Pinellas County (183)
Pinellas Trail Bike Path in Downtown Clearwater to be Enhanced June 2009 Featured
Written by Joshua T. Gillion
Clearwater, FL -- The City of Clearwater has been awarded $1.39 million in stimulus money, under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, to enhance the section of the Pinellas Trail traversing downtown Clearwater.
When the Pinellas Trail opened in the 1990’s, no designated trail was built through downtown Clearwater. A larger sidewalk was later built along East Avenue, from Drew Street to Turner Street, to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians. The current plan, approved for the federal stimulus money, will transform the southbound lane of East Avenue into a two-way bicycle lane, through this same stretch.
City of Clearwater Awards Local Homeowners
Written by Joshua T. Gillion
Clearwater, FL -- At the Clearwater City Council meeting on Thursday, May 21st, the City of Clearwater Neighborhood Services Division presented their annual Neighborhood of the Year and Home of the Year awards for 2008/2009.
Ft. Desoto and Honeymoon Island in Top Ten Best Beaches According to TripAdvisor
Written by
TAMPA BAY, FL – Two beaches in the St. Pete/Clearwater area made TripAdvisor’s list of the top ten beaches in the U.S., according to the company’s annual summer travel survey released this week.
Pinellas County’s Fort De Soto Park took top honors for the second consecutive year, while Honeymoon Island State Park ranked ninth on the list published by the Expedia-owned industry giant, the world's largest online travel community.
St. Petersburg, FL -- On May 8th, girls from the PACE Center for Girls (Practical Academic Cultural Education) were treated to some “prom magic.” At the Hilton Carillon in St. Petersburg, the Beth Dillinger Foundation held a fashion show and luncheon to benefit the charity and the PACE program.
Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge Opens to Two-Way Traffic
Written by Heidi Lux
BELLEAIR BEACH, FL. - The Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge opened to two-way traffic on Friday, May 29. The bridge that connects the Pinellas County mainland peninsula to the barrier islands is 80 percent complete. Full completion of the project is anticipated by the end of the year.
Begun in March 2007, the $72.3 million infrastructure project has continued on time and on budget, with bridge builders facing few weather delays and only one nonstructural repair.
The full scope of work encompasses 1.5 miles of a new large span "main" bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway, a small relief bridge, as well as an approaching causeway roadway in Belleair Bluffs to the east and Belleair Shore and Belleair Beach to the west. In addition, new storm drains, retaining walls, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, curbs and gutters and a widened roadway will provide safe use for the public.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Art in Clearwater the Cleveland Street District Outdoor Gallery
Written by City of ClearwaterCLEARWATER, FL (April, 2009) - The Clearwater Public Art and Design Program is seeking submissions of extant sculptures for the second exhibition of Sculpture360: Art in the Cleveland Street District Outdoor Gallery.
Professional artists ages 18 and older are encouraged to send their résumés and images of their existing works to the city’s Cultural Affairs Division for review. All artwork must be capable of withstanding a full year of exposure to the elements including winds in excess of 130 miles per hour.
The Dundu Dole Urban African Ballet at the Human Rights Walkathon - Photo by Ian Phoenix
St. Petersburg, FL (March 2009) - On Saturday, March 7th, the cities of Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Tampa came together to proclaim Human Rights Walkathon Day. Human rights are “the rights you have simply because you are human”, regardless or race, religion or gender. Everyone is entitled to them simply because they are human beings.
In honor of basic human rights, such as, “the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association,” and “the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community,” people from many diverse groups, backgrounds and religions all unite in the common and greater goal of championing for universal rights and fighting against the loss of them. The group Youth for Human Rights International passed out DVDs explaining the 30 human rights as set forth in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A member of the Baha’i faith encouraged people to contact their congressmen to stand up for the Baha’i as they are being held captive in Iran for no other reason than the fact they belong to the Baha’i faith.
- Human Rights Walkathon
- Human Rights International
- The Dundu Dole Urban African Ballet
- The Alumni Singers
- The Empyreal Chinese Acrobats
- Anna I Rodriquez
- Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking
- Dr Mary Shuttleworth
- The Youth for Human Rights International
- Tampa Bay Buccaneer
- James M. Evans
- The Academy of Hope.
Clearwater, FL (March 2009) - All three of Clearwater’s Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facilities have received the George W. Burke, Jr. Safety Award from the Water Environment Federation. This is an award given to public wastewater treatment facilities to honor outstanding safety leaders in the industry. Jan Willis, a City of Clearwater Industrial Pretreatment Technician received the award for Industrial Pretreatment Operator of the Year in Florida’s Region IV. he Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facilities take in raw sewage and then treat it, turning it into reclaimed water. This water is then used for rrigation, thus reducing the need to irrigate with drinking water.
Photo by Jesse Chalupsky
Fountain in the Park
Station Square Park Opens in Downtown Clearwater
Clearwater, FL (February 26, 2009) - Throughout history, fountains have served to fulfill both the practical and aesthetic needs of society. Public fountains were a social gathering point for people while they also collected water for drinking or bathing.
Today, in many great cities, fountains still symbolize artistic and social ideas. It is therefore only fitting that part of the City of Clearwater’s Revitalization Project included an invigorating fountain as the entrance point to Station Square Park.