Coast Guard Celebrates 219th Birthday with a Week of Events

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."

The Revenue Cutter Service, which later became the Coast Guard, began on August 4th, 1790.  It merged with the U.S. Life-Saving Services to form the Coast Guard, as a branch of the armed forces, in 1915.  In 1934, the Coast Guard came to Pinellas County when Air Station St. Petersburg was commissioned.  In 1976, it moved to its present facilities, as Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater.  It is the largest and busiest Coast Guard air station in the country, and has earned numerous decorations for the dedication and valor of it's service men and women, both at home and abroad.

The Coast Guard will be honored with several recognitions and celebrations, beginning with Semper Paratus: An exhibition of artwork by Florida Coast Guard artists, presented by the Clearwater Main Library and Clearwater's Cultural Affairs division.  This special exhibition of artwork by Florida's Coast Guard artists, depicting both daily and special Coast Guard operations in various techniques, will run from August 3rd to October 30th, at the Clearwater Main Library.

At the Thursday, August 6th Clearwater City Council meeting, Mayor Hibbard will read a proclamation enacting "United States Coast Guard Day" in Clearwater.  The proclamation will recognize the Coast Guard's dedication and service to Pinellas County in their 75 years stationed here, and that "with heroic valor, the 600 plus members of Air Station Clearwater continue to devote their lives to those in need at home and abroad resulting in thousands of lives saved and/or assisted."

The CRCC will host the annual Coast Guard Birthday Bash on August 13th, at Air Station Clearwater, 14850 Roosevelt Boulevard, by St. Petersburg/Clearwater airport, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.  The evening's events, beginning at 6:00, will include a presentation from the Coast Guard, and a tour of the air station and it's aircraft.  Everyone is invited, however attendees must RSVP before August 12th at 5:00 p.m.  Tickets are $10.00, or free to Clearwater Chamber and Navy League members, Coast Guard personnel and auxiliary, and elected officials

Celebrations continue with CRCC's Emerge Tampa Bay young professionals vs. U.S. Coast Guard softball challenge, Saturday August 15th at 4:00 p.m., at Brighthouse Field.  The game also kicks off Emerge Tampa Bay's food drive benefitting RCS Food Bank.  Donations of canned goods will be accepted at the field, and $4.00 from every ticket sold through CRCC will be donated to RCS.  Following the softball game, the Clearwater Threshers take on the Tampa Yankees at 6:30 p.m..  The $15.00 ticket gets you into both games, with all-you-can-eat food and refreshments from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.  There will be a spectacular fireworks display after the games.

Tickets and more information about the Birthday Bash and/or softball challenge are available from CRCC.  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (727) 461-0011 ext. 233.

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