PALM HARBOR — When COVID-19 put the brakes on the world in 2020, fundraising efforts for the Palm Harbor Rotary went into full skid.

PALM HARBOR — Three officers of now-defunct Palm Harbor nonprofits have reached settlements with the attorneys general from 11 states, including Florida, over allegations the charities they operated misused funds raised for medical assistance to military veterans.

PALM HARBOR — With the country still coping with the coronavirus crisis, community leaders have to get creative in hosting special events that are so vital to the local economy during the pandemic.

PALM HARBOR — Doug Houmard enjoys the Wall Springs Coastal Addition so much that he plans to return there almost every weekend.

PALM HARBOR — The Crafty Ladies of Sherwood Forest, a small group of residents of the RV resort at 175 Alt. 19 in Palm Harbor, have been making afghans, quilts and blankets for friends, family members and veterans’ groups for many years.

PALM HARBOR — It’s no secret local nonprofits are having a hard time raising money and awareness for their causes during the coronavirus crisis.

“Take that, take it forward, and just one day a year, on 9/11, pay it forward,” said 9/11 survivor Greg Amira of Trinity. “Help a fellow person. I don’t care if it’s a nonprofit for fish and wildlife or disabled children. Give. And if you can’t give your time and effort, give money, give a donation of goods and services, something, but just the one day a year use it to unite.”

PALM HARBOR — Shortly after the coronavirus pandemic began in early April, the FEAST food pantry in Palm Harbor was experiencing record numbers of individuals and families visiting its facility at 2255 Nebraska Ave.

CLEARWATER — Construction funding has been allocated for a roundabout at Alternate U.S. 19 and Florida Avenue in Palm Harbor as part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s work program.

PALM HARBOR — In the near future, the doors will open on a new, fine dining Italian ristorante called Dieci’s, where you would probably not feel surprised to see Tony Bennett eating pasta and drinking some fine wine while on vacation.

Welcome back!

PALM HARBOR — Five unknown American soldiers are now no longer gone and forgotten.

PALM HARBOR — When Alan Gauzens asked his then-girlfriend, Joanne, if she wanted to donate blood in support of their Miami church in 1977, she agreed — on the condition her future husband hold her hand the whole time.

PALM HARBOR — The crowd began gathering at 1100 Riviere Road a full hour before the ribbon cutting ceremony was set to begin on Jan. 25. Dozens of well-dressed parishioners trudged across a dirt parking lot in high heels and loafers to witness an occasion more than five years in the making.

CLEARWATER — Despite objections from the neighbors, Pinellas County commissioners gave unanimous approval Jan. 28 to land use and zoning changes on 2 acres located on the east side of McMullen Booth Road in Palm Harbor.

PALM HARBOR — Have you ever wondered who made up your family tree, but didn’t have a clue to how to find out?

PALM HARBOR — Boy Scout leader Kerry Roberts had something to brag about during the community’s holiday parade Dec. 14 as he and his troop members encouraged families to join their unit.

PALM HARBOR — By his own admission, Russ Elliott’s path to becoming a nationally recognized artist and sculptor has not followed what you might call a traditional route.

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” This quote by writing instructor and spiritual director Elizabeth Andrew sums up what volunteering is all about. The busiest people are usually willing to give time to a project or organization that touches their hearts!

PALM HARBOR — Palm Harbor Fire Rescue has named Luca Petrone its 2019 Firefighter of the Year.

EAST LAKE — A Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market employee with a lifelong passion for animals recently won a $10,000 grant for the Suncoast Animal League.

PALM HARBOR — Irish eyes will be smiling at an upcoming tournament at the Innisbrook Golf Club.

PALM HARBOR — Young orphaned children in Africa who grow up in poor conditions have the chance to achieve dreams they didn’t think were possible because of a Palm Harbor-based nonprofit.