Riding to rescue of Belleair tradition

Children gathered on their front lawns with their moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas, waiting for Santa to bring them presents. Those too old for Santa waved as he rode by in his makeshift sleigh — a Largo fire truck.

The town of Belleair celebrated Christmas as it has for more than three decades: Santa delivered presents to children last week with the help of a fire department.

In years past, a local department, most recently from Belleair Bluffs, took Santa from home to home. When Largo took over fire service for the town in October, some worried the tradition would end.

But Largo fire Chief Mike Wallace promised to continue the town tradition.

"They have my word the fire department will continue to support those community events," Wallace said.

So that Santa could do his job, parents brought their kids' gifts to the town's recreation center ahead of time. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Santa visited about 90 Belleair homes.

On Thursday, town resident Mike Wilkinson, 45, donned what Mayor Gary Katica called the "mack daddy" of Santa suits.

Recreation programmer Rachel Schneider coordinated the delivery. The police, the mayor, town Commissioner Karla Rettstatt, recreation staff and a handful of bigger kids also lent a hand.

At 6 p.m., the group got on the road. Police Chief Thomas Edwards led the procession. He was followed by Rettstatt, a golf cart of elves, Santa's truck and police Lt. Bill Sohl.

As they approached each home, lights flashed and sirens roared.

Clan after clan greeted Santa and his entourage with cameras, ready to capture memories. Several invited Santa and his helpers inside or offered cookies and drinks.

A few minutes into the night, Santa and his gang stopped at the Hinrichs home.

Wearing his footie pajamas, 6-year-old Grayson was waiting out front. As Santa handed Grayson his present, Grayson had something to share.

"This is the same wrapping paper we have," Grayson said.

Santa was quick on the draw.

"My elves make all of the wrapping paper," he said.

A few minutes later, Andrea Layman welcomed the crew into her home. "When I was a little kid, Santa used to do this for me," said Layman, 34.

A bit later, as Santa approached the Whitehead home, a 4-year-old girl wearing a flannel gown ran to greet him.

"Katie wanted to give you this," her mom, Jennifer, said as she handed Santa a letter.

With just a few homes to go, the gang stopped by town Commissioner Stephanie Oddo's house. A 5-year-old girl in a Cinderella nightgown leapt into Santa's arms. He hugged her and set her down gently.

"Guess what? We have presents!" Santa said. Allie jumped up and down.

Santa handed Allie and her brother, Eddie, 7, gifts and posed for some pictures.

As Santa started to leave, Allie told him, "I love you." He hugged her again and boarded the truck.

"Was that not the best?" Wilkinson asked.

"That's why I do this," said Largo firefighter Toni Brady, who was driving the fire truck.

Santa and Largo Fire Rescue plan to visit Belleair Bluffs, Harbor Bluffs, Harbor Hills and Oak Manor on Christmas Eve.

Lorri Helfand can be reached at lorri@sptimes.com or (727) 445-4155.