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North Pinellas news and events for Feb. 23

 
Published Feb. 21, 2014

Clearwater

Beach parking rates are still on the table

The Clearwater City Council revisited its proposed parking rate increases for Clearwater Beach during its Thursday meeting.

While many of the parking rates will go up, and many spaces that are now free will be metered, City Manager Bill Horne said parking permits will be available to residents throughout the city at the current rate of $75 per year, and parking for the disabled will remain free.

David Duran, 60, told council members that he thought the parking increases were an unfair burden on city residents who would pay them all year while tourists and "snow birds" would only pay them during peak season.

Mayor George Cretekos said the city hasn't raised rates for more than a decade. The increases are slated to take effect sometime after spring break.

Jolly, Overby, Sink to appear at forum

Thirteenth District congressional candidates David Jolly, Lucas Overby and Alex Sink will appear at a forum from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St.

The forum moderator will be Dr. Susan MacManus, professor of public administration and political science at the University of South Florida.

The forum is being sponsored by the theater and Tucker Hall.

Republican Jolly, Libertarian Overby and Democrat Sink will talk about the issues in their congressional race.

Tarpon Springs

Meeting set to discuss Beckett Bridge plans

A public hearing on the replacement of Beckett Bridge will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Tarpon Springs Yacht Club. A formal presentation will be made at 6 p.m., followed by a public comment period.

The Pinellas County Department of Environment and Infrastructure is hosting the meeting, in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation, to detail the replacement alternatives for Beckett Bridge.

The recommended alternative consists of replacing the existing bridge with a new, two-lane movable bridge. Information about all alternatives considered will be available for review, and members of the project team will be available to answer questions.

The Tarpon Springs Yacht Club is located at 350 N Spring Blvd.

For more information, visit the project website at www.pinellascounty.org/beckettbridge or call project manager Tony Horrnik at (727) 464-3640.

North Pinellas

'America's Boating Course' teaches safety

The Anclote Key Sail and Power Squadron, which covers the area from Dunedin to Hudson in Pasco County, will offer a 12-hour safe boating course called "America's Boating Course" from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday nights starting March 4 and running for seven weeks.

The 12-hour course, plus the two-hour review and exam, will be held at the Gulf Harbors Civic Center, 4610 Floramar Terrace in New Port Richey.

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The cost is $55. The course covers rules of the road, boat handling, seamanship, needed equipment, lines and knots, aids to navigation, trailering, adverse conditions and use of charts.

For more details, contact Howard O. Mielke at (727) 785-7923 or visit www.usps.org/localusps/anclote.

Dunedin

Revel in the blues at library program

Learn the history of blues and hear a demonstration of various styles on vintage instruments during the Suncoast Blues Society's free presentation today at the Dunedin Public Library, 223 Douglas Ave.

The event will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and will feature special guest Bodie Valdez.

For more information, call the library at (727) 298-3080 ext. 1704.

Lifeguards, rec leaders needed

The Dunedin Parks & Recreation Department is seeking recreation leaders and lifeguards for the summer.

Lifeguards must have current certification in lifeguard training and CPR/AED.

Apply online at dunedingov.com.

For more information, call Alicia Castricone at (727) 298-3265 or the Dunedin Community Center at (727) 812-4530.

Advance care planning seminar

A free seminar on advance care planning will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Dunedin Public Library, 223 Douglas Ave.

The session, sponsored by Suncoast Family of Programs and Project Grace, will guide attendees through the thoughtful process of personal reflection and discussions with others about medical treatment preferences based on their own personal values.

Call (727) 298-3080 for information.

Fine Arts Center shows kids' work

Artwork from Pinellas County students has been selected for a show at the Dunedin Fine Arts Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd.

The exhibit, called "Taking Shape-Pinellas County Grades 6-8," will be on display through March 30.

An opening reception and awards ceremony is set for 2 to 4 p.m. March 2.

JIM DAMASKE | Times

Francine Prager holds a tiny evening bat for students to look at but not touch Tuesday during a visit with first-graders at Guardian Angels Catholic School in Clearwater. Prager is from Tampa Bay Bats, a rescue, rehab and education organization. She brought eight bats to the classes of Deborah Iacono and Cheryl McGlynn, which were kicking off a lesson on mammals. There are 1,300 species of bats, and 13 exist in Florida with five being found in the Tampa Bay area, Prager said. If you find an injured bat, visit www.tampabaybats.net.