CLEARWATER
Celebrating 25 years at the long center
The Long Center is celebrating its 25th birthday by inviting the community to its open house Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This free event offers use of the recreation center at 1501 N Belcher Road. Bring a swimsuit and ride the Aquaglide Rockit inflatable in the Olympic-sized heated pool. Instructors will offer demonstrations. There will be a children's play area, giveaway and refreshments.
There will also be tours at the Aging Well Center, inside the Long Center.
CLEARWATER
Free dental work offered
The Community Dental Clinic will be providing free dental exams and extractions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the clinic at 1008 Woodlawn St. Uninsured, low-income residents at least 18 years old and living north of Ulmerton Road are eligible.
Clearwater police officers will give out free bike helmets to children from 7 to 11 a.m.
For information, call (727)216-6155.
CLEARWATER
Officers receive honors
Three Clearwater police officers and one firefighter received awards Wednesday during a luncheon hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Clearwater and Belleair:
• Officer Fontayne Egger, a 25-year veteran who, among other accomplishments, provided Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas gifts to a needy family and gave computers, a TV and clothing to another family after their home was damaged in a fire.
• Sgt. Jeffrey DiVincent and Officer Christian Zarra, for diving into the Intracoastal Waterway to rescue a man whose car had plunged into the water after he suffered a medical episode. The man later died.
• Firefighter paramedic William Billups, who arranged for a boy with leukemia to visit a fire station and is active in organizations such as the Shriners Hospital for Children and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
CLEARWATER
Charter panel selected
The City Council has appointed 13 volunteers to a Charter Review Committee.
Such a committee meets every four years to go over the charter, a legal document that governs the city. Members make recommendations on things to be changed. Any changes must be approved by the City Council and then by city voters.
Committee members are: Nino Accetta, David Allbritton, Brian Aungst Jr., Jane Bongo, Karen Graham Cunningham, Dirk Curls, Le Anne DuPont, Bud Elias, Rosemarie Kibitlewski, David Lloyd, George Mantzaris, Konrad McCree and Bill Sturtevant.
PALM HARBOR
Order a singing Valentine
The Palm Harbor Barbershop Chorus will deliver singing Valentines. The group will be making deliveries Thursday through Feb. 15. The cost is $50 and includes three songs and a red rose and parchment scroll. For reservations, call Jim Eustice, (727) 255-3777 or David Erdman, (727) 455-6593.
Belleair
Trying to save Biltmore
A preservation advocacy group has launched its second Valentine's Day-themed fundraiser aimed at saving the Belleview Biltmore from the wrecking ball.
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Explore all your optionsSave the Belleview Biltmore Preservationists' silent auction invites hotel admirers to bid on a dozen red roses in a vintage Czechoslovakian crystal vase through Wednesday. Go to SaveTheBiltmore.com for information.
Dunedin
Channel moving Monday
Brighthouse is moving Dunedin's government access television from Channel 615 to 639 on Monday. Dunedin TV will remain available on Channel 15 for Verizon and WOW customers.
TARPON SPRINGS
Renovations on the way
City commissioners approved a plan Tuesday to renovate Dodecanese Boulevard this year.
The project will include replacing sidewalks and a wood deck leading to the seawall, as well as adding handrails and lighting. Benches will also be installed. Renovations are expected to begin in May with a completion date sometime this summer.
Belleair
Sparing the golf course
Commissioners on Tuesday directed the city attorney to draft an ordinance aimed at protecting the town-owned Belleview Biltmore Golf Course from developers.
The ordinance would bar the town or course operators from changing the property's character, use and recreation/open space land designation for 20 years.
The Town Commission will hold public hearings on the proposed law Feb. 17 and March 3.
Times staff writers Keyonna Summers, Mike Brassfield, Anne Lindberg and Laura C. Morel contributed to this report.