INDIAN ROCKS SPRINGS Life-givers to the Community€¦ · JANUARY / 2016 ISSUE 59 The legendary...

JANUARY / 2016 ISSUE 59

The legendary springs of the Indian Rocks area were, in a veryreal sense, the very lifeblood of the region, drawing both earlypioneers and the Tocobaga Indians before them to what was asought-after and necessary prerequisite for settlement – asource of fresh and pure water.Pioneer settlers knew that minimal supplies of fresh wateroffered little opportunity beyond a subsistence existence.Plentiful quantities, on the other hand, promised opportunitiesfor a flourishing economy encompassing fruit and vegetablefarming, hunting of game where conditions permitted andother pursuits such as timbering and industry.It is no wonder that early settlers viewed fresh water withalmost a sense of awe, even ascribing healing and curativepowers to mineral-laden sources (medical claims for thesewaters were common).

So the springs at Indian Rocks were a magnet that drew inhabitants into the area from the very earliest times of recordedhistory. The springs did, in fact, provide a much prized source of fresh water which allowed settlement to be established andflourish. The citrus groves, nurseries, farms and all agricultural-related pursuits thrived due to the existence of a plentifulsupply of fresh water.A number of springs undoubtedly existed in the area when the first settlers arrived. Of the several that have been identified,only one – located on private property – is a free-flowing surface water source today. The others came to be regarded asnuisances and were capped during the development era when land became regarded as more valuable than water.The sources and significance of the well-publicized springs that drew settlement to the area are a mixture of legend anddocumented history. In fact, the local lore that answers the question “How did Indian Rocks get its name?” is a legendinextricably intertwined with the famous springs. The most famous of the springs was located at the present-day site of Kolb Park across from City Hall. This is where thelegendary Chief Chic-a-Si purportedly drank and was cured of his mysterious ailment. The legend, for those unfamiliar withit, goes on to say that, after the chief regained his health, the tribe returned to the spot every year to drink of the waters andfish, camping on the rocks. The white settlers in the area witnessed this event, and began referring to the location as the“Indian Rocks.”The legend lives on to this day, though there is evidence that later settlers gave little credence to the story, at least as far asthe miraculous healing powers of the water was concerned.They reportedly capped the spring in the early 1900s, duringa time when scores of health seekers were flocking to St.Petersburg to drink up at that city’s Fountain of Youth(located on the edge of what is now the Mahaffey parkinglot).One source says that the famous Kolb Park spring now liesburied in the ball diamond beneath second base.Another documented spring exists on the property of theformer Uncle Milt’s cottages, now Sunshine Cozy Cottages,on Gulf Boulevard a short distance north of Walsingham.Uncle Milt’s manager Debbie Lewis was told that that springwas capped due to its sulfurous odor.

Story & photos by Wayne Ayers, local author and historian.

INDIAN ROCKS SPRINGS Life-givers to the Community

Or Current Resident

Continued inside

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSLETTER

CITY NUMBERSCITY HALL. . . . . . . 595-25171507 Bay Palm Blvd www.Indian-Rocks-Beach.com

CITY MANAGER - Gregg MimsMAYOR/CITY COMMISSION . 517-0204MAYOR - R.B. Johnson COMMISSIONERS — Cookie Kennedy • Terry Wollin Phil Hanna Vice Mayor • Jim Labadie City Manager, . . . . . . . . . . . . . 595-2517Gregg MimsBuilding Department: . . . . . . . . 517-0404Dan WeignerPlanning & Zoning: . . . . . . . . . . 517-0404Danny Taylor, Dir.Public Services: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 595-6889Dean Scharmen, Public Services Dir.IRB LIBRARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 596-1822Next to City HallM-F 9-5pm, Tu-Th 7-8:30pm, Sat 10-1pmIRB HISTORICAL MUSEUM . . . 593-3861Across from the Post OfficeIRB HOMEOWNER ASSOC.. . . 692-7867Joe McCall, President - IRBHome.com IRB BOAT CLUBBob Griffin IRBboatclub.com . . . 517-1997BEACH ART CENTER . . . . . . . . 596-4331Next to City Hall, 1515 Bay Palm BlvdPOST OFFICE / IRB. . . . . . . . . . 596-2894204 4th Avenue 33785, Near Crabby Bill’sMon-Fri 8:30A-4:30P; Sat 9A-12:00PIRB ROTARY Meets at Jimmy Guana's every Wed. 7:15AMBruce Sobut, Past President . . . 403-4060ACTION 2000Eric Meyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 744-0123Meets 2nd Monday Each Month Beach Art CtrBEACH FOOD PANTRY . . . . . . 517-25341615 First St. M-W-F 10 am-12 pm

LITTLE LEAGUE . . . . . . . . . . . . 417-7349IRB WELCOME CENTER . . . . . . 595-4575CHAMBER OF COMMERCEGulf Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360-6957Clearwater Beach. . . . . . . . . . . 447-7600AA & AL-ANON MEETINGS . . 595-1038ELECTRICITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443-2641PHONE (Residential) . . . . . 800-483-4000PHONE (Business) . . . . . . . 800-483-5000WATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4000CABLE (Bright House) . . . . . . . . 329-5020SEWER / IRB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 595-6889TRASH / IRB / Pick Up . . . . . . . 595-6889-------------------------------------------------EMERGENCIES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1-1SHERIFF NON-EMERGENCIES 582-6200SHERIFF DISPATCH . . . . . . . . . 582-6177IRB FIRE STATION . . . . . . . . . 595-1117-------------------------------------------------COUNTY INFORMATION . . . . 464-3000COMMISSION OFFICES. . . . . . 464-3377 Karen Seel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-3278STATE:Senator Jeff Brandes . . . . . 727-552-2573Republican, District 22 9800 Fourth St. N., Suite 200 St. [email protected]

Representative Larry Ahern 727-395-2512Republican, District 668282 Seminole Blvd, Suite B, Seminole [email protected]

Governor Rick [email protected]

FLORIDA UNITED STATES SENATORS:Marco Rubio . . . . . . . . . . . 202-224-3041www.Rubio.Senate.gov

Bill Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202-224-5274www.BillNelson.Senate.gov

AREA UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE:David Jolly . . . . . . . . . . . . . 727-392-41009210 113th St, Seminole, Fl 33772www.house.gov/jolly

JANUARY:Little League New Player Sign Up 3Public School Resumes 5Little League Ends Registration 5Epiphany 6Belleair Sunset Run 9Beach Art Center Let Sun Shine In opens 8City Commission Meeting 12Homeowner’s Happy Hour 14Little League Evaluations 15-16Boat Club at The Pub 16Gulf Beaches Road Race 17Martin Luther King Day Schools Closed 18Boat Club Meeting 21Beach Art Center Photography Session 23Gasparilla 30Heritage Villag Pinellas Folk Festival 30Backwater’s Chilli Cookoff 31FEBRUARYGround Hog Day 2Meet the Candidates 2Florida State Fair opens 4Winterfest Calvary Episcopal 6Turtle Trot at Narrows Park Largo 6Super Bowl 7Community Clean Up 8-10Chinese New Year 8City Commission Meeting 9Fat Tuesday 9Ash Wednesday 10Homeowner’s Happy Hour 11

Little League Opening Day 13Valentine’s Day Sunday 14Presidents Day Public Schools Closed 15Voter Registration Deadline 16Chemical Recycling Seminole 20Monte Carlo Night Beach Art Center 20Sea Blues Festival 20-21Sunday Concert in the Park Belleair 21Rays Fan Fest 27Boat Club to Island Way Grill 28Leap Year Day 29MARCHEarly Voting Begins 5-13Daylight Savings Time Begins 8Homeowner’s Happy Hour 10Moblie Collection Recycle in Largo 12Blue Grass Festival 12Grand Prix 12-13Early Voting Ends 13Public School Closed 14City / Primary Elections 15St. Patricks Day 17Great America Clean Up 19Baot Club to Caladesi 19Spring Begins 20Spring Break Public School 21-25City Commission Meeting 22Good Friday 25Easter Egg Hunt 26Easter Sunday 27

CREDITS

© 2016 Griffin Productions, Inc. 2016 CALENDAR OF LOCAL EVENTS

This newsletter is published byGRIFFIN PRODUCTIONS, Inc.and is mailed to every occupiedresidence and business in IndianRocks Beach We are not officiallyassociated with the City of IndianRocks Beach.

PUBLISHERSBob & Becky Griffin

Residents of Indian Rocks Beach

ART DIRECTIONBecky Griffin

SALES727-517-1997

CONTACT INFOP.O. BOX 1314

Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785517-1997 ~ 517-1998 FAXBeachNewsletters.com

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STUDENTS MAKE DONATIONS On the Friday beforeThanksgiving, thirty students from Largo’s Country DaySchool, most of them 8th graders, surprised volunteersat the Beaches Food Pantry with boxes of food, which thefamilies of the private school have been collecting forthree weeks. Food Pantry Volunteers say the timing wasgreat as their pantry was almost bare. Anyone wantingto donate food for Christmas to the Beaches Food Pantrycan bring donations to the pantry Monday, Wednesdayand Friday mornings, at 1615 1st Street, Indian RocksBeach behind Guppy’s Restaurant.___________________________________________________COOKIE TIME IS SOON In February you will start tosee Girl Scout Cookie stands in front of Publix and otherstores around town. They do advanced sales in theirneighborhoods in January. This is the only fundraisingthe Girl Scout do all year, so buy a lot ___________________________________________________NO MORE BEAUTY AND THE BEACH For over 20years, this popular city sponsored fundraising event, whichincluded an art show, music on the beach, a pancakebreakfast, kite flying, sandcastle contests and the Little MissBeauty Contest, has been held the first weekend in April.This year, the city officials have eliminated Beauty and theBeach and instead, are asking the HomeownersAssociation to expand their Biggest Beach Party Ever, at theend of April, to include daytime music. The Beach ArtCenter is planning to still host an art show, now called theSpring into Arts Festival, the first weekend of April. TheGuppy’s Gallop will also continue to be held that firstweekend in April. No word yet on what will happen to theRotary’s Pancake breakfast._____________VOLUNTEERSNEEDED Eachyear, millions oflow andmoderateincometaxpayers relyon AARPFoundation Tax-Aide to prepareand file their taxreturns. Volunteers are needed to work with taxpayersdirectly by filling out tax returns and helping them seek arefund. Experience isn't necessary; they will train you on thelatest tax preparation forms and software. Volunteersreceive IRS-certified training. Computer knowledge isnecessary. A minimum commitment of four hours a weekin February, March and early April is required. Sign up tobe an AARP Foundation TaxAide Volunteer at:aarp.org/giving-back.

Did You Know....


CONSTRUCTION DONE It has been a long few monthsfor area businesses, but the Walsingham Road and GulfBlvd intersection construction is finally over. The intersectionwas redesigned by removing lanes, shifting turn lanes andnew crosswalks. New islands were installed on WalsinghamRoad between Gulf Blvd and the bridge. There is still asmall amount of landscaping to be completed. ___________________________________________________BELLEAIR SUNSET 5K RUN The Belleair Parks &Recreation Department will host the 14th annual BelleairSunset 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run on Saturday, January 23,2015, at 5 pm. This certified 5K race offers a flat, fastcourse that runs through the heart of beautiful Belleair.After running the race course, get ready for the best postparty around with complimentary food, drinks and fun.Register before January 9 for discounted registration!Register online at Racehawk.com. For more information,visit www.belleairrec.com or call 727-518-3728. ___________________________________________________PINELLAS FOLK FESTIVAL January 30, 2016 from 10am - 4 pm, listen to dozens of the Tampa Bay area'spremier folk musicians with traditional folk, gospel,country and bluegrass music on stages throughout theHeritage Village, 11909 125th Street N., Largo. A $5donation is suggested._________________________________________________BAIT HOUSE IS BACK The bait house on the east end ofthe Belleair Beach Causeway next to the boat ramps wasremoved when the new bridge was built. Finally, a new onehas been built in the west end of the parking area. Angler360 Bait and Tackle will operate the store; in addition toselling live and frozen bait, they have food, ice cream andapparel. They are open daily from 6am to 8pm. Check itout the next time you launch your boat there.___________________________________________________WHEN POSSIBLE,DECLINE THERECEIPT When youhandle cash registerreceipts, they are likelythermal paper coatedwith either BPA or itschemical cousin, BPS.We now know BPA andBPS are absorbed into our bodies from regular receipthandling. It is of particular concern to pregnant or nursingwomen, women of childbearing age and adolescents.BPA/BPS are endocrine disruptors and can imitate ourbody's own hormones in a way that could be hazardous forour health. When asked, decline the receipt. Use digital oremail receipts whenever possible. If you do get one, throwit away and do not recycle it. The BPA/BPS contaminates allthe paper in the recycling process.___________________________________________________OUR NEXT ISSUE IS IN MARCH Read this issue, aswell as others, online at BeachNewsletters.com.

photo by Phil Hanna


REAL ESTATE OF THE UNIONThe State of our Union is Strong

By Gordon Obarski, Broker Associate Doiron Realty on the Beach

In January every year, the President of theU.S. delivers a “State of the Union” messageto Congress. It reports on the condition ofthe nation. Well, it’s January, so taking thelead from the White House, here is the“Indian Rocks Beach Real Estate State of theUnion.” (Thunderous applause and frenetichandshaking here!)

Total Sales by UnitsThe total number of houses, condos and townhomes soldin Indian Rocks Beach in 2015 was 180 (1/1-12/20). Thatnumber is 6.5% MORE than in the 2005 heyday! So, interms of total unit sales, we’re not only back to the top;we’re over it! That is also true of condos. In 2005, therewere 110 condos sold; Last year, we topped that numberby five units with 115. At the market high, there were 58single-family homes sold. In the last two years (2014 &2015), we beat that number with 65 and 63 salesrespectively.Sales by AgentNONE of the top 10 realtors who sold properties in IndianRocks Beach in the boom year of 2005 were among thetop selling agents of properties in our community last year.Now you see ’em…now you don’t.Total Sales by $ VolumeIn 2005, there were $25,239,700 in total residential realestate sales in IRB. Last year (2015), total sales were$18,079,800. The 2015 volume came closer to the peakthan any year in the last ten but is still a good 28% belowromp-and-stomp level.Median Sales PriceThe highest median sale price for condos in the lastdecade was in 2006 ($542,500). Condo prices bottomedout in 2010, when the average median sale price fell to$249,950. Last year, the median sale price of condos was$300,000--20% higher than “the pits” but still a good45% below “the stratosphere.”Single-family home prices peaked a year before condos.In 2005, the highest median sale price of a single-familywas $632,450. Contrast that with 2011, when the single-family median sales price fell to $273,250, a gut-wrenching 57% down from the best year! Last year, it wasback up to $473,000. So, in terms of single-familymedian values, we’ve managed to claw our way back tobeing only 25% below the peak year.Summary of the DecadeWe celebrated the boom times. We looked into the abyssand couldn’t see bottom. We panicked a little. (Okay…wepanicked a lot!) We hunkered down. We nervously waitedfor things to improve. They did. In fact, the market poppedback about 30% almost immediately after rock bottoming.The slow, steady growth of recent years is expected tocontinue through 2016. Now for the “oppositionresponse” to the “State of the Union”: Nationally, analystssee signs of the home price rebound being replaced by afew years of flat gains starting in 2017.Sources: My Florida Regional MLS

Real Estate News


SPRINGS, CONTINUEDThe largest spring in the Indian Rocks area, and the onlyone known to still flow in its natural state, is located onprivate property on Pine Drive. This is south of the IndianRocks Bridge, in what is now part of Largo.The spring, called Indian Spring, is the centerpiece of abeautiful garden. According to George Fick, whose familyowned the spring site for years and who landscaped theproperty, the spring empties approximately 600,000 gallonsof water a day into the Intracoastal Waterway. Fick analyzedthe spring’s mineral content and even explored thepossibility of commercially bottling the water.Fresh water from springsources was of such value tothe native Indian tribes whopassed through the area thatthey would often bend treelimbs in a fashion to point thedirection to a spring. Four ofthese “marker” trees havebeen identified over the yearsin the vicinity of Indian Spring.The last surviving tree (shownhere) said to have a branchbent to point the way to thespring was located on propertyeast of the Coquina CoveTrailer Park on 113th Avenue. The tree was taken down tomake way for construction of the Shipwatch condominiums.Another spring is said to be located off of Spring Street,down the road from Indian Spring. There is a brook, perhapsspring-fed, that flows through the area into the Intracoastal,but no documentation of its source could be found.Chic-a-Si Park off of 4th Avenue across from the IndianRocks Beach post office was named to honor the legendarychief who was reportedly restored to health after drinking ofthe mineral-laden spring waters in the area. Befittingly, thepark site is now the home of the Indian Rocks BeachHistorical Museum, which contains a display on the localTocobaga Indian culture. There is no spring known to belocated within the boundaries of Chic-a-Si Park.In the days of native Indian and pioneer settlement, therewere no doubt a number of freshwater springs which drewearly inhabitants to the area. It is also known that the valueof these springs diminished as water systems wereconstructed, and most were capped or diverted asdevelopment progressed. Many were no doubt buried toeliminate their “stinky” smell caused by the sulfur content.Others were likely filled in to create more valuable land forsubdivisions during the real estate boom days.In any event, the springs that were once a valued life-giverfor early inhabitants of the Indian Rocks area are todaylargely a footnote in history.Today, however, as Florida progresses into the 21st Centuryand we find water shortages becoming more common andsources of pure fresh water increasingly rare, the interest insprings has been rekindled and their value is rising. Bottledspring water from the Zephyrhills area, for example, hasbecome a best seller.George Fick’s efforts to bottle the waters of the 12,000 yearold source, had he succeeded, could have given IndianRocks an added claim to fame.This story is revised and updated from an article written byauthor and historian Wayne Ayers for the “Punta Pinal”publication of the Pinellas County Historical Society.


RadioStPete.Com - A GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONRadioStPete is a unique local (multi-music channel) radiostation available online. It can also be accessed with manymobile apps including the station’s own free apps available inthe Apple and Android app stores. The station’s local focus is St. Petersburg and the Tampa BayBeaches, with secondary coverage of the greater Tampa BayRegion. It features local events calendars, live coverage ofmany local events, as well as local talk and interviewprograms. Many programs are archived after their initialbroadcast for on demand listening. Listeners can choose from Pop music, Jazz, Classical andCountry music to accompany the talk content. The station wasfounded by retired Valpak President Joe Bourdow in July2013. Bourdow was a commercial radio station owner andon air broadcaster in the 1970s and ‘80s before becomingactive with Valpak on a national level. Bourdow also acts as aconsultant to a number of franchise brands and industrysuppliers. In addition to the 24/7 RadioStPete operation, the stationoriginates the national broadcast of the East-West ShrineGame each January from Tropicana Field. The nationalbroadcast is on a commercial radio network that has grownto over 150 radio stations, in addition to national coverage onSiriusXM, plus online and mobile distribution. The broadcast isheard locally on 620 WDAE who acts as the Network’s“Flagship Station.” Patrick Kinas “Voice of the Shrine Game”and Durham Bulls broadcaster is a partner in RadioStPete. In the 27 months since its launch, the station has attracted agrowing audience locally, as well as over 50,000 listeners inover 150 countries. RadioStPete has been recognized two years in a row by Radio Internet News as one of the “Three BestSingle Stream Pure Play Broadcasters” in the world.RadioStPete focuses on giving local talent a voice in the Tampa Bay area. From the living room of his one-bedroom OldNortheast apartment, Will Kuncz records one of the most highly rated podcasts in the Tampa Bay area, HomemadeBroadcast. The Homemade Broadcast is homemade in every sense of the word; Kuncz himself is responsible for literallyevery aspect of his show including producing, recording, booking, and hosting it. Despite its humbleness, the HomemadeBroadcast is truly impressive in scope and range. It focuses on local life, arts, and music and showcases a diverse line-upof special guests, including St. Petersburg’s mayor Rick Kriseman. The Homemade Broadcast also highlights the localevents and special people that make our community so vibrant. Kuncz is truly successful at providing listeners withinformation about the creative individuals and unique aspects of our community. The Homemade Broadcast began as a fun podcast with a roommate before Kuncz joined forces with RadioStPete. Kuncz’sroommate ended up leaving the podcast after having a baby, and Kuncz believed that was the end of things. He jokes,“My life is not interesting enough to envelope 45 minutes of talking by myself.” In order to keep the broadcast going,Kuncz began inviting guests to the show, mostly local artists and musicians. He managed to keep attracting more andmore notable guests. As popularity grew, guests actually began reaching out to him, including the mayor, whom Kunczinterviewed in September. “I didn’t think he would do it. I mean, it’s just some stupid little podcast,” Kuncz laughs.Clearly, the mayor disagreed, as do Kuncz’s avid listeners. The Homemade Broadcast is even more impressive consideringKuncz doesn’t have prior radio experience. After jumping from major to major while in college at USFSP, he ended up with an English degree. After graduation, Kunczfelt a bit aimless, something many recent college grads relate to. He remembered playing “broadcast” as a kid with hisboombox, using the Space Jam soundtrack as background ambiance, while talking into a pretend microphone. “I guess Idid figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up then, but you don’t always remember it as an adult,” Kuncz muses. Sohe started looking for radio jobs, which culminated in the Homemade Broadcast and RadioStPete. Kuncz takes an active role in contributing to the community through the Homemade Broadcast by spotlighting local events.He describes it as a “symbiotic relationship,” as the events need the publicity and he needs something to broadcast. “Weshare audiences and we build that web, that connectivity, and that community.” In addition to hosting the Homemade Broadcast, Kuncz also hosts a successful open-mic comedy night at Sly Bar whichrecently took home a Creative Loafing Best of the Bay Award for “The Best Place to Watch Comics Get Better”, givingamateur comedians the opportunity to perform while also promoting The #HMB & RadioStPete. This is just another waythe Kuncz is participating in and influencing the artist community of St. Petersburg. Be sure to listen to the Homemade Broadcast every Sunday at 6:15 pm on RadioStPete or find it on iTunes on demand.Also, check out the website, HMBradio.com, and The Homemade Broadcast on Facebook. RadioStPete is available on theirapp found in the iTunes or Android stores for free of charge. They are also heard on the TuneIn app or RadioStPete.com.


This year, the Chinese New Year, which isthe Year of the Monkey, falls on February8. It is just as important to the Chinesepeople as our New Year’s Day is,however, the date of The Chinese NewYear changes. Chinese New Year is celebrated at theturn of the Chinese calendar and theliteral translation is the Spring Festival.Different celebrations traditionally runfrom the last day of the last month of the Chinese calendar(Chinese New Year’s Eve) until the Lantern Festival which isthe 15th day of the first month. Chinese New Year’s Day isknown as Yuandan, meaning “the first sunrise.” Mostpeople start to celebrate one week prior, on the 23rd day ofthe 12th month. The tradition of the Chinese New Year goes back centuries,and is based on several myths and traditions. More than4,000 years ago, according to legend, on the day Shun (aChinese mythological emperor) ascended to the throne, heled his ministers to worship heaven and earth. From thenon, that day was regarded as the Chinese calendar’s firstday of the lunar month. This is the basic origin of theChinese New Year. China adopted the Gregorian calendarin 1911, so the Chinese New Year was renamed TheSpring Festival. It has evolved into an opportunity to honor tradition andancestors. Often, the evening before New Year’s Day,Chinese families gather for an annual reunion dinner. It is atime for families to cleanse the house, to sweep away illfortune and to make way for good luck to come to them. People put red posters on their doors with poetic verses,pictures on their walls and decorate their homes with redlanterns which symbolize pursuing the bright and thebeautiful. Children often receive luck money in redenvelopes. As it is a time of new, many wear new clothesthat day.The evening includes lots of fireworks, once again hopingto drive away any bad luck and bring forth the good luck.Firecrackers symbolizes good luck in the coming year.Other activities involve beating drums, striking gongs, anddancing with participants in dragon and lion costumes. 2016 is the Year of the Monkey. For those born this year,2015 is considered to an auspicious year. Legend has it,those born in the Year of the Monkey are said to be witty,intelligent and have a magnetic personality. Personalitytraits, like mischievousness, curiosity, and cleverness, makethem very naughty. Monkeys are masters of practical jokes,because they like playing most of the time. Though theydon't have any bad intentions, their pranks sometimes hurtthe feelings of others.Those born in a year of the Monkey are fast learners andcrafty opportunists. They have many interests and needpartners who are capable of stimulating them. While somelike the eccentric nature of Monkeys, some don't trust theirsly, restless, and inquisitive nature. Previous years of Themonkey are 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992,2004. The Chinese New Year while it is celebrated in China, isalso popular in many other Asian countries with significantChinese populations, as well as in Chinatowns in citiesaround the world.

CHINESE NEW YEAR ITS THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY


RCS‘S GRANDE GALA Clearwater’s RCS (ReligiousCommunity Services) is asocial-service nonprofitorganization. The organizationprovides basic communityservices including: The Havenof RCS, for women who haveexperienced domestic violence,the RCS Food Bank, and RCSGrace Homes, which provideshousing to homeless families. Belleair Bluffs resident DevinPappas and her family movedhere from Rhode Island in2011. Before the move, shewas an area supervisor for 9 WEST, a large women’s fashionstore chain. She oversaw 20 stores with about 350employees. “When I moved to Florida, I chose not to workanymore, but I wanted to do something,” Devin said. “Ibecame aware of RCS and the programs they provide forwomen, and I offered to volunteer.”Three years ago, Devin created the The Career Clubprogram. The six-week program teaches women, who maybe homeless and/or victims of domestic violence, how torecover their independence by learning job and life skillswhile living in The Haven of RCS. “I teach them the skillsneeded to get a job,” Devin says. “It may be how to write aresume, what to say in an interview, or how to dress.”In January of this year, Caitlin Higgins Joy, RCS President &CEO, asked Devin to chair a new fundraiser. That was all shehad to ask. Devin formed a small committee to help plan anevent, with food, music and an auction, but she wanted it tobe a real party that would be so much fun, people would talkabout it for weeks. The first step was to pick a theme - theychose the Roaring ‘20s.“We considered holding the event in the RCS warehouse,”says Devin. “But we soon decided it was too big and neededtoo much work and money to make it look classy. Once wevisited Banquet Masters near Ulmerton and 49th Street, weknew that was our spot. Although we had to pay for thefacility and food, it allowed us to focus our time on otherthings like the menu, music, decorations, auction and thespecial elements that would make it unforgettable for all thatattended.”“Our goal was to raise about $80,000 and entertain a lot ofimportant people, i.e. donors,” said Devin. “We neverdreamed the event, called The 1st Annual Grande Gala forFlappers and Fellas, would evolve into what it did.”The Gala was October 10th. Party-goers posed for photos,sipped Zelda champagne cocktails, nibbled on mini-dessertsand danced the night-away—all for a good cause.The surprise of the evening was during the auction when adonated car was auctioned three times! The first and secondwinners donated the car back to RCS; the third winningbidder went home with a 2016 Hyundai Elantra donated byScott Fink and Hyundia New Port Richey.“It was magical to see the committee’s vision come to life,”said Devin after the event. “It was spectacular to see theguests dancing in their 1920’s attire, enjoying the event andcontributing generously during the evening.”The Grand Gala was a super success, raising $173,000, allfor RCS—more than twice the original goal. “We are alreadyplanning the 2nd Annual Gala,” adds Devin.RCS is a 4-star charity rated by Charity Navigator.


obert Phelps, a self taught artist, is recognized for his vibrantfigurative work and uniquely-colored portraitures. Through his

work, he strives to express the raw, intimate beauty of his subjects. Hisportraits range from a menacingly-brooding Mike Tyson to adorableteacup chihuahuas. He paints what gives him joy, believing this to bethe highest form of artistic “statement.” Last spring he had a show inThe Studio@620 located at 620 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg. This is his story, in his own words:I've always been very artistically inclined and spent my youth andchildhood drawing and painting. Our family roots are in rural,mountainous West Virginia, extending out to Ohio, Maryland, andVirginia. I spent most of my childhood exploring the woods with mybrother and that affinity for the wilderness and nature has never leftme. Most of my work is a celebration of animals, wilderness, andnatural beauty. I also spend a lot of time painting "wild" characters -Hells Angels, Mike Tyson (and many other fighters), nymphs, satyrs,and a pantheon of rock stars, writers and celebrities of the more"colorful" ilk (Mick Jagger, Hunter S. Thompson, etc.) My currentpainting style is most closely aligned with the expressionist or fauvist(French for "the wild beasts") technique where I'm exploring emotionalcontent instead of literal reality in my subjects. I graduated high school in 1994. I was an Academic Scholar andparticipated in many electives, Art Club, French Club, National HonorsSociety, etc. I was a public speaking champion for the Future BusinessLeaders of America. I also ran track, cross country, soccer, etc. I went tocommunity college for a year or so, but I was a bit too restless for college and soon went to work in 1996 as a scenicpainter for Disney's Animal Kingdom. I spent the next three years working for companies as a muralist and decorativepainter for hire before moving to St. Petersburg in 2000. I continued working as an independent faux paintingsubcontractor until forming my company in 2007. I've been doing business as Painted Poetry, LLC since then,www.PaintedPoetryHome.com In my portfolios, you'll see examples of many residential faux painting and mural projects. I specialize in custom fauxfinishes and employ a variety of decorative painting techniques. I enjoy doing a variety of mural styles for bothcommercial and private clients.Some of my commercial clients include DeBartalo Holdings the owners of the San Fransisco 49ers, DeLosas Pizza, TheHut Restaurant, The Moon Under Water, Gecko's restaurants, etc. You can see my murals at The Hut, Delosa's and mostrecently the Moon Under Water.In the ensuing years, I have participated in dozens of solo and group art shows and have been very active in the artscommunity. I favor doing themed shows. One of note was a 2008 fight themed show called "There Will Be Blood" atInterior Motives (now known as ARTicles gallery). A few celebrities have my work in their collection or have signed their portraits like Jerry Rice, former UFC champion BJPenn, director John Waters, and comedian Maria Bamford. The most recent and interesting is comedian Adam Carollaand his cohosts on the TV show Catch a Contractor. I've been a longtime fan of Adam's work and was in the process of

painting his dog when I got word thedog had died. I rushed to get amemorial portrait out to his grievingfamily. Adam was very gracious inmentioning it on his podcast. Inthanks to his cohosts who had actedas my liaisons, I painted their dogKilo's portrait and presented it tothem at a function in Atlanta lastmonth.I have a special fondness forpainting dogs and pets as I find thework very meaningful. I find that myexpressive painting style is a naturalfit for the exuberance and innocenceof animals. I regularly donate workto animal rescue charities andparticipate in their auction events.You can reach Robert at727-453-2952.

ROBERT PHELPSThe Man And His Art

R


ARE YOU GETTING THE MOSTFOR THE LEAST?

by Phil WrobelHappy New Year everyone from Florida Best QuoteInsurance. We can all be thankful that 2015 was yetanother beautiful “picture perfect” year without a majorstorm. In fact, 2015 marked a ten year milestone of nohurricanes or major storms for our area. With thismilestone the Home Insurance Industry is finding that moreand more ‘A’ rated carriers are willing to write new policiesin Florida creating a more competitive market! Bereminded that as a proactive consumer YOU should takeadvantage of this competition.Start your “save money” New Year’s resolution bychecking your existing insurance policies. Did you knowthat there are some insurance carriers that habituallyincrease your coverages every year and have practiced thiscourse of action through-out the real estate crash when thecost per square foot to rebuild dropped drastically? AtFlorida Best Quote we can easily review your policy tocheck if your coverages are in line with the cost to rebuildyour home (RCE- replacement cost estimator). By doing so,we have helped save our customers considerable amountsof money!If you have questions regarding your replacement costestimation, a policy review or any insurance inquiriesplease feel free to contact me by phone, email or stop by-our offices are located here on Indian Rocks Beach! Call(727) 596-9999 and ask for Phil Wrobel, IndependentAgent with Florida Best Quote Insurance, the mostreferred, consumer driven agency.

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION:VOLUNTEER

Every single day, the American Red Cross helps peoplein emergencies. Whether it’s one displaced family,thousands of disaster victims, or providing care andcomfort to an ill or injured service member or veteran orsupport to a military family member, our vital work ismade possible by people like you. It is through the timeand care of ordinary people that we can doextraordinary things. The Red Cross is always looking for people with variousbackgrounds, talents and skill levels. Our needs areoften specific based on current events and levels ofground support, but we’ll do our best to accommodateyour desire to get involved!For more information, visitwww.redcross.org/support/volunteer/need-to-know.

DISNEY AND DALI: ARCHITECTSOF THE IMAGINATIONJanuary 23, 2016 – June 12, 2016

This immersive and enriching multi-media exhibition,opening at the Dali Museum tells the story of the unlikelyalliance between two of the most renowned artists of thetwentieth century: brilliantly eccentric Spanish SurrealistSalvador Dali and American entertainment innovatorWalt Disney. These two vastly different icons were drawnto each other through their unique personalities andtheir enduring friendship.“Disney and Dali heralds a new era in art exhibitions,”said Dali Museum Executive Director, Hank Hine. Visitthe Dali Museum at One Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg.


BORING? “YES”. IMPORTANT?“ABSOLUTELY”!

by Ray Ferrara, ProVise Management GroupAh, the headline got you because youare reading and that may be a verygood thing for your financial health. Doyou trust your financial advisor(s)? Ofcourse you do, otherwise you would notbe listening to him/her. Yet many pollsshow that most investors do not trustWall Street.But for most of us, trusting our financialadvisor is easy; it is everybody else’s advisor that cannotbe trusted. It is a lot like talking about our representativeto Congress. Ours is great; it is all the others that arenot so good.Financial advisors work under two different standards –suitability and fiduciary and there can be a world ofdifference. Under a suitability standard, the advisor needonly come to the conclusion that an investment is“suitable” for you given your financial circumstances,knowledge, station in life, etc. It is not necessary for it tobe in your best interest.How can that be? Suppose there are two investmentproducts that the advisor is recommending. One of theproducts has slightly better past performance, which ofcourse is no guarantee it will in the future, and the otherpays a higher commission. Both are suitable, but what ifthe advisor sells the one with higher commissions…wasit in your best interest, or the advisor’s?Under a fiduciary standard of care, the advisor mustalways offer advice by placing your interests ahead ofhis/her own and act with the skill, diligence and goodjudgment of a professional. He/she must providecomplete disclosure of all the relevant facts and anyconflicts, like the one above. If the conflict isunavoidable, then it must be managed in your favor.The Department of Labor (DOL) is proposing a rule thatwould require all advisors who work with investors inpension plans, IRAs, etc. to do so at a fiduciary standardof care. I had the honor of being one of the first totestify in favor of this proposal with some modificationsbefore the DOL, while unfortunately much of thefinancial industry is opposing it as “unworkable”.When working with a financial advisor there is noreason for them to not work in your best interest.Fortunately, many do even though they are not requiredto do so. But how do you know for sure? Ask them ifthey are a fiduciary.

V. Raymond Ferrara, CFP®, Chairman and CEOProVise Management Group, LLC611 Druid Rd E, Suite 105Clearwater, FL [email protected]

Investment Advisory Services may be offered through ProViseManagement Group, LLC.


This spring, Indian Rocks Beach will have a NonpartisanCity Election on March 15th. It will be held in conjunctionwith the Presidential Preference Primary election.Two people have qualified to run for Mayor: IncumbentR.B Johnson and former City Commissioner Bert Valery. Three people qualified to run for two open citycommission seats: Incumbent Joanne ‘Cookie’ Kennedy,former City Commissioner Jeremiah Carmody andEdward Hoofnagle. Incumbent Jim Labadie has decidednot seek a third term.The Indian Rocks Beach Homeowners Association willhost a Meet The Candidates Night Monday February 2.Reminder: Florida is a Closed Primary StateBoth the Republican and Democratic Parties are selecting apresidential nominee this year. In order to vote for acandidate in the Presidential Preference Primary, you mustbe registered with one of these two major political parties.However, all registered voters in municipalities holdingelections in conjunction with the Presidential PreferencePrimary may vote for all municipal contests and ballotquestions.This is because Florida is a “closed primary state.” In aPrimary Election, a qualified voter is entitled to vote theballot of the political party with which the voter is registered:• A voter registered as a Republican may vote forRepublican, Nonpartisan candidates and ballot issues only• A voter registered as a Democrat may vote forDemocratic, Nonpartisan candidates and ballot issues only

• A voter registered with a minor party may only vote forthe minor party, Nonpartisan candidates and ballot issues.• A voter registered with no party may only vote forNonpartisan candidates and ballot issues onlyIt is important to remember that Tuesday, February 16 is thedeadline to register to vote and to change your politicalparty affiliation for the March 15 Presidential PreferencePrimary and Municipal Elections. No political party changescan be made after this deadline. Any political partyaffiliation changes made between February 17 and March15, 2016, will take effect for future elections.Visit VotePinellas.com/Voter-Registration/Check-My-Registration-Status today to check which political party youare registered with. If you would like to change yourpolitical party affiliation, mail a signed written notice withyour change of political party affiliation to the Supervisor ofElections Office and include your date of birth OR yourvoter information number; or complete a Voter RegistrationApplication with your political party affiliation change andcheck "Record Update/Change" in the top box.For additional information about the March 15, 2016Presidential Preference Primary and Municipal Elections,including an updated list of candidates as well as whichmunicipalities will be conducting elections, visitVotePinellas.com. As always, if you have any questions, [email protected] or call 727-464-VOTE (8683.Visit VotePinellas.com for all your election information.

CITY AND NATIONAL PRIMARY ELECTIONS ARE MARCH 15TH


By Dr. G. Joseph FitzgeraldAre you tired of looking at yourself in pictures and seeing adouble chin? Or are you tired of staring in the mirror andlooking at your profile and asking yourself, “Whathappened to my neck? When did it get this muffin top?”Dreaded turkey neck is a common concern among millionsof people, as are other areas such as love handles, bra fatand belly fat. As you age your weight fluctuates, your skinloses its elasticity, your entire body begins to sag anddroop, and those fat deposits are harder to get rid of.Unfortunately, your chin and neck are the most visible partsthat can’t easily be tucked away. If the thought of havingnumerous, painful injections to your sub-mental fat is notappealing to you or perhaps neck stretching yogatreatments and lifting neck exercises have exhausted youand even neck firming creams and turtlenecks have failedyou, we have a better and permanent solution:CoolSculpting with Cool Mini. The Cool Mini is designed to treat small areas of fat, suchas the sumental area. An average of 20% fat reduction canbe achieved, which is consistent with other Coolsulptingapplicators. Submental fullness associated with subcutaneous fat takesaway from a balanced facial appearance, makingindividuals appear heavier and older than they are. Asurvey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery in2014 showed 7 out of 10 consumers are bothered bysubmental fullness.

Why choose CoolSculpting for fatreduction? CoolSculpting is an FDA approvedtechnology that uses cold therapy tofreeze and destroy fat cells. It deliverscontrolled, targeted cold therapythrough a process that lasts aboutone hour per treatment area. Theskin is treated with cooling plates thatmodify the temperature of the fat tojust above freezing. The coldtreatment temperature inCoolSculpting causes the fat cells to give up their energy;hence, cell death is the result; a process referred to ascryolipolysis. The procedure targets only fat cells and onlythose fat cells in the superficial fat layer, close to the skin.Then via your lymph system, the dead cells are removedfrom your body over the course of 60-90 days, for a moregradual and natural result. Treating the neck only takes 60minutes and the patient can resume normal activities.During the CoolSculpting procedure, most patients remaincompletely comfortable and can read, listen to music orsimply relax. Most patients are able to return to work andresume other regular activities the very same day. Dr. G. Joseph Fitzgerald, Owner/Medical Director of PureLife Medi-Spa, has been practicing family practice medicine for 20 years.

NECK-LESSThe answer on how to get rid of chin fat

*FDA – Cleared *Non-Surgical *Painless *No Injections *No Downtime


he Silver Queen and BelleairCoins, both under the same roofjust east of Belleair Bluffs, are one

of the state’s largest buyers and sellersof gold and silver. The family business,started by Art and Pat Arbutine, both 81,opened in 1972. “We moved around a lot while Art wasin the Air Force,” says Pat, “and weknew we wanted to retire in BelleairBluffs. Art had this idea to open a smallcoin shop, so when he left the Air Force,we did it.”The Arbutines leased a small 700square foot shop, where Peter’s TailorShop operates today, at 778 IndianRocks Road N. and opened BelleairCoins. In 1979, they created The SilverQueen, a related concept, butspecializing in buying and selling chinaand silver place settings and fine jewelry.Both businesses kept growing and by1984 needing to expand, they boughtland at the south end of their strip centerand built a larger storefront (it is nowhome to a physical therapist.) They ran both businesses out of thatslightly larger space for ten years. Whenthey decided they needed to expandagain, they found there were zoningissues in Belleair Bluffs. In 2002, theydecided to move their business out ofBelleair Bluffs into a new 15,000square-foot home in Largo at 1350West Bay Drive, where they remaintoday.Art and Pat’s three sons, Greg (51),Chris (50) and Jayson (49) all work inthe business with specific responsibilities.The third generation is showing thebeginnings of a future there too, as theirgrandchildren are learning the trade. About 500 people come through theirdoors each week, although it variesdepending on the season. When youenter the store, you are in the middle ofThe Silver Queen, which is where they

display and sell fine china,silver and jewelry. They have asmall area which acts like amuseum displaying very oldand valuable pieces, that arefor sale.To the right of the entrance isBelleair Coins. This is the areawhere have your valuablesappraised and possibly bought.“We buy almost anythingprecious, except furniture,” saysChris. “This includes silver,bullion and jewelry. Peoplecome in with things, but haveno idea what it might beworth,” Chris adds. “There isno charge for us to estimatetheir value. If they are interestedin selling, we will make them anoffer, on the spot.”“We are experts in pricing such things.We have been doing this a long timeand we are in contact with a network ofbuyers who expect us to call them withcertain types of jewelry and antiques.We may or may not offer the mostmoney, but we are definitelycompetitive,” Chris explains.Some purchased items are sold at TheSilver Queen; others are sent to buyers.Some jewelry and other products aremelted down to be resold as solid goldand silver. “We are not scrap buyers and we arenot a pawn shop, either,” Chrisemphasizes. “We buy value and we buyto resell. We look for nicer pieces ofjewelry that we might be able to resell.When we buy something for resale, wemake about a 10-20% fee, just likebuying and selling a car.”“This business has certainly changedover the years,” says Chris. “People inflea markets sell jewelry and silver thatmay or may not be worth anything.EBay has been popular for about 10

years, but people whouse it to sell or buy theirstuff do not always knowwhat they are getting.We are local and wehave been here for over40 years. People knowus. We even occasionallymake house calls,” Chrisexplains. “Sometimespeople call us when theirfamily members die andthere is just too muchstuff or it is too heavy.Our kind of customerservice is something youcan’t find online.” “When buying coins, we

either buy them to resell to investors orto melt down for their raw value. Wehave many people in our network -collectors, investors or even auctioneers.Many small dealers buy from us.”The Silver Queen buys and sells pre-owned silver and sterling. “In the olddays, hippies would come in and buyour old sterling silverware and turn itinto hip jewelry, rings, and bracelets,”says Pat, reflecting on the 1970s and‘80s. “Now after four decades, we arestarting to see our friend’s grandchildrencoming in selling their grandparentsstuff.”The two businesses are like economicsee-saws. People selling in downeconomic times and buying when theeconomy is moving upwards. Pat’s favorite thing is their museumarea. “It is the center piece of our store,”Pat proudly exclaims. “We have somevery historic pieces and many authenticTiffany lamps. We used to travel a lot,buying things along the way. I saved itand put it in the back room because Ialways wanted to have a museum toshow it off. It is also for sale, too. Ouroldest things are some ancient coins.We have a spoon made by Paul Revere.We also bought some Flying Tigermedals.”“You cannot be a collector and a dealerat the same time,” Chris gently remindshis mother. “You can’t do both.”“We wanted to be the Tiffany’s ofBelleair Bluffs, says Pat proudly. “Nowwe consider ourselves the Tiffany’s ofLargo.” Get more information on these twobusinesses on their web sites:SilverQueen.com andBelleairCoins.com. Owner ChrisArbutine has been the Mayor of BelleairBluffs since 2001.

THE KING AND QUEEN OF THE SILVER QUEEN

Chris, Art and Pat Arbutine

T


Years containing a Leap Year Day arecalled Leap Years. 2016 is such ayear. Leap Year Day falls on February29th, as it always does, but do youknow why we even have Leap Years?A Leap Day is added every so manyyears to keep our Gregoriancalendar in alignment with the Earth’srevolutions around the sun. It takes

the Earth approximately 365.242199 days, (what we referto as a year) to circle once around the sun. If we did notadd a Leap Year Day every so often, we would have close tosix extra hours each year. Over time that builds up - at theend of 100 years, our calendar would have shifted 25 days;after 700 years, our summer would happen duringDecember.In 45 BC, during Julius Caesar’s rule, the Romans were thefirst to discover the problem. When they created the Juliancalendar, named after their emperor February 24th wastheir leap day. It made sense because in their calendar,February was the last month of the year. In 1582, during Pope Gregory XIII’s reign, the Juliancalendar was refined creating the Gregorian calendar. Thenew calendar changed many previously known dates andmonths, and established Leap Year Day as February 29th,the 60th day of almost every fourth year. However, nothingis never that simple. Other adjustments are required evercentury or so.A Leap Year occurs in almost, but not all years divisible by4. Years that are divisible by 100, and not by 400, are notleap years. Thus 1800 and 1900 were not leap years; 1600

and 2000 were.A Leap Year Day baby is a person born on February 29th.They are commonly referred to as a “Leapling.” During anon-leap year, some Leaplings celebrate their birthdays onFebruary 28 while others on March 1; it is their choice.Some only celebrate getting older every fourth year. Leap Year Day is also referred to as Bachelor Day in somecultures. This is not to be confused with Sadie Hawkins Day,a November holiday made up by the comic strip, Li'l Abner.On Bachelor Day (Leap Year Day) a single woman maypropose marriage to the bachelor of her choice. If the manrefuses, he is obligated to give the woman money or buyher a dress. In upper-class Europe, he must buy her 12pairs of gloves, used to hide the woman’s embarrassment ofnot having an engagement ring. So, women if you are notmarried yet, start looking for that available bachelor. Fun Leap Year facts: A Utah woman is known to have given birth three timeson February 29th. In 2004, 2008 and 2012. In Greece it is unlucky to marry on Leap Year Day. For 20 years, Anthony, Texas has been the self-proclaimed"Leap Year Capital of the World". Its festival, a birthday partyfor “leapers,” attracts people from around the world. About four million living people are estimated to havebeen born on February 29. About 200,000 live in the U.S. If you are a salaried employee, you are working for freethat day. The frog (probably due to the game Leap Frog) is asymbol associated with Leap Year Day

2016 IS A LEAP YEAR


TAKE PRECAUTIONS COYOTES REPORTED IN IRB

While Coyotes have beenseen all over Pinellas Countyfor years, it has only beenrecently that they have beendocumented inside IndianRocks Beaches’ city limits.They have even been seen inthe vacant lot on Gulf Blvd.and 20th Ave.A coyote looks like a mediumsize dog as and is a memberof the dog family. They weighbetween 20 and 30 poundsand have pointed ears, anarrow muzzle and a bushytail. Males are larger than thefemales. They can bark like adog, but normally makesounds similar to yelps andhowls. They can be seen atany time during the day ornight, but are most active at sunrise and sunset. These animals are amazingly adaptable, and cansurvive in nearly any habitat. They arrived in PinellasCounty in the 1970s and have found a home in parksand preserves, and in wooded areas that surround manyresidential areas.Coyotes normally prey on small animals, such asrodents, rabbits and smaller predators, includingraccoons, opossums and foxes. In urban areas they havebeen known to eat cats and small dogs. “As long as residents keep wildlife wild and do notprovide easy meals to them, they should not pose athreat to people,” said Dr. Welch Agnew, director ofPinellas County Animal Services. “The problem comeswhen people start leaving food outside their homes, orleave trash available, or allow their cats and dogs toroam the neighborhood. Then, we are providing easymeals to wild coyotes, inviting them into our areas, andencouraging them to lose their natural fear of humans.”Residents are reminded to follow simple precautions toprevent the threat of coyotes:• Never leave pet food or trash outside where it willattract wildlife.• Clear brush and dense weeds from around dwellings.This reduces cover for coyotes and their prey, such asrodents and other small animals.• Protect children. Although rare, coyotes have beenknown to seriously injure children. Do not leave youngchildren unattended, even in a backyard.• Protect pets and livestock. These are favorite prey forcoyotes. Keep pets indoors, especially at night. Keepdogs and cats leashed at all times. There is a PinellasCounty Ordinance that prohibits dogs or cats fromroaming freely.• Use negative reinforcement. Make sure the coyotesknow that they are not welcome. Make loud noises,throw rocks or spray with a garden hose.• Report any coyote threats to people or pets to AnimalServices at (727) 582-2600. For a copy of the coyote safety brochure, visitwww.pinellascounty.org/animalservices.


by Becky Griffin, Publishert all started 55 years ago with agrenade. John Piazza, Sr. boughtthat grenade and began his lifelong

passion of collecting militaryequipment. Over the years, he addedto his collection of various weapons,uniforms and even vehicles spanningwars from WWI to Vietnam. Eventually,he had to invested in a largewarehouse to store it.Piazza (76) served as a Marine and isstill a member of the local MarineCorp. League. After his service, heworked with a healthcare company thatmanaged Senior Centers. He found theCenter’s residents enjoyed talkingabout their years of service and wereinterested in seeing his assortedartifacts. As the collection grew, hecreated small exhibits, packed theminto a trailer thus creating a smalltraveling military history museum,enjoyed by his Centers’ residents.About ten years ago, Piazza retired andspent the next 18 months converting hiswarehouse into the Armed ForcesHistory Museum. He had alreadyassembled 80% of today’s collection.Because he never had plans to convertthe warehouse into a museum, it istucked out of sight in an industrialpark, but when you pull in, and see thevarious jeeps and military vehicles, ahelicopter on the roof, and even aplane all in the parking lot, you realizethere is more here than you imagined. When you walk through the doors intothe 50,000 square foot museum, thereis an overwhelming feeling that it is like“the Smithsonian meets Disney.” Themulti-award winning museum featuredon the History Channel, TLC, and PBS,boasts the largest collection of militarymemorabilia in the Southeast, withmany interactive displays. With nearly100,000 artifacts and 50 operationalvehicles, the museum is ever evolving.

One of the most popular exhibits is theWWI trench. When you enter, you areimmediately transported back in time toexperience what soldiers felt. As youwalk through the life size trench, youhear the gunfire and see the smoke.Soldiers are radioing instructions fromthe communications room. Everythingyou see was actually used in WWI. From there, you enter the WWII arena.The first thing you see in the center ofthe room are several large scalemodels of Japanese ships (appearingto be at sea) that were used in thefilming of the movie Tora! Tora! Tora!Numerous American and Japaneseuniforms are on display. Actual PearlHarbor footage is running on a 20-footscreen. You hear radio transmissionsfrom a WWII communication centerand listen as a local Tampa herorecalls how he won the Medal of honor. The exhibits and memorabilia continue,including a MASH tent, the Ho ChiMinh Trail, a special tribute to POWsand MIAs and more. Saddam Hussein’suniform is on display. Large scalemodel planes appear to fly overheardand they have gone to great lengths toenhance your experience with muralsand interactive displays throughout.A very popular area is the virtualVoyager Motion Simulator. You feel theexcitement while experiencing one often different virtual encounters. Inaddition, climb up to the cockpit of aRussian Mig jet, ride a WWII MEreconnaissance vehicle, see an actualQuonset Hut, or peer through aworking 42-foot submarine periscope. Piazza created the museum because hewants to pay tribute to our MilitaryVeterans every day, not just onVeteran’s Day. He hopes by helpingpeople to experience the battles andrelive the history, they will be moreaware of veteran’s sacrifices. But, Piazza and the Museum staff are

not just about re-living history. They arealso about education. Their Operation:Education initiative, funded throughdonations and special events, providesTitle 1 Schools all-expense paid fieldtrips for their students. Trips includetransportation, admission and a boxedlunch for each student. Any teachermay also borrow a duffle bag, filledwith artifacts from a specific war, free ofcharge, which they can use for twoweeks. This allows students to touchand hold the same equipment used bya soldier at war. The museum is available for privateparties, and throughout the year, theysponsor many fundraising events. Theirvery popular Red, White and Craft BeerBrews Fest, held in the spring, has over75 craft beers, food trucks, museumtours and more. Their Memorial DayFunfest includes crocodile wrestling anda petting zoo. The Stars & Stripes USOShow has grown so large, it is nowheld downtown at the Coliseum. It is alive re-enactment of a USO Show.As we said, if you have never beenthere, The Armed Forces HistoryMuseum is hard to find. It is located at2050 34th Way N., Largo. FromUlmerton Road, turn onto 34th Way N.heading north, where the Citgo gasstation is (approximately ¼ mile west ofBelcher Road.) The museum entrance isat the end of the street. It is openTuesday through Saturday from 10 amto 4 pm and Sundays noon to 4 pm.They are closed Mondays. Admission is$17.95 for adults, $14.95 Seniors,$12.95 ages 13-18 and $9.95 ages12 and under. Retired militarypersonnel are free.The Armed Forces History Museum isa non-profit 501(c)(3) organizationfunded primarily through admissions,donations, and special events. Forinformation, call (727) 539-8371 orvisit ArmedForcesMuseum.com to seephotos of the exhibits.

SPEND AN AFTERNOON AT LARGO’S ARMED FORCES MUSEUM

Something Fun To Do NearbyI


JEEPSTERSNOW OFFERSCUSTOMPARTS Since1997, IndianRocks Beachresident Bill Colland owner ofJeepsters hasbeen in the Jeep

business. The company buys, sells and repairs usedJeeps for area Jeep owners. He is converting hisbusiness to a more specialized are and will focus onselling Jeep parts and accessories. He opened ashowroom at 6875 Ulmerton, just west of 66th Street,inside his building and will be selling specialized after-market parts for Jeep owners. For that special customizepart, visit GoJeepsters.com. or call him at 538-0086._________________________IRB STUFF Indian RocksBeach’s newest businesses isfull of fun, mostly handmadeor one of a kind items, but itis not a consignment store.There are paintings, antiques,vintage and retro items,nautical themed and beachdecore, you name it. IRB Stuffis located at 1401 Gulf Blvd,next to Pinky’s. Call them at488-2207._________________________FIVE YEARS LATER Hope Wyatt’s Zen HealingMassage opened five years ago in January 2011. Now,she is proud to announce she has opened Zen YogaStudio in the same plaza. The studio is a small, intimatespace allowing the yoga instructors to give more one onone attention to students. Class times are posted atzenmassageandyoga.com or on their Facebook page,Mindbody. Call 417-7349 or stop by at 1401 Gulf Blvd._________________________________________________LAND FOR SALE The county is selling the lot on GulfBlvd between 23rd and 24th Avenues. This is a rareopportunity to purchase a .83 acre lot in Indian RocksBeach made up of three parcels with 300 feet on GulfBlvd. Bids are being accepted until 3pm January 19. Ifinterested, call Jim Just at 464-3925 or email him [email protected]. Contact Danny Taylor withthe City of Indian Rocks Beach concerning zoning. _________________________________________________BELLEVIEW BILTMORE GOLF COURSE UPGRADESThey recently finished a $330,000 renovation of everybunker on the golf course. They removed the old sand,re-contoured every bunker, added new drainage andnew G-Angle sand, and finished with sodding each.They also renovated tees on #6, #8 and #12 byadding teeing area and sodded them with celebrationsod. Their golf shop was given a face lift too and now isstocked with new logo merchandise and members onlylogo. The next phase of the renovations will begin inApril/May of 2016 with renovation of the tee boxes._________________________________________________WE WANT YOUR NEWS Are you moving, expanding orplanning an event at your business? We want to know. Ifyou have news or story suggestions, email them [email protected] or call us at 727-517-1997

Business News....


PASTRY SHOPOPENS Nick Zahosopened his bakery,Astoria Pastry Shop, inNovember on AntiqueAlley in Belleair Bluffs. Itis just one block fromwhere he lived, until heand his mother movedto Greece when he was9. That is where helearned to cook. Whenhe returned to the U.S.,he moved back toPinellas County andworked in variousrestaurants andbakeries, most recently Freida’s on Ulmerton Road. Astoria Pastry Shop offers European, traditional andmodern pastries, cakes, pies, cheesecakes, cookies, alongwith coffee and espresso. Their new patio, under the bigoak tree, is a perfect place to enjoy a coffee and pastry. “We have 4 or 5 bakers helping with the baking,” saysZahos. “They come in at 6 am and are usually done by1 pm. Even my mother Maria helps.Big sellers are ourspinach pies and quiche. All of our quiches are meatless.We have a three-cheese quiche, too. We offer a line ofglutten-free cakes and cookies, too” Nick adds.They are open Monday-Saturdays 8 am to 5 pm. (Closedon Sundays) at 560 Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs,next to Petal and Vines. Stop in for something from theirlarge line of seasonal specials including pies, cookies andspecial pastries. Call them at 585-3777. ________________________NOW SELLING DRONESNate Whittle opened RADbike store a few years ago at1401 Gulf Blvd. He sells andrents bikes and accessories.Recently he started to dabblewith selling drones. They areso popular that now, he sellsmore drones than bikes. “Iwish I had invested more indrones than bikes this pastChristmas season,” saysNate. He also repairs dronesand teaches beginners howto fly them. Stop in and seehis collection, next to Pinky’sIce Cream.________________________NEW AFFILIATION Realtor and City CommissionerPhil Hanna, has is now working with Coastal PropertiesGroup here in Indian Rocks Beach. “It is a great movefor me and Coastal is a great local company, ” saysHanna. Since beginning his real estate career in 1979,he has grown with the industry and its many changes.When interest rates broke through the 10% threshold,he learned creative ways to help buyers and sellersfinance their transactions, making payments affordable.Along with real estate, he has a strong background inmarketing and advertising.You can call Phil direct at422-4035

More Business News....


By Stephanie Schlageter, Radiance MedspaIt's that time of year again. Time to try resolving away your unwanted fat. If that hasn't worked too wellfor you in the past, this year why not try something that will last? With treatments like SlimLipo andCoolSculpting, you can specifically target your trouble zones and permanently shape up with little to nodowntime. The nonsurgical treatment CoolSculpting literally freezes away fat, while the minimally-invasive SlimLipo melts away fat through a tiny incision. Both options provide excellent results that youcan love forever.SlimLipo utilizes a laser to melt fat cells through tiny incisions in the skin. The liquefied fat is gently removed usingsuction, offering immediate results that continue to improve during the next few months. What’s more, SlimLipo notonly removes fat cells in targeted areas, it also tightens skin. Unlike traditional liposuction, there is little downtime with a SlimLipo treatment. Patients can typically return to workthe next day. A compression garment must be worn for a short period of time, but SlimLipo results will last a lifetime. Developed by Harvard scientists, the CoolSculpting treatment was conceived after researchers noticed that childrenwho ate popsicles developed dimples because the cold eliminated fat in their cheeks. These brilliant folks applied thisidea to a fat-reduction treatment that has now been safely and effectively performed more than 2.5 million timesworldwide. During a CoolSculpting visit, a suction applicator is applied to the treatment area, and a cold sensation is felt, as theapplicator begins to freeze targeted fat without damaging the surrounding tissue. A typical applicator cycle takesabout an hour and most individuals will get 2-6 applicators to cover the whole area for best results. To reducetreatment time, two applicators can be used at the same time, referred to as DualSculpting, cutting treatment time inhalf. Post-treatment, the body naturally eliminates the frozen fat cells during the next 12 weeks, leaving you withpermanent fat reduction. SlimLipo and CoolSculpting are ideal for almost any of those non-budging bulges and tiresome trouble spots. Thesetreatments can eliminate fat on the belly, thighs, love handles, upper arms, bra fat and knees. And withCoolSculpting's new Cool Mini applicator, you can now also reduce fat under the chin.Resolve to do something different this year. Sculpt your ideal silhouette with body contouring treatments like SlimLipoand CoolSculpting for resolutions that will last!

YOUR 2016 BODY CONTOURING RESOLUTION

“Space-saving” furniture is one of thefastest growing areas in homefurniture today, as people combinetheir need for more space with theirdesire for more luxury and function.Many areas in your home can benefitfrom organizational furniture. Hereare some space-saving trends in highdemand by today’s busy families.The 100-year-old Murphy bed nowoffers modern innovations in styling,finishes, and mechanical technology.The bed cabinets can be beautifulpieces of furniture. It also offers theopportunity to create dual purposerooms. With the lift of a finger, aguest room can become a homeoffice, exercise room or hometheater. When it’s time for bed,simply lower the bed and the roomturns back into a guest bedroom.Demand for Custom Closets hasincreased because people havebecome aware of the benefits a well-organized closet brings, mostimportantly, better organized clothes.This not only reduces time spentfinding special items, but it can helpsave money in cleaning or pressingbills. Once reserved for high end

homes, custom closets are now astandard in most new homes.Garage Cabinets have become muchmore popular as we all collect moreand more things we can’t seem topart with. A good garage cabinet orwall system keeps many of thosethings you can’t live without tidy andout of sight while still leaving roomfor the car. Home Offices have been growing inpopularity since the early 1990s.Although laptops, tablets and cellphones have changed space needs,studying, paying bills or working athome is more effective with adedicated space. Many times,allocated home office space is anodd shape making customizablefurniture the only answer. If youhappen to have an entire room thatcan serve as a home office, you willfind customizable furniture designedfor your way of working greatlyimproves the potential, beauty, andusefulness of a home office.One area in our homes that isconstantly changing is the HomeEntertainment Media Center. Theintroduction of the big screen TV

started the trend, and it continues togrow with today’s wall mountedlower cost flat screen technology.Media centers with music, gamingand ever growing larger TVs arebecoming the family gathering place.Once only addressed by furnitureretailers with simple TV cabinets,centers now requires more flexiblefurniture systems that allow for morecustomization to get the full benefitsof the home theater experience. In the Tampa Bay Area, the leadingretailer for this type of furniture is TheMore Space Place. They have threeconvenient showrooms and designcenters: St. Petersburg west of theGandy bridge on Gandy Blvd., PalmHarbor, north of Tampa Rd. on US19and Lutz, 2.5 miles west of I-75 onState Rd. 54. The design centers arestaffed with friendly designers thathave years of experience in helpingclients find the design that best fitsyour needs. Call 727.580.0405 orvisit MoreSpacePlace.com to find thestore closest to you. They offer freedesign service as well as free inhome design consultations. Let MoreSpace Place can help make yourhome work better for you today.

BEAUTIFUL SPACE-SAVING FURNITURE


BOATING SAFETY COURSECoast Guard Auxiliary in Clearwater All About Boating SafetyCourse is a weekend classes from 8am-1pm Saturday andSunday. The cost is $35. The next classes are January 9-10and February 13-14. Call 469-8895.Coast Guard Auxiliary in Madeira Beach, also holds safeboating classes. They are full days on the first Saturday of themonth beginning at 8am. The next scheduled classes areFebruary 6 and March 5th. Call 391-5185.

LITTLE LEAGUEThey are signing up kids up for Spring Ball, now. Over160 neighborhood children participated last year. Newplayer registration is January 3rd at Largo’s Beef-O-Brady’s from 2-5pm. Returning players may register onlineby January 5th at ETEAMZ.com/WestPinellas. Playerevaluations at Campalong Field are January 15-16.Opening Day is February 13th. They are always in need ofvolunteers, coaches, umpires and sponsors. Call DamonHardiman, President 574-399-9248.

Organizational News....

HISTORICAL MUSEUMThe Museum still needs volunteers to greet museumvisitors Wednesdays through Saturdays (10am-2pm). You do not have to know much history to bea volunteer.Board of Directors meet the first Thursday of everymonth and the public is invited. If you areinterested, call Donna Valery at 517-0517.

IRB BOAT CLUBThe IRB Boat Club is beginning its 9th year. In addition to having fun with their boats, they clean up the intracoastalwaterway twice a year and hold informative monthly meetings. The club is based in Indian Rocks Beach, but anyone incan join…and it is free. Events are held from Tarpon Springs to Egmont Key. EVENTS: the new 2016 event calendar includes some of the same good events from the past with a few new ones.Download the calendar at IRBboatclub.com. MEETINGS are at Jimmy Guana’s (Holiday Inn Harborside) on the third Thursday of the month, September - April. Thenext scheduled meetings are January 21st and February 18th. Upcoming speakers will be announced soon.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARYThe Friends welcome new Librarian, Tina Stagliano. Tointroduce her to the community, they are holding anOpen House on Wednesday, January 13, from 11am to3pm. Come meet Tina. Refreshments will be served. Finding and scheduling volunteers is the still the primaryfunction of the group. They also promote the library andassist in improving the facilities. To volunteer, please call512-1895. or call Jean Scott at 595-1531.


ACTION 2000 submitted by Tim Shears2015 was a spectacular year for Action 2000 and Indian Rocks Beach. Oktoberfest,our annual fundraiser run by volunteers, was the best ever enabling us to continue ourprojects and improvements for our city. We are also proud to have raised $530 for theSusan G. Komen Foundation during the event. Mike Alea from FBC Mortgagepresented the check to Gina Kravitz from the foundation. We capped the year withentering the annual IRB Street parade, with over a dozen volunteers coming out toproduce this year's holiday float, "Santa's Gone Fishing."In 2016, we plan to build more library kiosks at beach accesses, hopefully install moreKey West styled bus shelters at the Trolley stops and continuing the beautification ofGulf Blvd. Service Saturdays resume on January 23rd to clean up the 15th Avenue Beach Access.In February, we will tackle the 16th Avenue Beach Access, join us!Action 2000, a non-profit org. meets at the Beach Arts Center on the second Monday of eachmonth, everyone is welcome to help make IRB a great place to live and work. irbaction2000.comor on facebook - Action2000IRB. Action 2000 - Where Action is the Attraction!

ROTARY NEWSSubmitted by David KlineDecember 13th, the Rotary Club of Indian Rocks Beach held it’sBig Game Grand Prize Raffle Drawing at Slyce Pizza Bar, in IndianRocks. This year’s grand prize winner is William Nicholson. Secondprize winner Maria Macchio received $1000. Third Prize winnerJanet DiBenedetto received $500.This is the 13th year the IRB Rotary has given away the Grand Prizeof two tickets to pro football’s biggest game, February 7th 2016 atLevi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. The winner also receives fournights lodging at the Marriott in Pleasanton, CA. and $1000. We wish to thank all who supported our clubs largest fundraiser bypurchasing chances for the Raffle. We also wish to express ourthanks to Slyce Pizza for sponsoring our Big Game Drawing partyat their outdoor patio and for provided the appetizers and drinkspecials during the event. We salute Slyce for their ongoing supportof the IRB community! IRB Rotary’s next service project will be inFebruary when we will be hitting Gulf Blvd in support of PinellasCounty’s ‘Adopt-a-Mile’ street maintenance program. Look for theorange vested Rotarians and give us a wave or honk to say hello.The Rotary Club of Indian Rocks Beach presents its weekly breakfastmeeting at 7:15 am at Jimmy Guana’s Restaurant. Join them to learn more.

IRB PLAY GROUPIf you want to connect with otherIndian Rocks Beach families thisnew group is for you. The plan isto build a stronger familycommunity on our beach withtheir weekly or monthly playgroupfor children ages 0 - 4 years(older children are welcome, too.)They want to plan park play,group walks, local events,gatherings, and other gettogethers. Your ideas arewelcome, too. Contact ShellyClark if you are interested inparticipating at 727-385-7970 [email protected].

FRIENDS OF IRB DOG PARKSubmitted by Wendell SchottThe IRB Dog Park means so much to many of us.That enclosed bit of green space adjacent to theNature Preserve allows our furry friends to runfree. It is so much more than just a piece of land.It is a place to escape from our busy lives andenjoy time with our "best friends." While ourcanine leash-free hangout provides socializationfor pets and owners, it also has emotionalbenefits for us as well. This past year saw the newly formed Friends ofthe Indian Rocks Dog Park become active in ourcity. Meetings are the first Tuesday of the month,so please join us January 5 and February 2 at6PM at the IRB Museum. Sorry, the meetings areonly for humans, but we look forward to seeingyou and "man's best friend" for some doggonegreat adventures at the Dog Park in the newyear. The dog park is now permit free.

More Organizational News....

BEACH ART CENTERPlan to attend their Monte Carlo Night Saturday,February 20. Approximately two hundred people areexpected to attend this event that includes casinogames with professional dealers such as Roulette,Black Jack, Texas Hold’Em Poker and Craps. A keyevent feature is the fabulous live and silent auction ofunique items of art, dining, services and memorabilia. Please show your support being a sponsor of the eventor donating a silent/live auction item. For informationcontact Anna at 727.596.4331. AvailableSponsorships: Event Sponsor - $2500, CasinoSponsor - $1500, Food Sponsor - $1000, BarSponsor - $500, Game Table Sponsor - $100l Let the Sun Shine: All Media/Open ExhibitionJanuary 8 – February 20, 2016

l Great Performances: Faculty - Student ExhibitionFebruary 26 – April 2, 2016

l 6th Annual Bluegrass Festival, March 12, 2016The Beach Art Center, at 1515 Bay Palm Blvd., Indian RocksBeach, is a non-profit 501(c)3 and whose mission is of visualart education for the community through classes, exhibitionsand programs for adults and children.

IRB HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION FREE Happy Hours are 6-7:30pm on the second Thursday of eachmonth. January 14th: Crabby Bills & February 11th: Slyce • Guppy's Sunset Gallop April 1 - Registration starts January 1st atwww.irbhome.com or pick up your forms at Beachside Fresh Marketor Clever Training.•Meet the Candidates – Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 7:00 pm.We want to thank the Volunteers and the Community for the supportthat we received in 2015. The money raised from our events isdonated back to the Indian Rocks Beach community to fund projects,further worthwhile causes and support beneficial organizations. 2015 Projects: Skate park fence; Foul Poles; Basketball Backboards;10th Ave Park Outdoor Workout Center; Waste Bag Boxes for DogPark; Flag Retirement Program; Art Work for City Hall; 11th AveBenches; Seasonal Pole Banners; Memorial Brick - Helen Baxter2015 Donations: Indian Rocks Beach Food Pantry, Morton PlantMammogram Vouchers, Grace House, Shepard's Village, Families ofMcDill, City of IRB employee spring cookout Watch www.irbhome.com or our Facebook page for more details.


CAFÉ DE PARIS APPRECIATES CONCERNS OnSaturday, November 14, the day after the Paris terroristattacks, Café de Paris found many customers stopping bytheir bakery in Indian Rocks Beach. The customers, manyof them who had not previously shopped there, expressedtheir concern for what had happened in France. Onewoman even placed a bucket filled with flowers at theirfront door. Many inquired about owners Xavier and Valeriede Marchi’s friends and family in Paris, but being fromBernerac, which is five hours south of Paris, they don’thave any family there. “It was overwhelming to know howmany people were thinking of us though,” said Xavier. _________________________________________________TIME FOR BACKWATER’SCHILI COOK OFF Do youthink you have the best chilirecipe? Or do you reallyjust like to eat it? Then planto attend Backwater’s 11thAnnual Chili Cook Off attheir restaurant, on Sunday,January 31st. If you want tobe in the competition,registration begins January 1st.The rules are available on their Web site. Backwater’s islocated at 1261 Gulf Blvd in the Shoppes of Sand Key.Call owner Larry at 517-7383 or visitwww.BackwatersOnSandKey.com for details._________________________________________________NEW OWNERS The Europa Restaurant, newly namedEuropa Café, has new owners, a new look and a newmenu. Mary and her son George recently relocated to thearea after living in Chicago for 19 years. They haverefurbished and updated the inside of their casualrestaurant located at 12125 Indian Rocks Road. They havenew hours too, and now serve dinner. Visit them from7am to 8pm Monday through Friday or 7am to 3pm onweekends. _____________________UPDATEDRESTAURANT HASNEW NAME BelleviewBiltmore Golf Course’srestaurant has a newname and logo. It is nowthe 1501 Bar and Grille.In addition to the newname, they gave the bararea a face lift with newbar lighting, a foot rest,glass shelving, two 55inch TVs, and a new coatof paint.

Restaurant News....


30THANNIVERSARYCELEBRATIONPJ’s Oyster Barhas been inIndian RocksBeach since1985. Tocelebrate their 30years, they helda big celebrationon January 2nd.The event from11am to 11pm had four bands (Razed by Wolves, BlueLighting, T-Bone Hamilton, and Mitch Woods and HisRocket 88’s). There was also a Hula Hoop and Twistcontest. Not to mention, all kinds of food and drinkspecials. Best of all, it was free. ______________________

PROINO’S BREAKFASTCLUB BUILDINGOPENING A THIRDLOCATION Afternumerous permit delays,the new Proino’s BreakfastClub’s construction hasfinally begun on the southend of Clearwater Beach.The new restaurant, in theshopping center betweenThe Reef and Cesar’sItalian Restaurant will be

their third, with other locations in Largo on West Bay Driveand Walsingham Road. They hope the Clearwaterrestaurant will be open by February. _________________________________________________

PARADE’S GRAND MARSHAL To show Crabby Bill’show much the city appreciates them, owner Matt Loderwas the Grand Marshall of this year’s Holiday StreetParade. Matt has gone beyond the call of duty to assist themany city organizations by sponsoring the events that weall enjoy. Thanks again to the Loder Family and CrabbyBills. _________________________________________________MORE ICE CREAM A new ice cream store opened inIndian Shores called Haze Ice Cream. Located at 20001Gulf Blvd., it is owned by the Johnsons who pridethemselves in selling handmade ice cream, Kahwa Coffeeand handcrafted smoothies. The store is south of The Pub.

Restaurant News....


TOM PRITCHARDHis Food Lives On

Tom Pritchard, a partner withBay Star Restaurants, was oneof Tampa Bay’s mostinfluential and respected chefs.He passed away November25th, the day before hisfavorite holiday, Thanksgiving.Pritchard could always tell agood story. He got hisrestaurant start by creating afake resume to get a job inMiami at the upscale RustyPelican Restaurant. “I had noidea what I was doing, but Ihave always been a fastlearner,” Tom would say. “The secret to learning is beingaround people who are smarter than you.”Locally, Pritchard opened the 94th Aero Squadron, wasthe head chef at the Feather Sound Country Club and afew other places. Then, he met Frank Chivas, owner ofBaystar Restaurants which include Salt Rock Grill andIsland Way Grill among others. “I’ve known Tom since the 1970s,” said Chivas, long timefriend, and business partner. “Tom was a rock star in theculinary world.” Chivas hired Pritchard when he opened Salt Rock Grill inIndian Shores in 1997. Pritchard was the restaurant’sExecutive Chef. As the list of company restaurants grew, healso oversaw the menus and kitchens at the other Bay Starrestaurants including Island Way Grill, Marlin Darlin’s, andRumba Island Bar and Grill.Pritchard was the main draw at many local fundraisers.The Abilities Foundation was one of his favorite charities,and he helped host big and small events for them. “We ended up doing maybe 175 wine dinners together,”said Frank DeLucia, CEO of the Abilities Foundation. “Tomwas a fixture at all our dinners. He was usually the mainattraction.” Together, they helped raise over $4 milliondollars for Abilities. Pritchard is best remembered for his willingness and abilityto teach, motivate and mentor many of our area’s bestchefs. The list includes the chefs at Parkshore Grill, Bern’sSteakhouse, Z-Grille and many others. He would take thetime to really talk to up-and-coming chefs, sharing hisknowledge, tips and even recipes. He contributed recipesand ideas for many new restaurant’s menus“What Tom did was make chefs proud of their work andhappy to be in the kitchen,” said Chris Sherman, formerfood critic for the St Petersburg Times.“Tom’s favorite holiday was always Thanksgiving,” saysChivas. “Tom loved to tell the story of how he once cookedThanksgiving dinner for 300 expatriates in Majorca. AtSalt Rock, he would do all the dressings and gravieshimself,” Chivas reflects. “We called it Chef Tom’s feast.” No one knew more about food and wine than Tom,”Chivas goes on. “He was funny--had a great sense ofhumor. He was the Godfather of our hospitality industry.He was just a beautiful person. He always gave more thanhe took.”Tom died from complications of Parkinson’s disease andwas 74 years old. He was in the kitchen cooking untilalmost the end.


By Karen Williams Seel, Pinellas County CommissionerJanuary 2016Memories can be funny sometimes. AsI look back on 2015, I have a lot ofmemories of things I accomplished andof other things I wish I’d gotten started.Well, now it’s 2016 and I definitelywant to accomplish more of myresolutions this time around. The firstthing I am going to do is start a list of52 different things I want to do, one per week, for the nextyear. Some of the goals will be simple, like rememberingto drink enough water each day, while others will be moreinvolved, like training to complete a marathon by the endof the year.Each Friday I will then cross something I accomplished offthe list and select my goal for the next week, based uponmy schedule. A lot of us try to make big, sweeping goalsof change for our lives at the start of a new year, but thelikelihood is that we will accomplish more with anincremental approach to achievement. So, maybe one ofyour goals is to get in better shape. Instead of a broadgoal like that, maybe you could have a goal to go runningor walking on the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail at least onceper week for a year. Perhaps you’re already happy with your level of physicalactivity, but you want to try something new. Well, if you’venever gone kayaking, perhaps going to gorgeous SandKey Park in Clearwater and renting a kayak to enjoy abeautiful Florida day would be a good option for yourresolutions list. Maybe you’re new to Pinellas County and your goals listwill include some social endeavors to expand your circle offriends. Well, if you’re a dog owner, what better way tomake friends than taking Fido to Fort De Soto’s dog beachto meet other dog owners and let your pup make some“furever” buddies.We all have different goals each year, based upon wherewe are on the long, winding path known as life. At thestart of 2016, I am thankful and blessed to be able tocontinue serving as your County Commissioner and I’mgrateful for my wonderful family and friends. I hope you’lljoin me in making a list for your year’s resolutions andmake sure you at least cross one of the easy ones off eachweek. Happy New Year!

MEET THE NEWLIBRARIAN

The City of Indian RocksBeach recently hired anew librarian, TinaStagliano. She just movedback to Florida after livingin Ireland for that lastthree years. While in Ireland she earned her Master’sDegree in Library and Information Studies at UniversityCollege Dublin. Stagliano also spent a year living inThailand where she taught English to kindergartenstudents. She now lives in Belleair Bluffs. To introduce her to the community, The Friends of theLibrary are holding an Open House, Wednesday, January13, from 11 am to 3 pm. Refreshments will be served.

IT’S A NEW YEAR, TIME FORSOME NEW RESOLUTIONS!


MARJORIE ROSEPRESIDENT OF THE GARDEN CLUBA rose by any other name isstill a rose and this one,Majorie Rose, of IndianRocks Beach, happens to bePresident of the BelleairBeach Island Garden Club.She is starting her secondyear. (Note: There is asecond Garden Club in theTown of Belleair). It may seem odd that thePresident of a Belleair Beachorganization lives in IndianRocks Beach, but Rose says itis not really that strange atall. “We have over 30paying members who live asfar away as St Petersburg,Clearwater Beach, Largo,and Seminole.At one time, there were two Belleair Beach Garden Clubs.The Belleair Beach Garden Club started in 1947; TheIsland Garden Club started in 1959. In 1991, the twogroups combined to form one club called the BelleairBeach Island Garden Club. They are beginning their 25thyear as a combined club. Marjorie is from Canada, where she lives half the year. TheClub meets October to April, and she returns to IndianRocks Beach in October, just in time for the first meeting.She has been a member for five years.The Belleair Beach Island Garden Club meets once amonth on the third Wednesday of the month at 10:30 am.They meet at the Belleair Beach City Hall CommunityCenter or occasionally at other nearby locations. Theirvarious speaker topics range from gardening and floralarrangements to creating a Florida friendly environment.After their meetings, they often go to a nearby restaurantfor lunch. Meetings sometimes involve field trips to placeslike the Florida Botanical Gardens or Sunken Gardens. Membership is $20 per year. With that, you get amembership handbook, contact info, and a mailed monthlynewsletter. The group sometimes pays for its speakers andmakes donations to appropriate groups. “We are here to help our members become bettergardeners,” says Rose. “We teach people to appreciatehorticulture.” o join, call Marjorie Rose at 238-8691.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN for 10th Annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding

at Florida Botanical GardensUp to fifty couples are expected to be joined together forone group wedding ceremony on Valentine’s Day, Sunday,February 14, 2016 at 2pm in the romantic and picturesqueWedding Garden of Largo’s Florida Botanical Gardens.A single ceremony will unite all couples in attendance. Thecouples and their guests will celebrate with wedding cakeand refreshments provided by local sponsors. The Clerkhas waived the normal $30.00 ceremony fee. Standardmarriage license fees will still apply. To participate, couples must sign-up no later than Friday,January 29, 2016. For information contact RecordingServices at (727) 464-3008 or www.mypinellasclerk.org.


IMAGES OF SEMINOLEBook Review by Bob Griffin, PublisherEveryone in town knows where theCity of Seminole is – it is just acrossthe bridge, not more than a mileaway. But what do you really knowabout the city’s history? The City ofSeminole is Pinellas County’syoungest city and only incorporatedin November 1970, but there aredocumented settlers dating back tothe early-1800s. USF St. Pete Librarian James Schnurrecently wrote the book Images ofSeminole which is all about the Cityof Seminole’s history. While growingup in nearby Redington Beach, Schnur considered theSeminole area his home on the “mainland.” A native andlifelong resident of Pinellas County, he is a lifetime memberof the Seminole Historical Society and the past President ofthe Pinellas County Historical Society. Schnur has witnesseddramatic changes in the Seminole area while he has livedhere for more than a half-century.The opening chapter of the book traces the lives of earlypioneers living at a time when their closest neighbor livedmiles away. Other chapters detail the development of thecity’s thousands of citrus groves. The development of roadsfrom mere pathways to major highways crisscrossing thecenter of town are described leading up to the developmentof subdivisions created after crippling freezes destroyed thecitrus in the 1960s and ‘80s. In its early days, the area was referred to as Oakhurst; itwasn’t until later that it became Seminole. The City’s namehonors the Native Americans who came into Florida duringthe 18th century although it is not likely that any of themlived anywhere near there--but it is a good name for a city,county and even a university sports franchise although noneare connected. White settlers began arriving in the Seminole area in theearly 1800s; many more moved there after the Civil Warand again after the two World Wars. They were attracted byexcellent weather, farming conditions and drainage. Thearea is located on some of the highest land elevations inthe county. The settlers established farms and discovered acrop new to them - citrus. When the railroad was built that connected Tarpon Springsto St Petersburg, it made stops in the Seminole area. Thisbrought new settlers and allowed the citrus growers tomove their crops north. A bridge was built in 1920 allowinga major road to cross Long Bayou and pass through thecenter of town. Later construction projects virtually createdLake Seminole as we know it today. In 1965, the mall in thecenter town - Seminole Mall, was built. It wasn’t until fiveyears later that the Oakhurst area incorporated andbecome the City of Seminole. Images of Seminole is 125 pages, and includes over 100photos. It is part of The Images of America series whichcelebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and citiesacross the country. Using archival photographs, each titlepresents the distinctive stories from the past that shaped thecharacter of the community today.You can buy Images of Seminole anywhere Arcadia booksare sold, including the bookstore at Heritage Village. Lookfor it online at Amazon.com.

INDIAN ROCKS SPRINGS Life-givers to the Community€¦ · JANUARY / 2016 ISSUE 59 The legendary...

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