PALM HARBOR – The Palm Harbor Library plans the following programs in celebration of Viva Florida 500 – the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s arrival in Florida.
The events will focus on the history of Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach and Ozona.
• Saturday, March 2, 1 p.m., “Storytelling with Charley.” Palm Harbor octogenarian Charley Jones tells stories about life in Palm Harbor over the last 80 years. From fishing and crabbing, swimming as a boy in Wall Springs, attending school at Curlew Elementary, to working in the orange groves, Charley recounts stories that only an “80-year resident” could have experienced.
• Saturday, March 2, 2 p.m., “The History of Indian Bluff Island and Wall Springs, a Century of Florida History” and recognition of long-term residents of Palm Harbor, Ozona, and Crystal Beach. Dr. Tom Rose discusses how the Buchanan family lived on what is now known as Indian Bluff Island in the early 1900s, ’20s and ’30s. What was life like without electricity or running water? How did they survive the great depression?
Those attending will learn how the children made their way to school and of the location of that school. Rose, who has written other local histories, will help you understand how to write local history. Book sale and signing will follow with all proceeds going to the North Pinellas Historical Society. Light refreshments will be served.
• Saturday, March 2, the library will recognize long-term residents (50 years or more) of Palm Harbor, Ozona, and Crystal Beach. Do you qualify? Please register with staff at 784-3332, ext. 3006 by Feb. 23.
• Tuesday, April 2, 6:30 p.m., “Caladesi Memories.” Terry Fortner tells the story of pioneer life on Caladesi Island as shared by her grandmother Myrtle Betz. Book sale and signing of Betz’s book as well as of the Caladesi Cookbook: Recipes from a Florida Lifetime, 1895-1992 which was complied by Betz’s granddaughters, Terry Fortner and Suzanne Thorp.
• Saturday, May 18, 1 p.m., “Meet a ‘Real’ Florida Cowgirl and More ...” Kimen Mitchell impersonates Lois Oxnam, a cowgirl who worked on Al Boyd’s Boot Ranch back in the 1950s. As “Lois” is interviewed by Sallie Parks, we learn about the role of women in the cattle ranching industry that existed locally. Rounding out the afternoon will be the showing of the video “Old Florida Style: A Story of Cracker Cattle.” Registration for the program is required beginning April 18.
Library to honor residents
PALM HARBOR – In conjunction with the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Florida, the Palm Harbor Library is kicking off programs for Viva
Florida 500. The library wants to publicly recognize those who are long-term residents of the Palm Harbor, Ozona, Crystal Beach area. Residents meeting the description should stop by the library or call 784-3332, ext. 3006 by Feb. 22 to RSVP for a Viva Florida 500 program planned for Saturday, March 2, at 2 p.m. The theme for the first program will be “The History of Indian Bluff Island.
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