Author Tim Dorsey signs a copy of his latest book “Pineapple Grenade” Jan. 25 during a stop at the Gulf Beaches Public Library. A group of about 70 was in the audience for his presentation.
TREASURE ISLAND - Over the next few weeks, Treasure Island residents will vote via mail-in ballots or at the polls on March 13 to elect two city commissioners.
A field of two candidates - incumbent Gail Caldwell and Irving “Butch” Ellsworth - are seeking the District 2 seat and three candidates - incumbent Alan Bildz, Fred Kelsey and Bob Weber - are going after the District 4 seat.
Today the Beacon takes a look at the candidates with a series of questions designed to help voters make a better decision on Election Day.
MADEIRA BEACH - A top to bottom reorganization of city staff across all departments was announced by Madeira Beach City Manager Shane Crawford at the Feb. 1 City Commission workshop.
The restructuring comes just a week after Crawford was sworn in and shows his determination to quickly bring what he says are needed changes to the city.
Crawford said employees need to become comfortable with the word “change” because “the former way of doing things is ineffective and change is going to be a necessary component in gaining respect and earn the prestige this great city deserves.”
The reorganization distributes staff workload in a more organized fashion and gives supervisors clearer lines of reporting both from the top down and bottom up.
MADEIRA BEACH - The following events are scheduled in February at the Gulf Beaches Public Library:
Author Talks
- Wayne Ayers, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m. Then & Now. Book talk and lecture with a slideshow of old time beach photos, with plenty of bathing beauties, palm trees, and shots of old landmarks.
MADEIRA BEACH - Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies are looking for a black man on a bicycle wanted in connection with a stabbing Wednesday afternoon in an alleyway near Duhme Road and the Tom Stuart Causeway in Madeira Beach.
Deputies said a 57-year-old male was riding his bicycle westbound toward American Legion Drive in an alleyway between the Publix and the Intracoastal Waterway about 2:45 p.m. Feb. 1, when a black male, who was also riding a bicycle, approached him.
The suspect distracted the victim, who was not identified, by telling him he had dropped something off his bicycle. When the victim looked down, the suspect attacked him with an unknown type of knife.
The victim suffered a puncture wound to the stomach and slashes to his left arm, as he apparently punched and fought off the suspect during the attack. The suspect fled the scene. The victim was transported by ambulance to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
Clearwater Downtown Farmer’s Market CLEARWATER - The Clearwater Downtown Farmer’s Market is now open for the season. Primarily a green market, it runs every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through May 2012 on the 500 and 600 blocks of Cleveland Street.
Shoppers can find farm-fresh produce, gourmet cheeses, bakery items, plants, nuts, seafood, ground coffee, and local honey. Greek food and French crepes are among the eclectic cuisine offerings, and a limited variety of handcrafted items also are for sale. Live entertainment is featured 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Complimentary parking is available for up to two hours in the Garden Avenue garage with ticket validation. Validation stamps can be gained at the market information table. Call 461-7674.
ISPOA monthly happy hour INDIAN SHORES - The Indian Shores Property Owners Association is having its monthly happy hour gathering Wednesday, Feb. 8, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Tapas Garden, 321 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach.
All Indian Shores residents are invited.
For additional information, call Art Newsome at 517-9571.
Judaism’s Relevance in Modern Life ST. PETERSBURG - Judaism’s Relevance in Modern Life, a Rohr Jewish Learning Institute course, will be offered for 12 weeks, beginning Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Chabad Jewish Center of Greater St. Petersburg, 4010 Park St. N.
Classes will meet through Mar. 28 with a special Purim class on Monday, March 5 (rather than class on Wednesday, March 7).
Led by Rabbi Alter Korf, the classes will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Although there is no charge for the course, there is an optional textbook of $36. For information call 344-4900 or email Rabbi@ChabadSP.com. To enroll, visit www.myJLI.com.
Seashell club meeting CLEARWATER - A Seashell Club meets Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Clearwater Beach Library, 69 Esplanade. Call Sara at 447-5882 or email rhenkel@ij.net.
Genealogy help DUNEDIN - Members of the Caladesi Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution are available to assist the public with genealogy research each Thursday for free, 1 to 3 p.m. in Study Room 4 of the Dunedin Public Library, 223 Douglas Ave. No appointment is needed.
Democratic club meeting PINELLAS PARK - Patrick Manteiga, editor of “La Gaceta,” and regional Obama organizer Meri Forte-Namuj will speak to the Greater Pinellas Democratic Club Thursday, Feb. 9, at Banquet Masters, 8100 Park Blvd.
La Gaceta is the nation’s only trilingual newspaper, serving English, Spanish and Italian communities in the Tampa area. Forte-Namuj is a leader for the South Pinellas Organizing for America movement.
The Greater Pinellas Democratic Club meeting will start with cash bar cocktails and social time at 6 p.m. followed by a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. and concludes with the guest speakers’ presentations, questions and discussion.
The public is welcome to attend. Reservations are requested. Dinner costs $15.
Call Betty Morgenstein at 360-3971.
Pinellas Park Elks Lodge 2217 blood drive PINELLAS PARK - The Pinellas Park Elks Lodge 2217 will host a blood drive Thursday, Feb. 9, 4 to 8 p.m., at 7550 40th St. N.
Call 544-2325.
Pinellas County Gator Club tailgate party ST. PETERSBURG - Marty Cohen, founder and editor of Gator Bait, will be the guest speaker at the Pinellas County Gator Club’s 2012 post-signing day tailgate party Thursday, Feb. 9, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Ferg’s, 1320 Central Ave.
Tickets for UFAA members are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Tickets for non-UFAA members are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Children 5 and up are $10 in advance and at the door.
Tickets include a buffet with hamburgers/cheeseburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, french fries, coleslaw, wings, chips and salsa, and sodas.
There also will be a cash bar, raffle donations and Gator merchandise vendors.
Registration prepayment must be received by Monday, Feb. 6, for discount price.
Check in at door; no tickets mailed. Sorry, no refunds.
You also can register and pay online at www.pinellasgators.com
All proceeds go to the PCGC scholarship fund.
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.
Dunedin's Green Market DUNEDIN - Green Market is open Fridays through the end of April from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of Main Street and Douglas Avenue in Dunedin. Vendors offer a wide variety of items including: produce, cheeses, plants and herbs, local honey, all natural pet treats, organic products, nuts, olive salad, pastries and orchids. Free entertainment and parking is available at the Dunedin Green Market. For information, contact the Market Manager, Richard Kendler, at 692-5353 or email GreenMarketManager@verizon.net.
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