Clearwater Marine Aquarium to close temporarily for 'Dolphin's Tale' filming

Clearwater

Aquarium is closing during filming of movie

Being home to a star comes with a price. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium announced Wednesday it will temporarily close for the filming of Dolphin's Tale, based on the true story of its celebrity dolphin, Winter. The facility will close for about two months beginning Friday for the filming of the Warner Brothers movie starring Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr. and Ashley Judd. Public admissions and all programs, except Sea Life Safari, kayaking tours and school lectures, will be put on hold, officials said. Aquarium animal care and staff response to marine emergencies will not be affected. Winter made international headlines in 2006 when she lost her tail in a crab trap off the coast of Cape Canaveral. The aquarium took her in, and scientists later attached a newly devised prosthetic tail. For more information, visit seewinter.com or call (727) 441-1790.

Tarpon Springs

Commission to stay with law firm

The Tarpon Springs City Commission decided Tuesday night to keep its current legal arrangement with the law firm Frazer, Hubbard, Brandt, Trask and Yacavone. In a cost-saving effort, the commission was considering hiring an in-house attorney instead of continuing its contract with the firm. "In the end, the commission as a whole felt we are getting competent legal services and we should continue with the firm," Mayor David Archie said. The commission also agreed to develop a clearer contract with the firm so that both sides will know the services that are being paid for. In fiscal year 2009, Tarpon paid $327,697 for legal services to the firm. For fiscal year 2010, the amount dropped to $243,000, and an estimate of $229,800 is projected for the 2011 fiscal year. The nearly 20 percent reduction in fees is due to a recent clarification regarding what services are covered under a $76,127 retainer. The city also cut the number of advisory boards being staffed by an attorney.

Event aims to raise money for autism

The American Autism Foundation, a not-for-profit organization based in Tarpon Springs, will host "An Evening for Autism," a wine tasting and appetizers event to raise money for the foundation, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday at Lake Tarpon Resort, 36711 U.S. 19 N, Tarpon Springs (across from the Muvico Theater). Tickets are $25 per person. The event will feature a 50/50 raffle, auction, guest speaker, and entertainment by Douglas Gantzer of D Entertainment. Proceeds to benefit the American Autism Foundation. To learn more, contact Michael Tucson, American Autism Foundation, at (727) 403-7565 or e-mail MTucson201@aol.com.

Countywide

Employers sought for vets job fair

Abilities of Florida, part of the ServiceSource Network, Veterans Employment Outreach Program, is seeking qualified employers for a job fair noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 29 at Minnreg Hall, 6340 126th Ave. N, Largo. The job fair will have special emphasis on employment opportunities for veterans with disabilities and is also open to the public. Abilities of Florida has been instrumental in making employment connections for scores of disabled veterans and people with disabilities. Call (727) 538-7370, ext. 336.