A stranger among friends changes everybody’s behavior. Talk becomes either more animated or more subdued, but it changes.
Body language changes too, sometimes obviously, often with subtlety. Although dolphins have social networks as big and fluid as your own, they too change in the presence of strangers.
It was a wonderfully typical spring scene at sea. Four pairs of dolphins were scattered and busy with various activities until the stranger showed up.
Water sports enthusiasts, boaters, anglers, divers and beachgoers seeking getaway fun in Florida over the long Memorial Day weekend are encouraged to watch out for manatees.
The Save the Manatee Club reminds boaters that human-induced manatee injuries and deaths are an ongoing concern year-round for the manatee population in the Sunshine State, with increased risk on busy boating holidays.
CLEARWATER - The beautiful shores, islands and parks of Pinellas County beckon both residents and visitors for a fun-filled Memorial Day weekend, but this can be a dangerous period for the wildlife that make this habitat their home.
Residents and visitors are urged to follow posted rules, regulations and boating speed zones to keep wildlife safe.
Near shore fishing has just been phenomenal with this perfect weather. Flounder, cobia, trout, Spanish mackerel, sharks and tarpon are all cruising the many miles of beautiful beaches we have here in Pinellas County.
Beach tarpon fishing has improved dramatically since we’re now on new moon tides. Pod after pod can be seen moving down the beach often within 100 yards from shore. Always position yourself a long cast away from the pod and let them come to you. Chasing them changes their behavior and you probably won’t get bit. Best baits have been threadfins and pumpkinseeds, which can both be caught on Sabiki rigs while you await the next pod of fish.
CLEARWATER - Clearwater’s Marine and Aviation Department urges boaters to use the marina’s flare disposal program. Flares are hand-held torches or lights that are activated during maritime emergencies. These visual distress signals are used as locator devices.
Marina personnel collect expired flares from boaters using city marinas and docking facilities for free, and they turn them over to the Pinellas County Solid Waste for safe disposal. The Clearwater Marina also collects used engine oil, oil filters, batteries, and other items to dispose of them properly, and marina staff are available to provide direction on how to safely dispose of boating materials such as gasoline or diesel fuel, paint, antifreeze, or tires.
Flares should be replaced by the expiration date on the flare. Call 462-6954.
Griefshare Support Group ST. PETERSBURG - The Griefshare Support Group will meet Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon, Jan. 6 through March 30, at Cornerstone Community Church, 6745 38th Ave. N.
A professional DVD is shown each week. A discussion follows the screening. Vivian Killion, parish pastor, acts as the group’s facilitator.
Call 343-7747.
Oakhurst Elementary 50th celebration
SEMINOLE – Former students and staff members of Oakhurst Elementary School are invited to the school’s 50th anniversary celebration Friday, May 25, 8:45 a.m.
Plans call for a special assembly, school tours and a reception.
School administrators also are looking for any Oakhurst memorabilia.
Call 588-6801 to RSVP or to share memorabilia.
Renaissance Speakers Club meeting CLEARWATER - The Renaissance Speakers Club meets on Fridays, 6:15 p.m., at 210 S. Fort Harrison Ave.
Learn public speaking and leadership skills that help when applying for work and advancement opportunities in one’s job.
Call Sharon at 542-2718.
VFW Post 2550 hosts a fish and shrimp fry DUNEDIN - The Dunedin-Palm Harbor VFW Post 2550 hosts a fish and shrimp fry every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at 360 Douglas Ave. The post sponsors bingo each Wednesday and Friday. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Bingo starts at noon. The public is invited.
Call 733-6107.
Dunedin Saturday Market
DUNEDIN – The Dunedin Saturday Market summer schedule begins May 5, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until the end of July.
Fresh produce, organic products, jams and jellies, coffee and tea and many other products are offered at the market, located at Pioneer Park downtown.
Open Air Market LARGO - Open Air Market, Saturdays, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Largo Community Center. Browse a wide variety of vendors selling fresh and local produce, artisan foods, unique arts and crafts, jewelry, health and beauty items and much more. The market will be open every Saturday until June 9. Largo’s Open-Air Market is made possible by the City of Largo and the Pinellas County Health Department. For more information or to become a vendor, call 518-3131.
Fresh Market on Corey Avenue Corey Area Business Association's Fresh Market on Corey Avenue in St. Pete Beach, Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 16 through May 2012. The market will feature vendors of fresh and/or organic produce, plants and flowers, spices, foods, handcrafted items, arts and crafts. For vendor information, call Kathi at 727-498-8778. Corey Avenue is just off Gulf Boulevard in downtown St. Pete Beach. Parking is free.
Hibiscus show, sale
PINELLAS PARK – A hibiscus show and plant sale will take place Sunday, May 27, 1 to 4 p.m., at Pinellas Park Auditorium, 7690 59th St. N.
Sponsored by the Sunset Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society, the free event will help promote the tropical hibiscus. Hybrid plants will be sold. Attendees can see 10- to 12-inch blooms.
For information, call 530-9118 or visit sunsetchapter.org.
Memorial Day sunset parade and ceremony CLEARWATER – A Memorial Day sunset parade and ceremony are set for Sunday, May 27, 7:30 p.m., at Crest Lake Park, 201 Glenwood Ave. There will be a movie immediately following the ceremony, featuring “Taking Chance,” starring Kevin Bacon. Bring blankets and low chairs to enjoy the family friendly presentation. Popcorn and drinks will be available.
Sunday Scrabble SAFETY HARBOR - The Safety Harbor Public Library invites the public for Sunday Scrabble, held each week at 1 p.m. at 101 Second St. N. Bring your favorite board and enjoy playing the game with new friends. Call 724-1525, ext. 112.
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