Flags to fly at half-staff to honor fallen soldier from Dunedin

DUNEDIN

Flags to fly at half-staff for fallen soldier

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has ordered that all state and national flags outside the Pinellas County Courthouse, Dunedin City Hall and the Capitol in Tallahassee be flown at half-staff today in honor of Army Spc. Zack Shannon. The 21-year-old Black Hawk helicopter mechanic and Dunedin native died in a helicopter crash in Kandahar, Afghanistan on March 11. Shannon will be buried today in a private ceremony at Dunedin Cemetery. Traffic on County Road 1, between Curlew Road and Virginia Avenue/Beltrees Street, will be affected between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. as Pinellas and Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies escort the body from Curlew Hills Memorial Gardens in Palm Harbor to the cemetery. During the private funeral, both northbound lanes of Keene Road at Virginia Avenue will be temporarily shut down for motorcade parking. Those who wish to show their respect for the fallen soldier may stand along C.R. 1 during the procession.

clearwater

Rough weather curbs swimming

Clearwater Beach was mostly closed to swimming Monday and Tuesday due to rough surf conditions and strong currents. Red flags, indicating "no swimming," were posted at several lifeguard towers. Swimming was allowed in a few areas along the beach, but it wasn't advised. Beach lifeguards were asking that swimmers stay near a lifeguard. Clearwater Beach was getting 24- to 28-mph winds and choppy, 2-foot waves.

Volunteers clean up water at park

Nearly 20 volunteers in eight boats, canoes and kayaks participated in a water cleanup Saturday at Clearwater's Glen Oaks Park. Trash removed from the water filled an 8-yard Dumpster, officials said. "Most of the trash was floatables — plastic bottles and Styrofoam," said Clearwater environmental specialist Sarah Josuns. "But we did pull out a large black trash bin, three folding chairs and a vacuum cleaner hose."

Correction

There are no restrooms or concessions on Egmont Key. An article March 20 incorrectly reported the amenities on the island. Restrooms and concessions are available on the ferry to the island.