The city has closed a free parking lot at the western end of Memorial Causeway just east of the Clearwater Beach Roundabout. The lot was always intended to be temporary and was opened for construction crews working on the Hyatt Aqualea Resort. However, other workers on the beach used the lot too because it had no parking meters. The Hyatt's construction workers have started parking in the resort's garage, so Clearwater is closing the dirt lot, removing its driveways and planting new sod.
OLDSMAR
Council decides on new seal
Oldsmar is the town that Oldsmobile built and now visitors will know it. The Oldsmar City Council on Tuesday adopted a new seal that features R.E. Olds' 1901 Oldsmobile prominently. For nearly 40 years, the official emblem has been a pea-green and yellow seal that makes no mention of the city's automotive past. It contains birds, palm trees, water, the sun — but nothing that is distinctive to Oldsmar. In addition to the Oldsmobile, the new seal includes the pier at R.E. Olds Park, the year the city was established (1916) and a new red, white and blue color scheme.
SAFETY HARBOR
City joins no-drill chorus along gulf
Resistance to offshore oil drilling continues to grow in Pinellas County. By a 5-0 vote, the Safety Harbor City Commission on Monday adopted a resolution opposing offshore oil drilling within 3 miles of the county's coast. Tarpon Springs, St. Petersburg and the Barrier Islands Governmental Council, which represents 11 Pinellas County beach communities, have passed similar resolutions. Safety Harbor commissioners, citing potential risks to the town's economy and quality of life, also asked that Gov. Charlie Crist refrain from calling a special session of the Florida Legislature to take up the issue. "Safety Harbor's economy is heavily tied to clean beaches, which then attract visitors to our businesses and art venues," the resolution states. "Despite technological advances in oil rig drilling technology, there is no positive assurance that catastrophic damage to our coastline, beaches, plant and fish life can be avoided."
Tarpon Springs
Cultural sites need volunteers
The city of Tarpon Springs Department of Cultural and Civic Services is seeking volunteers. Help is needed in the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, the Safford House Museum, the Depot Museum and the Heritage Museum. Volunteers are needed to serve as theater ushers, receptionists, docents and gardeners. For information, call (727) 942-5605.
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