side, Misener Marine will handle drill shaft installation, pier construction, and installation of pre-stressed girders.Johnson Bros takes over the bridge from that point to build the bridge deck and complete the riding surface. From there, MisenerMarine will install the new fender system, boat ramps, seawalls, and handle the demolition and disposal of the existing basculebridge. Johnson Bros' will put in place all utilities, roadway surfaces, earthwork, retaining walls, revetment protection, signage,and landscaping.

Between the two companies, Johnson Bros and Misener Marine have an extensive history in bridge construction. Although this isthe first bridge to be constructed as a team, each company has been involved in the construction of the following bridges:


Photo by Wayne Cathel of Belleair Images Belleair Causeway, January 2008

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From the work side, Misener Marine will handle drill shaft installation, pier construction, and installation of pre-stressed girders.Johnson Bros takes over the bridge from that point to build the bridge deck and complete the riding surface. From there, MisenerMarine will install the new fender system, boat ramps, seawalls, and handle the demolition and disposal of the existing basculebridge. Johnson Bros' will put in place all utilities, roadway surfaces, earthwork, retaining walls, revetment protection, signage,and landscaping.

Between the two companies, Johnson Bros and Misener Marine have an extensive history in bridge construction. Although this isthe first bridge to be constructed as a team, each company has been involved in the construction of the following bridges:

Johnson Bros ProjectsTreasure Island Causeway - Treasure Island, FloridaSouth Venice Bascule - Venice, FloridaSR 528 over ICW - Merrit Island, Florida Reedy Creek Bridge US 17/92 - Osceola County, Florida Fort DeSoto Bridge/Bunces Pass - Tierra Verde, Florida I-375 Emergency Bridge Repair - St. Petersburg, Florida

Misener Marine ProjectsThomas B Manuel - Stewart, Florida Paradise Island Bridge - Nassau, Bahamas Gandy Bridge - Tampa, Florida Sunshine Skyway - St. Petersburg, Florida Seven Mile Bridge - Florida Keys Broadway Bridge - Daytona, Florida



ROTARY NEWSSunday, March 9, 2008, from 9am-4pm the Belleair Bluffs Rotary will joinin the fun at Antique Alley's Fair, offIndian Rocks Road N, with a tableoffering baked goods and collectibleitems. The proceeds will benefit the club's charitableprojects.

In other news, Cheryl Pacheco, owner of WildwoodFlorist, has been elected as incoming president for2008-2009. Cheryl will take office in June and we lookforward continued success for our club

Mandalay Realty Group, Inc. is located at the entrance of"Antique Alley" in Belleair Bluffs. Our location is ideally situatedto provide exceptional service to the areas that we specialize in.

This includes Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Harbor Bluffs, the GulfBeaches and the Intracoastal Waterfront Communities

RREEAALL EESSTTAATTEE SSAALLEESS && PPRROOPPEERRTTYY MMAANNAAGGEEMMEENNTT598 Indian Rocks Rd Belleair Bluffs, Fl 33770

Office 727.584.0900 l Fax 727.210.2271 lwww.mandalayrealtygroup.com

Visit our website to view “photo gallery tours” of our listings

SAND PEARL IS JMC'S NEWEST GULF FRONTDEVELOPMENT ON CLEARWATER BEACH

Condominium Residences:2/2 w/ den 1946 Sq. Ft. on the 14th floor, Asking $1,599,000

Boutique Residences:2/2 2022 Sq. Ft. 4th Asking $1,395,000

RECYCLING IN THE BELLEAIR AREA.Did you know 73% of our trash could be recycled ? Did you ever wonder how to recycle certain things?

Each city selects its own recycling program. CurrentlyPinellas is recycling only 31% of waste. Some cities offer acurbside program. Others offer a drop off program. If yourcity does not offer either of these two, you can drive toanother city’s or the county’s drop off station.

All four Belleairs offer curbside recycling. Contact your owncity offices for specific details. In the BELLEAIRS, there isonly one drop off facility located in The Town of Belleair at1075 Ponce De Leon Blvd. They accept: Aluminum Cans,cardboard, magazines, mixed paper, newspapers, phonebooks, plastic bottles and steel cans. There is also a majordrop off center on Starkey Road, south of East Bay Blvd.

LLEEFFTT OOVVEERR OOIILL:: Take left over oil to Mike’s Belleair AutoRepair at 795 North Indian Rocks Road, north of West Bayor any Advance Auto Parts and/or Auto Zone stores.

MMOOBBIILLEE CCOOLLLLEECCTTIIOONN DDAATTEESS: Pinellas County sponsorsmobile recycling events to collect big things and chemicals.They collect household chemicals, batteries, cleaners,fluorescent bulbs, mercury thermometers, paint (latex andoil), paint remover & thinner, solvents, wood preservatives,automotive fluids, fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides,pesticides, pool chemicals, all electronics, includingcomputers, TV’s (important since many are being replacedwith the move to digital), VCR’s, printers, phones, stereo'sand more. The next event near Belleair is March 22, HomeDepot in Largo, 10689 Ulmerton Road at Seminole Blvd.

Questions? www.PinellasCounty.org/recycle or 464-7500.

REAL ESTATE NEWSApproximately 3,000 homes From Clearwater Beach toPass-A-Grille are for sale. On Jan. 7, 312 of these activelistings were in Belleair Beach & Sand Key. 20 propertiessold Nov. 7 - Jan.7 in the Belleair Beach/Sand Key area:

14 Gulf Front Condos 2 Intracoastal Homes1 Gulf Front Home 0 Non-Waterfront Homes3 Intracoastal Condos

From North to South, how does this compare to otherareas? Properties Sold -

11 Clearwater Beach 8 Indian Rocks Beach8 Island Estates 13 Indian Shores

20 Belleair / Sand Key Note: This does not reflect For Sale by Owners.Info supplied by Century 21 Beggins, Madeira Beach


The fall fishing for inshore grouper was great. Almost likethe old days before the big red tide outbreaks. If old manwinter gives us a break, this fishery could last till spring.Stone crabs benefitedfrom improved waterconditions & havereturned in goodquantities. Be sure to takeadvantage of this gulfcoast delicacy, especiallyas the market price islower than in past poorseasons. Restaurants, likeCrabby Bills, always havea fresh supply.It is winter so it’s time fora change. Fish & fishermen are a little slower when thecold arrives. Don’t retrieve your lures as fast; use more cutbaits instead of live. Don’t be discouraged, there isdependable fishing even when it’s cold. Inshore fishing can be exceptional as several speciesactually like the cooler water. Sheepshead are in theirprime in the winter. Their bigger, they’re everywhere, andeat any bait that has a shell, including shrimp, crabs,oysters, etc... Sheepshead fight hard and taste great. Otherwinter favorites include silver trout just off the beaches andspeckled trout in the bays and creeks. Red and black drumshould be plentiful and are not affected much by the cold.

These inshore fish areschooling fish so if youcatch one, you may catch alot more.Offshore fishing forgrouper, snapper, andamberjack can be great inwinter but will depend onthe weather. Mild watertemps will keep the reefdwellers nearer to shore

but if it gets too cold expect a migration offshore totemperatures more to their liking. On calm days, it will bewell worth the run to where they’re biting. Note: Be sure to keep the latest recreational regulationswith you on your fishing trips (they are available at mosttackle locations and at www.MyFWC.com). Last yeargrouper in federal waters was closed from Feb 15th toMarch 15th but changes can occur at the last minute so beprepared. Spotted seatrout opens for the south region (ourarea) on Jan 1st.

See you on the water,Capt Ken Orthner/ KO fishing charter

FISHING NEWS!

Stone crab claws are big andplentiful this year

Grace Johnson with large inshore grouper



FROM THE DESK OFSHERIFF JIM COATSFrequently I am approached by citizens curious about theoperation of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.Oftentimes these same people are interested in gettinginvolved, but they are unsure how they can do so. Myresponse almost always includes an invitation to considerbecoming a member of the Sheriff's Advisory Board.

The Sheriff's Advisory Board is a not-for-profitorganization that has been in existence for almost fiftyyears and currently has more than 300 members. Thegroup was formed in 1961 by Sheriff Don Genung andwas originally known as the Junior Deputy League. Atthat time members had an interest in promoting thegeneral welfare of our residents by providing servicesand instruction for the youth of Pinellas County. Theirdesire included providing programs and activities forchildren that allowed them to achieve recognition, buildself confidence and responsibility as they developed intogood citizens who obeyed the law and showed respectfor individual rights. Over the years membership grew and became known asthe Sheriff's Advisory Board but the mission remained thesame. The group has continued to consistently supportthe outreach of the Sheriff's Office in promoting safetythrough education to the children of Pinellas County.

This has been accomplished by supporting programswithin the Youth Education and Services Division of theSheriff's Office like the Drug Abuse Resistance EducationProgram, Explorer Post 900, in addition to the FloridaSheriff's Youth Ranches, the Police Athletic League and avariety of other youth organizations.Members also enjoy a breakfast meeting held eachThursday of the month in one of four different locationsacross Pinellas County. As Sheriff I greet the members asthey arrive by 8:00 AM after which the breakfastcommences. Following a brief business meeting, aspecial speaker provides a presentation in his or her areaof expertise as a member of the Sheriff's Office. Throughthis interaction with members of the Sheriff's Office, theAdvisory Board is exposed to information about crimeprevention, personal safety, the new technology beingused within the Sheriff's Office, new services beingprovided to the community, new opportunities availableto citizens, and much more.To join the Sheriff's Advisory Board you must be an adultresident of Pinellas or an adjacent county, who is of goodmoral character, and you must be interested in goodgovernment and advancing the purposes of theorganization. Anyone interested in becoming a memberof the Pinellas County Sheriff's Advisory Board is invited tocontact Deputy Joni Holstein at (727) 464-6133 or theYouth Education and Services Division at (727) 464-8037.


THINGS TO DOFFEEBBRRUUAARRYY 2244 -- FFIILLMM AANNDD FFAARREE 2pm; Presented bythe Fine Arts Society at the Gulf Coast Art Museum. Thefilm “Tortilla Soup”, about a Mexican/American Chefand his family, will be shown. At 4PM enjoy a MexicanFiesta featuring typical Mexican fare, drinks and livemusic. The cost is $25 per person. Call Linda Mintz at593-2054 for more info. Proceeds go to the Gulf CoastArt Museum.

MMAARRCCHH 99 -- AANNTTIIQQUUEE AALLLLEEYY’’SS MMAARRCCHH FFAAIIRR will beheld from 9AM-4PM. Shop for antiques & collectables

MMAARRCCHH 1155 GGRREEAATT AAMMEERRIICCAANN CCLLEEAANN UUPP -- KKEEEEPPPPIINNEELLLLAASS BBEEAAUUTTIIFFUULL Join thousands of other Pinellasresidents in cleaning up the streets, parks and beaches.Belleair sites had not been announced by press dates,but you can call your local city offices, go to this website: www.Keep PinellasBeautiful.org, or call 533-0402for information.

MMAARRCCHH 2222 -- AANNNNUUAALL AANNTTIIQQUUEE CCAARR SSHHOOWWHeritage Village’s 22nd Annual, the Pin-Mar AntiqueCar Club and Heritage Village team up to provide apicturesque setting for more than 100 lovingly restoredautomobiles, entertainment, food and more. 10am-4pm

AAPPRRIILL 55 -- GGUUPPPPYY’’SS GGUULLFFSSIIDDEE GGAALLLLOOPP 5K Run /1Mile Fun walk in Indian Rocks Beach. This is the 11thyear run on the beach. The Race starts at 8am. Great forfamilies and if you register in advance you get a greatshirt. $ 15 in advance / $ 20 day of the Race. Get anapplication at www.IRBHOME.com or Call 517-0525

AAPPRRIILL 55 -- BBEEAAUUTTYY AANNDD TTHHEE BBEEAACCHH Indian RocksBeach from 11AM til 4PM. This is Indian Rocks’ annualfamily fun day sponsored by the City of Indian RocksBeach and the Beach Art Center. In Kolb Park (between15th and 16th St.) there will be a pancake breakfast, anArts and Crafts show, book sale & kids activities. AcrossGulf Blvd. at the 18th Ave. access, beach-goers canrelax in their chairs, while enjoying the music, sunshine,food and beer until sunset.

AAPPRRIILL 55 -- WWOORRLLDD WWAARR 22 EEVVEENNTT Heritage Village;Costumed reenactments, big band music, swingdancing, a USO revue, and living history activities bringthe 40’s to life. 10am-4pm

AAPPRRIILL 1188--1199 -- AAMMEERRIICCAANN CCAANNCCEERR SSOOCCIIEETTYY’’SSRREELLAAYY FFOORR LLIIFFEE at Dimmitt Recreation Center. Walkers,cancer survivors and hard workers are needed to makethis year’s event a success. The RELAY is a team eventwhere participants walk around a track overnight. CallShannon Garman at 812-7003 to get involved.

AAPPRRIILL 2266 -- BBIIGGGGEESSTT BBEEAACCHH PPAARRTTYY EEVVEERR IndianRocks Beach. Last year over a thousand people helpedmake this beach event a big one. There will be food,drink, beer, wine, a DJ and dancing on the beach.Come to the county park across from Guppy's. The eventruns 6pm and until 11pm. Come for the sunset and stayfor the evening. Get more info at www.IRBHOME.com


UPCOMING LARGOHAPPENINGS:

HHAARRVVEESSTT MMAARRKKEETTPPLLAACCEE AATT UULLMMEERR PPAARRKKAll Ages; The unique downtown Largo setting alongwith the fresh produce, plants, herbs and genuinelyhandcrafted art make for a great place to spend yourThursday mornings. Market runs through Thursday April24 from 9am-3pm at Largo's Ulmer Park (301 West BayDrive). Parking is available on site.

SSUUNNSSEETT SSOOUUNNDDSS AATT UULLMMEERR PPAARRKKAll Ages: Enjoy a free night of relaxing music in thepark. Bring your favorite people, blankets, and chairs fora good time! Feb 8, Mar 14, Apr 11 on Fridays from 7-9pm.

VVAALLEENNTTIINNEE SSEENNIIOORR SSWWIIMM50 plus: Put a smile on your valentine with a healthyalternative. Bring your valentine and enjoy the water forfree. Each of you will receive a 15-minute massage anda free gift. Thursday Feb 14, from 10am-12pm atLargo's Southwest Pool (13120 Vonn Rd.).

RREEDD HHAATT HHAAPPPPEENNIINNGGSSAdults, Boomers; Lunch and a performance at the LargoCultural Center. We'll start with some tasty foodprepared by one of of our favorites caterers then strollacross the hallway for a delightful afternoon show.Please call John at 587-6751 for more details.Preregistration is required. Join us Sunday Mar 9 from12-5pm the show will be Eight O'Clock Theatrepresents, Mame.

RREEDD HHAATT GGAARRDDEENN PPAARRTTYY AATT UULLMMEERR PPAARRKKLadies 55+; Wear your best hat and picnic with us!Enjoy the music in the gazebo and a catered lunch.Then shop 'til you drop in Downtown Largo! Call 727-587-6740 ext. 5014 for more details. join us March 18from 11am-1pm at Ulmer Park.

DDOORRAA && DDIIEEGGOO EEGGGGSS--PPLLOORREERR EEXXTTRRAAVVAAGGAANNZZAAAges 3-7; Let's go on a quest for the perfect egg! Joinyour favorite egg-splorers, Dora and Diego as we goon an adventure you won't want to miss! March 19 from6-8pm at Largo's Southwest Complex (13120 Vonn rd)cost is $7 per wristband.

SSPPRRIINNGG EECCOO--FFEESSTTCelebrate the first weekend of spring at McGoughNature Park (11901 146th St. N). We will havesomething for everyone; games and activities for kids,music, food, wildlife exhibits, a sustainability hike, guestspeakers and much more. Join us on March 22 from11am-3pm. This event is free


AARREEAA BBUUSSIINNEESSSS DDIIRREECCTTOORRYYRESTAURANTS Bonefish Grill 518-1230Cabana Grill & Bar 595-1807E&E Stakeout 585-6399Guppy’s at the Beach 593-2032Hungry Howie's Pizza (Delivers) 596-1400Jewel Cafe 518-7901Le Bouchon Bistro 585-9777Marlin Darlin’s Grill 584-1700Panera Bread 518-8900Thai Basil 518-7705REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGESBella Capri Condos 373-3948Mandalay Realty Group 584-0900Pyramid Realty 559-9800Sunbelt Lending 518-7818HOME REPAIR AND SERVICESFAS Windows & Doors 813-435-6636Madeira Beach Electric 319-8999Slaughter Plumbing 596-5663Wired Island Home 596-6030AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRAmerican Car Care & Towing 581-2000HEALTH AND BEAUTYBelleair Medi-Spa 584-8020Easy Living, Inc. 448-0900Morton Plant Hospital 462-7500Prescription Weight Loss 581-4900Radiance Medspa 518-7100Touch of Sunshine 517-4372Wright Dental Care 584-5548BUSINESSES AND PERSONAL SERVICESAAA Belleair Travel 584-7678Ambassador Limousine 442-9050Belleair Images 686-1455Brightway Insurance 581-4200East Bay Insurance Financial 535-4603Gallagher & Associates Law Firm 381-HELPMoss Feaster, Dignity Memorial 595-2914Wagstaff Law Office 584-8182SHOPPING - FOOD AND WINEBelleair Food Mart 584-3697Crunchy Mama’s 593-1800Island Fish Seafood Market 595-8777Peterbrooke Chocolatier 585-7300Wine Styles 518-9463SHOPPING - GENERALBelleair Jewelry 584-0157Hammerhead’s Ace Hardware 581-5077Kaige’s Boutique 586-7500Robert Young Jewelers 584-1110Suzetter’s on the Rocks 595-8700The Silver Queen 585-4502BOATING & REPAIRBelleair Marine Services 586-7580BANKING & INVESTMENTSEdward Jones Investments 593-5360Old Harbor Bank 451-4444



TV KEEPS US CONNECTEDBy Karen Williams SeelPinellas County Commissioner,District 5Bright House Networks made majorchanges to its television channellineup in Tampa Bay. All governmentand education channels in the sevencounty area are impacted, includingyour city, county and School Board.Pinellas County government’s channel moved up to BrightHouse Networks Channel 622. To continue receiving thethis channel, those with basic cable service (with no cablebox) must contact their provider. Knology customers willcontinue to view the government programming on Channel18. Verizon will soon be using Channel 44 for thegovernment channel.With these changes come a new name and logo reflectingthe service bring to our citizens. The channel name isPinellas County Connection Television - or PCCtv.One thing that will not change is our gavel-to-gavelcoverage of the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) andother public meetings, as well as our special programming.The meetings and the programs are accessible on,pinellascounty.org. Click on "Streaming Video" to watchcommission meetings from your computer. Pinellas County Connection Television is a broadcast of yourlocal government in action. Watching regularly can give youvaluable insight into how government works and who isleading those efforts. Each Pinellas County Board of CountyCommissioners meeting is broadcast live and repeated tocommunicate important decisions and discussions taking

place that impact all of us. There are also BCC worksessions, monthly BCC public hearings and monthlyMetropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) public hearingsand Tourist Development Council (TDC) meetings.PPCCtv is a critical part of our commitment to transparentgovernment and open communication with the public.Other highlights include a weekly program, Inside Pinellas,featuring balanced, in-depth reports on Pinellas Countygovernment news, programs and events. Good BusinessPinellas spotlights area business news. Progressive Pinellastakes a look at current issues people are discussing. Youcan gather the children around to watch the Pick-A-Petprogram and consider the lovable pets available foradoption at Pinellas County Animal Services. Perhaps the most important feature of our programming isthe station's critical role during a hurricane or other disasterin Pinellas County. It is vital that the up-to-date, essentialinformation released from our country-wide emergencymanagement staff is broadcast to our residents. This stationhas a tradition of providing complete coverage of stormswith valuable information on surviving the storm andrecovery efforts. We're capable of 24/7 coverage.To keep connected on Bright House Networks, cablecustomers must have a digital cable box or television with aQAM digital receiver. You can order a box from BrightHouse Networks at (727) 329-5020. Charges will apply.For more information about this process, visitwww.pinellascounty.org. Direct questions about PCCtv toEric Hulsizer, station manager, [email protected] Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners looksforward to seeing you on PCCtv on Bright House NetworksChannel 622, Knology Channel 18 & Verizon Channel 44.


NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY TAMPA BAY REAL ESTATEBy Kim Kepler Deetz, Broker/Owner of Pyramid Realty Belleair Bluffs

In 2008 more than 300,000 people will move toFlorida. Moody's economy.com rated the Tampa Bayarea 15th out of 379 US cities for business growth.Florida will have approximately 80 million domestic andinternational visitors visiting our state and they willconsider buying a second home in the sunshine state.

I am not saying this year will be easy, manyhomeowners are suffering with sub prime loans that willhave a rate change this year. Homeowners are alsopaying excessive property taxes and insurance rates.Foreclosure have increased in our communities too. Inour area we have 179 properties pending foreclosure. Florida is now on sale and prices won't last through2008. Mortgage rates and home prices are currently at2002-2003 price points. Economists predict, by the thirdquarter of 2008, our prices will start increasing. I am a third generation realtor in Pinellas Count andhave seen the cycles of the Real Estate market before. I believe by theend of 2008 ourmarkets will haverebounded andthe future ofFlorida real estatewill again bebright.

SUPPORT TOURISM AND YOU SUPPORT US ALL. from the Pinellas County CVBTourism is the our number one industry, and it is absolutelyvital to the success of our businesses and communities. St.Petersburg/Clearwater is the leading Florida's Gulf Coastdestination, drawing 13.8 million visitors in 2006. Tourism, a clean industry has a direct economic impact ofover $6 billion in Pinellas county, employing approximately84,000 residents directly or indirectly. We live in thecoastal area for the very reason tourists visit, to takeadvantage of the eye-catching stretches of powder-whitebeaches and flawless weather. 98% of guests said visitingthe beach was the reason for choosing our destination. What doesn't meet the eye as readily is the extent to whichtourism supports our communities and daily lives. Here area few facts illustrating the significant role tourism plays: l If a quarter of our visitors stopped vacationing inPinellas County, an estimated 300 restaurants could close.Resulting in 21,000 jobs lost, the combined populations ofIndian Rocks Beach, Madeira Beach and the Belleair Area. l Picture 1000 of hotel rooms on the beach occupied bytwo visitors. Since the average area visitor stays about 6days and spends about $100 a day total, this translates toroughly $200,000 a day spent in your community. Consider the number of restaurants in IRB, and theemployees' wages that are dependent on tourists. Thoseemployees spend the tourist’s money as they go abouttheir daily lives on doctors, beauty salons, housing,landscaping, groceries, transportation, child care, youname it. That's tourist dollars filtering directly into our localeconomy, showing exactly how tourism impacts everyone. So perhaps now it's easier to understand why supportingtourism, you supports us all.


Preheat oven to 350 degreesWhisk milk, cream, vanilla and 3/4 cup sugartogether and set aside.Caramelize the second 3/4 cup sugar to 328degrees (using a candy thermometer) stirringconstantly until liquid is golden. Do not let thesugar get above 350 degrees or it will burn.Pour enough caramelized sugar into ovenprooframekins to cover the bottom. Pour flan mixtureinto ramekin over the caramelized sugar. Bake for1 hour or until flan starts to set. Remove from ovenand cool to touch. Refrigerate for at least one hour.Loosen the sides of the flan from ramekin, invertonto the serving plate, garnish with freshraspberries and enjoy.

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk2 cups heavy cream1 teaspoon vanilla3/4 cup sugar3/4 cup sugar

for caramelFresh raspberries for

garnish (optional)

100 N. Indian Rocks RdBelleair Bluffs

727-585-6399wwwwww..33BBeessttCChheeffss ..ccoomm

Caramel Flan from E & E Stakeout GrillNNEEAARRBBYY RREESSTTAAUURRAANNTTSS

BELLEAIR AREABBoonneeffiisshh GGrriillll DD 551188--11223300Cody's Grill D 584-8473EE&&EE SSttaakkeeoouutt LL DD 558855--66339999JJeewweell CCaaffee BB LL 551188--77990011LLee BBoouucchhoonn LL DD 558855--99777777**MMaarrlliinn DDaarrlliinn''ss DD 558844--11770000PPaanneerraa BBrreeaadd BB LL DD 551188--88990000Venus Restauarant B L D 581-3849Westshore Pizza L D 585-6974*INDIAN ROCKS BEACHAl & Stella's Italian D 596-5900Brewmasters D 595-2900Coasters Grill L D 596-3332Crabby Bills L D 595-0041GGuuppppyy''ss LL DD 559933--22003322JD's Restaurant B L D 595-1320Jimmy Guana's B L D 595-8356Keegan's L D 596-2477La Cachette D 596-5439Los Mexicanos L D 596-5253My Place L D 593-7040PJ's Oyster Bar L D 596-5898Red Lion Pub B L D 596-5411Sandy's B L 596-6896TJ's Italian L D 595-1714*Thai Pan Alley D 593-3663*SAND KEY AREABackwater's L D 517-7383Cabana Grill L D 595-2491Columbia Restaurant L D 596-8400Maggie Mae's Sunrise B L 595-1096Rusty's At The Sheraton D 595-1611Watercolours (Marriott)B L D 596-1100NEARBY LARGO AREAAmici Italian L D 585-4707Beef O Brady's L D 501-9464Claudio's Pizza D 501-1208Crisper's B L D 586-0288Grill Marks L D 584-6235Hong Kong L D 582-9998*Pastino's L D 559-0506Suncoast Family B L D 585-5459Thai Basil L D 518-7705*DELIVERYHong Kong L D 582-9998HHuunnggrryy HHoowwiiee’’ss PPiizzzzaa LL DD 559966--11440000Joto's Pizza L D 586-3993LLee BBoouucchhoonn LL DD 558855--99777777Thai Pan Alley D 593-3663Westshore Pizza L D 585-6974

B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner * - DeliveryBBoolldd lliissttiinnggss have ads in this newsletter


MAKE YOUR YARD AS GREEN AS IT CAN BE

By By James StevensonExtension Educator, Pinellas County Extension The Pinellas County Extension departments work together toteach sustainability; ensuring that we enjoy a quality of lifethat will be available to future generations. How about usingthe New Year to make changes to your landscapingpractices to “green” your life? By the end of 2008, you mayfind yourself with a few more dollars, a garden of beautifulflowers & a happy family. Sound too good to be true?Consider these 10 tips for a greener, cheaper, 2008.PPllaanntt AA TTrreeee – I planted a tree with my father when I was alittle boy. We’ve watched the tree grow over the years, and itnow shades my parents’ house, providing food and shelterfor birds and other wildlife. The shade from a tree plantedon the west side of a building can help cut air conditioninguse. Call for a list of trees that fit nicely into your landscape. DDrroouugghhtt--TToolleerraanntt NNaattiivvee,, NNoonn--IInnvvaassiivvee EExxoottiicc PPllaannttss –– Unlessyou live on a waterway, plant selection for Florida yards isbest made with drought-tolerance in mind. Many plants thatevolved in dry, sandy soil make wonderful garden additions.Call for a list of drought-tolerant Florida plants.SSeerrvviiccee YYoouurr LLaawwnn MMoowweerr – Make sure your lawn mower isin tip-top working order. The price of gasoline does notshow any signs of lowering, so we must make sure our gas-powered engines are running as efficiently as possibleRReedduuccee LLaawwnn AArreeaa – You may decide to give up on thewhole lawn idea. Think about the cost of irrigation, lawnmowing, fertilizer and pesticide which is spent on growinggrass which is cut, bagged and thrown away (at a cost!).Consider converting your yard into a series of beds featuring

flowers, shrubs, trees, even vegetables or herbs.CCoonnvveerrtt TToo,, oorr IInnssttaallll LLooww--FFllooww IIrrrriiggaattiioonn – If you mustirrigate, choose low-flow irrigation systems. These are cheapand easy to install and put the water right where the plantsneed it (not in the street or driveway!).IInnssttaallll aa RRaaiinn--BBaarrrreell – One way to save money on wateringpotted plants is to use what is free – rain. This spring we willbe offering a rain barrel workshop where you can learn toconnect clean, 55 gallon food containers to your down-spout to collect rain that falls on the roof.GGeett TThhee FFaammiillyy IInnvvoollvveedd – Get them up from in front of theTV and spend some quality time doing light chores outside.There will be plenty of interesting discoveries to be made;bugs, flowers, butterflies, everyone will be so enthralled theywon’t notice they are working!GGrrooww YYoouurr OOwwnn HHeerrbbss AAnndd aa FFeeww VVeeggeettaabblleess – Growingyour own herbs is easy and rewarding. Once you start, youwill never shell-out $2 for a small bag of basil that has beenimported from South America and tastes of plastic. Growinga few vegetables only costs pennies for a packet of seeds,and is a great way to get kids interested in gardening (ANDeating vegetables!).CCoommppoosstt – Putting vegetable scraps into the garbagedisposal grinds them to slurry that will end up in the Gulf.And you pay to send it there! Try backyard composting ofvegetable and fruit scraps, yard clippings, leaves andcoffee grounds. Once rotted-down this rich organicmaterial makes wonderful, moisture-conserving mulch.SSiicckk PPllaanntt?? Call Us First – Our educators are ready to takeyour call about any garden-related question. Ourunbiased advice comes from the many years ofhorticultural experience and the latest research from theUniversity of Florida. Educators are available Mon. - Fri.from 9:00am- noon and 1:00-4:00pm (727)582-2100

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Moonlight Bathing on the Beach at Clearwater, Fla. · 2015-01-07 · residences in Fort Myers. The Tampa Bay Hotel in its glory years would become headquarters for ... Moonlight Bathing