LARGO - The city of Largo along with Cub Scout Pack 404 and Troop 404 will hold a community cleanup of Largo Central Park Nature Preserve on Saturday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m. to noon.
Scouts and volunteers will help clean up waterways, remove debris, trim bushes and spruce up the park with mulch.
Refreshments will be provided with a hot dog lunch following at noon.
Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves and any garden tools they wish. A limited number of tools will be provided.
”A special thanks to Pinch a Penny in Largo for donating six large nets and poles as well as providing the food and refreshments,” a city news release said.
Largo Central Park Nature Preserve is located at 150 Highland Ave. SE, adjacent to Mavericks High and behind Missing Links Golf Range.
For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please call 586-7415.
LARGO - Meet Matilda, the newest resident of the George C. McGough Nature Park.
The park obtained the injured barred owl, which is slightly larger than a foot tall, from the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.
The bird was dropped off by Audubon bird of prey specialist Barb Walker, who notified the city that she had taken a barred owl to sanctuary. Matilda was eating fine and the sanctuary was waiting to see if her wing would heal and would ever be able to fly again.
“At best she can just kind of hop from branch to branch,” said city Nature Program Specialist Joel Quattlebaum. “She really has to struggle.”
Because of the injury to her wing, she has a difficult time getting up from the ground to a perch, which was less than 3 feet. Park staff put additional perches in her cage, joking that it is “ADA accessible for owls,” Quattlebaum said.
“The female owl is adult, but it’s anybody’s guess as to how old she is,” Quattlebaum said.
“She’s doing good. She’s eating regularly. Every day she gets two mice or chicks or a rat,” he said.
“We’re trying to mimic her natural diet since she can’t go out and hunt on her own.”
ST. PETERSBURG - For 17 years now, John Morroni has hosted an appreciation dinner to honor Pinellas County residents who serve as law enforcement and emergency personnel.
This year’s dinner at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park on Jan. 27 again recognized those who have given “exceptional dedication and efforts above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of Pinellas County,” said a press release naming the 2012 honorees.
Morroni, 56, who has served on the Pinellas County Commission since 2000, began the annual tradition when he was a state representative in memory of Belleair Police Officer Jeffery Tackett, 28, who died of a gunshot wound June 13, 1993. Tackett was alone when he responded to the call that resulted in his death.
As the result of Tackett’s death, Morroni and Sen. Dennis Jones sponsored a bill in 1995 that was passed by the state legislature. The bill requires two officers to be on duty at all times, unless mutual aid agreements with other law enforcement agencies are in place, so law enforcement officers no longer respond to calls alone.
Morroni has since expanded the appreciation dinner to include firefighters and EMS personnel. Past honorees include Tackett’s family and emergency personnel who responded to the call for help in New York City after the Sept. 11 terrorist attack.
“This is really the only event that recognizes the valuable contributions made by members of the law enforcement, fire and emergency medical communities,” Morroni said. “It’s an honor to be a part of it.”
Donna Crawford, wife of St. Petersburg Police Officer David Crawford, attended the 2012 event as Morroni’s special guest. David Crawford, 46, was shot and killed in the line of duty by a 16-year-old male Feb. 21, 2011. A donation from the proceeds raised at the sold-out event will go to Crawford’s family.
Crawford was the third St. Petersburg police officer to die on the job in 2011. Sgt. Thomas Baitinger, 48, and Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz, 38, were shot and killed by a fugitive hiding in an attic Jan. 24, 2011 - just days prior to Morroni’s 16th annual appreciation dinner.
LARGO - Say goodbye to the Armed Forces Military Museum and hello to the Armed Forces History Museum.
At a press conference Feb. 8, the museum’s founder and president, John Piazza, Sr., announced the name change and said that the museum will broaden its focus to include the ecological and social as well as military factors that influenced our history.
“We believe it is very important to broaden our scope and not just concentrate on the military aspects of our history,” said Piazza, who opened the 50,000 square-foot museum at 2050 34th Way N. in 2006, after operating it out of a trailer for a decade.
He used the example of the museum’s Inchon Landing exhibit, saying it will now concentrate not only on the Korean War military campaign, but also on the ecology of the Sea of Japan and how the Korean people lived in the early 1950s.
“This does not have any effect on our 501(c)3 status,” said Piazza, a former Marine Corps reservist. “We’re still a charitable organization, approved by the IRS. Our primary mission is to educate the people who come through (the museum), especially the younger generation.”
In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum recently added a “temporary gallery” where rotating exhibits will be changed every three months. Coming soon is a “community case” where local organizations can put up their own displays.
The American Red Cross currently has an exhibit on display, and an exhibit featuring the history of the Girl Scouts of America is in the works. A display by Odyssey Marine, the underwater treasure hunting firm, is upcoming because “a lot of our (military) campaigns were based on the water,” said Piazza’s daughter and the museum’s director of operations, Nadine Piazza.
Special events will be held as fundraisers for the museum. The proceeds will be used to help underwrite community and educational programs such as the museum’s “duffel bag” program in which teachers discussing he two world wars or the conflicts in Korea or Vietnam can borrow a canvas duffle bag filled with authentic artifacts from those wars to use as teaching aids.
BELLEAIR BEACH - The Belleair Beach City Council is considering an ordinance making it unlawful “for any person in the city to feed or distribute grain or food of any kind or nature in such a manner as to attract birds, fowl or undomesticated animals of any kind.”
The new law, introduced at the Feb. 6 council meeting, is the latest response to what has become a growing problem with large birds at several locations in the city.
Included in the ban are “crowing roosters and other noisy fowl.” Exempted are domesticated family pets, fixed bird feeding devices and free-roaming squirrels.
The decision to enact a local ordinance to deal with the issue is a reversal of the council’s previous stance, which relied on enforcement of the existing state and federal laws and a nuisance ordinance. Mayor Kathy Mortensen had said last month, “There are laws on the books. I will contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife people about enforcing it.”
“Jack (Ouimette, code enforcement officer) said we needed to have something more specific,” Mortensen said in explaining the change in direction. She also said involving the state “created hoopla we have to go through every time this happens.”
“I was originally not in favor of legislation,” she said, “but Jack needs something to help him.”
The ordinance as prepared by the City Attorney Paul Marino called for violators to first be given a warning, and then charged in court with a criminal violation. That was changed to having repeat cases brought before the city’s special magistrate, who has the authority to impose fines.
Having a local ordinance to deal with the bird-feeding ordinance was applauded by Clearwater Audubon Society official Barbara Walker. She said the society receives many calls on the problem. Feeding federally protected bird species is a violation of federal law, she said, but enforcement has been inconsistent and “extremely difficult.”
BELLEAIR - Clearwater Police Officer William Nahorodny was recognized Feb. 1 as the Outstanding Police Officer of the Year for his brave actions when he was the first to arrive on scene of a Clearwater apartment fire.
Nahorodny rushed into a burning building without fire-resistant clothing, forced his way into several apartments and successfully evacuated all residents, putting his own life in danger to save several others.
The 35th Annual Joseph F. Cornelius Family Foundation’s Outstanding Police Officer of the Year award presentation was held during a joint luncheon of the Rotary Club of Clearwater and the Rotary Club of Belleair. The award is the Clearwater Police Department’s highest honor.
The late Joseph F. Cornelius, former president and CEO of the Bank of Clearwater, founded the annual award to recognize heroism or exceptional accomplishments. Karen Crown, Cornelius’ daughter, assisted in the award presentation.
The Rotary Club of Clearwater also presented the 2011 Rotary Public Safety and Service Awards to Detective Chris Housholder and Lt. Mark Smyth. This award is made annually to a Clearwater police officer and Clearwater firefighter who have made a commitment to service to the community by giving their personal time, talents and efforts to help others.
Lt. Smyth was recognized for providing financial, physical, and emotional support for those in need. He sets up camps for walkers in the Susan G. Komen Tampa Bay 3-Day Walk for the Cure and participated in the Susan G. Komen Global 5K Race for the Cure in bunker gear. He volunteers at events for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Joshua House (a haven for abused, abandoned and neglected children events). He also assists with events in various capacities for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Girl Scouts of America and at his church and children’s school.
Detective Housholder was selected for his commitment to volunteering countless hours as the Athletic Director for the Tampa Bay Youth Football League, Trinity Mustangs football team and the South Pasco Steelers. He has a tremendous responsibility, overseeing all operations including schedule, coaching staffs and the cheerleading squads. During the football season he volunteers an average of 25 hours a week and often provides rides for children who do not have transportation.
CLEARWATER - One of Broadway’s hottest musicals is coming to Ruth Eckerd Hall for a limited engagement, Feb. 7-12, and in anticipation of the big event, Ruth Eckerd Hall Drive has been temporarily renamed Memphis Drive.
A number of dignitaries attended the unveiling of the new street name Monday morning, including Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard, Mayor-elect George N. Cretekos, as well as Clearwater Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin and Ruth Eckerd Hall’s President and CEO Zev Buffman. The ceremony took place at the corner of McMullen Booth Road and the new Memphis Drive.
Memphis runs Tuesday, through Saturday, at 8 p.m. with matinees scheduled on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. The final performance is set for Sunday at 7 p.m.
Tickets priced at $70, $60, $50 and $40 are available at the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office, 1111 McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater, by calling 791-7400, and online at www.rutheckerdhall.com.
Memphis is being touted as one of the best Broadway musicals of modern times. The show is the winner of four 2010 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book and Best Orchestrations.
The show also won four Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Performance by an Actress, Outstanding Music and Outstanding Orchestration. In addition, Memphis won four Outer Critic Circle Awards including Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Score, Outstanding Actress and Outstanding Choreography.
Memphis is set in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 1950s, where a young white disc jockey fell in love with everything he shouldn’t: rock and roll and an electrifying black singer. This is an original story about a cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever.
The show features a Tony-winning score with music by Bon Jovi’s founding member and keyboardist David Bryan and lyrics by Bryan and Joe DiPietro, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. DiPietro also wrote the musical’s book.
PINELLAS PARK - The Local Revolt Music Series rolls out some of the Tampa Bay area’s hottest bands on Saturday, Feb. 11, noon to 10 p.m., at England Brothers Park, 5010 81st Ave. N.
Gates will open at 11:30 a.m. and the music will start at noon.
The rain-or-shine outdoor event will include performances by 10 local bands coming together to create a full day of music. Between sets, DJ XL and comedian Lou Angelwolf will keep the audience entertained.
“There will be 10 of the best local bands within 100 miles of Tampa performing,” said Reyna Martin, event coordinator.
The band lineup is as follows:
- The Surfin’ Raccoons - noon to 12:40 p.m. - Johnny Cakes and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypso - 1 to 1:40 p.m. - UNRB - 2 to 2:40 p.m. - Rock ’n’ Chair Band - 3 to 3:40 p.m. - Santino - 4 to 4:40 p.m. - 10th Concession - 5 to 5:40 p.m. - The Jeremy Thomas Band - 6 to 6:40 p.m. - Consinity - 7 to 7:40 p.m. - Khora - 8 to 8:40 p.m. - The August Name - 9 to 10 p.m.
Headlining the show will be The August Name.
Based in St. Petersburg, this alternative rock outfit blends a variety of musical styles and influences to forge a distinctive sound. Members include Ryan McGibbeny on vocals; Evander Lipps, drums; Dacian Miron, guitar; J.J. Faustino, guitar; and Mike Daniel, bass.
DUNEDIN - For many years, the Dunedin Fine Art Center has presented a double bill featuring two arty events: contain it!, in which hand-selected artists rework the interior of PODS containers; and Trashy Treasures, a fabulous art garage sale.
Why not make it a triple-header?
This year, DFAC will add Eat This! to the mix, creating an imaginative trifecta of artistic events.
Trashy Treasures, contain it! And Eat This! kicks off Friday, Feb. 10, with a party and silent auction, at the center, 1143 Michigan Blvd. Admission is $5. The exhibition opens to the public Saturday, Feb. 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
The newest component of the annual fringe arts festival, Eat This!, will feature a variety of food trucks selling enticing cuisine. Participating in the food truck rally will be Ballers Traveling Bistro, FoodeeZ Mobile Catering, La Creperia Café with crepes to go, Michelle Faedo’s On The Go, Tamales and South Of The Border and Wicked Wiches.
“Trashy Treasures runs indoors and contain it! outdoors, so art lovers and buyers were already getting two events for the price of one,” said Ken Hannon, DFAC’s associate executive director, in a press release. “The addition of Eat This! makes it a tasty triple header.”
The food trucks will serve up breakfast fare on Saturday, Feb. 11, beginning at 9 a.m.
SEMINOLE - John Thompson was watching television about 5:45 p.m. on Feb. 2 when he got a phone call from a neighbor, alerting him to a fire in the building next door at his Twin Oaks Condominium home at 11200 102nd Ave.
Thompson, 70, a winter visitor from Pennsylvania, darted out of his condo and ran to Unit 143 where smoke was pouring out.
“I ran over here and tried to get in the unit,” Thompson said. “I crawled on my hands and knees to get in. But the smoke was so heavy I had to get out. I couldn’t breathe.”
Inside, 97-year-old Alice Haker and her handicapped daughter, 72-year-old Marlene Shaffran, were unconscious. Both later were declared dead from smoke inhalation.
Fire investigators are still investigating the cause but no conclusions have been drawn. Thompson noted that Shaffran, who was confined to a wheelchair, was a smoker and lived in the rear of the unit where the damage was most severe.
Thompson said Haker was in good health and stayed active. She swept the leaves daily from around three flower receptacles in front of her condo and was friendly with neighbors.
“She was a sweet woman, a charming lady,” said Thompson. “She was very dedicated to her family. She was a little hard of hearing but she could carry on a conversation very well.”
Nearby resident, Mary Ann Shafer said Haker’s granddaughter made routine visits to the condo to check up on her mother and grandmother. But on this day, she arrived to find the property busy with firefighters and police.
BELLEAIR - A few dozen people gathered at Belleair Town Hall Feb. 3 to hear presentations on the future of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. Those who were there to hear that the demolition of the hotel was going to be difficult or even impossible went away happy.
The low-key crowd listened as each of three speakers made a case casting doubt on the owners’ efforts to demolish the Biltmore and build townhouses on the site. The most vocal was Sam Casella, a Belleair resident, former town commissioner and professional planner. To him the request for a demolition permit was “whimsical.”
Casella noted that the town has returned the demolition permit application as being incomplete. “And it is no wonder,” he said. “I have read the document. The historic properties ordinance requires six main points be answered. They left those blank. There is another section allowing for economic hardship, they left that blank too.”
Casella wondered how the owners of the property could seriously expect to get a demolition permit when they did not answer the most important questions on the application. He did say, however, there are two dilemmas at play.
TALLAHASSEE - More than 170 law enforcement officers in the United States have died after being struck by motor vehicles since 1999. Thousands have been injured.
To make the roadways safer for everyone, to include law enforcement officers and emergency workers who often work roadside, the Director of the Florida Highway Patrol, Col. David Brierton, announced that FHP is teaming up with two other states to protect emergency workers on roadways.
The Florida Highway Patrol, Alabama Department of Public Safety and Georgia State Patrol are uniting during the month of February to focus enforcement and education efforts on the Move Over Law.
Mitt Romney was the clear favorite among Pinellas County’s registered Republicans with close to 49 percent giving him their vote during the Jan. 31 presidential preference primary.
Early results from the Florida Department of State Division of Elections show Romney on top among the state’s Republicans, capturing nearly 47 percent of the vote.
Newt Gingrich came in second with 24 percent in Pinellas. He received about 32 percent of the statewide vote. Rick Santorum came in third in the county with 15 percent. He received 13 percent of the state’s total.
Ten percent of Pinellas County Republican’s cast ballots for Ron Paul and almost 7 percent of the state’s party members voted for Paul. The rest of the candidates received less than 1 percent.
An active lifestyle may not be the proverbial fountain of youth, but it can lower the risk of certain physical ailments and help people live better longer.
“As an older adult, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “It can prevent many of the health problems that seem to come with age. It also helps your muscles grow stronger so you can keep doing your day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others.”
The National Institute of Health’s National Institute on Aging recently launched a new initiative aimed at helping older Americans stay fit. Go4Life is an exercise and physical activity campaign designed to help people fit exercise and physical activity into their daily life.
Motorcyclists throughout Pinellas County will be gathering in Tierre Verde Saturday, Feb. 11, for the first-ever non-stop police escorted Coast Riders Motorcycle Run.
Proceeds will benefit the county’s Crime Stoppers program.
A kick-off party on Friday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m. will start the festivities at the Post Card Inn, 6300 Gulf Blvd, in St. Pete Beach. Activities include advance registration for the ride, live music and drink specials. The next day the bikers will start their 31-mile run along the beach from the Tierra Resort Marina, Madonna Drive in Tierra Verde. Registration starts at 8 a.m. with kickstands up at 10:30 a.m.
The ride ends at Coachman Park, 301 Drew St. in Clearwater where Jen Holloway from Bright House Networks will announce the winner of a 2012 FXDC Harley Davidson, valued at $12,000. Other activities scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. include music by Up the Creek. Food and beer will be available.
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