T & G RAIL LINE OPENED OUR AREA TO TOURISM · Story by Wayne Ayers, historian and author of ... MAYOR - Gary H. Katica COMMISSIONERS — Kevin Piccarreto Deputy Mayor• Tom Shelly

It wasn’t quite theTranscontinental Railroads’opening of the West in the1850s, but the Tampa andGulf Coast (T&G)Railroad’s arrival from themainland in 1914 had asimilar impact on ourarea.The “excursion train” wasnot plush, fast or smoothriding. In fact, it wasnicknamed the Tug andGrunt. But it gave residentsof the region’s largest cityaccess to the beach, andbrought in a crowd ofvacation and retreatseekers.The Tampa connection,they called it. The first bridgeto Indian Rocks Beach, built 100 years ago, was the railtrestle that brought a spur line of the T&G railroad onto thebarrier island. An early land plat shows the bridge crossingthe water into Indian Rocks, near 14th Avenue to a depot onCentral Avenue (today’s 15th Avenue) in the vicinity of CityHall, then continuing down 3rd Street (today’s Bay PalmBlvd). The bridge was a “jackknife” type, meaning it openedupward like a pocket knife to allow boat traffic to pass.Early trains had open sides, wooden seats and a woodburning engine which often blew smoke and cinders ontothe passengers. But, it provided convenient non-stoptransport to the beach for work-weary Tampans, whose onlyprevious access was by Harvey Hendrick’s primitive wooden“scow ferry.”The train’s arrival over the bridge signaled the beginning oftourism in Indian Rocks Beach. The lonely barrier islandwould soon be transformed into “Tampa’s Playground.” The25-room Indian Beach Hotel, built around 1914 on thebeach at today’s 15th Avenue, became a popular resort forexcursionists from Tampa because of the rail line. Overflowguests from the ritzy Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Belleair, alsoon the T&G route, were lodged at the Indian Beach.The beach was a short walk from the train depot. Amorning arrival meant visitors could spend the day, or stayovernight. At 4:30 in the afternoon, the whistle would blowto summon sandy riders from the return trip to Tampa.Because there was no way to turn the train around, it arrivedon the island in reverse and left going forward.

Solid wooden planking was built underneath the tracks, soautomobiles could also be driven across the bridge. Thatwas definitely a shaky venture, so the opening of the autobridge in 1916 at the ferry crossing site in the Narrows wasmuch welcomed by motorists.Another familiar means of transport on the train tracks wasa dinkey powered by a gasoline engine operated by ErnestLowe, son of Postmaster Jeff Lowe. Jeff was known for hisgreat strength, and was said to be able to lift the dinkey onand off the tracks by himself!The railroad bridge’s coming also spurred residentialdevelopment on the barrier island. In addition to the day-trippers and tourists, well-to-do Tampans built vacationhomes on the beach as a welcome retreat from the heatand rigors of city life.Indian Rocks’ first subdivision was developed in the mid-teens by the Indian Beach Company, headed by Tampa andGulf Coast railroad builders Charles Lutz and C. H. Brown,along with M. J. McMullen. The development, called theIndian Beach Subdivision, was located near the T&G bridgein the area surrounding today’s City Hall. The projectconsisted initially of a dozen or so homes and the hotel.Though the Tug & Grunt did its job in providing the TampaConnection that brought excursionists and retreat seekers tothe area the popularity of the automobile proved even moresignificant. Car travel was more convenient, and the roadsfrom Tampa to the beach were good. The building of theauto bridge in 1916 proved to be the railroad’s undoing.Damaged by a storm in the 1920s, the train trestle fell intodisuse and was removed as a hazard to navigation in 1928.By that time our future as a tourist destinationwas assured, along with the T&G’s legacy as amajor jump start for that accomplishment.

AUGUST / 2015 ISSUE 44

Or Current Resident

Story by Wayne Ayers, historian and author ofFlorida’s Grand Hotels from the Gilded Age

T & G RAIL LINE OPENED OUR AREA TO TOURISM

Photo courtesy of Wayne Ayers

BELLEAIR AREA NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSLETTER

CITY NUMBERSCITY OF BELLEAIR BLUFFSwww.belleairbluffs.org2747 Sunset Blvd City Hall: 584-2151FIRE DEPT: 587-6714 SHERIFF: 582-6200MAYOR - Chris Arbutine, Sr COMMISSIONERS — Joseph A. Barkley, III • Suzy SoferJack Nazario • Taylour Shimkus

CITY OF BELLEAIR BEACHwww.cityofbelleairbeach.com444 Causeway Blvd City Hall: 595-4646FIRE DEPT: 595-1117POLICE: 595-4646MAYOR - Rob BaldwinCOMMISSIONERS — Leslie Notaro - Vice Mayor • WandaSchwerer • Jeril Cohen • Mitchell KrachPamela Gunn • John Pietrowski

TOWN OF BELLEAIR SHOREwww.belleairshore.com1200 Gulf Blvd, Belleair Shore 593-9296FIRE DEPT: 595-1117POLICE DEPT: 595-4646MAYOR: Robert E. Schmidt, Jr.COMMISSIONERS — Ray PiscitelliDorothy Niewlarowski • Deborah Roseman, Vice Mayor • Ray Piscitelli Steve Bloom

TOWN OF BELLEAIRwww.townofbelleair.com901 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Belleair 588-3769FIRE DEPT: 588-8392POLICE DEPT: 588-3769MAYOR - Gary H. KaticaCOMMISSIONERS — Kevin Piccarreto Deputy Mayor• Tom ShellyMichael Wilkinson• Karla Rettstatt

CITY OF LARGO www.Largo.com201 Highland Ave, Largo Info: 587-6700FIRE DEPT: 587-6714POLICE: 586-7427MAYOR - Patricia GerardVICE MAYOR - Woody BrownCOMMISSIONERS — Micheal SmithRobert Murray • Curtis HolmesJames Robinson • Harriet K. Crozier

SHERIFF NON-EMERGENCIES 582-6200SHERIFF DISPATCH . . . . . . . . . 582-6177PINELLAS COUNTY INFO . . . . 464-3000ELECTRICITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443-2641PHONE (Residential) . . . . . 800-483-4000CABLE (Bright House) . . . . . . . . 329-5020

BELLEAIR REC CENTER . . . . . . 518-3728BELLEAIR FINE ARTS SOCIETY934-4304BELLEAIR SOCIAL CLUB . . . . . . 585-9633BELLEAIR BRIDGE GROUP. . . 669-5283BELLEAIR ROTARY CLUBCharles Holloway . . . . . . . . . . . 709-7613BELLEAIR WOMENS REPUBLICAN CLUBSherrie Morton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 581-8313BELLEAIR BEACH ISLAND GARDEN CLUBMarjorie Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238-8691BELLEAIR GARDEN CLUBClaire Whitaker, President . . . . . 724-4645BELLEAIR BEACH LADIES LUNCHEON CLUBLillian Nazario, President. . . . . . 585-4843BLUFFS BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONBonnie Trembulak . . . . . . . . . . 686-8797 CLEARWATER GARDEN CLUBAlice Jarvis, President . . . . . . . . 391-3066FRIENDS OF THE BILTMORE. . 581-5171TOWN OF BELLEAIR CIVIC ASSOC.Roz White, President . . . . . . . . . 462-2674CLEARWATER SAILING . . . . . 517-7776-------------------------------------------------COUNTY INFORMATION . . . . 464-3000COMMISSION OFFICES . . . . . 464-3377 Norm Roche . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-3360Karen Seel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-3278

STATE:Senator Jack Latvala . . . . . 727-793-2797Republican, District 2026133 US Hwy19 N. Ste 201, [email protected]

Senator Jeff Brandes . . . . . 727-395-2512Republican, District 22 3637 Fourth St. N., Suite 101 St. [email protected]

Representative Larry Ahern 727-395-2512Republican, District 668282 Seminole Blvd. Suite B, [email protected]

Governor Rick [email protected] FLORIDA UNITED STATES SENATORSMarco Rubio . . . . . . . . . . . 202-224-3041www.Rubio.Senate.gov

Bill Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202-224-5274www.BillNelson.Senate.govAREA UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVEDavid Jolly . . . . . . . . . . . . 727-823-89009210 113th St, Seminole, Fl 33772www.jolley.house.gov

AUGUST Sales Tax Holiday 7-16 Reis Brothers Play Ruth Eckerd Hall 8 Boat Club 3 Rooker Island Party 8-9 Largo’s Highland Rec Center 5K Run 8Property Tax Trim Notices Mailed 10 Belleair Bluffs Business Assn Mixer 13 Gracie’s Big Splash with Belleair Rec 14 Great St Pete Cupcake Contest 15Public School Opens 24Southwest Rec’s Indoor Garage Sale 29Gulfport Gekofest 29 SEPTEMBERGrandparents Day 6 Labor Day 7 Belleair Bluffs Business Assn Mixer 10Patriots Day 11 Buc’s First Home Game 13 Boat Club Meetings Resume 17Autumn Begins 23

Clearwater Offshore Racing Festival 26-27OCTOBERMADD Walk on the Beach 4Bluff’s Business Assn Mixer 8 St Patrick’s School Fun Fair 9-11 Oktoberfest in Indian Rocks 10Belleair Garden Club Bake Sale 10Columbus Day 12Stone Crab Season Starts 15National Boss’s Day 16Clearwater Jazz Holiday 15-18Coastal Clean Up 17Country Jubilee Heritage Village 24Haunted House Belleair Rec Center 24 Country Jubilee Heritage Village 24 Stone Crab Festivals Clearwater 23-25 Chalk Walk Beach Walk 24-25 Johns Pass Seafood Fest 24-25 Halloween 31Sea Turtle Nesting Season Ends 31

CREDITS

This newsletter is published byGRIFFIN PRODUCTIONS, Inc. and ismailed to occupied residence andbusiness in Belleair Beach, BelleairBluffs, Harbor Bluffs, and part ofLargo. We are not officiallyassociated with any city government.

PUBLISHERBob & Becky GriffinART DIRECTIONBecky Griffin

SALES727-517-1997 CONTACT INFOP.O. BOX 1314

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

BeachNewsletters.comPublished Feb l Apr l June

Aug l Oct l DecPlease send comments [email protected]

Do you need another copy of thisnewsletter. You may pick upadditional copies of this newsletterat all City Halls, WildfieldMarketplace, Panara Bread, mostBanks and the Belleair Market.Need a lot more? Call 517-1997.

This newsletter is printed everyother month and survives onlocal advertising. Please supportthe people advertising here. Ifyou are a Belleair resident youreceive a discount when youadvertise. We offer advertisingdiscounts in our other issues,Indian Rocks Beach, ClearwaterBeach and Downtown St.Petersburg. Call for the next issue. For moreinformation, or to read our otherissues online, visitBeachNewsletters.comBob & Becky Griffinwww.beachnewsletters.com

SEE YOU AGAIN IN OCTOBER!

© 2015 Griffin Productions, Inc.

CALENDAR OF LOCAL EVENTS



CALLING ALLBAKERS If youthink you makethe best cupcakesin town, plan toenter the FifthAnnual GreatSt. Pete CupcakeContest,Saturday, August15. Participants

must submit a minimum of 6 cupcakes and additionalcupcakes for the public. They will be judged by sevenlocal well-known judges. The first place prize is thecoveted (handblown) glass Cupcake trophy. Plus, you getbragging rights for one year. The cost to enter is $15.The cost to attend is Free. The cost to vote is $1 per vote.The event is held inside the Morean Art Center.Download an application at MoreanArtsCenter.org orcall 727-822-7872_________________________________________________GET THE PINELLAS APP If you have an issue youwould like to report to Pinellas County, like a pothole orburned out street light, report it using their FREE app. Iteven allows you to send them photos. Available forAndroid and Iphone users, find more information atpinellascounty.org/reportanissue or search for PinellasCounty on Itunes or the Play Store._________________________________________________ART IN THE PARK This new monthly summer artfestival is being held in downtown Clearwater, every thirdSaturday. Sponsored by the Clearwater DowntownDevelopment Board and the Clearwater Center for theArts, you will find local artists, live music, food, wine,and prize drawings in Station Square Park at 621Cleveland Street. Go to www.ClearwaterArts.com formore information. Call 562-4044 for booth information._________________________________________________NEW FALL FOOD EVENT Billed as Tampa Bay’s ultimatewine and food experience, St. Pete Wine and Food Fest isbeing planned in St. Pete’s Beach Drive area September24-27. Tickets are being sold for individual events, or forthe entire four days. Visit StPeteWineandFoodFest.com.___________________________________________________DO YOU PLAY THE HARMONICA? The GulfportSenior Citizens Harmonica Club practices at the GulfportSenior Citizens Center from 9 to 11:45 am everyWednesday. They also perform in the center's cafeteriaevery third Wednesday, 10:45 to 11:45. Anyone interestedin learning how to play the harmonica or in joining theclub, call Howard Rothstein at 727-363-8016._______________________________DOG DAYS OF AUGUSTPinellas County AnimalServices celebrates the monthof August by offering areduced adoption fee of $25on large dogs and cats and$40 for puppies (under fourmonths) and small breedsduring normal shelter adoptionhours. The fee includes medicalcheckup, spaying/neutering,vaccinations, internal and external parasite control,heartworm testing and feline leukemia testing and microchipping. Call 582-2600.

Did You Know...


WANT TO RENT A KAYAK? John Bonner Park now haskayak and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) rental servicesand a launching ramp. You can rent kayaks for $18 for asingle or $24 for a double. SUPs are $20 for four hours.Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Bonner Park is at14444 143rd St N, Largo, about a half mile north ofWalsingham Road. For details call 518-3047 or visitwww.LargoNature.com. You can also launch your ownkayak or canoe there too, it you have one. That is FREE.___________________________________________________JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE Every Thursday evening at theChi Chi Rodriquez Golf Club beginning a 5pm, the Clubsponsors a junior golf league, open to kids 7-17. 9 holesare only $10. Contact Cortez Love at 727.430.6262 oremail [email protected] for information. The Golf Clubis located at 3030 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater._________________________________________________WHEN TO EVACUATE Pinellas County has a new Webbased Storm Surge App which offers three-dimensionalviews of how far water will rise on your property atdifferent evacuation levels. On your phone or computer,visit egis.pinellascounty.org/apps/stormsurgeprotectorand type in your address.___________________________________________________COMMUNITY INDOOR GARAGE SALE Join SouthwestRecreation Complex for their annual indoor sale onSaturday, August 29 from 8am until 12pm. With over 65tables, you are bound to find some great treasures. Thegarage sale is free to attend. Southwest RecreationComplex is located at 13120 Vonn Rd., Largo._________________________________________________RECYCLE ALUMIUMUsed aluminumbeverage cans are themost recycled item inthe U.S., but othertypes of aluminum,such as siding, gutters,car components, stormwindow frames andlawn furniture can alsobe recycled. There is no limitto the amount of times aluminum can be recycled. Weconsume the contents of over 80 trillion aluminum cansevery year and over 100,000 aluminum cans are recycledeach minute. In 2010 that amounted to 53 billion cans,not even 1%. A used aluminum can, can be recycled andback on the grocery shelf as a new can, in as little as 60days. That's closed loop recycling at its finest! Recyclingone aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV forthree hours or the equivalent of a half a gallon of gas. _________________________________________________OUR NEXT ISSUE IS IN OCTOBER Read this issue, aswell as others, online at BeachNewsletters.com.

and More...


By Karen Williams Seel,Pinellas County CommissionerBeing neighborly. Helping others. Makingthe word community a reality rather thana concept. These are all great things todiscuss, but without action thesewonderful thoughts really don’t meanvery much. Perhaps, we should all putmore action behind these three topics. What does being neighborly really mean? Well, to me, itmeans being friendly and welcoming to others, pitching inwhen someone is going through a difficult time in life, andthough it may seem a bit cliché, treating others the way weeach want to be treated. This may sound like a grandconcept, but in reality it is much simpler. While we may forget about what others are struggling within our fast paced world, I hope you will take a moment tovisit www.pinellascounty.org/donate to see the differentways your donation can help in our county. The Pinellas County Care Fund has been established withthe goal of helping our neighbors with some of the mostbasic necessities of life. The Care Fund is entirelysupported by donations, with funds going directly to benefitresidents in need. The basic necessities of life that the CareFund can help provide include utilities, such as water andelectricity. Donations may be made by individuals orbusinesses and are tax deductible.If you or someone you know needs help, you can simplycall 2-1-1 from your phone to see if you qualify forassistance. Assistance is available to qualifying individualsup to one time per calendar year.In addition to the Care Fund, Pinellas County has otheropportunities for residents to assist our community. One isthe Animal Welfare Trust Fund, which was establishedspecifically to help provide for the needs of cats and dogsin the shelter at Pinellas County’s Animal Services. Thefund provides animal supplies and items to that may nototherwise be available. Some examples include kennels,improved ventilation and quarantine facilities, medications,special diet foods and toys.Being neighborly can be more than a concept, if wechoose to make it a reality. I hope you’ll considersupporting the Pinellas County Care Fund, to help folksright here in Pinellas. Enjoy your summer, and please say hello if you see me outand about enjoying our beautiful county, because I’m yourneighbor too.BOATING SAFETY CLASSES

The Coast Guard Auxiliary in Clearwater is offering SafeBoating Classes at Morton Plant Hospital in the Cheek-Powell Pavilion building, 455 Pinellas Street, SecondFloor. Unlike some internet courses, the ABS Class istaught by certified USCGAUX instructors who can answeryour questions and share their experiences about ourlocal waters. Topics include: Boating Emergencies, KnowYour Boat, Getting Underway, Navigating, OperatingYour Boat Safely and Legal Requirements. All graduatesreceive a Florida State Certification Card. Classes areheld on the second weekend of each month. All About Boat Safety Course - $35, August 8-9 andSeptember 12-13. Other classes offered through out theyear. For more information, call 469-8895.

BEING NEIGHBORLY IS ABOUTACTIONS, NOT JUST WORDS


CASA, a leading Tampa Bay area domestic violence center,has opened the doors to their newly constructed 100-bedshelter. This facility will triple their capacity to provideemergency housing and services to families escapingviolence. “Survivors seek shelter for many reasons, the need for safetybeing top priority,” said CASA’s Acting Executive DirectorShandra Riffey. “CASA provides a safe haven, job assistance,children’s programs, information, referrals and so muchmore. This shelter provides a holistic approach to removingbarriers for survivors, their children and their pets.”Why open a new $12 million dollar facility with $2.5 millionin annual operating costs? Overwhelming community needand necessity. Since 2000, 18% of all homicides in PinellasCounty were due to domestic violence and over 120domestic violence offenses are recorded by our local policeeach week. While CASA’s previous shelter was a source of refuge forcountless families, lack of space and resources forced themto turn away 1,400 survivors of domestic violence each year.This was a statistic CASA’s staff could not carry on theirconscience. The decision was made to build a new sheltermatching the magnitude of the epidemic of violence.“At first it was a daunting task to take on such a largeproject, but the community has been stepping up to helpopen doors to a safer future for survivors of domesticviolence,” said Tuesdi Dyer, CASA’s Development Director.“People just get it. This shelter is a necessity and thecommunity is clearly committed to sustaining this vital placeof refuge for decades to come.”

Behind the fresh paint and energized volunteers are amortgage and operating expenses that have grown to matchthe organization’s expanded services but, many organizationface a drop in new donations immediately after constructionof a new facility. One local philanthropic organization ismaking sure this will not be the case for CASA. How? With a$1 million dollar challenge. Yesterday, the Sonia RaymundFoundation announced that it will match new donations toCASA’s capital campaign, dollar for dollar.“I know that not everyone can write a check for a milliondollars. I happen to be one of the lucky ones,” said SoniaRaymund, Foundation Director. “But CASA needs the money.I ask you to give, and give big, because I am prepared towrite a check for up to a million dollars.”With the newly announced donation matching program,CASA is within reach of completely paying off its remainingconstruction costs, potentially saving millions of dollars ininterest payments over the life of the mortgage.All donations to CASA’s shelter will be doubled automaticallyunder the new program, until the $1 million matching fundis depleted. Please donate at www.casa-stpete.org/shelter, bycalling (727) 895-4912, or by mailing a check with “Shelter”written in the memo line to P.O. Box 414, St. Petersburg, FL33731. People seeking information on available namingopportunities are encouraged to contact John Biesinger [email protected] or (727) 895-4912 x105.CASA, Community Action Stops Abuse, has been providinglifesaving services to women, men, and children living with domesticviolence since 1977.

NEW DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER TRIPLES CASA’S CAPACITY TO PROTECT SURVIVORS



By Bob Griffin, PublisherOwners Eugen Fuhrmann and ChefErwin Scheuringer opened E&EStakeout Grill in Belleair Bluffs’ Plaza

100 in 1985, but the restaurant started with a differentname; originally, it was called Eugen’s Restaurant. Fuhrmann got his restaurant start in Bermuda where heowned The Lobster Pot Restaurant in Hamilton, Bermuda’scapitol. Scheuringer was the restaurant’s chef. In the mid-1970s, Fuhrmann moved to Florida and in1978 he opened The Lobster Pot Restaurant in RedingtonShores. Scheuringer was the Chef there, too. Fuhrmann and Scheuringer opened a second restaurant in1985 inside a small space in The Plaza of Belleair Bluffs. Itwas called Eugen’s Restaurant of Belleair Bluffs. Seven yearslater, in 1992, the pair reopened Indian Rocks Beach’s LaCave Restaurant as Guppy’s On The Beach. Scott Bebelwas brought in as the Sous Chef. Today, he is a partner. In 1995, the restaurant was remodeled and opened with itsnew southwestern theme and new name, E&E StakeoutGrill. E&E was derived from the partners names, Eugenand Chef Erwin – E & E. Since then, E&E Stakeout Grillevolved into a seafood-oriented steakhouse. Four yearslater, Fuhrmann sold The Lobster Pot and opened MysticFish Seafood Grill in Palm Harbor. Bebell’s brother andformer Chef at the Lobster Pot, Chef Doug Bebell andEugen’s son Richard, are partners in Mystic Fish.E&E Stakeout Grill’s menu features steaks, fresh seafood,

pork, lamb and a variety of pastas and salads. They arealso known for their inspired daily Chef Erwin Specials. E&EStakeout takes pride in serving the finest meals with specialdetailed attention to service and presentation.E&E Stakeout Grill has always been a special part of ourlocal community. In addition to donating gift certificates toarea charities, they are regularly support the localcharitable organizations, groups, and schools. Learn more about E&E Stakeout today on their website,www.3BestChefs.com. Find them in The Plaza ShoppingCenter at 100 Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs.Reservations are recommended by calling 585-6399 orbooking online and through Open Table.

“E&E Stakeout has been a cornerstone restaurant, not only in Belleair Bluffs, but for the entire Belleair area. The foodand atmosphere are comparable to any top restaurant, worldwide. We are extremely pleased and lucky to have them aspart of the Belleair area family.” Chris Arbutine, Mayor of Belleair Bluffs

“The crew at E&E is very well trained. The food is delicious and always displayed creatively. Everyone I have met at E&Eis very professional—from the top on down. It is just a terrific place to eat.” Gary Katica, Mayor of Town of Belleair

“We at City Hall congratulate Erwin on maintaining a great restaurant in Belleair Bluffs for 30 years! It is a greataccomplishment and we are so happy to have him here. I have been going to E & E for special occasions since itopened and I also go on a regular basis not only for impromptu dinners, but staff lunches. Being right across the streetfrom City Hall makes it so easy to walk over and grab their daily special. Great job to Erwin and his staff!” DebraSullivan, City Clerk of Belleair Bluffs

“Congratulations to E&E on 30 incredible years in Belleair Bluffs. E&E has always been enjoyable and I have personallyenjoyed many wonderful meals and special events there in my 22 years of living here. Chef Erwin, you are a class act.”Suzy Sofer, City Commissioner and owner of Cody’s Road House Grill

"E&E and Erwin were one of my very first tenants at The Plaza--and one of my best, too. They have been a top notchrestaurant from the beginning. They are certainly one of the main reasons people come to The Plaza and discover allour other fine businesses. I hope this continues for the next 30 years.” David Berolzheimer, owner Plaza 100

“Congratulations to E&E for celebrating 30 years in the restaurant business in The Plaza. This is not an easy feat in thisday and time. Their success has certainly benefited the rest of the tenants in The Plaza and we appreciate that. We wishthem many more successful years.” Ellen Lazenby, owner of 432 West Side

“Congrats to a wonderful neighbor and our favorite restaurant in the Bluffs. We’ve enjoyed many delicious meals andexcellent service over the years. Wishing you at least 30 more years.” Beverly Halliwell, owner of Shoes By Beverly.

“It is hard to believe that E&E is 30 this year. We are very lucky to have a restaurant with such great food andconsistency in our city. Erwin and Eugen have done a great job.” Jim Dundee, Belleair Opticians

“Congratulations to Erwin and Eugen on 30 years! It is an honor to own a business next door to the best restaurant intown. Keep up the good work!” Brian and Cheryl Franzese, owners of Bella Vino Wines

“Everyone here at the shop loves E&E. It is our place to go for lunch. We always send our customers there. When I haveout of town guests, they always get a visit to E&E. The South African Lobster Tails are my personal favorite. I have neverseen them anywhere else. We hope they enjoy another 30 years of success.” Marsha Uhler and the Crew at Cassi & Co.

Congratulatory messages from the Belleair Community!

E&E STAKEOUT GRILL CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN THE BLUFFS

Chef Erwin Scheuringer in front of E&E Stakeout Grill


TO TAKE SOCIAL SECURITY ORNOT, THAT IS THE QUESTION

by Ray Ferrara, ProVise Management GroupAs you approach the minimum Social Securityage of 62 you may wonder whether to start asearly as possible, wait until full retirement age(currently 66), or delay as long as possible toget the maximum benefit (age 70). Are youstill working and eligible, or are you gettingready to retire and need to replace income?Are you divorced? Have you reached full retirement ageAND have children under the age of 18? Should you takea spousal benefit, and delay your benefit until 70? What ifyou are ill and your life expectancy is short, or you need thecash just to survive? What are the best strategies? By someestimates, there are over 85 different opportunities in filingfor Social Security.Unfortunately, most people believe it is a simple straightforward decision about when and how to start SocialSecurity. Nothing could be further from the truth. Further,when you call Social Security for advice, they are wellintentioned, but often not aware of your personal financialcircumstances. Thus, at best, the advice is not totallyinformed.If you are in poor health, or have limited financial means, itis often in your best interest to file as early as possible. Onthe other hand, if you are still working and have notreached full retirement age, or if you have reached fullretirement age, are still working, and don’t have a need forthe additional income, especially if you are in good health,then you are likely leaving money on the table over yourand your spouse’s lifetime by taking the money earlier thanage 70.Yes, we understand that many folks want to start as soon aspossible as they do not trust the government, want to gettheir money back, have heard the benefits could change inthe future, etc. Most of this is idle chatter by talking headson TV or in the press that need to sensationalize any issueto get your attention. As is usually the case, much of thetruth lies somewhere between “everything will turn up roses”and “Social Security is going bust”.If you are age 55 or above, we encourage you to work witha Certified Financial Planner™ at ProVise to help youdetermine when, where, and how you can potentiallymaximize your Social Security benefits. We use a verysophisticated software program to help work through themany nuances of Social Security. So much depends on yourpersonal circumstances that without this analysis you mightbe making a personal financial mistake that is irrevocable.When you mention this article, we will prepare the reportand provide a one hour consultation to explain the resultsfor only $100. If you are not completely satisfied, we willrefund 100% of your payment. Kindly call 727-441-9022and ask for Evelyn at extension 204 to start the process.ProVise Management Group, LLC, is located at 611 DruidRoad E., Suite 105 in Clearwater. You can reach me at(727) 441-9022, or via E-mail: [email protected] Investment Advisory Services may be offered through ProViseManagement Group, LLC.


By Stephanie Schlageter, Radiance MedspaHas the summer heat got you weighed down? Cool off andlighten up at the same time with no-downtime medspatreatments that slim, tighten and firm. Have you heard aboutthe fat-reducing capabilities of CoolSculpting? This completelynon-invasive treatment literally freezes fat beneath the skin toallow your body to naturally eliminate it. Using twoapplicators, or “Dual” CoolSculpting, cuts appointment timesin half. All you have to do is sit back and chill out. CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved treatment for fatreduction that delivers controlled cooling below the surfaceof the skin. Through a process called cryolipolysis, your fatcells are cooled and crystalized, while the surroundingtissues are not affected. During the next 12 weeks, thedamaged fat cells are eliminated by the body as yourtreated trouble spots fade away. Best of all, as long as youmaintain a healthy weight, the results are permanent. During a Dual CoolSculpting treatment, applicators areattached to the areas you would like to improve, and you’llquickly feel intense coldness. As the treatment progresses,the area becomes numb, and you no longer feel anything,which means you just relax and enjoy the air conditioning.A typical treatment lasts one to three hours, depending onwhich areas are treated. With the Dual applicators,Radiance Medspa cuts the typical CoolSculptingappointment time in half. There is no downtime, althoughyou may have slight bruising or tenderness on the treatedareas for a few days. You can return to work and workingout as soon as your treatment is done. Results from Dual CoolSculpting appear within two to threeweeks of the treatment, and maximum results are typically

achieved in approximately 12 weeks. About20 to 25 percent of the fat in the treatmentarea is eliminated with each treatment, andCoolSculpting can be safely repeated on thesame area until desired results are achieved.CoolSculpting isn’t the only way to refresh yourappearance this summer. Radiance Medspacan also help you lift, smooth and tighten with treatments likeJuvéderm Voluma, Ultherapy and BOTOX. If you seem tolook tired even after a summer siesta, you could besuffering from a loss of facial volume. Injectable JuvédermVoluma is the only FDA-approved mid-face and cheek fillerthat will lift your entire face and reverse sagging around themouth and jawline. With the ultrasound technology ofUltherapy, Radiance Medspa can tighten loose or saggingskin in hard-to-treat areas like your neck, eyelids, chin, jowlsjawline, knees and more. To complete your I-just-took-a-long-summer-vacation look, the world’s most popularcosmetic treatment BOTOX will give you a bright-eyed browlift and erase crow’s feet as well as worry lines on yourforehead and between your eyes.Each of these treatments produces no downtime and can besafely performed by experienced aesthetic nurse practitionersand physicians. Dual CoolSculpting will send your stubbornfat on a permanent vacation, and no-downtime treatmentswill have you looking fresh even on the hottest days. Radiance Medspa is the #1 provider of CoolSculpting,BOTOX and Juvéderm in Tampa Bay, and is celebratingnine wonderful years in Belleair Bluffs. Visit RadianceMedspa at 2894 West Bay Drive or call 727.518.7100 toschedule a free consultation.

BEAT THE HEAT WITH COOL MEDSPA TREATMENTS


PROGRESS AT THEHOLIDAY INN TheHoliday Inn Harborside inIndian Rock Beach startedconstruction on twobuildings with 200 roomslast September. “We havetopped out at 8 floors andare now working onfinishing the rooms,” saysSupervisor Mike Primiani,of Wickman Contractors.“There are 8 floors in theeast building along thewater and 5 floors on the west side facing the park. Weexpect to be done and open by this fall. Over 150workers including subcontractors are on site daily. Theguys love the nearby restaurants,” Mike goes on.“Personally, I love Guppy’s and Jimmy Guana’s (ofcourse).“ says Mike. Wickman Contractors is based inTampa. They are also currently building The GuestHouse in Clearwater Beach, next to the Holiday Inn._________________________________________________RON JON’S SURFER GIRL Clearwater’s Ron Jon’s hasa new member of the family. The large surf shop locatedbelow Hooter’s added a second smaller shop a few stepsnorth on Mandalay Avenue. It only sells women’s clothing._________________________________________________JEWELRY RECOGNIZED BYNATIONAL MAGAZINEBead & Button magazine, arespected internationalpublication, selected localentrepreneur Colleen Ewart’s“Deco Egyptian Bracelet”design pattern for inclusion intheir August issue. Ewart is anowner of Indian Rock’s IslandCove Beads & Gallery, agrowing jewelry-supplybusiness and local art gift shopin the Keegan Plaza. A lifelong artist, Ewart submittedthe original art deco Egyptian themed bracelet designto the magazine’s editorial board in 2014. "Thisbracelet was inspired by my love of art deco patterns.The many 2-holed beads available today lendthemselves to the geometric patterns that remind me ofthat era,” explains Ewart. Visit island-cove.com._________________________________________________NEED A HAIR CUT? A franchise of Great Clips, billedas the place to get a good, yet affordable haircut, openedin the Bluffs Shopping Center next to Cody’s RoadhouseGrill. They offer online check in at www.greatclips.com, sothere is little to no waiting._________________________________________________COMPETENCE AWARD The Belleair Bluff’s office is therecipient of the 2014 Engel & Völkers North AmericaCompetence Award. The Award is presented to the shopthat attracts and retains producing advisors by utilizing theEngel & Völkers system. The office located next to BonefishGrill, is owned by Steve and Kelly Kepler._________________________________________________WE WANT YOUR NEWS Are you moving, expanding orplanning an event at your business? We want to know. Ifyou have news or story suggestions, email them [email protected] or call us at 727-517-1997

Business Briefs...


More Business Briefs...

FLORIDA BEST QUOTE OPENS OFFICE ON THEBEACH The newest branch office of Florida Best QuoteInsurance is now open in Indian Rocks Beach at 500 2ndSt, at the corner of 2nd Street and Walsingham Road.Stop in and say hello to Phil, Erica, Pete and Jane for allyour insurance needs. _________________________________________________AWARDS For the second time within a month, ProVisehas been recognized as one of the largest independentfinancial planning organizations in the United States.Based on total assets under management, FinancialAdvisor magazine ranked ProVise as the 182nd largestRegistered Investment Advisor in the country, 7th largest inFlorida, and largest on the West Coast of Florida. Lastmonth, Financial Times placed ProVise on its Top 300 listof financial planning firms in the United States.Founded in 1986, the financial planning and investmentmanagement firm is located in Clearwater and New PortRichey. They serve almost 1,000 clients in over 30 states.According to the ranking, ProVise’s average client hasabout $1.24 million invested with the firm, but they acceptclients with as little as $25,000. _________________________________________________PLEASE HELP US IMPROVEWe want to know what youthink about our Newsletter.What do you like? What would you like us to include?Would you like to see changes? The online survey isposted at www.BeachNewsletters.com._________________________________________________BBA PLANS JUNE AND JULY MEETINGS Their nextafter hours Mingles are: August 13th - At the home of LisaFarmer, 1051 Bay Avenue, Clearwater. Sponsored byMosquito Joe. September 10th - at Shabby Chic, AntiqueAlley, 596 Indian Rocks Road North. Call President BonnieTrembulak 686-8797 or Visit BluffsBusinessAssocation.com._________________________________________________

BIRTHDAY PARTY!Mary Mathys’ RapunzelSalon is celebrating their15th year. The three-chairsalon is located next toKeegan’s SeafoodRestaurant at 1519 GulfBlvd., in Indian RocksBeach. Their 15thAnniversary event, beingheld Saturday, September12th from Noon to 4pm

will include complimentary neck and shoulder massages,skin analysis, hydrating hand treatments, men’s hot towelrelaxation station, express make-up application, freesamples, a gift basket raffle and 15% off all retailproducts. Rapunzel’s is an Aveda Concept Salon and Spa.Call 517-7677 for an appointment.


BELLEAIR MEMBER COMES UPBIG IN U.S. AMATEUR GOLF

Belleair Country Club golf member Taylor Hancock finishedfirst in the U.S. Amateur qualifying round. On July 6 and 7,Hancock won the U.S. Amateur Qualifying Tournament atFox Hollow Golf Club in Trinity, Fla., with a score of 66-67. The U.S. Amateur tournament is open to amateur golferswith a U.S. Golf Association handicap index of 2.4 or lower.All qualifiers are scheduled to play at Olympia Fields inChicago from August 17 to 23. There is a 36-hole strokeplay qualifying round that will advance players to matchplay. In 2013, Hancock made it to the match play portion,bowing to the number one seeded player that year.On July 3, Hancock also made it to the semifinals of theNorth-South Amateur on the coveted Pinehurst number twocourse, but eventually lost to the number one seed, GeorgeCunningham, by a 2 and 1 margin.The young Hancock has been a member at BCC since hewas a child. He began golf in Belleair Country Club’s ‘LilTikes Junior Clinics and Junior Golf Camps as a 3-year oldand has been at the game ever since. “He was virtually unbeatable as a young junior,” saidBelleair’s PGA Director of Golf, Jim Slattery. “He loved topractice, and he still does now. It certainly is paying off.”Hancock is headed for Chicago to take on Chicago GolfClub, America’s oldest course, and then to Olympia FieldsGolf Club to try to win the world’s most coveted amateurtitle, the U.S Amateur Championship. In other Belleair Country Club news, the Belleair Breakersswim team placed third in the Private Club Leaguechampionship last month.On June 13 and 14, the Belleair Breakers swim teammanaged to take third place after originally trailing in thePCL championship. The swim team is comprised of morethan 60 kids ranging in age from 5-18. “It’s great to see these talented athletes who represent ourclub achieve significant accomplishments and we wish themwell in their next rounds of competition,” said EdShaughnessy, general manager of Belleair Country Club. The BCC Breakers competitive swimming team was formedin 2008. Coach Craig Coghlan began with the BCCBreakers as an assistant coach four years ago and took overas head coach in 2012. The PCL is a spring and summercompetitive swimming league that includes nine southwestFlorida country club swim teams.

MFA COOKBOOK In observance of its 50th anniversary, the Museum of FineArts (MFA), St. Petersburg and the Margaret Acheson StuartSociety plan to publish Food + Art: Cooking around TampaBay with the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. Thekeepsake cookbook, available in Fall 2015, features acollection of 120 recipes from Stuart Society members, staff,docents, artists, collectors, cultural and civic leaders, as wellas chefs and others in the Tampa Bay community. Recipes range from splashy party dishes to vegetarian maindishes to simple weeknight dinners, with chapters thatinclude: Starters, Drinks, Brunch, Soups, Pastas, Salads,Pizza, Meats, Seafood, Vegetables and Sweets. The beautifulbook, worthy of the MFA’s aesthetic standards, will alsohighlight selected works from its collections. Food + Art: Cooking around Tampa Bay with the Museum ofFine Arts, St. Petersburg can be pre-ordered for $35 +shipping/handling at thestuartsociety.org/cookbookproject.


36TH ANNIVERSARYCLEARWATER JAZZ HOLIDAY

Now in its 36th year, the Clearwater Jazz HolidayPresented by HCI Group Inc. is thrilled to present, inconcert, between October 15 and 18, 2015: GladysKnight & The O’Jays, Sheryl Crow, Buddy Guy, The AvettBrothers and more to be announced! The Clearwater JazzHoliday continues its exciting collaboration with RuthEckerd Hall to bring an amazing and diverse lineup ofheadline acts to Clearwater in 2015 along with celebratingthe 100th Centennial Celebration of the City of Clearwater.Presented in the 20-acre landscaped Coachman Park indowntown Clearwater overlooking Clearwater Harbor andthe majestic Memorial Causeway Bridge, the Jazz Holidayis four days/nights of some of the best live performances inthe world presented to the public. One of the longest-running and best known jazz events inthe country, the Clearwater Jazz Holiday has presented inconcert multiple luminaries of our generation. TheClearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation’s mission is to be theleading proponent of jazz entertainment and education inFlorida through the annual presentation of a world-class,live music festival. The 501c3 organization has been center-stage for numerous scholarship and educational activitiesbenefiting our community’s music students, from blues-loving beginners to piano-playing protégés, and everyonein between.The magic of the Clearwater Jazz Holiday emanates fromits long-time collaboration with the City of Clearwater, RuthEckerd Hall, and hundreds of volunteers that orchestrateevery chord of the Jazz Holiday, a celebration of the mostrecognized and emerging national, regional, and localartists. From smooth and straight ahead jazz, to rhythmand blues, jam band, folk, Americana, funk, fusion, andLatin, thousands of music lovers always relish in a colorfuland diverse musical lineup.Tickets On-Sale NOW starting at $15 in advance. Children12 and under are FREE. Limited Reserved Seating and VIPtickets are also available. For more information about the36th Clearwater Jazz Holiday, call the Clearwater JazzHoliday office at (727) 461-5200, or visit us online atClearwaterJazz.com or facebook.com/ClearwaterJazz

RCS GRANDE GALAJoin in the fun during a snazzy fundraiser, RCS GrandeGala for Flappers & Fellas. RCS is a non-profit providinghope and help to Pinellas County neighbors who arehomeless, hungry or dealing with domestic abuse! Thisnew fall event joins the annual RCS event roster thanks tothe generosity of founding sponsor Alexias Sharoky,Executive Director of the Sharoky Family Foundation.Mark your calendars now for Oct. 10, 2015! Join CelebrityHosts 10 News Ashley Batey and Tampa Bay Times ErnestHooper at RCS's 1st Annual Grande Gala from 7 - 11 pm.Enjoy a swanky speakeasy, live auction for a HyundaiElantra, fab raffle items, Charleston dancers, delectablefood, sizzling spirits and more. The event will be atBanquet Master's Grand Gatsby Theater Ballroom.Tickets are on sale now online, over the phone (727-584-3528) or from the Gala committee. $125/person; $500/2people includes VIP pre-party 6-7 p.m. Visitwww.RCSpinellas.org/GrandeGala or [email protected] to provide a raffle item? Contact Grande Gala eventchair Devin Pappas [email protected].


by Bob Clark, Belleair Christian Science practitionerForgiveness is being discussed in some surprising placesthese days. No longer confined to discussions about religionand moral philosophy, forgiveness is expanding its role as avirtue and important element of physical well-being.“Conflict doesn’t just weigh down the spirit; it can lead tophysical health issues,” the Healthy Aging page of the JohnsHopkins Medicine website tells us. The Healthy Lifestyle pageof the Mayo Clinic website includes: “When someone youcare about hurts you, you can hold on to anger, resentmentand thoughts of revenge — or embrace forgiveness andmove forward - Letting go of grudges and bitterness canmake way for happiness, health and peace.”There’s a powerful illustration of that in a recent cover storyof The Christian Science Monitor. The title sums it up well:“After 39 years in prison, an epic tale of innocence foundand bitterness lost.”Ricky Jackson is a living, walking example of forgiveness. Herecently had a false conviction, which was based on the lie ofa 12-year-old boy, overturned.The article explains Jackson has “had a lot on his mind sincehe left prison. He’s been thinking about what to do with theremainder of his life. About what to make of the lie thatlanded him on death row at 18, the longest-servingwrongfully convicted person in American history. It’s a lie thattested the limits of human forgiveness and resilience. A liethat forced him to not let his circumstances, define who he is.”Most of all, he sought to maintain a sense of humanity in aplace where it was hard to find. “I tried to be the kind ofperson my mother wanted me to be,” he said. “I was a guyin prison. But they were never going to make me a prisoner.”

Jackson is out of prison now and forgiven the man who falselyaccused him and whose recantation set him free. How doyou forgive something so wrong? Start small, Fred Luskin,Ph.D., the director of the Stanford Forgiveness Projects andsenior consultant in health promotion at Stanford Universitytold PBS, “Forgiveness can start small. “Practice on the smallthings in your life: The next time you get mad at anybody fora triviality, practice forgiving them. Make it a consciouschoice to let it go and notice how good it feels. When you’remad at somebody, ask yourself: ‘Is it worth it to me right nowto suffer?’ Ask someone who’s practiced forgiveness. They’llgive you a glowing report about its value in their life. Don’tjust take my word for it.”Recently, the people who spoke at the bond hearing forDylann Roof, accused of killing nine people at the EmanuelAME Church in Charleston, S.C., offered Roof forgiveness,even as they described their pain. Nadine Collier, whosemother was killed, told Roof: “You took something veryprecious from me. I will never talk to her again. I will neverbe able to hold her again. But I forgive you.”When forgiveness seems nearly impossible, I have foundprayer can make the difference. Sometimes I think of prayeras a two-step process: a humbling and quieting of thehuman mind, in which all resentment and hurt reside, and areaching out to understand the divine as my true source ofthought. If you’re like me, when you open that mental dooryou can literally feel the tension and pain of anger beingwashed away on an incoming tide of divine love.It’s a powerful and unforgettable feeling. It restoresmental and physical health. And best of all, you cancome back as often as you need to.Read Bob Clark’s blog at simplyhealthyflorida.com.

EXPLORE THE HEALING POWER OF FORGIVENESS


ANOTHER WORLDProvided by Debbie Lang, RN, & Ruth Fanovich, RN, LHRM,Owner, Care Placement Home Health Agency, Inc. & RMFCare Management, Inc. CarePlacementHH.com.No, we’re not talking about the old soap opera, but theworld in which someone with Alzheimer's lives. They aretrapped in time, trapped inside their mind in an innerworld that clashes with their surroundings. Of course,they are unaware of this and are not waiting or wantingto be brought back into the “real world”. Instead, theylook for someone who will validate their version ofreality. The world inside of their mind is as real to themas the world inside of our minds is to us. It is importantfor family and friends to recognize this. Don't waste yourtime trying to convince a person with Alzheimer's thatthey are wrong or trying to explain reality to them.Instead, join them in their world. I’ve watched far toomany spouses and adult children become frustrated;frustrated to the point of anger and resentment.Everyone is a person first and foremost; regardless oftheir diagnosis. Try to remember the person you onceknew; their personality, what it was you liked aboutthem. Place yourself in their shoes. Ask them about theirfamily, their relationships and their past, take the time tolisten to what they are willing and able to share.SHOW them COMPASSION; you never know what sortof pain a person is concealing and how much you areable to comfort them by listening and showing you care.BE PATIENT with them; often, a person who is seen asstubborn and confused, turns out to be a valuablesource of wisdom, if you are willing to listen.So if you find yourself in the presence of someone whois in another world…their world of the past…rememberthat you cannot rid them of their disease by getting themto return to the present moment. Instead, focus onfinding ways to help them live in a dignified andgraceful way until the very end.

SAIL FOR THE HUNGRYThe Indian Rocks Family Sailing Association, ClearwaterYacht Club & Calvary Episcopal Church invite you to “Sailfor the Hungry” at the Inaugural Ted Irwin MemorialSailathon on Saturday, December 5, 2015This event is a Youth Sailing version of a “Walkathon” andwill be a fun event enabling kids who love to sail to takewhat they love and “pay it forward” for those in need.The four hour Marathon Sail is open to all youth sailorsand all classes of sailing dinghies. Proceeds benefit theBeach Community Food Pantry. Registration fee is 4 ormore cans of food and completed Sponsors Document.Email [email protected] to register. Sailing will take place in the protected coves locatedbetween the church and ICW

PINELLAS TRAIL REOPENSThe half-mile stretch of the Pinellas Trail east of the Townof Belleair and north of Ponce de Leon Blvd. reopenedfollowing a project to repair erosion problems. The sectionhad been closed since November. Penny for Pinellas fundspaid for the $1.15 million project.Runoff from the trail was causing erosion along a steepembankment down to the Belleair Creek drainage ditch.Crews shifted a portion of the trail to redirect runoff. Usersmay also notice that lanes previously separated for cyclistsand pedestrians are now combined into a single path.


BOAT CLUB NEWS80 people attendedthe Boat Club’s firstever Fish Fry.Members had agreat fish dinner,supplied by CrabbyBill’s. They spent afun afternoon in thepark enjoying thefood, games and araffle of boatrelated raffle items. AUGUST 8 & 9: THREE ROOKER ISLAND PARTY While theClub has been going to Three Rooker for years, they aretrying something different. You can come Saturday orSunday to play in the water. Those that want, can spendSaturday night and play for two days.SEPTEMBER 12: END OF SUMMER ISLAND PARTYSEPTEMBER 17: MEETINGS RESUMEOCTOBER 3: INTRACOASTAL CLEANUP The IRB Boat Club is based in Indian Rocks Beach butanyone can join and membership is STILL FREE. Meetingswill resume in September at Jimmy Guana’s in the HolidayInn Harborside. Anyone wanting to join can call BobGriffin at 517-1997 or e-mail [email protected] Finddetails or download a calendar at their new web site,www.IRBboatclub.com.

WEST PINELLAS LITTLE LEAGUE -FALL SEASON 2015

Damon Hardiman takes over as president of the WestPinellas Little League. He brings over 20 years of LittleLeague experience, 11 years as a player and 9 years asmanager, coach and board member. His two daughtershave participated in West Pinellas Little League for the past6 seasons. His goal is to create a positive environment toallow the growth of every child and family in the league.It is time to start thinking about playing Fall Little League!Online registration is open at eteamz.com/westpinellas forreturning players, ONLY! If you are NEW and have notplayed with West Pinellas Little League before, you need toregister IN PERSON at one of the registration events -August 8th, 15th or 22nd from 11am-2pm at BeefO'Brady's - 13847 Walsingham Rd. Largo. Registration isopen to boys and girls age 4 to 16. New players receive$15 off the registration fees. Before registering, please check the online Boundary Mapto make sure you are eligible to play in this league. Acompleted Medical Release form must be turned in beforea player will be allowed on the field. For returning players registering online, you may payonline with a credit card, or by cash/check at any in-houseregistration session.The last day to register is August 28th. Parent Orientationnight is August 29th with the location & time to beannounced on their Website. Practices begin the first weekof September. Regular season will begin mid-September.If you have questions about Little League visitwww.eteamz.com/westpinellas. Volunteers are alwaysneeded. Contact Damon Hardiman 574-339-9248.


RYAN WELLS FOUNDATIONOver 400 guests attended the10th Anniversary of “Eveningwith the Chefs” at theSheraton Sand Key Resort inClearwater in support of TheRyan Wells Foundation, anon-profit dedicated toimproving the culinary artsand hospitality education ofPinellas County students.Guests dined on the culinarymasterpieces of eleven of thebest chefs in the area. Eachchef partnered with studentsfrom Pinellas culinaryprograms to serve the night’s cuisine. In addition to thegourmet fare, the evening also featured libations, a liveand silent auction with custom jewelry created by Belleair’sRobert Young and music. Since 2011, Tampa Bay Magazinehas named the fundraiser the “Best Culinary Event”!Proceeds support the annual Ryan Wells Foundationstudent scholarships and donations to culinary programs.Twelve students will receive a combined $80,000. 95students have received scholarships worth over $500,000from the foundation. Participating culinary programs wereawarded $4,000 each, helping school donations surpassthe $300,000 mark. The foundation is named after Palm Harbor student RyanWells, an Eagle Scout and an aspiring young chef whodied over 10 years ago in a auto accident. For Foundationinformation , visit RyanWellsFoundation.com, call727.787.7863 or email [email protected]

NEWCOMER’S CLUBAre you new to our area and just have not been able tomeet anyone? Try joining the Welcome Newcomer Club.This new, not-for-profit organization is really a socialclub to help relocated residents develop new friends andacquaintances while enjoying some good fellowship. Youdo not really have to be a newcomer to join; manyexisting members already live in the immediate area.The ladies meet monthly at local restaurants and areacountry clubs on the first Tuesday of the month, normallyfor lunch. Lunch meetings are also held at Island WayGrill, and the Clearwater Yacht Club with occasionalguest speakers. Reservations are required. Afterwards, many stay and play cards or to talk aboutbooks. They have outings planned throughout the year,including trips to Tampa and Sarasota. Vist www.WelcomeNewComerClub.com or call MarieMicheel at 530-5194 for more information.

YOGA FOR THE TURTLESBeach Yoga Pinellas and The Clearwater Marine Aquariumhave teamed up to start a donation based yoga class onthe beach with a portion of the proceeds going to supportthe sea turtles. The classes are every Tuesday & Thursdayfrom 8:30am-9:30am on Indian Rocks Beach at the 11thAve beach access. Parking is available on the street or afew blocks down at the nature preserve. You may register in advance at BeachYogaPinellas.com orjust drop in. Please bring a cash donations (suggested $15)and hand it to the instructor before beginning class. Theclasses are perfect for everyone - beginners, advanced andeven kids! For more information, call 727- 222-6476.

Charms designed by RobertYoung for the silent auction


Restaurant News...BEST BREAKFASTMaggie Mae’s wantsto thank theircustomers for votingthem “Best Breakfast”in the area byreaders of TheBelleair Bee. Stop byfor one of their great

breakfasts or lunch at 2961 West Bay Drive, next toBonefish Grill. They open at 7am._________________________________________________NEW OWNER AT JEWEL CAFE Long time chef Tom, atThe Jewel Cafe, has purchased the small restaurant fromowners Elaine and Darell Youness. Tom has been behindthe scenes at the restaurant for six years, since theYouness’s bought it in 2009. Find the Jewel at 2601 JewelRoad, behind the Belleair Market. _________________________________________________GREAT CHANGES Aqua Prime is back up to full speedwith some changes made by new owner Steve Wesphal.They are now open for lunch seven days a week, offeringan Early Menu and Happy Hour from Noon to 6pm daily.Live music is back on the patio! Music will be availableThursdays and Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays 3-6pm andSundays 1-4pm. They tweaked their menu, too. Weddingpackages have been added to their services. They arelocated in Indian Rocks Beach, at 311 Gulf Blvd. Seewww.AquaPrimeFlorida.com for more information._________________________________________________JIMMY JOHN’S OPEN A new Jimmy John's GourmetSandwiches store opened in the Wal-Mart NeighborhoodShopping Center in Largo, where Blockbuster was. Findthem at 13801 Walsingham Road. _________________________________________________WRAPPED Crabby Bill’s has a new look for their outsidebar. The Loading Dock bar on the north end of CrabbyBill’s Seafood was “wrapped” with a large vinyl graphicthat was applied directly to the bar, courtesy of Nate andIlluminate Graphics. The wrap material is printed with abeach scene including clouds, water, sand and birds.Check it out next time you are at Crabby’s. Nate atIlluminate Graphics can be reached at 686-7665._________________________________________________NEW NAME Clearwater Beach’s Hilton was sold last yearand with the new ownership comes a new name for theirrestaurant. The restaurant previously called Reflections isnow Carambola (as in star fruit). The menu has changedas well, but still features some old favorites. In additionsome fresh new specialties of the new Executive Chef,Steve Freda have been added. He is overseen by theirnew Food & Beverage Director, Chef Neil Kennedy._________________________________________________NEW HONG KONG UPCOMING CHANGES Aftermany years and many locations, Helen Lee is hanging upher noodles. Lee sold the New Hong Kong Restaurant inLargo. The new owner, Lu Lu Zheng, takes over August1st. They plan to close the restaurant for about a month,remodel it and reopen the restaurant in September. Helenplans to retire and travel. We wish her the best. _________________________________________________IT’S A REAL DEAL! Dinner at Marlin Darlins for $12.50is a real deal! From 4 to 5:30pm, get an entrée, freshbread, salad (or lobster bisque) and your favorite dessert.All for just $12.50. This offer is good for a limited timeonly.


DERELICT CRAB TRAPS REMOVED Twenty-two volunteer boaters removed 207 derelict crabtraps on July 11 at six locations (Belleair Bluffs, UpperTampa Bay, Alafia River, Cockroach Bay, Boca Ciega Bayand Demen’s Landing) due to the regional closure of bluecrab fishing. The Florida Fish and Wildlife ConservationCommission (FWC) mandated a temporary closure for theharvest of blue crabs from traps in all waters of Browardthrough Pasco counties including the waters of Tampa Bay. FWC required the regional closed season for the blue crabfishery to help efforts to identify and retrieve lost andabandoned blue crab traps in Florida waters. The localclosure was July 10-19 and extended three miles offshore.It applied to commercial and recreational free standingtraps (blue crab traps attached to private property such asdocks) were excluded from the closure. All traps left in statewaters during the ten day closure were considered derelictand removed. Three regional, 10-day blue crab trapclosures take place in designated areas in Florida in odd-numbered years, and three other closures occur in even-numbered years.Derelict and abandoned crab traps are a problembecause fishing continues despite the inactivity of the trapkilling not only crabs but several other important species.In addition, they pose a navigational hazard to boatersand can cause damage to valuable and sensitive habitatssuch as seagrass or natural hardbottom environments.Manatees, dolphins and sea turtles can also becomeentangled in the trap line causing injury or death. “This event is great because it gets community volunteersinvolved to help preserve and protect the bay by removingdebris and keeping marine life from getting caught andkilled in abandoned traps,” said Serra Herndon, HabitatRestoration Director for Tampa Bay Watch.It is estimated that there are thousands of derelict crabtraps that have been accumulating for decades in TampaBay. Each year, Tampa Bay Watch performs surveys tothem and conducts clean-ups to remove them. Havingconducted 29 crab trap removals since May 2004, TampaBay Watch has successfully removed 1,629 traps from thewaters of Tampa Bay.Tampa Bay Watch partnered with ReelCycle for thisimportant crab trap removal event. ReelCycle(www.reelcycle.org) is a 501(c)(3) entity that focuses onwaste reduction and sound management practices for thefishing industry. Devin Sanderson, ReelCycle's Founder andPresident, said "Each year, hundreds of tons of derelictgear is discarded in landfills or illegally dumped, whichcan result in ghost fishing. Lost or abandoned ghost trapscontinue to catch crabs and fish in large numbers, threatenstocks, and damage the marine environment. ReelCycleworks to create recycling programs for undesirable gear,from collection through disposal, providing conservationand socioeconomic benefits. ReelCycle took the crab trapscollected during the project and deliver them to a metalrecycler who will process and melt them to be usee in aanother product. The non-metallic material wasincinerated and converted into energy though a waste-to-energy program. ReelCycle upcycled the traps into arenewable resource as opposed to being in a landfill." If you would like more information regarding the FWC'strap-retrieval program, blue crab trap closure dates, orregulations, that info is available online atMyFWC.com/Rules (click on "Fishing - Saltwater"). You canalso contact FWC's trap-retrieval coordinator, Kyle Miller, at850-487-0554.


NEWSPAPERS - A FAMILY AFFAIRFirst thing in the morning, most ofus walk to the end of ourdriveway, and find a newspaperlaying there, waiting for us. Wedon’t think that someone picked itup from the printer, put it in abag, drove it to your house andthrew it in your yard. Meet RodneySheaffer (41). He is a Tampa BayTimes paper boy.Gone are the days of kids onbicycles with large cloth bagsdangling over the handlebars,delivering papers before school.Sheaffer drives a GMC truck and he starts work at 2 am.Each morning, Sheaffer sets his alarm for 1 am so he canbe at the loading area, near the intersection of Ulmertonand Starkey Roads, at 2 am when the papers are droppedoff. The first step is to fold and stuff the papers into plasticbags. He only has a few hours to do it. There may be inserts(normally Wednesday through Sunday.) Sunday is the bigday for inserts. If so, he puts the inserts in the papers. If itlooks like rain, the papers are double bagged. Around 4 am, Sheaffer starts delivering. His route takes twoto two and a half hours and he is normally done by 6:30am. That can change though if the papers are late arrivingto the loading area or there are many inserts. The BayMagazine is inserted monthly. That really slows him down. Sheaffer, his wife Candy and his mother Lori deliver all ofzip code 33785 (Indian Rocks and Indian Shores). Candyand Lori work on Indian Shores while Rodney delivers all ofIndian Rocks Beach by himself. On a normal day, he may throw 500 papers in IndianRocks, about 20% of the households. On Sundays, it maybe as high as 700 papers. They deliver a similar number inIndian Shores. They are paid 15¢ per paper Monday through Saturday;and 25¢ per paper on Sundays. Delivery numbers vary withthe time of year and the day of the week. If a paper is notdelivered or is lost and a subscriber calls, they are backcharged $1 per paper and $1.50 on Sundays. They arecharged $2 per paper if it is wet. “Sprinklers are our biggest problem,” says Sheaffer. “Somepeople have their sprinklers hitting the road and driveways.When we deliver they are not on. They turn on, the papergets wet and we get charged for a wet paper.”Sheaffer is bonded and has keys to many condo buildingsso he can deliver inside. He even has a client on a boat atthe Holiday Inn. They walk out on the dock and drop thepaper near his boat slip. They see a lot of things out there in the pre-dawn hours.“It’s amazing how many people are out at that hour walkingdogs or jogging,” says Sheaffer. “You see guys collectingmetal to recycle. I pick up some metal too, if I have time.”“If we see something suspicious, we call the cops or stop aSheriff,” Sheaffer says. “We see drunks, homeless people,and domestic disputes. One time, I saw a car run into thepalm trees in front of the 900 building on Gulf Blvd. and Icalled the Sheriff.”Sheaffer normally gets home around 7:30 am, about thetime you are collecting your paper. He takes a nap from11am to 2pm, then goes to bed around 8 pm so he canwake up at 1 am to do it all over again.


MISS FLORIDA The public helped celebrate the 80th Anniversary MISSFLORIDA PAGEANT in St. Petersburg at the MahaffeyTheatre in June. The new Miss Florida is Mary KatherineFechtel representing the University of Florida. She is 19years old and a senior at UF, working towards herBachelor of Science. She is from Leesburg, Florida.Miss Florida receives an $18,000 educational scholarshipand thousands of dollars in prizes. Dozens of ForeverMiss Florida titleholders along with this year's 47 MissFlorida contestants and 34 Miss Florida's OutstandingTeen contestants converged on St. Petersburg with theirfamilies, supporters, sponsors during pageant week in St.Petersburg.The pageant called "Shining Bright Since 1935" wasproduced by Wayne Gentry of Monroe, Louisiana, andchoreographed by Shea Sullivan of New York City. Thenew Miss Florida will compete in the Miss Americapageant on September 13, 2015 in Atlantic City televisedlive on ABC TV. Miss America Kira Kazantsev presentedthe crowning of Miss Florida 2015. For furtherinformation visit MissFlorida.org and themahaffey.com.

TAMPA BAY SNOW SKIERS AND BORDERS

Tampa Bay Snow Skier and Boarders will have theirannual Preview Party at the Hilton Carillon Park, 950 LakeCarillon Dr, St Petersburg on August 21.The doors open at 6:30 with 19 Ski Vacation destinationson display. From novice to advanced, ski vacationenthusiasts can find their dream trip. Start with Vail inearly December or Big Sky, or new destinations likeWhitefish, MO. A sampling of other destinations are:ParkCity, Snowmass, Banff, Austria, Steamboat and more.The last one of the season is Breckinridge in late March. Buffet appetizers provided by the club and Mountain repswill be on hand to answer your skiing questions. Ski withknowledgeable and trained trip leaders!In 1970, a small group of ski enthusiasts got togetherand mused over the possibility of a local ski club. The firstski trip was to Vail with 20 skiers that December. They arethe largest independent not-for–profit ski club in Florida.Tampa Bay Snow Skiers and Boarders provides a largeselection of low-cost Ski packages, escorted by trained,knowledgeable and experienced leaders. A member of the Florida Ski Council (FSC) and offers reciprocalmembership in all other Florida Ski Council member clubs whichallows you to participate in other clubs’ trips without having to paymembership dues again.


By Bob Griffin, PublisherFriday, August 31st, 1985 was the beginning of Labor Dayweekend. If you lived on a barrier island in Pinellas, you weretold to evacuate that night, for Hurricane Elena. Hurricane Elena was the first major hurricane of the 1985season. Moving off Africa on August 23rd, it developed into atropical depression near Cuba and quickly strengthened.Within five days it became a hurricane and moved towardPinellas County. As a Category 2 storm, it stalled, goingnowhere, and just sat, spinning 80 miles off the PinellasCounty coast. Pinellas Emergency managers watched itclosely since a Category 2 or 3 storm would bring high water,high winds and lots of damage if it came ashore. After about24 hours an evacuation was ordered. Because it was a holiday weekend, communications were aproblem. The Pinellas County Commission issues CountyEvacuation orders but that night, only two Commissionerscould be located. Assistant County Administrator Bob LaSalaissued the Emergency Order. On Saturday, at 4:35 am, theGovernor activated the National Guard in Pinellas County. Elena’s unpredictable movements forced the largestevacuation in history of the U.S. Half a million people fromSarasota to Louisiana evacuated. 300,000 people in Pinellasare estimated to have evacuated. Additionally, three hospitalsand 19 nursing homes with 1,860 nursing residents wereevacuated. Because of the massive evacuation, the storm hasno documented storm related deaths.Over 113,000 people went to one of the 70 open shelterswhich were filled beyond their capacities. Tyrone Square Mallhad planned for 5,000 people but 9,200 showed up.Seminole Middle School expected 3,500 but 3,740 showed

up. The Red Cross managed 6,500 people at their variousshelters and admits that they were overwhelmed. The storm caused a total of $1.25 billion in property damageand beach erosion. 256 homes in Pinellas were eitherdestroyed or made inhabitable. Over 7,000 mobile homeswere destroyed. At the time, they estimated it would take upto ten years to replenish the beaches. Besides the homes along our beach being damaged orruined, what most people in the area remember is losing theIndian Rocks Beach Pier. One of Indian Rocks’ best-knownattractions, the storm knocked it down.Flooding was a big problem. In addition to the rain (5.5inches in Clearwater), the hurricane produced a 6 foot stormsurge along the Pinellas Beaches. The tides in Tampa Baywere 7 feet above normal. By the time the storm reached theFlorida Panhandle, its storm surge was 10 feet. The storm eventually moved northwest and made landfallnear Biloxi, Mississippi as a Category 3 hurricane. Peak windswere 125 MPH. At 5pm on Sunday, Governor Graham liftedthe evacuation order. This caused new problems as citiesused different re-entry procedures. Evacuees were frustratedby security check-points that would not allow them access tohomes in damaged areas. The name Elena was retired in the spring of 1986 and willnever be used again. It is the only Atlantic storm name to beretired without causing any direct casualties. Elena is still among the costliest Atlantic hurricanes. Thedamage totals in Pinellas (1985 dollars) were:Indian Rocks Beach - $10,305,000, Belleair Shore -$4,980,800, Indian Shores - $4,075,000, Clearwater -$3,835,000, Belleair Beach - $2,520,000

THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF HURRICANE ELENA

By Rick Walker 30 years ago, whenHurricane Elenaimpacted PinellasCounty, I was in myfourth year as aFirefighter in theIndian Rocks FireDistrict. Chief LarryLadd and his staff had a fairlyextensive hurricane plan developedwhich we used to guide us throughthat weekend.At that time, public disaster planningand education were very limited. FEMAhad only come into existence in the1970s while Jimmy Carter wasPresident. The Federal Government wasjust beginning to take disasters moreseriously by encouraging planning, butefforts were in their infancy. Even though Elena causedsignificant damage, it nevercame ashore. Most damagewas along the coast and didnot disrupt a majority ofresidents lives. It would not beuntil 1992, when HurricaneAndrew hit south Florida,causing catastrophic damageand severely impactingresidents, that hurricanethreats were taken seriously.Even though, our Fire Districtand County had plans forhurricanes and disasters, theyexercised for the first timeduring Elena. We didn’trealize we would be planningone of the largest peacetimeevacuations in U.S. history thatLabor Day weekend.During Elena, the city of Indian RocksBeach set up a command center atYellow Banks Groves to protect theirtrucks, and equipment from stormsurge damage, and so it would beavailable for damage repair. At thetime, the city only had one largeflatbed truck; the other trucks weresmall pick-ups, a couple of tractorsand several police cars.The first I heard of Hurricane Elenawas on my car radio Friday afternoonwhen the news mentioned the threat ofa hurricane. A few minute later, Ifound a message from the fire stationon my answering machine telling mecome to work. Little did I know I wouldbe on duty until the followingWednesday. Less than 8 hours later,the County called for a Level BEvacuation which included all thebarrier islands and the mainland westof Hamlin Blvd.

The Fire Department set up acommand center at Harvest TempleChurch, behind the Village Inn. Thefire department’s families wereallowed to evacuate to the church, ifneed be, so we would know our lovedones were safe while we were working.We moved some equipment to thechurch, but kept units on the beach aslong as we could. The rest was storedat our mainland fire station on 94thAvenue. A rescue truck at the IndianRocks Beach Pier watched it as itcollapsed and reported it to ourcommand. Boards and pilings fromthe pier created a lot of the damagealong the area as they washed ashore. The Governor’s office and the Countyofficially announced the evacuation at10pm; it was on the 11pm news. But,since people may have gone to bedand not seen the news, Fire and Police

Departments drove the streets usingpublic address systems and sirens toannounce the evacuation. The Fire Department’s communicationwas not nearly as good as it is today,but each crew had hand-held portableradios and mobile units in the trucks.We were able to maintaincommunication with our commandpost and officials throughout the event.All this was before the days of cellphones, so communication in generalwas a problem. People with HAMMand Citizens band radios were a greathelp getting messages out.City public works departments werebusy monitoring the sewer systems. Liftstations used electronic systems toreport problems with the undergroundpumps. The alarms are normallymonitored at the fire station, causingus to be concerned that a sewagespills could be a health problem aspeople returned home.

Schools were official shelter sites.Seminole High School was designatedfor our area, but is not now. Schoolwere government controlled with foodalready in their cafeterias. Even so,shelters had limited time to prepare fora midnight evacuation. Many were notproperly staffed and were short onfood during early stages. Churchesvolunteered to help. Members wereencouraged to evacuate to theirchurch causing people to think CalvaryEpiscopal and the Church of the Isleswere evacuation centers; they weren’t. Since the major damage was due tobeach erosion, we were able keepunits in service throughout most of thestorm. Two wooden, stilt-housesbetween 7th and 8th Avenues, onBeach Trail collapsed early on. A largenumber of beach front structures wereheavily damaged by erosion with their

decks and pool areas washedaway. At 192nd Avenue, inIndian Shores, a five storycondo, called The Rose, hadserious foundation erosion andthere was concern it mightcollapse.The biggest problem during thestorm was security. Manypeople who were told toevacuate didn't; they were outwalking both during and afterthe storm. An unexpectedproblem resulted from largepropane tanks used by manyhotels and condos, along withhomes that use them to heattheir Gulf-front pools. As theseawalls started to give way,

tanks floated away. The risk of gasleak injury from the tanks was high.Many condo generators wereoperating also, increasing a risk ofelectrocution.Through Hurricane Elena postevacuation research, we have a muchbetter understanding of the Psychologyof Evacuation. The county performedstudies and conducted polls askingwhy people did or did not evacuate.The information has been very helpfulin planning future events. Elena did not create significantdamage in our county except alongthe barrier Islands. Residents on themainland were minimally impactedcausing many to not take the nexthurricane threat seriously. Having seenthe damage a storm that never directlycame ashore can do, I hope theychoose to head the warnings.Rick Walker, works for the Pinellas Countyin the Office of Emergency Management.


HURRICANE ELENA - WHAT I REMEMBER 30 YEARS LATER



Though it did not last long, downtownSt Petersburg had a Playboy BunnyClub in the early 1980s. Called TheSuncoast Playboy Club, it was locatedin the Bayfront Concourse Hotel,today’s Hilton. Like all the others, theclub was very popular in thebeginning, but quickly faded and wasgone within three years.Of course, the whole thing started witha guy named Hugh Hefner and hismagazine - Playboy. The magazinebegan in Chicago with an $8,000investment from friends and hismother. The first issue, published inDecember 1953, featured a centerfoldof Marilyn Monroe. It sold for 50¢.They only printed 54,000 copies, sinceno one knew if it would sell. Todaythat issue is worth over $6,000. Themagazine’s popularity peaked in the1970s, then began to decline incirculation and relevance, due tocompetition from copycat publications.Playboy’s iconic logo, the silhouetterabbit head wearing a tuxedo bow tie,was created by Art Director Art Paul,and first appeared in the second issue.Hefner choose the rabbit for itshumorous sexual connotation and itsfrisky, playfulness.The first Playboy Club opened inChicago in February of 1960. Otherclubs followed in Miami, NewOrleans, St. Louis and New York. Eachclub featured a Living Room, aPlaymate Bar, a Dining Room and aClub Room. Members and guestswere served food and drinks byPlayboy Bunnies and the clubs offeredhigh-end entertainment andcomedians in their Club Room.Hefner wanted the Playboy Club toportray the lifestyle in his magazine.Marketing messages said, “Step intothe Playroom…and the wonderfulworld of Playboy is yours!”Playboy Club members were calledKey Holders, and a membership wasa status symbol. Each Key Holder waspresented a metal, rabbit-headed

numbered metal key,which later changed toa plastic key andeventually to a creditcard. It was requiredfor admission into aclub. Membership cost$25 a year, but only21% of the Key Holdersever went into a club. Clubs were rigidlycontrolled. A Bunny’sbehavior was codifiedby a series of “Bunny

Manuals” which dictated how thegirls should talk, sit, stand and evensmoke. Management assigned each girl aBunny name, which was not thesames as their real name. Theyused first names, only. Uniformswere costumes styled after a one-piece bathing suit made frommaterial that looked like shinywrapping paper. Uniforms, whichincluded bunny ears and a tail,came in only two sizes, 34D and36D. If a girl did not fill the top,they were instructed to stuff themwith Kleenex, plastic bags, cotton,foam rubber, or gym socks. The St Petersburg Suncoast Clubwas their 35th out of what wouldbe 47 clubs in the U.S. and abroad.It opened May 9, 1980. The jokeabout the St. Petersburg Club wasthe bunnies had gray tails, referringto the aging population of the city.The Club closed after three yearsand by 1991, the chain of clubswas defunct.Rebecca (Eubanks) Heishman,known as “Bunny Stacy” was one ofthe The Suncoast Playboy Club’s firstbunnies. Heishman explained, “I sawan ad in the newspaper for Bunnytryouts. I had to stand in a long lineand answer lots of questions, then Ihad to walk around in their swimsuit.Thousands of girls tried out, but Imade the cut. They hired day andnight girls. I was called Bunny Stacyfrom day one. My name was writtenon a ribbon that I wore.“Heishman admitted her parents didnot know she was working there untilthey read her name in the ClearwaterSun. “At 25, I was the oldest Bunny andI already had a kid. I was the onlymarried Bunny,” said Heishman.“Working at the club was fun, partiallybecause of the stars I met. Mostperformers that played at the Bayfrontarena stayed at our hotel. After aconcert, management would send usover in our outfits with balloons toinvite the performers and crews back tothe Playboy Club. I met many starsincluding Burt Bacharach, Lionel Richie,Barry Manilow and the band Alabamawhen they were really hot.”The Club had a Cabaret Room withmajor entertainment. The Living Roomhad a very big bar. Bunnies onlyserved drinks, but never food. Theywere supposed to visit and talk to thecustomers, and play games. You couldplay bumper pool with a Bunny for $1. “We had a tough regiment to live up

to,” Heishman recalled. “We had tostay within 5 pounds of the weight atwhich we were hired; we were weighedevery Friday. Everything was on the up-and-up at The Club. We wereencouraged to take photos with guests.But they were not allowed to touch us.You always had to have your hands onyour waist,” Heishman remembers.“We could not wear any jewelry, nobobby pins in our hair and our nailshad to be perfect. We were inspectedevery time we went on the floor. We allhad different colored uniforms. Minewas pink with a white tail,” Heishmancontinued. “I still have it somewhere.”When the St Petersburg Playboy Clubclosed in 1983, a friend calledHeishman to interview for a job at anew place opening in Clearwater,Hooter’s. In October of 1983, she washired as one of the first Hooter’s girls.She worked for Hooter’s for sevenyears and had her second child whileworking there. “Hooter’s was a great job, too. Wewere always doing fun stuff. We’d goto special events and promotions likebeach sporting events and golftournaments,” Heishman said.Today the mother of three, Heishmanlives in Oldsmar and has twograndchildren. For the past eight years,she has been an assistant managerand server at O’Keefes on South Ft.Harrison in Clearwater. “But, being aPlayboy Bunny was the best job I everhad,” Heishman fondly remembers.

ST PETERSBURG’S PLAYBOY CLUB

Rebecca Heishman, known as “Bunny Stacy”



BELLEAIR BEACH LADIES LUNCHEON CLUBThey normally meet the second Tuesday of each month,(October through May) at various area restaurants. Thereare no meetings through September. You do not have tolive in Belleair Beach to join, membership is $15 a year.To join, please call Sherri Morton at 581-8313. BELLEAIR ROTARYThe Club has a new 2015/2016 President - EdwardShaughnessy. He was installed in June by DistrictGovernor Will Miller. Ed says he will “build the BelleairRotary to an even better service organization with ties tothe local community.” Outgoing President Joyce Baskinthanked the club for her successful year and announcedthat the annual Wine and Tapas event grossed $30,000.Ann Dallman received the annual “Service Above Self”award at the June Meeting. The Rotary in the Town of Belleair meets every Thursday at12:15pm at the Belleair Country Club. The third Thursdayof the month is the general assembly and Board meeting.They have events throughout the year that benefit manylocal charities. To get involved, contact Joyce Baskin, 432-7218, [email protected] or visitBelleairRotary.org. BELLEAIR WOMEN’S REPUBLICAN CLUBThey meet monthly on the first Friday, with issueappropriate speakers. Meetings are for lunch at 11:30amat the Belleair Country Club, and normally cost $22. Therewill be no meetings through August. The next meeting willbe September 11th. To RSVP for meetings, call Sherri Morton at 581-8313 oremail her at [email protected]. For moreinformation, visit BelleairWomensRepublicanClub.comBELLEAIR SOCIAL CLUBThe Belleair Social Club meets every Tuesday morning at9am in the back of Panera Bread for coffee andsocializing. They also meet for dinner at a differentrestaurant on the first and third Sunday at 6pm, and forlunch on the second and fourth Wednesday. Membership is open to all seniors, living in the greaterBelleair area. They plan monthly social meetings, potluckget-togethers, dinners, movie nights and visits to areaattractions. They also meet at the Belleair Rec Center fortheir monthly trips and adventures. Call MarilynDaminato at 585-9633 for more information.BELLEAIR BEACH ISLAND GARDEN CLUBThey meet the third Wednesday of each month (Octoberthrough April) at the Community Center, Belleair Beach.Now in it’s 65th year, membership is $20 per year andguests are welcome. There are no meetings throughSeptember. Call Brenda Licht to RSVP for events at 595-5427. ContactMajorie Rose President, 238-8691 for Club information.MILITARY ORDER OF THE WORLD WARSThe Clearwater Chapter of the Military Order of the WorldWars meets for lunch on the first Tuesday of each month atthe Belleair Country Club. Social hour begins at 11:30amfollowed by lunch and a short program. The next meetingsare August 4 and September 1st. Members are retired active duty Military Officers and theirspouses or widows. They welcomes new members. To RSVPfor lunch or to consider joining, please call LTC. GeorgeSmith at 786-5578.

BELLEAIR GARDEN CLUBThey meet on the first and second Wednesday of eachmonth at the Belleair Garden Club at 903 Ponce de LeonBlvd., in the Town of Belleair (October to May.) There areno meetings during the summer.Club membership is $50 per year, couples pay $55 andseasonal members only $25. Guests are welcome. Forinformation, contact new President, Laura Katz, 581-4153or email [email protected] for more information.GREATER BELLEAIR YOUNG WOMEN’S SOCIETYThey are 180 members strong with membership consistingof women living and working in Belleair, Belleair Beach,Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Sand Key, Largo and thesurrounding areas. They normally meet monthly (notincluding June, July and August). The date and thelocation vary so check their Website.Activities include Critics, Dancing Divas, Duplicate Bridge,Girl’s Night Out, Lit Ladies, Lunch Bunch, kayaking,movies, scrabble, Theatre Group, and Stitch Niche. For more info, see their web site at www.GBYWS.org.Contact Bobbi Huntington, President [email protected] CIVIC ASSOCIATIONThe Association is open to all residents of the Town ofBelleair. Its purpose is to create goodwill within thecommunity through promotion and support of civic,recreational, and social activities. They would love tohave you to join them. If you are not already a member,join for 2015. If you want to help or get involved, callPetey Henning, 584-4874 or [email protected]. CLEARWATER COMMUNITY SAILING CENTERFun Racing is held on the third Saturday each month. Ifyou are new to racing or an old hand at it, this is a funway to learn, and keep your skills sharp. Skippers meetingis at noon on the deck, and racing is from 1pm to 3pm.The next fun racing dates are August 15 and September19. They also offers instruction in Stand Up Paddleboarding and Kayaking. VisitClearwaterCommunitySailing.org.THE CLEARWATER YACHT CLUBThey are holding a Summer Membership drive throughthe end of September. Membership is $100 a month, withno initiation fee. There is no minimum spending. At theend of the summer, you can elect to join as a full member,social or junior member. Half of their members don’t have a boat. Most of theirsocial activities center around regular parties. Many eventsare held at their in-house restaurant or Tiki-Bar out back.Learn more visit www. Clwyc.org, [email protected] or call 447-6000.SUNCOAST CAMERA CLUBThis group promotes better photography. Make friendswith people who share your interests, improve yourphotography and share your work. The next meeting isAugust 25th at The Hospice of Florida, 5771 RooseveltBlvd at 7pm. Visit SuncoastCameraClub.org or callVeronica Serra at 512-4878.

Organizational News...


By Dr. G. Joseph FitzgeraldSummer is your skin’s worst enemy. As a doctor, I see allkinds of skin sins. The worst, of course, is ignoring a mole,or failing to prevent skin cancer by not using sunscreen.Beauty is skin deep, and so is health. Here’s my advice:Skin Sin: Bronzed Beauty, Beware The Ides of Summer

Yes, you get vitamin D from the sun and that’s good. But toomuch unprotected time in the sun, increases your risk ofgetting melanoma. Get your moles checked annually andcall your doctor if you detect any changes.The most dangerous form of skin cancer growths developwhen unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most oftencaused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanningbeds) triggers mutations (genetic defects) that lead the skincells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. Thesetumors originate in the pigment-producing melanocytes, inthe basal layer of the epidermis.Melanomas often resemble moles and some melanomasdevelop from moles. The majority of melanomas are blackor brown but they can also be skin-colored, pink, red,purple, blue or white. Melanoma is caused mainly byintense, occasional UV exposure (frequently leading tosunburn), especially in those who are geneticallypredisposed to the disease. Melanoma kills an estimated9,940 people in the US annually!If melanoma is recognized and treated early, it is almostalways curable. However, if melanoma is not caught intime, the cancer can advance and spread to other parts ofthe body where it can become hard to treat and even causedeath. It is the leading type of skin cancer causing death.

Skin Smarts: Age Is Just A Number With PRP TreatmentsPlatelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a minimally invasivecosmetic procedure developed on the proven premise thatthe body often is its own best healer. The procedure involves drawing 12mL of blood from apatient, then centrifuging the blood sample to separate theplasma containing the platelets and the stem cells. The skinsurface is micro-needled, making it ready to receive theplasma (liquid gold) and all of its benefits. Some deepneedling of the plasma into the tissues is also performed.The procedure helps jumpstart your healing mechanisms tostimulate skin recovery. There’s virtually no chance that yourbody will reject or react negatively to the injection because itimmediately recognizes the substance as its own cells.Clinical studies have documented that PRP stimulates newcollagen growth and can soften, or even eliminate thevisible effects of sun damage and aging in your skin.Wrinkles are diminished, scarring is minimized, hollows areplumped and skin texture is smoothed. The natural healingprocess takes time and the results appear gradually over afour to six week period.The entire PRP procedure, including preparation, collectionand separation of platelets, micro-needling and deepinjection is done in under two hours. Down time is minimal(24-72 hours). PRP facials are administered in a series ofthree treatments, from two to four weeks apart, and requireminimal maintenance (one to two treatments per year).Dr. G. Joseph Fitzgerald, Owner/Medical Director of PureLife Medi-Spa, has been practicing family practice medicine for 20 years. Heis on the Largo Medical Center staff and Director of Oak ManorNursing Home & Wright’s Health Care Rehabilitation Center.

DR FITZ TIPS: SKIN SINS & SMARTS


CLEARWATER GARDEN CLUBThe Clearwater Garden Club meets twice a month fromOctober through May, at 405 Seminole Street, Clearwater.They are proud to announce the new Community Gardenhas 40 garden plots. The grand opening is later this Fall. There are no regular meetings until October however, theirSaturday meetings continue. They meet on the thirdSaturday of each month, with the next ones August 15 andSeptember 19th. For more information contact, PresidentAlice Jarvis at 391-3066 or email at [email protected] ART CENTERSupport the Arts! Become a member! Anyone interested inthe enjoyment of the visual arts can join. Members are theheart and soul of the Center and their support makes agreat variety of wonderful programs possible for bothadults and children. Membership Benefits: • Early registration for classes, workshops and camps • Receive a discount on classes and workshops• Show your art in special gallery shows• Support the local arts and artists of our community• Attend special receptions and Beach Art Center events• Receive discounts from local, art-related vendorsJoin or renew your membership and support the arts.Single Yearly Membership: $50, Family YearlyMembership: $65, Sponsorship Yearly Membership: $250.The Beach Art Center is located at 1515 Bay Palm Blvd. inIndian Rocks Beach. Call 727-596-4331 or visitbeachartcenter.org to more information.CLEARWATER COMMUNITY WOMAN’S CLUBTrish Gregory, District Director installed the new clubofficers at their June meeting. The next meeting of the club will be September 15 at theClearwater Main Library beginning at 11am with AshleyRoades-Courter as the guest speaker. She will tell aninteresting story about growing up in the foster care systemand being adopted at the age of 12. The Clearwater Woman’s Club is part of the GeneralFederation of Women’s Clubs. It is a volunteer service cluband was established more than 40 years ago. Their mottois ‘Making A Difference’. General Meetings are held thethird Tuesdays of each month, starting at 11am, at theClearwater Downtown Library. Women in Belleair arewelcome to join the Clearwater Community Woman’sClub. Get more information at www.ClearwaterCWC.org,contact Martha Hickey, 813-765-6219 or [email protected]. PINELLAS REPUBLICAN PARTYThey meet monthly on the second Monday. This month’smeeting is on August 10th at 7pm. All meetings are heldat Banquet Masters, 13344 49th Street N., Clearwater.New members are invited at 6pm for orientation.Call Charlotte Smith at 539-6009 for more information.Get more info at www.PinellasRepublicans.com.DAUGHTERS OF AMERICAN REVOLUTION (DAR)They meet on the third Friday of every month at theBelleair Country Club for a luncheon beginning at11:30am. To join, please call Linda Mintz at 488-1068.

Organizational News...


An Interview by Bob Griffin, PublisherSometimes when they play, you get thefeeling you are witnessing greatness inthe making. I had that feeling the firsttime I heard the Ries Brothers at alocal bar.The Ries Brothers, young musicianswho are clearly moving up the musicindustry ladder both locally andnationally, live in Belleair Bluffs. TheTampa Bay Times just recently namedthem one of the Top 10 local bands of2015. Charlie (19) and Kevin (16) really arebrothers. When you meet them, youmight even think they are twins. Theyare the same height with the samehairstyles and act like typical teenagers.Kevin, the front man plays the guitarand provides background vocals.Charlie, plays three instruments, he isusually in the back on the drums,playing bass on the keyboard andsinging – all at the same time! The brothers have music in theirblood. Three of their grandparentswere musicians in Chicago. “Both theboys started playing the piano at six,”says mom and band manager, Jenifer.“The boys picked it up from day oneand have since added many otherinstruments to their repertoire.”In addition to music, they play a lot ofsports, so when you approach theirhouse, you see the typical teenagethings — baseball equipment,skateboards and even a skim board. But inside, the house is like being in aHard Rock Café. Signed guitars aremounted on the walls. There areframed album covers and photos offamous musicians everywhere. Theliving room has a grand piano, adozen guitars, several amps andmicrophones set to their height. Their first real performance was at theBeachWalk Crabby Bill’s in ClearwaterBeach. Their first paid job was May27, 2012, at the Crabby Bill’s LoadingDock in Indian Rocks Beach whenKevin was only 13. The boys haveplayed at Gill Dawg, Seabreeze IslandGrill, Quaker Steak & Lube, Fox JazzClub, and other local establishments.On a larger level, the Ries performedat the Capitol Theatre, Ruth EckerdHall, The Mahaffey, The Coliseum,Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Vinoy Park,Van’s Warped Tour, Tampa’s HardRock Café, The Straz Center, BlastFriday, First Friday and The FloridaStrawberry Festival. In 2013, they became the youngest

lead-in act to a headliner at theClearwater Jazz Holiday where theyopened for Chicago. When askedwhich has been their most memorableconcert, they both agreed it is Ryman’sAuditorium in Nashville, the originalhome of the Grand Ole Opry. “To playa place like that, where some ofmusic’s most famous have played,gives you the chills,” says Charlie.“Even Elvis played there.”What is amazing is their selection ofmusic. It is the music from the 1970sand ‘80s including Led Zepplin, TheWho, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd andeven the Beatles. This is music that waspopular years before they were born.How did they learn it and why do theyperform it? “My father was a great influence on usin the beginning,” says Kevin. “Welistened to whatever he listened to,then we learned to play those songs.”But their versions began to deviatefrom the originals, as they beganadding their own special twists. Theyalso write many of their own songs.“Run To The Sea” a new song theywrote is about life near the beach. Ithas become one of their favorites. The Ries Brothers finally have a chanceto headline their own major show.They are playing at the MurrayTheater, the new smaller theater atRuth Eckerd Hall, August 8th. The show sold out in just two weeks.They have a new album due out soon.A shorter, 3-song mix tape, which willbe ready for sale at the August show.After the show, they are off to Asbury,

N.J. to play with Vini Lopez, BruceSpringsteen’s original drummer. He isa Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame drummerand founding member of the E StreetBand. Now, bigger shows and touring haveleft the brothers with no time for schoolor the local pub scene. Previously, theyattended Shorecrest Preparatory, but asthe demands of rehearsing andperformances have increased, thebrothers enrolled in virtual schooling tofinish their education.“I remember when the brothers firststarted playing at Crabby’s three yearsago,” Pauly Jenkins from Crabby Bill’ssaid. “People would comment on howwell they played considering howyoung they were. Charlie & Kevin aretalented beyond their years. It is greatto see how they’ve grown asentertainers and performers. I used tohear ‘the Ries brothers are good forhow young they are.’ Today, peopleare more likely to say ‘the RiesBrothers are awesome performers’without mentioning their age as aqualifier for their talents.”“We enjoy our relationship with theentire family and we are proud ofwhat they are accomplishing. We hopeas their star continues to rise, they willcome back and play a few sets at ourlittle venue even if we have to hirecrowd control,” Jenkins says smiling.Learn more about the Ries Brothers ontheir website, www.RiesBrothers.com.You can also find them on FaceBookand You Tube.

THE RIES BROTHERS - A BAND OF BROTHERS

Charlie (left) and Kevin (right) with the band Chicago



THE RED CROSS NEEDS YOUDo you know what your American Red Cross does? I'll betyou are nodding your head; you think you do. Everyonethinks of the Red Cross as the big disaster people involvedwith hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes, especially in Floridawhere we get all three. It is what you see us do on television,when there is a big crisis. We are at every major disasterbefore the TV cameras and long after they are gone, helpingfeed and shelter those who have lost everything. We givehugs. We give hope. We help communities endure.But the biggest disaster we respond to is not a tornado, floodor hurricane. More than 90% of the disasters we respond toare local home fires. Tampa Bay averages a home fire everysingle night or about 350 per year. To the family that loseseverything, it's a big disaster and one of the worst days oftheir life - and the Red Cross is there.When a family loses their home and has no place to go, thefire department calls the Red Cross 24 hours a day, 7 days aweek. Red Cross volunteers respond immediately, havingcommitted to be on scene within 2 hours. They take care ofthe family's needs by making sure they have a roof over theirheads that night, food & clothing and that the kids are readyto go to school the next day. Nurses help replace medicationand eyeglasses and they even give a small toy to the childwho lost all of their belongings but still needs something softto cuddle. In the days and weeks that follow, trained RedCross volunteer caseworkers help the family on their road torecovery, making sure they have access to communityresources. Unless you've suffered a house fire you probablydon't know that keeps Red Cross volunteers busy every day. 90% of the Red Cross’s work is done by volunteers. Thesespecial people make a difference every day. Volunteers likeLisa, who tells the story of a fire she responded to: “I wascalled to the scene of a burning house at 8:30 one night.The elderly lady who lived there left a space heater too closeto a curtain and her wood frame home went up in flamesquickly. She called 911 and ran out with nothing but her catand car keys; she was left with nothing. Nothing. When myteam arrived she was in the back of a police car shivering.We wrapped her in a Red Cross blanket and hugged hertight. Crying, she was able to give us her daughter’s phonenumber but her daughter was in Ohio. It would take sometime for her to get to Tampa. We put her in a hotel for threenights and helped with her immediate needs until her daughterarrived. Staying in constant touch with her was important.She needed our support system. I could only imagine shemight have been my mother, or grandmother and howgrateful I would have been for Red Cross volunteers. Her reliefat seeing us and knowing she would be safe was palpable.Her hugs and thanks gave more back to us as volunteersthan we ever imagined. I love my work with the Red Cross.” We have hundreds of wonderful volunteers like Lisa whowant to give back through the Red Cross, but we desperatelyneed more. In addition to responding to house fires we'rehelping our community be prepared by installing smokealarms and teaching kids how to be ready for disasters. Weare deep in planning for hurricane season and we’re trainingvolunteers in logistics, sheltering, etc. Many volunteer jobsare yet to be filled this season and we need your passion forhelping others to help make a difference. Whether you have20 hours a week or 2, won't you consider joining our groupof caring and compassionate people? Learn more about Red Cross volunteer opportunities, at ouropen house on Thursdays from 11:30am-1:30pm at ourTampa office, 3310 W. Main St. Tampa or [email protected] for more information.


FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF BOB GUALTIERI

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has reinforced ourpartnership with Project ChildSafe to provide free gunlocks and materials to citizens in an effort to promotegun safety. Project ChildSafe is a 501(c)(3) launched in1999 by the National Shooting Sports Foundation as anationwide initiative to promote firearm responsibilityand to provide safety education to all gun owners. ThePinellas County Sheriff’s Office encourages citizens tokeep their lawfully owned guns stored in a safe placewith a trigger lock. With proper storage and security, incidents such asaccidental gunshot deaths are preventable. Earlier thisyear, a Pinellas County toddler died one night, afterfinding a .380 caliber handgun and accidentallyshooting himself in the chest. The gun was hidden butwas not secured with a gun lock. As a parent, the loss ofa child is a life changing tragedy and one that no parentshould ever have to go through. Prevention is key tokeeping the public safe and preventing serious injuryand/or death from the accidental discharge of a firearm.We hope that with this free resource, we can provideresponsible gun owners with the tools and informationthey need to securely store their guns away fromchildren, at-risk individuals, and criminals. Last year,25% of stolen firearms reported to the Sheriff’s Officecame from unlocked vehicles. Securing firearms with agun lock limits the possibility they could be used incriminal activity, as in the stolen gun that was used to killa Tarpon Springs police officer in December 2014. Gunownership is an absolute right, but there’s no right toirresponsible gun ownership. Residents can obtain free gun locks at two locations:Sheriff’s Administration Building - 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo

Sheriff’s North District Office – 737 Louden Avenue, Dunedin

The partnership with Project ChildSafe and local lawenforcement is important in the promotion of gun safety.Our number one priority is the safety of our citizens.Providing free gun locks will assist in keeping unsecuredguns from getting into the wrong hands and allows us tocontinue our mission of “Leading The Way For A SaferPinellas.”

MUD WARSMore than 30 teenagers with theBelleair Rec. Center placed in the top10 of 36 teams in the Teen Mudwarcompetition. Eight activities included:obstacle course, joust pit, bellybumper pit, tug-o-war, football, theeliminator, dodge ball, and a newevent with music, all in the mud. The teens were battling it out for atop spot in the dirtiest mudcompetition in the U.S.


BOATERS! PARTICIPATE IN TAMPABAY’S TREASURE HUNT:

Tampa Bay Watch isrecruiting volunteerboats to participate inthe Great Bay ScallopSearch on Saturday,August 22. The eventis a resourcemonitoring programwhere communityvolunteers snorkel tosearch for scallops inselect areas withinBoca Ciega andLower Tampa Bays. It has been conducted annually since1993 with the goal to monitor and document the healthand status of the local bay scallop population. Tampa BayWatch will coordinate 45 volunteer boaters with more than180 participants to search selected sites for the elusive bayscallops. Volunteers with shallow draft boats are stillneeded for the event. Reservations are required. Go totampabaywatch.org for more information. “We witness the health of the bay by tracking the numberof scallops found each year”, says Peter Clark, President ofTampa Bay Watch. “Every year we hope the number ofscallops found increases, which means that water qualityand habitat are also improving in our estuary.” Some years, volunteers find many scallops and other yearsthey don’t. Factors affecting scallop population includewater quality, red tide, high rainfall and storms. An all-timehigh for the event was 674 scallops, found in 2009. Bayscallops, disappeared from Tampa Bay in the early 1960swhen the water was highly polluted from dredging andindustrial/municipal wastes. Tampa Bay’s water quality andseagrass beds have since improved to levels that will onceagain support the bay scallop population. 2014 researchby Southwest Florida Water Management District’s SurfaceWater Improvement and Management Program statesTampa Bay supports 40,295 acres of seagrass beds, anequivalent of the seagrass measured in the 1950s.Registered scallop searchers will meet at 9am at the FortDe Soto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde to receive surveyequipment and instructions. A weighted transect line 50meters in length is laid along seagrass beds. Snorkelerscount scallops within one meter along each side of theline, creating a 100 square meter survey area.Bay scallops or Argopecten irradians are secretive bivalvesin the same family as clams and oysters. They may reach ashell size of three inches, and they spend their twelve toeighteen month life span hiding in waters with seagrasses.Scallops are filter feeders, therefore highly sensitive tochanges in water quality. They measure an ecosystem’shealth and can signal changes in water quality. Adult bayscallops can pump as much as 15.5 quarts of water perhour, improving water quality that results in long-termgrowth of seagrass beds. Although bay scallops are edible,it is illegal to harvest scallops in Tampa Bay in order forrestoration efforts to be successful.Tampa Bay Watch, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) stewardship program, isdedicated exclusively to the charitable and scientific purpose ofprotecting and restoring the environments of the Tampa Bayestuary. Tampa Bay Watch involves more than 10,000 youth andadult volunteers each year in hands on habitat restorationprojects. For upcoming events, or to become a volunteer ormember, visit www.tampabaywatch.org, or call 727-867-8166.


FAMILY GIVES BACK TO RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

Beth Rehberg wasnot overlyconcerned whendoctors decided toinduce her sonTucker’s birth onher due date. Itseemed like thingswere proceedingnormally, until theytold her andhusband Jasonthat their new baby had an infection which required him tobe transferred to All Children’s Hospital (ACH) in St.Petersburg. The Rehbergs live in Ellenton, not far away from ACH, buttoo far to be away from their sick newborn. First-timeparents, they were scared. Like many families whosechildren are taken to ACH, they had nowhere to staynearby. After a few long days in the chairs of the NICU,the exhausted parents received a visit from Lynn, the RMHfamily coordinator. She told them that she had a hot mealand room ready for them just steps from the hospital. Theycried when she told them that this would cost them nothingand was available for as long as they needed.For thousands of parents like the Rehbergs, the RonaldMcDonald House becomes a home-away-from-home.Volunteers provide smiling faces and hugs after a long dayin the NICU. Local organizations serve hot meals everynight and prepare late night snacks for parents returningfrom the midnight shift. It is the little things, like cleanlaundry and library books, that help moms and dadsmake it through the day.It has been nine months since Tucker left the hospital ahealthy baby boy, but thousands of families at ACH andother hospitals across the country will need the servicesprovided by the Ronald McDonald House this year. To giveback and help RMH care for other families in their time ofneed, the Rehbergs started the Tucker Rehberg “Real MenWear Bowties” fundraiser. The fundraiser coincides withTucker’s first birthday, and the goal is to raise $5,000 forRonald McDonald Charities of Tampa Bay to purchaseitems on the needs lists of the four Houses. The bowtieconnection is clear when you see little Tucker; either heloves wearing them or Beth loves dressing him in them.Either way, it has become his “signature look.”In Tucker’s honor, they are asking you to post a picture ofyourself or your little one wearing a bow tie to theirFacebook page (rmhctampabay) with the hashtags#realmenwearbowties #forRMHC and then make apledge of $10 to RMHC Tampa Bay by visitingwww.rmhctampabay.org.Houses operate solely on the donations of individuals likeyou, so no family is required to contribute for their stay.While some families stay for only a day, others will stay formonths or even years, as they return for treatments andsurgeries. It takes a lot of money and supplies to ensurethey can continue to care for so many families. Keeping families close to their sick or hurt child providesthem with welcome relief in sometimes overwhelmingsituations. In Tucker’s family’s words, “We hope that youwill consider donating to our very special home-away-from-home.”


by Bob GriffinPat Plumlee, owner of Plumlee Gulf Beach Realty, was bornin New York and grew up in Brooklyn, where for manyyears, her father Jack Collins was the Business Manager forthe Brooklyn Dodgers. She remembers her dad writingJackie Robinson’s contract. Not long before the Dodgersmoved west, Collins and family moved south, first tryingVero Beach, where the Dodgers spent time during SpringTraining, before moving to Clearwater Beach. Out of baseball, Collins purchased land and built the SandsPoint Motel on the south end of Clearwater Beach. It is stillthere, surrounded by large hotels and condos. He also gota real estate license, which was easy to do then.“We lived in Clearwater Beach before they built the fourthfinger in the south end of the beach,” Pat recalls. “It wasbefore there was a Sand Key Pass Bridge. If you wanted togo to Sand Key, you either took a boat or drove all the wayto the Belleair Beach Causeway. I caught the school bus toClearwater High School at Pier 60,” Pat goes on. “It madetwo stops, one at the pier and one further north.”“We lived at Sands Point. That is where I first learned therental business. We only had six units but it was my job totake the guests anything they wanted — from towels to ice.It was important to keep our guests happy,” Pat remembers.Jack Collins opened his Collins Realty office on HighlandsAvenue. In the mid-1970s, the Indian Shores’ Sand Castle 1developer wanted him to manage sales from a sales traileron the lot. When Pete Sterling built Sand Castle 2, Collinsopened a the permanent Jack Collins Realty office in IndianShores in the La Concha Shopping Plaza.After graduation, Pat’s dad encouraged her to go into realestate, so did. “I remember my first sale,” Pat recalls. “Myfirst customer lost her job after the sale, so I gave her backmy commission. Since I obviously ‘cared too much for myclients,’ my mother said that I would not be any good atreal estate,” she laughs.Pat met Ernie Plumlee, owner of Plumlee Plumbing Supply.After they married, she managed the plumbing businessand was their bookkeeper for awhile.Ernie and Pat saw a need for plumbing supply catalogs,and began developing pricing books used by plumbingwholesalers like them. The next thing they knew, they werein the printing business. They bought a warehouse and aprinting press. “We had 25 employees,” Pat says proudly. “We had clients all over the U.S for 25 years.”“Once again my dad, kept pushing me towards real estate.In 1984, he suggested I get my broker’s license. I had twokids and a publishing company, I didn’t have time for it; realestate was more of a hobby. But, I took the Bert RodgersReal Estate course and drove to Orlando for the test.”In 1987, Macmillan Publishers offered to buy the publishingbusiness and they sold. Ernie happily retired, buying atownhouse in Sand Key with a boat. “What was I going todo?” Pat asked. “I don’t fish, so I went back to real estate.” In 1990, Pat found the Indian Rocks Beach office they stilluse. She purchased it with partner. “In the beginning, Ifocused primarily on rentals, maintenance and a few sales.When the partner moved out, we took over the entirebuilding,” she recalls. Pat also printed Vacation Rentalsbrochures. Ernie distributed them as far away as theGeorgia state line until in 1994, when with complicationsfrom a kidney transplant, Ernie passed away. Pat had already been buying commercial properties around

their office. She boughtthe two-story buildingacross Walsingham Rd.on 2nd St. She boughtthe bank building to theeast on 2nd St., nowused for vacation rentalcheck-ins. She boughtDoe Doe’s Ice CreamShop from Crabby Bill’s(now Plumlee’s officebuilding,) the WelcomeCenter on WalsinghamRoad, donating its use tothe Gulf BeachesChamber of Commerceand finally the SandDollar Building on thecorner of Gulf Blvd andWalsingham Road. “In 1995, after working with my parents for four years, I hada chance to be a tour manager/marketing director for theband Sister Hazel. I formed Moon-Shadow Merchandising,working with bands around the world,” son Todd recalls.“Mom called in 2004 and said she was planning to retire ina few years. Was I was interested in transitioning to take overthe business? In 2005, I sold my company, came home andten years later she still has not retired.” he said with a grin. In 2001, Plumlee had became a Century 21 franchise. Thatlasted exactly 10 years. “Being a part of that group did notbring new business, so in 2011 after 10 years with them, Idecided to return to independence, as Plumlee Gulf BeachReal Estate and Vacation Rentals,” Pat explains. The Plumlee family now owns over 30 Indian Rocks Beachproperties, some residential and some commercial. Clearly,they are one of the city’s largest taxpayers, based on realestate, sales and bed tax payments.Plumlee Vacation Rentals manages 250 vacation rentalproperties, from Sand Key to Madeira Beach. Their mainoffice is in Indian Rocks Beach, with two satellite IndianShores offices. They service 6,000 families per year.Todd, who earned a marketing degree from USF, is veryinvolved in the business as the General Manager. With hisown real estate license, he focuses on the vacation rentalside of the business, as well as managing their web site,social media and IT support.In addition to his company focus, Todd is proud of hisefforts to create and maintain the Hands Across the Sandsawareness. “We started that event six months before theHorizon / BP oil spill, and it continues five years later. Hehas also served as a Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber ofCommerce executive board member.Todd and his wife Cris have been active supporters of COTISchool, which recently transitioned to Country Day IRB, withCris serving as an Executive Board Member. They helpedcreate the Indian Rocks Beach Greenfest, as well as servingas board members with the Church of the Isles. “I have been approached by many companies to be boughtout,” Pat says with a smile.“ But this is a family business.Todd runs things and my daughter Sandy, whose husbandrecently retired from 30 years in the Army, joined thecompany as my Executive Assistant. I am proud to havehelped build this into a successful real estate company,and hope that it continues for the next 25 years.”

PLUMLEE GULF BEACH REALTY –25 YEARS ON THE BEACH


IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO PLAY Elizabeth Snedeker, NCTM hastaught piano to all ages for thirtyyears. She teaches at herOakhurst Rd. home. Teachingmethods include all styles ofmusic, ear training, sight reading,and theory. Students gainexperience participating in StudentDay Sonatina Festivals, her homerecitals and play-a-thons.Snedeker graduated from AquinasCollege in Grand Rapids,Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in

music. She is certified at the state and national level.Snedeker’s accomplishments: Judging several Florida districtStudent Days - Staged two monster concerts with 15-17pianos, directed by Yaya Ling, former Florida Orchestramusic director, and Thomas Wilkins, former FloridaOrchestra resident conductor - Past President of both theGPMTA and the Piano Forum of Grand Rapids, MI. -Member of the Florida State Music Teachers Assn. and theMusic Teachers National Association - Music Director of thePilgrim Pipers, a Chapter in the American Recorder SocietyDuring the summer, Snedeker also teaches Recorder classesfor ages 7-adults. Students learn to play solos, duets, andtrios. She is a member of the American Recorder Society. Her love of music extends to her family. Three of four sons areprofessional musicians. Two of nine grandchildren have musicdegrees, a third is starting college piano performance and theothers are involved in trumpet, piano and percussion.If you are interested in learning to play piano or recorder shewelcomes ages 7-70+. Call her at 727-596-7813.

Student Elly Johnson atSnedeker’s grand piano

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T & G RAIL LINE OPENED OUR AREA TO TOURISM · Story by Wayne Ayers, historian and author of ... MAYOR - Gary H. Katica COMMISSIONERS — Kevin Piccarreto Deputy Mayor• Tom Shelly