CRITICAL POWER
Clearwater FL, April 2007 - Believe me: Clearwater is the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of. It’s a small town of friendliness, aff ordable housing, good schools and growing business opportunities. It’s a true—officially voted—beach lover’s paradise, it’s the new 9-million dollar Cleveland streetscape, the new multi-million dollar beach walk, the new downtown marina with gorgeous water taxi that will take us back and forth from the white sand beaches and all the new shopping and restaurants of downtown. What more can we ask for? Apparently our Mayor Frank Hibbard dared to ask for much more than that and to many that was very politically incorrect. It will probably take a miracle to grant our mayor’s wishes, but given that it is over a decade since there has been a good miracle in Clearwater, (ever since the Blessed Virgin Mary briefl y chose to appear on the dark-tinted window panes of an office building on the side of US19 highway back in 1996. This made Clearwater world famous almost overnight) I think it’s time for another, and I hope I could help.
Vice Mayor Dances with Community -Clearwater Residents, Artists in Action and Community Leaders Unite for a Good Cause
Clearwater FL, May 2008 - For many years, LaTanya Holmes has been concerned for the safety of her grandchildren, nieces and nephews who live with her in the neighborhood which surrounds Plaza Park on Pennsylvania Avenue, one block west of Martin Luther King Jr Ave in Clearwater. She would not let the children play in the beautiful park for fear of the known drug users who loitered there. At the Artists in
What are “The CCV Ladies” up to Now? Supporting Our Troops and More…
“We are making something called ‘coolie ties’—5,600 of them to be exact—for the troops in Iraq. They are basically tubes that tie around the neck and have little pellets in them (the kind you can put in your plants). When you soak them in water, the pellets expand and hold onto the water and voila - you have a cool neck!”
Clearwater FL, July 2008 - Signs of the Futrue
A small plaza in downtown Clearwater, across from Classic Cars, where Cleveland Street turns toward Gulf to Bay. On this corner I was uncertain whether to feel safe or not. The transients were living an unfamiliar life to me, some locals did not dress or behave in customary ways, some did not speak my language, some did not look healthy, and others did not look trustworthy.
Clearwater Awards for Neighborhoods 2009 Participant Orientations Scheduled
CLEARWATER, Fla. Clearwater Development and Neighborhood Services is seeking active neighborhoods associations for its 2009 Clearwater Awards for Neighborhoods competition. Also known as its acronym CAN, the program awards grants to neighborhood groups that design and execute projects and activities to benefit their residents and community. Neighborhood Services will hold various orientation sessions for associations wishing to join the competition.
Clearwater’s rebirth of their main street has inspired many of its local businesses to do some remodeling of their own. In conjunction with this renaissance, Peter Gillham’s Nutrition Center has undergone some recent changes; including a new management team and a new look for the store.
In the past couple of years, the face of Clearwater has changed a great deal. From the streetscape on Cleveland to the two new high-rise condominium complexes, it is clear to see that the future of this city is bright.
The Dunedin Blue Jays minor league baseball team, were hosts to some very special guests. Besides entertaining fans with that “all American” game they welcomed the Foundation for a Drug-Free World and around ten of its Drug-Free Marshals.
The Drug-Free Marshals took the field before the game and stood with the players for the national Anthem, which was sung by 12-year-old Drug-Free Marshal Sally Gatza. A prominent banner displayed “The truth about drugs – what you don’t know could kill you” get the facts www.drugfreeworld.org.
Just when you thought you’d seen the last of the ‘Road Closed” signs, more appeared. However, these signal exciting happenings on Cleveland Street.
The past two weekends Cleveland Street has been host to FREE community events. Starting off, Mike Reeves from Q105 celebrating their 35th Anniversary with live entertainment provided by Get Back! The Cast of Beatlemania.
“Clearwater Awards for Neighborhoods” - Where Everybody Wins
Clearwater
The City of Clearwater encourages its residents to get involved with their neighborhoods through The Clearwater Awards for Neighborhoods. As a result of “CAN” with its tag line: “Unite, Achieve, Grow and Win!” Clearwater residents are teaming together in their neighborhoods and are making a difference.
This year the first place award for “The Mayor’s Award of Excellence” went to the North Greenwood Neighborhood Coalition who was awarded $2,500.
The Birthplace of Clearwater Jazz Holiday
Clearwater
October 15, 2008, Downtown Clearwater—On Wednesday the 15th of October from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., The Church of Scientology hosted a cocktail reception in the lobby of the Clearwater Bank Building to showcase to the public for the first time the new designs, handcrafted furniture and special features that will be part of the historic Fort Harrison’s makeover. The building, which has been an icon in Clearwater since 1926, is being renovated from top to bottom to modernize its facilities and polish up its 1920’s splendor. The announcement coincided with the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, which grew out of a series of jazz concerts held in the Fort Harrison during the 1970’s.
According to Chuck Adams, the co-owner of the former WAZE radio station and who was responsible for planning those concerts, “Back in those days, the Fort Harrison hosted the likes of jazz greats such as Woody Herman and his Thundering Herd, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Stan Keaton, and Buddy Rich. That was when I realized how much Clearwater loves jazz.”
7th Annual "Fashions with Flair"
Clearwater
The charity fundraiser, held at the Belleair Country Club, packed the house with nearly 350 attendees from the greater Clearwater region.
Since 1994, Clearwater Community Volunteers have raised money, food and toys for family and children’s charities such as the Boys & Girls Club, Everybody’s Tabernacle’s Homeless Emergency Project, C.L. Kennedy Community Center in Tampa, the Red Cross, Victims of Katrina and Winter Wonderland.
CCV holds various fundraising activities throughout the year. However, Fashions with Flair” is the largest attended and, in my opinion, “the most elegant”. Each year the event includes a silent auction, great food, entertainment and the fashion show of beautiful community leaders participating as models.
"Fro-Yo"
Clearwater
For those of you who haven’t been enlightened yet it’s an abbreviation for “frozen yogurt”. So, what’s the big deal? Hasn’t frozen yogurt been around since the ‘70’s?
That’s what I thought ‘till I tried fro-yo from Caliyogurt; it is nothing like the typical over-sugared plastic tasting brands. I’ve honestly not tasted anything as delightfully habit forming as the fro-yo at Caliyogurt located in downtown Clearwater at 519 Cleveland Street. This was pretty amazing to me, as I am not a big fan of ice cream. I only eat ice cream about three times a year; my ice cream-loving friends think I am odd for that reason. Now I crave Caliyogurt. I was relieved to find out that this tangy brand of frozen yogurt is All Natural and Fat Free and it has healthy active live cultures.
"The September Concert" to Remember 9/11 victims and to Celebrate the "Sister Cities International" program
Clearwater
On Thursday, Sept 11th, the City of Clearwater joined communities around the world from Beijing, China to New York City as they filled the skies with the universal language of music in The September Concert.
The September Concert is a series of free musical performances held in cities around the world on Sept 11th every year in remembrance of the 9/11 tragedy. The concerts offer a way for communities to commemorate this historic date and focus on bringing all people together, reaffirming our hope for world peace and celebrating life and universal humanity.
Sister Cities International is a movement founded in 1956 after U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower convened a White House Summit on Citizen Diplomacy. In a speech delivered on September 11, 1956, President Eisenhower called on Americans to forge people-to-people ties with communities abroad and to build a lasting peace based understanding and respect.
Downtown Clearwater
In today’s economic climate, many have the tendency to “cut back” and adopt the mentality of “look out for number one”. But not downtown Clearwater merchant Angela Gioffrè, who owns “Gioffrè”- a woman’s clothing store featuring high-end Italian designs.
Saturday, September 6th, Angela opened up her beautiful boutique located at 8 South Ft. Harrison, to raise funds for the renovation of the building previously known as the “Bill Irle Dinner Theater” located at 1411 Ft. Harrison. The theater was purchased by The Community Learning Center and, upon completion of the renovation, will supply the much needed additional space for their expansion.
”At the end of the day, we are responsible for our own lives. If anything happens to us, don’t blame somebody else. Backtrack and look at what you did to contribute to that. You also contribute to your successes. Once you learn that, you’re on your way.”
– Isaac Hayes
MEMPHIS, TENN. (August 12, 2008)
A memorial service will be held on Monday at Hope Presbyterian Church, 8500 Walnut Grove, Cordova, Tennessee from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to celebrate the life of pioneering soul icon Isaac Hayes, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 65.
Clearwater
This summer, some 350 kids from two Clearwater groups, the Greenwood Community Center and the Life Force Cultural Arts Academy have been experiencing the fun of soccer daily. Galactics Clearwater International Football Club offered to provide free summer soccer sessions for the Community Center and Life Force Academy with the purpose of introducing the predominantly African-American kids to soccer and helping to keep them entertained and active during the summer break.
The African-American community is strongly rooted in American football and basketball and has yet to discover the attraction and opportunities of the fastest-growing sport in the US—soccer—played by millions, loved by billions and the number one sport in the world.
Clearwater Beach
Do you believe in magic? I do. Yep that’s right, despite all the aftermath of the critics commentary on how obviously disappointing Illusionist Criss Angel’s escape from the implosion of the Spyglass Hotel was. Despite all the... “I know how he did it” and “give me a break” comments, I still believe...
The first of three sculptures on Cleveland Street
Standing 15-feet tall and 10-feet wide, this magical aluminum sculpture by artist Bruce White, is the first of three pieces of public art scheduled to arrive at the Cleveland Street medians this month. Bruce’s work has been described as “an elegant union of ancient symbolism and contemporary science.” With its mystically-changing spectrums of purples – dependent on the position of the nebula and heavenly bodies - Sorcerer’s Gate provides a refreshing splash of color to the Cleveland Street District. Lifelong artist and Professor, Bruce White of DeKalb, Ill, answered the Call-to-Artists released earlier this year by The Clearwater Cultural Arts Division and was one of the three chosen.
Pinellas County -
by Angela LeMay
Actress Catherine Bell, best known for her for her role of Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie of the 1995 to 2005 television show JAG, commenced the shotgun start at the Semi –Annual “Hackers Classic” Tournament at the Eastlake Woodlands Country Club. The tournament this year was generously sponsored by PostcardMania, Thermal Technologies Services, Inc. and Island View Estates.
Hike, pedal or paddle along your favorite local trails. Meet fellow hikers at a community trail celebration. Pitch in to clean up an area you care about. Get involved in your local outdoor organization.
Whether you walk, hike, ride or glide, there are countless ways to join American Hiking Society on the trail June 7 to celebrate National Trails Day 2008. Now in its 16th year, National Trails Day brings outdoor enthusiasts across the country together to celebrate America’s magnificent trail system.
Many exciting events are happening across the nation, and areas of the south and southeast offer a wealth of ways to experience your outdoors this National Trails Day, including:
Senator Fasano Announces that Governor Crist Has Signed Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Legislation Into Law
Senator Mike Fasano announces that Governor Crist signed HB 643/ SB 992 into law today which places into statute many protections for individuals facing foreclosure. The legislation was a top priority of both Senator Fasano and Attorney General Bill McCollum.
In 2007 alone there were over 245,000 mortgage foreclosures in Florida. Additionally, Florida ranks second in the Nation only to California in the number of foreclosures in 2007.
A common practice of scam artists who pray on those facing foreclosure target homeowners trying to avoid closure by presenting themselves as foreclosure rescue counselors.
Will Promote Cleaner Air, Reduce Global Warming
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) introduced the Energy Conservation Through Trees Act of 2008 to help lower utility bills and improve air quality. By promoting the strategic planting of trees, the amount of energy needed to heat and cool homes will be reduced.
“Today, we are tasked with reducing our dependence on foreign oil, stabilizing our energy grid, and improving air quality. By harnessing the enterprising spirit of Americans and utilizing a diverse range of innovative approaches, we can accomplish this goal,” said Rep. Matsui.
NEH We the People Bookshelf Awarded to 3,000 Libraries Nationwide
Classic books encourage young readers to explore “Created Equal” theme during Lincoln Bicentennial
WASHINGTON (April 8, 2008)— The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) announced today that 3,000 public and school libraries will receive a free collection of classic books for the fifth annual We the People Bookshelf. Libraries across the nation will each receive 17 hardcover books for young readers (K-12) related to this year’s “Created Equal” theme, inspired by the 2009 bicentennial year of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The Bookshelf includes Spanish translations to accompany four of the selected titles.
“The We the People Bookshelf introduces young readers to important literature and promotes the understanding of vital ideas in our nation’s history,” said NEH Chairman Bruce Cole. “Through the power of these stories millions of young readers will have the opportunity to examine the central tenet of our American identity: that all human beings ‘are created equal.’”
Pristine St. Pete/Clearwater ‘Getaway’ Tops 2008 List
hawaii, California outranked by ‘Secret’ Florida favorite
St. Pete/Clearwater, FL (May 22, 2008) – Coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. “Dr. Beach,” has named Caladesi Island State Park in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area America’s Top Beach for 2008.
Leatherman unveiled his internationally-recognized list of the Top 10 U.S. Beaches live via satellite from Caladesi Island State Park this morning.
Labeling it his “favorite getaway beach,” Leatherman lauded the pristine barrier island’s “powder white” sand and “warm, crystal-clear” water in bestowing it the number one spot, nudging it into first place from the #2 ranking it received in both 2006 and 2007.
Situated two miles out in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Dunedin, the 3-mile long island, which is dotted with palm trees and protected by mangrove stands on its bay side, is accessible only by boat or the Caladesi Connection ferry. There are no paved roads or vehicles, but amenities like beach cabana rentals, an onsite café and a marina with full electric and water hookups make this “well-kept secret” a “great place to decompress,” according to Leatherman.