MARCH / 2009 ISSUE 18 - Beach Neighborhood Newsletters€¦ · MARCH / 2009 ISSUE 18 PRESOR TED STD U S POST AGE P A I D By Wayne Ayers Indian Rocks Historical Society Indian Rocks

MARCH / 2009 ISSUE 18

PRESORTED

STD

U SPOSTA

GE

PAI D

By Wayne AyersIndian RocksHistorical Society

IInnddiiaann RRoocckkss AAss IItt WWaass, : A Pictorial History available at the Historical Museum. $20 each, proceeds benefit the Historical Society.

Of all the happenings our beaches havewitnessed, none seems more strange andincredible today than Belleair Beach's role as thesetting for a practice bombing range duringWorld War II. That patriotic venture does notearn so much as a mention in most touristguides, even those of the 1950s. Most areahistories are silent on the subject.The lack of publicity for an activity that featuredone of the Holiday Isles being strafed andbombed by fighter planes is not surprising.Those who witnessed the bombing, share a senseof wonder and excitement over the event.Belleair Beach was the nearly deserted northernreach of Indian Rocks in the early 1940s, recallslong-time resident Billy Bie. Military pilots fromDrew Field (now Tampa International Airport),MacDill Field, Pauley Air Field (site of St.Petersburg-Clearwater airport) and other bases inthe area needed a convenient location to practicethe bombing missions that would later be criticalto the war effort. The shores of a deserted islandseemed the ideal spot.The military requisitioned a building owned bythe Belleview Biltmore Hotel (where the CabanaClub Condos sit today) as a command post ofsorts. Billy Bie and his brother Cappy watchedtargets being set up in the area where the BelleairBeach Causeway today intersects Gulf Boulevard.There were about six detachable targets, set upon2-by-4's about 100 yards apart, Billy recalls.

The fighter planes, equipped with machine guns,honed in on the targets. "Mostly strafingoccurred, though a few bombs were alsodropped," Billy Bie said. The local kids wouldride their bikes up to the range on Sundays tocollect the empty shells.There was a little control tower on the premises,and once, when Billy and Cappy strayed into thearea on a weekday, the commander yelled atthem to "get inside." Suddenly machine gunswere going off over their heads. "It scared thehell out of us," Billy said.The military had other missions to accomplish onthe beach. Soldiers came in a convoy of trucks tobivouac (camp), Billy recalls. "They would pitchtheir tents and practice digging foxholes."Largo native Don Forehand rememberswatchtowers and bunkers with "huge machineguns" set up along the bluffs facing theIntracoastal in the Belleair Bluffs and HarborBluffs vicinity. During the war, "Belleair Bluffs wasan army base with gun emplacements on thebluffs," Forehand said. Volunteers were recruitedto man the watchtowers and lookfor German submarines in theGulf.Area residents today can lookback with pride at the outsizedcontribution our "nearly desertedisland" made to the war effort.

During World War II, Belleair Beach was used as a bombing range. See Related story on Page 3.Photo courtesy of Indian Rocks Beach Historical Museum

IINNDDIIAANN RROOCCKKSS BBEEAACCHH NNEEIIGGHHBBOORRHHOOOODD NNEEWWSSLLEETTTTEERR

CITY NUMBERSCCIITTYY HHAALLLL.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 559955--225511771507 Bay Palm Blvd www.Indian-Rocks-Beach.com

CITY MANAGER - VacantMAYOR/CITY COMMISSION . 517-0204MAYOR - R.B. Johnson COMMISSIONERS — Terry Wollin-Hamilton Vice Mayor • CookieKennedy • Daniel Torres • Bert Valery City Manager, . . . . . . . . . . . . . 595-2517

VacantBuilding Department: . . . . . . . . 517-0404

John Mortellite, DirPlanning & Zoning: . . . . . . . . . . 517-0404

Danny Taylor, DirPublic Services: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 595-6889

Dean Scharmen, Dir.IRB LIBRARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 596-1822Next to City HallM-F 10A-4P; Tu-Th 7P-8:30P, Sat 10A-1PM; IRB HISTORICAL MUSEUM . . . 593-3861Across from the Post OfficeIRB HOMEOWNER ASSOC.. . . 517-0525Phil Wrobel, President - IRBHome.com Bob Griffin - Boat Club . . . . . . . 517-1997BEACH ART CENTER . . . . . . . . 596-4331Next to City Hall, 1515 Bay Palm BlvdPOST OFFICE / IRB. . . . . . . . . . 596-2894204 4th Avenue 33785, Near Crabby Bill’sMon-Fri 8:30A-4:30P; Sat 9A-12:00PIRB ROTARYwww.Indian-Rocks-Rotary.orgMeets at Jimmy Guana's every Wed. 7:15AMDavid Kline, Past President . . . . 593-2605ACTION 2000John Todia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 595-2369Meets 2nd Monday Each Month Beach Art CtrBEACH FOOD PANTRY . . . . . . 517-25341615 First St. M-W-F 10 am-12 pm4H CLUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 582-2597

EMERGENCIES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1-1SHERIFF NON-EMERGENCIES 582-6200SHERIFF DISPATCH . . . . . . . . . 582-6177IRB FIRE STATION . . . . . . . . . 595-1117PINELLAS COUNTY INFO . . . . 464-3000LITTLE LEAGUE . . . . . . . . . . . . 434-0511CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Gulf Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . . 360-6957Clearwater Beach . . . . . . . . 447-7600

WELCOME CENTER . . . . . . . . . 595-4575ELECTRICITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443-2641PHONE (Residential) . . . . . 800-483-4000PHONE (Business) . . . . . . . 800-483-5000WATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4000CABLE (Bright House) . . . . . . . . 329-5020SEWER / IRB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 595-6889TRASH / IRB / Pick Up . . . . . . . 595-6889-------------------------------------------------COUNTY INFORMATION . . . . 464-3000COMMISSION OFFICES. . . . . . 464-3377

Karen Seel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-3278STATE:Senator Dennis Jones . . . . 727-549-6411

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

Representative Jim Frishe . 727-518-3902 Republican, 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

MARCHSpring Luncheon, Historical Society 7Monte Carlo Night Beach Art Center 7Daylight Savings Time Begins 8Election Day - Tuesday 10Homeowner’s Happy Hour 12Movies / Jaws on the Beach 14 St Patrick’s Day - Tuesday 17IRB Boat Club Meeting 19Boat Club Island Clean Up 21Great American Clean Up 21Library’s Open Mic Night 26Blood Drive - IRB Post Office 27Tour of Homes IRB Historical Soc 28Coti School Open House 28APRILApril Fool’s Day- Wednesday 1Guppy’s Gulfside Gallop 5K Run 4Beauty and The Beach & Art Show 4Heritage Village World War II Event 4Homeowner’s Happy Hour 9Good Friday 10Easter Egg Hunt at Nature’s Park 11Antique Car Show Heritage Village 11Easter 12Federal Income Taxes Due 15IRB Garage Sale Sat & Sun 18-19Earth Day 2009 22

Library’s Open Mic Night 22Biggest Beach Party Ever 25Calvary’s Fashion Show/Tea 29MAYTurtle Season Begins 1COTI’s Greenfest 9 Postal Workers/ Food Drive 9Mother’s Day (Sunday) 10Homeowners Happy Hour 14Stone Crab Season Ends 15Household Chemical Cleanup 16Heritage Village Civil War Days 16Safe Boating Week 18-24Homeowners Annual Meeting 20Boat Club Meeting 21Community Clean Up IRB 18-20Memorial Day (Monday) 25JUNEHurricane Season Begins 1Last Day Public School 2Homeowners Happy Hour 11Flag Retirement 12Heritage Village Antique 13Flag Day 14Father’s Day 21Summer Begins 21IRB’s Birthday 25

CREDITS

© 2008 Griffin Productions, Inc.

2009 CALENDAR OF LOCAL EVENTS

This newsletter is published byGRIFFIN PRODUCTIONS, Inc.and is mailed to every occupiedresidence and business in IndianRocks Beach We are not officiallyassociated with the City of IndianRocks Beach.

PUBLISHERBob & Becky Griffin

Residents of Indian Rocks Beach

ART DIRECTIONBecky Griffin

SALES727-517-1997

CONTACT INFOP.O. BOX 1314

Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785517-1997 ~ 517-1998 FAX

IRBNewsletter.com

Is there something you would liketo see included in this newsletter?

Please send all comments to

bboobb@@ggrriiffffiinnddiirreeccttoorriieess..ccoomm

NEXT ISSUE IS MAYDo you need another copy ofthis newsletter? Try the lobby ofthe IRB post office, or anyrealtor's office. USA Grocers hasthem, too. If you need a lotmore, call 517-1997. This newsletter is printed everyother month and survives onlocal advertising. Please supportthe people advertising here. Ifyou are an IRB resident wantingto advertise, you get a discount.We also offer discounts foradvertising in our other issues,Madeira Beach, Belleair Areaand Downtown St. Petersburg. Call me for the next issue. Formore information, or to read ourother issues online, visitBeachNewsletters.com


BBEELLLLEEAAIIRR BBEEAACCHHTTHHEE WWAAYY II RREEMMEEMMBBEERR IITTby Cappie Bie as told to Bob GriffinI was born in 1931, and moved toIndian Rocks Beach when I wasseven years old. I am the fifth of sixchildren. We lived in the Boat House,which my family still owns, in theNarrows, on the Intracoastal. In thebeginning, we only had one electric light and norunning waterIn the early '40s, Gulf Boulevard was a two lane road. Itran through Indian Rocks to the city limits where twoconcrete columns marked the beginning of BelleairBeach. From there, the road became a dirt path. Therewas only one house on Belleair Beach. It was located atthe south end. The Cabana Club at the north end, wasa private club, owned by the Belleview Biltmore.During WW II, near the foot of the old bridge, there wasa lookout tower. It was right on the beach at Brandon'sPavilion. My father and sister Rita, volunteered to manthe tower and report any airplanes flying nearby. The military used Belleair Beach as a bombing range.Planes from the St. Pete Clearwater Airport, MacDill andother bases were always flying over the area. They flewin a circle, west over Belleair Bluffs and Beach, and theneast over Indian Rocks. Targets on Belleair Beach were used by the pilotspracticing their aim. The targets varied, and were madeout of palmetto logs, mounds of dirt, or just some whitebed sheets tied to two 2x4's. The planes would drop"bombs" and fire their machine guns. The bombs weren'tlive, but they did have a minor charge that explodedwhen they hit the ground. Some bombs were made outof wood and floated when they hit the water. All the kidsin the neighborhood had collections of machine gunshells and bomb casings.Sergeant Paige, who lived in a rental house in IRB, wasin charge of the Belleair Beach military activities. Oneparticular day, while we were on the beach, he wassurprised to see us there. He quickly threw us into histruck, and drove to the closest bomb shelter. A fewmoments later a plane flew overhead and sprayed thebeach with machine gun fire. One day we heard a plane flying overhead making astrange noise. A friend told me a P-40 Tomahawk hadcrashed in the water off the Indian Rocks coast. It hadlanded on a patch of sand just west of Haven's Beach,about where Sixth Avenue is today. As it turned out, theplane had run out of gas. We all climbed on the planeand even sat in the pilot's seat. That was great fun for a12 year old boy! The photo below, of me with theplane, was taken that day.


LLAATTEERR LLIIVVEE MMUUSSIICC The CityCommission passed a temporarychange to the amplified musicordinance applying only to theBusiness Triangle area. Bars andrestaurants there may allowoutside amplified music from7am until 11pm, instead of theprevious 10pm cutoff. This isgood news for Crabby Bills,Brewmasters, Jimmy Guana's, My Place and JD's._________________________________________________AANNOONNAA RREEUUNNIIOONN Did you go to Anona ElementarySchool? They have a reunion and fish fry each April. Thisyear it will be held April 25th at Bonner Park. All the "oldtimers" get together and practice their 3 R's. Call CappyBie for more information 595-6990._________________________________________________WWEEEEKKLLYY SSTTOORRYY HHOOUURR AATT TTHHEE LLIIBBRRAARRYY A children’s storyhour is held on Monday afternoons at 4 pm. Jane, thelibrarian, reads stories to preschoolers, along with first,second and third graders. _________________________________________________NNEEWW BBEEAACCHH RREECCYYCCLLIINNGG!! Pinellas County is planning anew beach recycling program that will place recyclingcontainers next to all garbage cans on our beaches,countywide. These containers will collect both aluminumcans and plastic. A four month pilot program, at threeCounty Beach accesses, recovered 2.4 tons of recyclables.All expenses are being paid for by a grant to the county.They hope to have everything in place this fall._________________________________________________NNEEWW FFIIEELLDD IINNSSTTAALLLLEEDD To get ready for the beginning ofSpring Little League, the IRB Rotary paid $4,800 to havenew sod installed in their baseball infield. The first gamewas Feb. 14th, with games every weekend. Come andenjoy one with your family and have one of the best hotdogs in town. The Little League still needs money,coaches, volunteers and sponsors. If you can help,please call Jackie, 434-0511 or Mike Kelley, 735-4574._________________________________________________AALL FFAACCTTSS!! Every three months, Americans throw awaythe amount of aluminum needed to rebuild the entireU.S. commercial airline fleet. Aluminum foil takes 400years to break-down in a landfill. Aluminum has nolimit to the number of times it can be recycled. Whenrecycled, an aluminum can is back on the grocery shelf,in as little as 60 days, so recycle those cans!_________________________________________________LLEEAARRNN TTOO UUSSEE AA CCOOMMPPUUTTEERR The Calvary EpiscopalChurch in IRB is offering courses on new, state of the artcomputers. There is a small registration fee. Space islimited to twelve people per course. Call 595-2374._________________________________________________GGRREEAATT AAMMEERRIICCAANN CCLLEEAANN--UUPP Get your gloves andreport to the County Park at 8am, Saturday March 21stand help clean the beach. This event is a co-sponsoredby your IRB Public Works Department and Keep PinellasBeautiful. Call Public Works at 595-6889 for info. TheIRB Boat Club will be helping by cleaning Intracoastalareas, too. They are meeting at the 15th Avenue BoatRamp at 8am. Call Bob Griffin, 430-8300 to help them._________________________________________________RREEAADD OONNLLIINNEE Read this issue (as well as others) onlineat www.BeachNewsletters.com.

Did You Know...


TTHHEE IIRRBB BBOOOOKK CCLLUUBB meets oncea month to read and discussbooks. They usually meet thethird Monday of each month,except during the summer. Callthe library, 596-1822, forinformation. The next dates andbooks are:

March 16: "Animal Dreams"April 20: "The Yiddish

Policeman's Union"May 18: "Gilliad"______________________________

FFAASSHHIIOONN SSHHOOWW CalvaryEpiscopal Church's annualInspirational Tea & Fashion Show will be Sunday, March29 at 3pm in the church's parish hall. Fashions are byInspirational Elegance of Largo. Tickets are $20 each andreservations are required. Proceeds benefit ChurchMinistries. Call Susan Brillat 595-4744 for reservations._________________________________________________MMOONNEEYY FFOORR BBUUSSIINNEESSSS SSIIGGNNSS A2K is offering money tohelp IRB merchants pay for their new signs, or thelandscaping around them. They will match, up to $1,000of expenses, per business. However, they only have$6,000 for this purpose, so it is first come, first served.Call Eric Meyer 744-0123 for more information. _________________________________________________CCOOMMMMUUNNIITTYY CCLLEEAANN--UUPP is May 18-20. The City willpick up bulk items such as White Goods, Appliances,Furniture, etc. FREE OF CHARGE. _________________________________________________SSAAFFEE BBOOAATTIINNGG CCLLAASSSSEESS will be offered March 2 andApril 6 at the Clearwater Sail and Power Squadron, 1000Cleveland St. in Clearwater. The cost is $40 for materialsbut there is a $5 discount if you bring a friend. 50% offfor additional family member. Call 441-8775 topre-register or for other dates. _________________________________________________CCOOMMMMUUNNIITTYY YYAARRDD SSAALLEE is April 18-19. Clean out yourgarage, and make some extra money at the same time. _________________________________________________MMAAYY IISS OOUURR RREESSTTAAUURRAANNTT IISSSSUUEE We need your help.Please take a minute to vote for your favorite IndianRocks Beach restaurant on the ballot inserted in thisnewsletter. The results will be presented in the nextnewsletter. One lucky voter will receive a gift certificate tothe IRB Restaurant of his or her choice. Call 517-1997or email [email protected] if you didn’t get theballot. _________________________________________________CCHHUURRCCHH OOFF TTHHEE IISSLLEESS CCOONNCCEERRTT On Sunday March 22at 7 pm, the Church of the Isles will present a concert bythe North Central Concert Choir under the direction ofProf. Jeordano Martinez. This is a 50-voice choir fromNorth Central College in Naperville IL. Their music isinspiring and this will be a most enjoyable concert! A freewill offering will be taken._________________________________________________WWAANNTTEEDD BBOOOOKKSS,, CCDDSS,, AANNDD DDVVDDSS!! Donate them to theFriends of the Library Annual Book Sale, April 4, from9am to 4pm in City Hall. This event is being held duringthe annual Beauty and the Beast. Bring donations to theLibrary before the event date. Friends of the Libraryrecently donated the new Appollo library computersystem, which cost $2150. They also donated $200 tothe Beach Art Center. Want to be a Friend of the Library?Join at their annual meeting on April 26, 4 pm at theBeach Art Center, or stop by the library next to City HallMonday through Saturday.


DON HOUSE, 57, lives in asmall Beach Trail house that hasbeen in his family for 40 years.Don is chairman of IRB'sPlanning & Zoning Board andhas served on this board for thepast three years. House, whoattends most city commissionmeetings, has a B.A. in Financefrom USF and worked for the IRSand Comptroller of the Currency

for the U.S. Treasury. He is currently self-employed,managing his residential and commercial properties.Married for 36 years, Don has two children and twingrandchildren. Visit houseirb.com.

TERRY HAMILTON-WOLLIN,62, a resident of IRB since1994, is completing her firstterm as City Commissioner.Currently, she serves as theVice-Mayor and representsIndian Rocks Beach at theBarrier Islands GovernmentalCouncil. She was previouslythe chairperson of the Planningand Zoning Board and LocalPlanning Agency. She was themanager of the North BeachesBranch of the YMCA and a volunteer board member forIRB Action 2000. She is a member of the HistoricalSociety, Friends of the Library and Beach Art Center.ReElectTerry.com

Meet Your Candidates for theMarch 10 City Commission Election PHIL HANNA, 58, aresident of IRB since 1991,has never held elected office.He attended Indiana StateUniversity, majoring inbroadcast. He served in theArmy and operated HannaAdvertising in Indiana. Heworks in real estate andowns a television and radioproduction and marketingcompany. He is a member ofthe Clearwater AmateurRadio Society, the AircraftOwners and Pilots Association, the Experimental AircraftAssociation, the Pinellas Realtor Org., and the 4-H. Heis engaged with two children. Visit votehanna.com


PET CONTESTWINNER

""EErrnniiee"" aanndd oowwnneerr TTiimm BBrraaddsshhaaww

GGuullff BBllvvdd..Ernie is a four year oldCairn Terrier. Besidesbeing a service dog, Ernieis a registered therapydog through TherapyDogs International. Everyweek, Ernie and Tim visitThe Ronald McDonaldHouse in St. Petersburg,and Barrington Terrace(an assistedliving/Alzheimer facility inSeminole). Ernie doestricks for them.

Each issue, we will featurean Indian Rocks residentwith his or her dog, cat, orother pet. You must enterto win! Send your photosto [email protected]

or PO Box 1314 Indian Rocks Beach, 33785.Deadline for the next contest is April. 1st.

NNeeww LLooccaattiioonn!!

HISTORICAL MUSEUMTHE SPRING POTLUCK LUNCHEON is Saturday,March 7 at noon, inside the museum. Join them andhear Wayne Ayers (contributor to this newsletter)present his newest book, "Tampa Bay Beaches...Thenand Now". Everyone is requested to bring a covereddish, salad or dessert. THE THIRD TOUR OF HOMES is March 28th from11am until 4pm. Tickets can be purchased at theHistorical Museum, City Hall and Wabi Sabi.PHOTOS NEEDED If you have old photos or itemsrelating to Indian Rocks Beach’s past, please donatethem to the museum. They are planning an addition tothe museum and will be able to display more of thesethings. BOARD OF DIRECTORS meetings are the firstThursday of every month, and the public is invited. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to staff the museum. Ifyou are interested, call Patti Muneio at 517-8076.BEACH ART CENTERTHIRD ANNUAL MONTE CARLO NIGHT isSaturday, March 7th, from 7-11pm. There will begames, appetizers, drinks, music, horse races, blackjack, roulette, Texas hold'em, silent auction, prizes andfun. Tickets, $30 each are available at the Art Center.BEAUTY AND THE BEACH’S, Chalk Walk and Artshow, April 4, is hosted by the Beach Art Center. It isone of Indian Rocks premier events. Call 596-4331 orvisit www.BeachArtCenter.org.ACTION 2000VALENTINES DANCE was once again a sell out with187 people and a fundraiser, bringing in over $6,500before expenses. All the proceeds go to funding theirmany local city improvement projects.

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSLETTER

20 YEARS OF VOLUNTEERINGAt the Library Volunteer Christmas Luncheon, BetsDriscoll (left) and Carol Waite, were recognized for theirtwenty years of free service to the Indian Rocks BeachLibrary. Photo by Jean Scott.

WE GOT THE TICKETS!New IRB resident, Frank Hartwell of 12th Avenue wonthe annual Rotary drawing for two free tickets to theSuper Bowl. They had a great time at the game held inTampa on February 1st.

BRICKS IN THE PARKHave you seen the changes to Chic-A-Si Park?Sidewalks have been added and in the middle of thepark is a brick garden. You can have your name orcompany's name on one of the bricks for $100. Callthe City for information. Next to be installed will be theboce ball court and new picnic tables.


INDIAN ROCKS HOMEOWNERSASSOCIATION NEWS

22000099 HHAAPPPPYY HHOOUURRSS Homeowners Happy Hours continue atthe following restaurants:

April: Red Lion May: CoastersThese FREE Happy Hours are 6-7:30 pm the secondThursday of the month. Visit IRBhome.com for info.MMOOVVIIEESS IINN TTHHEE PPAARRKK is moving to the beach, one timeonly on March 14th for a special screening of Jaws,weather permitting. Bring your chairs & coolers for agreat evening..LLIITTTTLLEE LLEEAAGGUUEE Thisseason the HomeownersAssoc. is sponsoring oneof the Indian Rocks BeachLittle League teams.GGUUPPPPYY''SS GGUULLFFSSIIDDEEGGAALLLLOOPP 5K run and 1mile fun walk will be8am, April 4th, at theIndian Rocks BeachCounty Park. Early Registration, now through Sunday,March 29th - $15.00. Look for an application in thisnewsletter. For information, more applications or toregister online, visit IRBHome.com EEAASSTTEERR EEGGGG HHUUNNTT in the Nature Preserve Park, April11th, at 10 am. This event is co-sponsored by TheHomeowners Association and The City of Indian RocksBeach. All children 12 and under are invited to bring theirEaster baskets and join in the in the fun. There will begames and Arts & Crafts sponsored by COTI CommunityChristian School and of course, a visit from the EasterBunnyBBIIGGGGEESSTT BBEEAACCHH PPAARRTTYY EEVVEERR April 25, is presented byThe Homeowners Association, the Rotary of IndianRocks, and The City of Indian Rocks Beach. Enjoy beer,wine, food, and music directly on the beach, at theIndian Rocks Beach County Park. Beer, sponsored byCrabby Bill’s and Wine, donated by 688 Fine Wines &Spirits, along with food and soft drinks from CrabbyBill’s will be available for purchase. This event issponsored by Century 21 Beggins and AffiliatedMortgage & Title. NO COOLERS ALLOWED!,VVOOLLUUNNTTEEEERRSS are needed to help during these events. Ifyou are interested, please email [email protected] orcall 517.3131 and we will add you to the list.

IRB BOAT CLUBTTRRIIPPSS TTOO AARREEAA RREESSTTAAUURRAANNTTSS On February 22nd,members boated to Island Way Grill for a great SundayBrunch and day on the water. They plan to haveanother restaurant trip in April. Come to the nextmeeting to help pick the restaurant.IISSLLAANNDD CCLLEEAANN UUPP Calling all members to help cleanthe Intracoastal Saturday, March 14th. Bring your boat,gloves and tools, and report to the 15th Avenue BoatRamp at 8am. If you do not have a boat, come by car.We'll put you on someone else's boat. NNEEXXTT MMEEEETTIINNGG will be March 19th at the Marlin TimeSports Bar, inside Brewmasters - Happy hour at 6pm,and the meeting at 7pm. The guest speaker will beDennis Kellenberger, General Manager of Tampa BayWatch. Learn more about them at TampaBayWatch.org.


THE MUSTACHES OF IRB - GUESS WHO?ANSWERS ON PAGE 14

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

10. 11. 12.

GREASE MANAGEMENT FOR HOMEOWNERSPublic Services Director Dean Scharmen reports thatgrease is one of the major causes of messy and costlysewer backups into the home and the City of IndianRocks Beach Sanitary Sewer System.WWHHEERREE DDOOEESS GGRREEAASSEE CCOOMMEE FFRROOMM?? Grease comesfrom certain foods, including: Lard, Shortening, Oils,Butter/Margarine, Sauces, Baked Goods, and MeatsWWHHAATT DDOOEESS GGRREEAASSEE DDOO WWHHEENN IITT GGOOEESS DDOOWWNN TTHHEEDDRRAAIINN?? Grease clings to the inside of your householdplumbing and the sewer pipes of the sanitary sewercollection system. The buildup on the inside of the pipesprogressively decreases the pipes’ diameter, allowing lessand less water to pass through. At this stage, you maynotice a “slow drain”, often the first sign of a clog.Ultimately, the grease will block the entire pipe. This may cause an overflow of raw sewage, either at theorigin of the clog (the home), a neighbor’s home, oronto a local street. Raw sewage may contain disease-causing organisms, and therefore it must be cleaned upand disposed of immediately.HHEELLPPFFUULL HHIINNTTSS FFOORR PPRROOPPEERR DDIISSPPOOSSAALL OOFFHHOOUUSSEEHHOOLLDD GGRREEAASSEE AANNDD FFOOOODD WWAASSTTEE::l Keep a basket or strainer in your drain to catch foodscraps and other solid waste.l Once it cools, pour grease and fat into a container orjar. Place the container in a plastic bag and dispose of itin the regular trash.l Scrape cooking scraps into a trash can rather thanwashing them down a drain, or garbage disposal.l Carefully read and follow the directions when usingconsumer products to clear a clog. If used improperly,consumer products may result in an even bigger, morecostly problem.l Should a clog develop in your home plumbing, contacta licensed plumber.If it is determined that a clog has developed in the Cityof Indian Rocks Beach sanitary sewer system (generallyanything adjacent to the curb or sidewalk), the City willclear out the clog as quickly and safely as possible.For assistance, please feel free to contact the PublicServices Director @ 727/595-6889, Monday throughFriday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm

SECOND ANNUAL GREENFESTThe COTI Community Christian School (CCCS) will beholding this year’s event on May 9, 2009. They inviteeveryone to gather in Indian Rocks Beach for "green"education, "red" hot music, and a rainbow of vendors!"Christy Ward, a parent at our school, initiated this eventto help educate our community about the variety of waysthey can be eco-friendly at home, at work and on thebeach," said Rita Petrino, Director of CCCS. "Last yearwas a wonderful success."The 2008 program included more than 40 vendorsdisplaying products and educational information rangingfrom "green" countertops to the basics of recycling.Petrino and the GreenFest Committee anticipate a largergroup of vendors and partnerships for the 2009 event.GreenFest is a family event, full of fun and food withactivities for children, educational exhibits and greatmusic for all. To participate as a vendor, please contactRita Petrino, Director at 727-517-0775.



RREEGGUULLAATTIIOONNSS AANNDD TTHHEE FFIIRREE SSEERRVVIICCEEBy Assistant Chief Richard T. Walker

Few people realize that the Fire Service in the UnitedStates is required to meet a large number of Federal andState agency standards and rules to keep fire departmentpersonnel as safe as possible while they perform one ofthe most dangerous jobs in the world.Keeping the organization "compliant" is a major role ofthe the fire organization’s administrative staff. Theseregulations control how an agency such as PinellasSuncoast Fire and Rescue does its job when it responds toevery call. It also regulates the workplace safetyenvironment that our employees work in. OHSA, TheNational Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), The Florida StateFire Marshal's Office, and The State of Florida'sDepartment of Health are just a few of the organizationsthat have many safety requirements in place. The NFPA has large volumes of rules that set outeverything from minimal training levels of our staff to theequipment that must be on our fire trucks. This evenincludes the way emergency light and reflective stripesare configured on the trucks. The NFPA also requires usto keep current with the latest protective fire equipmentand gear. They not only dictate how the new equipmentis designed but also how it is cared for and maintained.All purchases of rescue equipment must be documentedand annual tests performed to assure that the equipmentwill not fail during an emergency. This equipment rangesfrom hoses, breathing apparatus, and ladders to thetrucks and pumps themselves. Most citizens are onlyaware of the NFPA rules as they relate to fire preventionin local businesses and public places. State rules require a certification and high level of

training for each Fire Inspector we employ; additionally,the inspector must maintain a minimum number of hoursin continuing education. Regulations from NFPA alsorequire each firefighter to complete a minimum level ofstate required training before they can fight a fire in aburning structure. Training doesn't stop after hiring.Each year a minimum number of training hours in avariety of areas hazardous materials awareness, andblood-born pathogens awareness must be taken. Thereis also a constant review of basic fire ground skills suchas ladder and hose operation. If an injury occurs to afirefighter while on the job, all these agencies and morewill require records to verify that we have made everyeffort to keep our employees as safe as possible. The next time you wonder what we are doing at the firestation when we are not on a call, please remember allthe efforts our staff members take to keep you safe arenot always as obvious as when you see the red lights,hear the sirens, or see smoke in the sky. Keep in mindthe dedicated day-to-day efforts we make to comply withvery high standards as to be ready to perform our duties.


OOUURR NNEEWW FFIINNAANNCCEE DDIIRREECCTTOORRSandy Sanders (68) is the newIndian Rocks Beach FinanceDirector. He held a similarposition in Dunedin for fouryears, before starting his jobhere January 21st. He will bepaid $80,000 a year, and livesnearby in Seminole.Sanders replaces former FinanceDirector, Marty Schless, who wasdismissed in October after much discussion and review.Under the city charter, the Finance Director, is a CharterOfficer and is hired by and reports directly to thecommission, by-passing the city manager. This maychange after the March election. A charter amendmenton the ballot proposes to eliminate the Charter Officerdesignation, and requires the Finance Director to reportto and be hired or fired by the City Manager.In the next few weeks, Sanders plans to present apreliminary forecast of the city's 2009 revenue. Therewill be issues to deal with, including the anticipatedreduced revenues from property and sales taxes, plusless money than expected from Penny for Pinellas grantprojects. "In May, I hope to present to the CityCommission a mid-year budget review and the possibleadjustments needed to finish the year within budget,"Sanders said.

INDIAN ROCKS BEACHACTION 2000

APPROACHES 10YEAR ANNIVERSARY!Since its inception in 1999the non profit organization, Indian Rocks Beach Action2000 has made a significant contribution to the City ofIndian Rocks Beach, the Gulf Blvd Corridor, and ingeneral the overall quality of life enjoyed by all.Through the years, many spirited volunteers have giventheir time and efforts to accumulate monies that weregiven back to the city in the form of projects,improvements and charitable donations. Over$100,000.00 (one hundred thousand dollars) plusnumerous volunteer hours have contributed to thebetterment of the community as follows:

l Cigarette Disposal Receptaclesl Streetscape Improvementsl Key West Design Pedestrian

Sheltersl Business Sign Enhancement

Programl Originator and Co-Sponsor of Oktoberfest Annual

Celebrationl $25,000 donation to the City for an Independent USF

Planning Studyl Preservation and Beautification Awardsl Charitable donations to the Food Pantry, Christmas

Tree Lighting, Boat Parade and other civic eventsAction 2000 is always seeking active citizens to getinvolved. Working as a community, with a shared visionfor the future, we can each make a difference.For more information, you can contact Action 2000President, Eric Meyer, [email protected] orcall 727-744-0123.

l Trash Receptaclesl Benchesl Oak Treesl Valentine Dance


PEOPLE BEHIND THE MUSTACHES 1. Mayor RB Johnson2. Dean Sharman, Director of IRB Pubic Works3. Sandy Sanders, Finance Director of IRB4. Dr. Champ Zabetakis5. Ken “Buddy” Jones, Post Office6. Eric Meyer, President Action 20007. Phil Wrobel, President IRB

Homeowners Assoc.8. RRookk HHuunntt -- CCoonntteesstt WWiinnnneerr9. Matt Loder, Owner Crabby Bill’s10. Rick Oppedisano11. Patrick Bush12. George Laufenburger Rok Hunt

Little League - OpeningDay in IRB


IRB ROTARY'S PANCAKE BREAKFAST SUPPORTING THE FOOD PANTRY

Once again this year, The Rotary Club of Indian RocksBeach will present our Annual Pancake Breakfast on April4, 2009, at the Beach Art Center. This is the morningkickoff to our Beauty and the Beach celebration.Pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange juice will beserved from 7:30 am to 11 am. Tickets can bepurchased from any Rotarian or at the door. As in thepast, tickets remain at the bargain price of $4.00 each.As we have for the last two years, all proceeds from thePancake Breakfast will be donated directly to the BeachCommunity Food Pantry. Over the last two years, throughthe Pancake Breakfast, IRB Rotary has been able todonate over $3000 to the BCFP. This year's Pancake Breakfast is more important than anyin the past, as the demand on the BCFP has beensubstantially larger than at any time in its short history,due in large part to our tougher economic times. The IRB Rotary and the BCFP encourage all of you tocome out, bring friends, neighbors and relatives and takeadvantage of a great breakfast while at the same timehelping those who are not so fortunate. You can help the cause even further by bringing a cashand/or non-perishable food donation collected at thedoor by the Rotary Club. In addition, while you are doingyour weekly groceries shopping why not buy a small bagof food and donate it directly to BCFP? You can drop itoff during their operating hours Monday, Wednesday,and Friday, 10am - noon. BCFP is located at the CalvaryEpiscopal Church, 1615 1st Street, IRB. (CalvaryEpiscopal Church will also accept Food Pantry donations

weekdays during normal working hours).For information or would to help, the BCFP contact theircoordinator, Harvey Brillat at [email protected].

SUPER BOWL RAFFLE A HUGE SUCCESS!The Rotary Club IRB would like to express our thanks andgratitude to all of you who generously supported ourSixth Annual Super Bowl Raffle fundraiser. This year'sevent was our most successful ever!Special thanks go out to Mark Ternes and the staff ofMarlin Time Sports Pub for their gracious hospitality,delicious food and great waterfront location. Weencourage you to support Mark, as he has supported usand the community over the last year. Thank you, Mark!!See you in December for our 7th Drawing!New IRB resident Frank Hartzell became the most recentwinner of the Grand Prize package---two tickets to the43rd Super Bowl, seven nights stay at a beach frontcottage and $1000 in cash. Welcome to IRB andcongratulations, Frank, on your big win!IRB Rotary is proud to sponsor theses events, includingOktoberfest because the proceeds allow us to support theworldwide works of Rotary International (rotary.org). Wewelcome those who would like to learn more aboutRotary, to visit us at a weekly meeting, at Jimmy Guana's(south end of the Holiday Inn Harbourside) at 7:15 am.The breakfast buffet is on us with no commitment, justfellowship with 35 people working together tomake a difference in someone's life.Respectfully, David Kline, 727-593-2605Past President IRB Rotary [email protected].


BBUUSSIINNEESSSS BBRRIIEEFFSS26 YEARS OFCRABBY: Wherewere you in April1983? Bill Loderwas here in, IndianRocks Beach,opening his firstCrabby Bill’s. Mr. Bill is older now, and the multi-storerestaurant chain is managed by his son, Matt Loder.Many other members of Loder family work there too._________________________________________________FOR LEASE: Barclay Square, undergoing a face-lift,has space available. If you are interested, call LynWhitman with Edens & Avante at 1-800-680-9037._________________________________________________CRUNCHY MAMA’S IS BACKCrunchy Mama on Indian RocksRoad closed in January, but IRBresident, Andrea Harms, willcontinue to offer the $25 organicproduce co-op "baskets" in a newlocation on Indian Rocks Beach.The new Crunchy Mama Co-opwill be limited to 48 membersand will have a produce basketpick-up on Monday and Tuesdayat the Church of the Isles Giddes Youth Center - 21025th Avenue. Crunchy Mama is not a retail store anddoes not offer regular retail hours, so please call 593-1800 or visit crunchycoop.com for information._________________________________________________OPEN HOUSE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Come tourthe Coti Community Christian School and enjoy foodand free fun with a bounce house and carnival-likeatmosphere, on Saturday, March 28 from 11am - 2pm._________________________________________________LAUGHING LIZARD Bill Ockunzzi's B&B in IndianRocks made the Frommer's Florida 2009 list. Frommer’sis a guide that helps people find the best B&B's in theUnited States. Laughing Lizard, built in 2005, is the onlyIRB property listed. Congratulations on a job well done!_________________________________________________

CONFORMING SIGNS: Thenew sign ordinance goes intoaffect in July of this year. Will yoube ready? Dr Matt Facarazzo atthe Indian Rocks Animal Hospitalis. He had this sign installed inJanuary. It costs thousands morethan he thought and took nearly ayear to get approved and built.______________________________HALF PRICE PIZZA! TJ's Italian

Cafe is offering pizza at half price. But, it is only at certaintimes of the day and night. Visit their Website,HalfPricePizza.com for all the details. And remember, theydeliver to all of IRB._________________________________________________JAZZING UP IRB Bar Luna Cafe, a new jazz club andcafe may be coming soon, next to Cafe Soleil at 1511Gulf Blvd. They will have beer & wine, light food, musicand jazz. The tentative hours are 4pm - 10pmweekdays, and 11pm on week-ends. They hope to openMarch 24th. It is operated by Stacy Dillon of Cafe Soleil_________________________________________________CLOSED / OUT OF BUSINESS: The Traveling TurtleGift Store in Keegans Plaza will be closing by of end ofApril. They are having 40-50% off sales this month.


RREEAALL EESSTTAATTEE NNEEWWSSMOST EXPENSIVE HOMES Here is a summary of themost expensive homes currently for sale in Indian RocksBeach. All are on or near the Gulf of Mexico.$3,690,000710 Beach TrailFacing the Gulf,between 7th and8th Avenue. Thisincludes 5BRhome, 2 adjacentapartments, 3 acar carport.$1,950,000212 Beach Trail Near JD's Restaurant, This beach cottage has 3 BR, 2Baths and pool on the Gulf.$1,685,000 2718 Gulf Blvd In the north end of IRB, this newly constructedTownhouse is in a gated community with Gulf-views andAccess, 3 BR, 3 Bath and a 2 Car garage.For more information on any of these homes, call anyrealtor. This information is supplied by Todd Plumlee ofPlumlee Realty at 595-7586._________________________________________________CONDO’S - BELLA CAPRI, Gulf Blvd at 6th Ave. is setto be complete within the next few weeks. Residents willbegin moving in this Spring. The model is now openand is available for touring by appointment.

AFTER SCHOOL CARE IN INDIAN ROCKS BEACH!With free transportation from Anona and Oakhurstelementary schools, Church of the Isles (COTI)Community Christian School is offering their newprogram to families in Largo, Clearwater and BelleairBeach as well.Children and families enjoyhomework assistance with adedicated and qualifiedteacher, organized outsidegames and activities,supervised free play andthemed activities. Childrenare participating inscience, cooking,computer, and story timeactivities. The Church of the Isles(COTI) CommunityChristian School isexcited to offer thisprogram to children andfamilies. Studies haveshown the positive impactsuch programs can makeon the development ofchildren. Extra-curricular activitiesavailable at additional cost includeBallet/Tap, Hip-hop dance, Theater, Choi Kwang Do,and Piano lessons.Space is limited! For more information please contactRita Petrino, Director, 727-517-0775.


GULF BLVD. ROAD CONSTRUCTIONRoad closures and detours have become common alongGulf Blvd. Because of the project’s size, work progressesin separate phases. During certain areas’s downtimes,workers are utilized elsewhere on or near Gulf Blvd.Projects such as this one, involving utilities, are done inlayers. The IRB portion of the Gulf Blvd. project layersinclude reclaimed water, potable water, sewer lines,storm water drainage and seawall restoration.Permeable asphalt is being used along Gulf Blvd in aneffort to improve drainage, while keeping the total costof the project down. It normally costs 25% less thanstandard asphalt, and allows for natural filtration ofstorm water, helping to control the spread ofenvironmentally harmful pollutants. Due to its nature, permeable asphalt is being used forthe bike lanes and walking paths. The walking pathswere originally planned to be concrete sidewalks, butthat option was eliminated by budget shortfalls. Lawntrimmings and loose sand blown onto the roadway willbecome a critical maintenance issue, and cause areasof standing water on Gulf Blvd. Therefore, propertyowners need to be proactive and educate anyoneperforming their lawn maintenance not blow yardtrimmings and loose sand onto the roadway.When will the project end? They say, August 9th.Get more information at PinellasCounty.org/gulfblvd orcall 464-4273. To report emergencies, 24 hours perday, call 464-4000.

FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENSWith the county’s difficult financial situation, the Garden’sbudget has been cut, resulting in more lay-offs. They aredesperately seeking donations and volunteers. During theholidays, they were able to collect $9500 from visitors totheir holiday lighting display, but that won’t last long. Ifyou would like to volunteer or donate money, call 727-582-2100, or email [email protected]. They are also lookingfor people to fill vacant board positions.

HERITAGE VILLAGEHeritage Village is a thriving community in Largo,comprised of over twenty-one acres and twenty-fivehistoric structures. It is located three miles east of theIndian Rocks Bridge where Walsingham meets Ulmerton,at 11909 125th Street North, in Largo. MMAARRKKEETT IINN TTHHEE PPAARRKK -- The popular Market in the Parkis held every Saturday morning. It is inside the parkinglot of the Pinellas County Extension Office, directlyacross from First Baptist Church. This is the second yearfor the Market.BBIIRRTTHHDDAAYY PPAARRTTIIEESS -- Did you know you can host abirthday party at Heritage Village? It is available onSaturdays from 10:30am to 1:30pm or by appointment.You bring the cake and beverage, and they do the rest.A dedicated staff member will help you create a party toremember. Members pay $75 for up to 10 people;Non-members pay $90. Call them to reserve your party.Other events coming to Heritage Park soon:

March 21 National Quilting Day Celebration (10-3pm)April 11 Antique Car Show, 22nd Annual (10-3pm)May 16 Civil War Days & Village Skirmish (10-4pm)June 16 Antique Appraisal Fair (9-3pm)

Call 582-2123 or visit PinellasCounty.org/heritage formore information. They are closed on Mondays.


FOOD PANTRY NEWSIn these times of need, The Beach Community FoodPantry is serving more and more people. The numbersbelow demonstrate how the need has increased over thelast three years. Notice how the numbers doubled injust two years. Patrons Family Members

January 2007 125 331January 2008 190 540January 2009 258 695

Harvey Brillat, Manager of Beach Community FoodPantry recently said

The Food Pantry is open on Monday, Wednesday, andFriday from 10am to noon. It is located inside theCalvary Episcopal Church at 1615 First Street, IRB.Phone: 517-2534.

“We could not have served this many without thegenerous support of the our caring communityand IRB organizations. In the past 2 months, wehave received over $7,000 just from the followinggroups: IRB Rotary, IRB Homeowners Assoc.,Action 2000, Girlfriends of IRB, Volunteer FiremenAssn and Professional Firefighters.

As we forge ahead into 2009, we pray that we willhave the continued support to feed as many needypeople in our community as God sends us.”

LEARN BY DOING WITH 4-HThe Pinellas County 4-H program offers fun, educationalenvironments for youth to learn public speaking andleadership skills as they gain knowledge in a projectarea of their choice. 4-H Clubs are led by youth withthe assistance of a volunteer club leader. They meet invarious locations including homes, libraries, communitycenters, and even barns. The 4-H program is open toyouth ages 5-18. The cost to join is $15 per year.One very popular program is the 4-H Ochs GardenClub, located at the Ochs 4-H Educational Center,14644 113th Ave N, Largo. This program provideshorticultural and environmental education for youth. Atthe Center a 4-H member can plant a vegetablegarden, volunteer in the restoration area, and learn tocompost. Members receives a project book, 10'X12' plotplus a selection of seeds and starter plants. The 4-H'ersare allowed to keep everything they harvest. Thegarden is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-5and Saturdays from9-11:30. There areseveral familiesfrom Indian RocksBeach enrolled inthis program. Anadditional $10 feeper plot applies tothis project. Teens interested intechnology shouldjoin the 4-H TechTeam. Leadershipand employmentskills are learnedthrough communityservice. Get more info at http://www.pinellascountyextension.org

Documents

MARCH / 2009 ISSUE 18 - Beach Neighborhood Newsletters€¦ · MARCH / 2009 ISSUE 18 PRESOR TED STD U S POST AGE P A I D By Wayne Ayers Indian Rocks Historical Society Indian Rocks