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Clearwater News Briefs
| Article published on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 |
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Council to discuss hotel densities
CLEARWATER – The Planning Department will present its recommendations March 20 to increase to the maximum allowable density for hotel uses, or overnight accommodations on Clearwater Beach.
The Planning Department held a public meeting in February and is now bringing the public’s feedback to the City Council. At the City Council meeting, the Planning Department will present ordinances to implement increases in hotel density as allowed by the rules concerning the administration of the countywide future land use plan. That agenda item will include amendments to the comprehensive plan, Beach by Design and the community development code.
Foster child summit conducted
CLEARWATER – The Junior-League of Clearwater-Dunedin conducted a foster care summit on Feb. 11 at the Clearwater Main Library, 100 N. Osceola, to explore solutions and provide assistance to children in and children aging out of foster care in Pinellas County.
This summit was timely as a new foster care provider in Pinellas County is selected.
“We have chosen to focus our volunteer efforts to make a difference in foster care in Pinellas County,” said Sharon Gilberg, president of the Junior-League of Clearwater-Dunedin. “The first step was to bring the appropriate people to the table to discuss the issues and to identify potential solutions. Our committees will now begin examining the feasibility of those proposed solutions.”
More than 35 participants came across the area to join forces with the Junior League to discuss the challenges and solutions to be implemented over the next three years. Participants included representatives from governmental agencies and other nonprofit organizations that provide services to foster children.
“By selecting foster care as its focus, the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin has taken a huge step toward bringing the community into Community Based Care. We are excited about the opportunity to involve the community in improving the local foster care system while at the same time increasing public awareness and support, and we thank them on behalf of the thousands of children and families we serve,” said April Putzulu, a summit participant and spokeswoman for the Safe Children Coalition.
The Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin is comprised of 600 volunteers who are committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
City officials visit neighborhoods March 15
CLEARWATER – City officials will be stopping at various neighborhoods hosting block parties March 15. Mayor Frank Hibbard, City Council members, department directors and other city staff representatives will visit the party sites.
The city’s 10th anniversry Celebrate Clearwater Neighborhoods Day is designed to showcase to diversity and accomplishments of the city’s block parties throughout the city. The event gives residents a chance to communicate and socialize with city officials. The event is part of Celebrate Neighborhoods Week, March 9 to March 16.
Residents also will have the opportunity to mingle with city officials at a Westfield Countryside Mall City Informational Fair. On the mall’s second floor near the food court, representatives from a number of city departments including police, the Clearwater Library System, solid waste, Clearwater Gas and others will staff display tables as they answer questions, offer helpful tips and hand out literature and giveaways.
A Movie in the Park wll be shown on Friday, March 14, at Crest Lake Park. The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets to a free screening of the family film, “Happy Feet,” which will begin at sunset.
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Article published on Wednesday, March 12, 2008
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