Clearwater Public Library Kicks Off Summer Reading Program
Written by Heidi Lux
CLEARWATER, FL - The Clearwater Public Library will begin their Summer Reading Program with an event on Monday, June 8th at 2 p.m at the Clearwater Main Library , located at 100 N. Osceola Avenue.
Students can sign up for the Summer Reading Program and receive a free book, while supplies last. Also, the Tampa Bay Rays Street Team with mascot Raymond will be at the Main Library only, to kick-off their Reading with the Rays program.
NASA's Mars Rover Named "Curiosity" by 12 Year Old Contest Winner
Written by NASA
WASHINGTON -- NASA's Mars Science Laboratory rover, scheduled for launch in 2011, has a new name thanks to a sixth-grade student from Kansas. Twelve-year-old Clara Ma from the Sunflower Elementary school in Lenexa submitted the winning entry, "Curiosity." As her prize, Ma wins a trip to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif., where she will be invited to sign her name directly onto the rover as it is being assembled.
A NASA panel selected the name following a nationwide student contest that attracted more than 9,000 proposals via the Internet and mail.
NASA Crew Completes Historic Space Shuttle Mission Featured
Written by Matt V. Phillips
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, CA - "At last!" was the first quote appropriately spoken by Space Shuttle Commander Scott Altman during the crew press conference from the tarmac of Edwards Air Force base in California. He uttered these words about 4 hours after the Space Shuttle Atlantis landed safely at their alternate landing site after a successful Mission and extended stay in space.
Altman continued, "When we got to Florida (for the liftoff) I turned and said to everyone "At last" (since it took so long to get to that point). I didn't realize it was going to be so hard to get back to the Earth, landing here just felt great to everybody." Altman added "Again, I guess I say the same thing: At last we are back on the ground."
Tampa, FL (May 26, 2009) - The City of Tampa and Hillsborough County, in conjunction with the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), will host the 2009 Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, at MOSI. Admission to the Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo is FREE!
In addition, Hurricane Expo guests can enjoy MOSI exhibit galleries and one standard IMAX® Dome Theatre film for only $8 per person.
Jolley Trolley on Clearwater Beach Has Hope in New Management
Written by Heidi Lux
Clearwater Beach, FL -- The fate of the Jolley Trolley could be in limbo, but newly-named Executive Director of the service, Bob Longenecker, has dedicated himself to saving Clearwater Beach’s familiar yellow and red trademark.
The city of Clearwater is in the tough position this year of having to make budget cuts, meaning the Jolley Trolley is likely to lose some or all of its funding. Longenecker says that the trolley could possibly take up to a $20,000 budget cut, however if the trolley loses all of its funding, it is likely to go under. “If the city funding gets cut too dramatically, too fast, we don’t see how we can be viable,” Longenecker says. Currently, for every dollar of revenue the trolley receives, $0.30 comes from city funding. The rest comes from fares, charters and advertising. Longenecker predicts that in the future, the trolley will require less subsidized funding from the city, but it is not there yet at the moment.
On Memorial Day Weekend Manatees and Boats Share The Waterways
Written by Janice Nearing
Sunny skies, warm temperatures and abundant waterways are a powerful attraction to the million and a half residents and visitors who make up Florida’s recreational boating community. Once the Memorial Day weekend begins, boating season will officially be in full swing, and Save the Manatee Club cautions boaters to watch out for the endangered manatees who share the waters with them.
Space Shuttle Atlantis Launched in Final Mission for Hubble Telescope
Written by Wayne Cathel
Kennedy Space Center, FL.
The Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on May 11th for its final mission to service NASA's space telescope, Hubble. The shuttle's scheduled return date will be May 22nd.
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Offers Summer Bus Pass for Kids
Written by Bob Lasher, Manager of Community Relations
Kids Can Ride All Summer Long For Less Than $2.40 a Week!
Many parents simply don’t have the time or money to drive their kids around this summer and that’s where PSTA’s Summer Youth Haul Pass comes in. For only $35, kids ages 18 and younger get unlimited transportation on PSTA for the entire summer (excluding the 100X and 300X routes to Tampa). That’s less than $2.40 a week for unlimited transportation!
City and Neighborhoods Join the Fight Against Drugs and Crime
Written by David Ziff
Clearwater, FL.
Approximately 70 community activists made their voices heard in the seventh anti-drug and clean-up march on Saturday May 2, 2009, beginning at 4:00 P.M. at a 1300 North Fort Harrison staging area. Their mission purpose: to mount a protest against drugs and crime in the North Greenwood area and keep the pressure on the perpetrators.
Cleveland Street District, Clearwater.
On Cinco de Mayo, Clearwater residents had yet another reason to visit the Cleveland Street District when the 500 and 600 blocks were closed off to hold the Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Volunteers Use L. Ron Hubbard's Technology to Assist the People of Haiti
Written by Ana Livingston
Global Pioneers, a team of volunteer Scientologists, just returned from their most recent tour to assist the peoples of Haiti. They have been involved with bringing help to Haiti for nearly two years now, with the latest group including Cary Goulston, Brad Kugler and Mike Campbell.
Station Square Parking Garage Opens in the Cleveland Street District
Written by Heidi Lux
Clearwater, FL.
One hundred parking spaces are now available in the Station Square condos, and it’s most certainly welcomed! You don’t have to live in the condos to park; all you have to do is drive your car downtown.
Save the Manatee Club Marks Endangered Species Day
Written by Ana Livingston
To call attention to Endangered Species Day, which is May 15th, Save the Manatee Club wants the public to be aware that manatee deaths are up this year compared with recent years, with high numbers of watercraft mortalities (33). Manatees are listed as endangered on the international, national, and state levels.
“A total of 200 manatees were confirmed dead as of May 1st,” said Dr. Katie Tripp, Save the Manatee Club’s Director of Science & Conservation. “Cold stress was a significant cause of manatee mortality this winter, with 47 confirmed deaths, but some other forms of mortality, including watercraft mortality, have also exceeded the 5-year average so far in 2009. In 2006, which was the deadliest year for manatees, with 417 confirmed deaths for the entire year, 159 had died by May 1st, suggesting that 2009 could set a new mortality record if trends from early 2009 continue. With the end of winter and the start of the summer boating season, it will be as important as ever to be on the lookout for manatees so that additional watercraft injuries and deaths can be minimized for the remainder of 2009.”
To learn more about manatees, visit Save the Manatee Club’s website at www.savethemanatee.org.
Lights Out for Nesting Sea Turtles on Clearwater Beach
Written by Ana Livingston
Sea turtle nesting season begins May 1st and ends Oct. 31st. Because newly-hatched turtles find their way to the sea by following the natural light reflected by the water, city ordinances determine specific lighting requirements for beach parking lots, streets and promenades.
If you live near the beach, make sure you shut off or dim your lights at night. This precaution can reduce the amount of artificial light that reaches turtle nests and will help hatchlings reach the water safely. The Tampa Bay area averages about 120 nests each season, and can contain an average of 100 to 110 eggs.
Clearwater Downtown Partnership Presents Clearwater In Pictures
Written by Clearwater Downtown Partnership
Clearwater, FL - Over the course of four months, "Clearwater In Pictures" is the result of the most comprehensive and up-to-date images from one of the most exciting and energetic cities on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
From the pristine white beaches of Clearwater Beach, the architecture, festivals and energy of a great downtown, it is no wonder why Clearwater is ranked amongst the best cities in Florida to work, live and play, and this book will show it all in full color.
Youth Collect Petition Signatures to Make Human Rights a Reality
Written by Ana Livingston
TAMPA BAY - MAY 1-3 Youth For Human Rights International conducted the annual International Human Rights Petition Signathon to create grassroots support for mandating that human rights, specifically the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, be taught to every child in school.
On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights". The pursuit of human rights was a central reason for creating the UN. World War II atrocities and genocide led to a ready consensus that the new organization must work to prevent any similar tragedies in the future.
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4th Annual Downtown Clearwater Spring Pet Fair on May 9th Featured
Written by Ana Livingston
Downtown Clearwater - Lots of pet owners and dog lovers will be attending the 4th Annual
Clearwater Spring Pet Fair, scheduled to be held on Cleveland Street
between the blocks of East Street and Fort Harrison Avenue and
sponsored by the Clearwater Downtown Development Board and Gulf Coast
Dog Magazine.
The event includes a pet parade, contests, rescue groups, pet supply vendors, entertainment and food. The Suncoast Animal League will microchip your pet for $15 and the Pinellas County Animobile will be on hand. Fun and Free!
Drug Free World Distributes Education Booklets On Clearwater Beach
Written by Antonella Antonecchia |
| Youths to Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life in Clearwater Beach. Photo by Antonella Antonecchia. |
Clearwater, FL (April 18, 2009) - As part of a global effort that took place this past weekend in cities throughout Europe, the Middle-East, South America and North America, the Foundation for A Drug -Free World volunteers made an impact into local Tampa Bay communities by distributing informational materials on the dangers of drugs. Throughout the bay area, 50 plus volunteers distributed over 5,000 of "The Truth About Drugs" booklets. These were handed out in areas such as Ybor City, Clearwater Beach and St Pete by youth volunteers who wore their distinctive turquoise t-shirts.
To add to the Earth Day celebration, Disney Store will also introduce an exclusive assortment of environmentally-friendly tee shirts and tote bags made from Sustainable Solutions Group’s RETHINK fabric, a new textile created from recycled water bottles.
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| Jeff Danter. Photo by Eric Blackmore |
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| Mayor Hibbard Presenting Poetry Day Proclamation to Larry Jaffe, Shelley Jaffe, and Stazja McFadyen . Photo by David Ziff. |
CITY HALL, CULTURAL ACTIVISTS AND DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS COME TOGETHER TO BRING POETRY TO DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER
Clearwater, FL (April 15, 2009) - Once again April has brought us National Poetry Month and once again, for the second year in a row, the city of Clearwater has seized the cultural initiative in the person of Mayor Frank V. Hibbard, issuing a proclamation declaring Saturday, April 18, 2009, to be Clearwater Poetry Day.
The proclamation was read by the mayor in a City Council meeting on Thursday, April 16th, and presented to representatives of Artists in Action, International, a local gung-ho group for the arts who put on a downtown Poetry Walk two days later and, simultaneously, saw to the publication of the Little Book of Cleveland Street Poetry, Volume II, featuring the works of 50 Clearwater poets, each writing on the theme of downtown Clearwater and life in Florida.
Clearwater Celebrates Arbor Day with Free Trees for Residents
CLEARWATER, FL (April 14, 2009) - The City of Clearwater will celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday, April 25th, from 9am to 2pm at the Public Services Complex, 1650 N. Arcturas Ave., with a ceremony and tree giveaway. A representative from the Florida Division of Forestry will present the prestigious Tree City USA award to Clearwater. This is the 27th consecutive year Clearwater has been honored as a Tree City USA.
Following the Tree City USA ceremony, Clearwater residents are invited to receive two free trees per household, plant them and watch them grow. Available trees include these species: Live Oak, Shumard Oak, Chickasaw Plum, Red Cedar, Bald Cypress, D. D. Blanchard Magnolia, Red Maple, Slash Pine, Walters Viburnum and four colors of Crape Myrtles (pink, white, red, and lavender).
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| These Newfoundlands Were the Winners of the Large Breed Dog Race. Photo By David Ziff. |
Tall, Dark & “Tongue-Some”
Clearwater, FL (April 2008) - The Newfoundlands “took the heat” and were winners of the Large Breed Dog Race at downtown Clearwater’s 3rd Annual Spring Pet Fair. lthough it was not one of the competing categories, I additionally voted this Dynamic Duo the “Letting-It-All-Hang-Out” Award on this unusually warm April day. Unfortunately, they were too "tongue-tired” for comment.
Spring Savings for Florida Residents on NEW Zipline Safari
St. Cloud, FL – April 6, 2009 Spring is in the air at Forever Florida. The 4,700 acre eco-ranch and wildlife conservation area is in full bloom showing the beauty and diversity of Florida’s Wilderness. In celebration of the season, Florida EcoSafaris is offering a special discount on the NEW Zipline Safari, saving Florida residents $20 per person on this unique eco-adventure. The offer is valid from April 1st to May 31st 2009.
The 2 ½ hour Zipline Safari takes guests on an amazing treetop adventure through the canopy of “Forever Florida”. Along the way, they experience even ziplines, nine aerial observation platforms and two sky bridges all passing through some of Forever Florida’s beautifully-preserved ecosystems. One of the most popular zipline segments, “Slough Run”, takes guests through a type of forested wetland. Spring brings renewed life to the experience as the bald cypress trees in the slough emerge from their dormant winter state into a beautifully vibrant green. It’s a springtime sensation as thrill seekers step off the platform, 55 feet up in the air and “zip” down high tension cables through this beautiful area reaching speeds up to 25 miles per hour!
CLEARWATER, FL (April 7, 2009) - One hundred public parking spaces are now available in the Station Square Parking Garage located on Laura Street in Downtown Clearwater. Parking rates are $0.50 per hour with a $5 per day maximum rate.
Monthly permits are also available. The garage is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; however, parking is enforced from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Multi-space Pay & Display parking meters are located throughout the garage for customer convenience.
For more information about parking, enforcement, or permits, please call the Parking System office at (727) 562-4704 or visit www.MyClearwater.com.
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Green and Growing in Pinellas County - Pinellas Living Green Expo Returns to Clearwater. Event, now in 4th year, expands again to fill Harborview Center.
Clearwater, FL (April 6, 2009) - The Pinellas Living Green Expo is coming back to The Harborview Center in the heart of downtown Clearwater. The popular event, now in its 4th year, is FREE and will be open to the public on Saturday May 2nd and Sunday May 3rd.
More than 20,000 people have passed through the doors during the 3 previous Pinellas Living Green Expos and EXPO attendees in 2009 can expect an even bigger and better roster of events, seminars and special guests.