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» Clearwater
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Greek Wine and Food Tasting to benefit All Children’s Hospital and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
On October 1, 2011, the Orthodox Men’s Club of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 409 Old Coachman Rd., Clearwater will present a Greek Wine and Food Tasting that will benefit All Children’s Hospital and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Wines from various regions of Greece will be sampled along with food from area restaurants.
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“Dolphin Tale” – Clearwater Aquarium
Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman are in negotiations to star in “Dolphin Tale,” Warner Bros.-based Alcon Entertainment’s inspirational animal tale being directed by Charles Martin Smith. The movie will be a 3D release, perhaps becoming the first family film in this current climate of 3D frenzy to go with the format.
“Dolphin” is inspired by the true story of a dolphin named Winter rescued off the Florida coast and taken in by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
ABOUT THE CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit, working aquarium dedicated to public education, marine research, and the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured or stranded marine life.
CMA serves as a connection between the marine environment and Tampa Bay community. More than 500 dedicated volunteers assist in continuing efforts to protect Florida’s fragile marine environment. Each year, more than 150,000 people come to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to learn about dolphins, sea turtles and other wonders of the sea, but few know the fascinating history behind the big blue building near Clearwater Beach. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium recently celebrated its 30th Anniversary and takes this opportunity to look back fondly on its growth from a tiny exhibit into an internationally-known animal care and environmental education facility.The CMA volunteer program utilizes citizens willing to donate their time for the benefit of our fragile marine environment. Volunteers assist in conducting educational presentations, running the front desk and gift shop, and helping with animal care and rehabilitation. Volunteers are selectively placed with various Aquarium programs. CMA values its volunteers and acknowledges that their actions promote positive attitudes toward education and conservation. Year-round volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Students between the ages of 14 and 17 may apply to CMA’s Junior Volunteer Program, which is held each summer from June until August. The deadline for applications to this program is in late April of each year. Requirements for the program may vary from year to year so applicants are encouraged to be in contact with CMA after the first of the year for more information and the exact deadline date.
Another inspiring reason why life is amazing. . . in Paradise Found!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767
(727) 441-1790
Hours of Operation
Monday – Thursday 9am – 5pm
Friday & Saturday 9am – 7pm
Sunday 10am – 5pmObserved Holidays
New Years Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas DayAbout Winter the Dolphin: www.seewinter.com
About Winter the Dolphin - For Kids: www.winterstail.com
CREDITS: Information and images used in this post provided courtesy of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium website, www.seewinter.com. Copyright 2004-2009 – Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767. Telephone Number: 1 (727) 441-1790.
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Clearwater Jazz Holiday and Jazz ‘N Art Walk
Clearwater Jazz Holiday is proud to announce the Third Annual Clearwater Jazz ‘N Art Walk in Clearwater, FL, October 16th and 17th from 10AM – 5PM.
Each year more than 50,000 visitors come to Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater to enjoy four days & nights of FREE Jazz by some of today’s greats.
The Clearwater Jazz ‘N Art Walk is an art show on the 500 & 600 block of Cleveland St. from Ft. Harrison to East Avenue. Fine art of different mediums will be on display and for sale to the general public.
The GTE Federal Credit Union main stage will be located at Garden Avenue with fantastic entertainment featuring local and regional talent for one to enjoy. Artists scheduled to perform will be announced soon.
The Clearwater Jazz ‘N Art Walk will feature a Kids Educational Zone, located in Station Square, in cooperation with the Dunedin Fine Art Center, showcasing some of the Bay area’s youth works and talents. Kids of all ages can enjoy the art and experience hands-on activities created just for them.
About Jazz ´N Art Walk & Clearwater Jazz Holiday
What started as a 10-day series of jazz concerts held on the back of a flatbed truck and at venues all around the City of Clearwater, has evolved into a major regional jazz festival and draw for tens of thousands of visitors. The Clearwater Jazz Holiday is a world-class gathering of the some of the greatest talents and greatest fans of jazz. The event takes full advantage of its home in Clearwater, Florida, offering music against the backdrop of warm breezes, brilliant sunsets, and one of the world’s greatest beaches, on the Gulf of Mexico.
Over its 30-year history, the Clearwater Jazz Holiday has featured such legendary talents as Tony Bennett, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Mann, Dave Brubeck, Tito Puente, Stephan Grappelli, Stan Getz, and the Count Basie Orchestra, to name only a few. Today’s most popular and innovative jazz stars have also made stops in Clearwater, including Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Al Dimeola, Stanley Clarke, Kevin Mahogany, Hiroshima, Julian Coryell, The Rippingtons, Spyro Gyra, Acoustic Alchemy, Herbie Hancock, Paquito D’Rivera with New York Voices, Rick Braun, The Neville Brothers, Branford Marsalis, Stanley Clarke – Bela Fleck – Jean-Luc Ponty, Koko Taylor, Boney James, Kenny G, Manhattan Transfer, Buckwheat Zydeco, Patti Austin, Joe Sample, David Sanborn, Al Jarreau, Chris Botti and Cherry Poppin’ Daddies.
The Clearwater Jazz Holiday is a unique community event, free to the public and administered by a charitable foundation, The Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation, The City of Clearwater, and its volunteers. Jazz Holiday not only brings live music to the Tampa Bay area, it benefits jazz education through its scholarship and educational activities each year.
Clearwater Jazz Holiday programs are funded in part by grants from The State of Florida , Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, The Florida Arts Council, The National Endowment for the Arts, and the Pinellas County Commission through the Pinellas County Arts Council Cultural Development Program.
Grants Program of the Cultural Affairs Department
The four-day Clearwater Jazz Holiday is administered by an all-volunteer staff, “The Jazz Force,” which plans and executes hundreds of services needed to accommodate more than 50,000 visitors during the third week in October.
It is the mission of the Clearwater Jazz Holiday to be the leading proponent of jazz entertainment and education in Florida through the annual presentation of a world-class, live music festival in Clearwater, Florida during the third week of October and to promote tourism to Pinellas County as a key component of this celebration.
For more information about the event, please call 1+ (727) 461-5200 or send an email to: michelle@clearwaterjazz.com.
EVENT WEBSITES:
CREDITS: Event information and images courtesy of www.jazznartwalk.com. August 27, 2010. About the Poster Art: Lorraine Potocki started her business, Florida Pastels LLC, in February 2008. Her medium, pastels, allows her to capture the beauty of Florida’s beaches, wildlife, and environment. She graduated from The College of New Jersey with a degree in Fine Arts and Education. She has exhibited in Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Madeira Beach, Clearwater and Jacksonville. Lorraine is an active member of the Pastel Society of Tampa Bay, PAVA, and the Greater Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce. She will be the featured artist at the Greater Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce Fine Arts and Crafts Festival in December. She also teaches private lessons in her studio and conducts pastel workshops in the Greater Tampa Bay Area. She won third place in the “Fall in Furniture Love” Scan Design competition, Tampa region. Lorraine and her art were featured in the July/August 2009 issue of Tampa Bay Magazine. Lorraine was the recipient of The 2009 United Way Volunteer of the Year in Arts and Recreation for her work at Bakas Equestrian Center Horses for Handicapped in Tampa.
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Pinellas County Beaches
Pinellas County Beaches
An unspoiled, beautiful part of life . . .
. . . in Paradise Found!Pinellas County maintains three major parks along the Gulf Coast. Fort De Soto Park, located in Tierra Verde, at the south end of the county, is one of the largest county parks in the State of Florida, with over seven miles of shoreline.
Sand Key Park, located in central Pinellas County, has almost a half mile of beachfront. Howard Park is a gem located on the Gulf of Mexico in the northern reaches of the county in Tarpon Springs. These parks offer a list of amenities that include picnicking facilities, fishing opportunities and other items of interest to residents and tourists alike.
In addition to these major beach park facilities, Pinellas County has six beach access parks, including Indian Rocks, Tiki Gardens/Indian Shores, Redington Shores, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, and St. Pete Beach. These beach access parks expand public access, and include restroom and shower facilities. Pinellas County beach access parks are used by almost eight million visitors each year.
There are several fabulous links on the official Fort De Soto Park website, including virtual tour views, a beach access guide and beach finder, a beach and shell guide, a birding checklist for Fort De Soto Park, a Google Earth tour of Pinellas County Beaches, and a water quality guide. This information is also available from the Pinellas County and Visitor’s Bureau websites, too. Helpful links provided below.
Two state parks in Pinellas County, Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island, provide almost five miles of direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Honeymoon Island State Park is accessible by car, while pristine Caladesi Island State Park is easily reached by modestly priced public ferry that departs several times per day from Honeymoon Island State Park. Amenities and ample public parking is available within the grounds of Honeymoon Island State Park for both facilities.
In addition to the parks mentioned above, several important municipal parks provide direct beach access, amenities and public parking as well. St. Pete Beach’s Pass-A-Grille and Upham Beaches, Treasure Island’s four city-operated beach access parks, Madeira Beach’s Archibald Park and Clearwater’s North and South Beach Parks are examples of municipally operated beach access facilities.
In Pinellas County, beach access is provided at 31 parks and 135 public easements providing well over 12,000 parking spaces available to the public.
Pinellas County continues to recognize the need for expanding the publicly available beach access points and the desirability of providing properly designed and aesthetically pleasing walkovers. The joint efforts on the part of Pinellas County, the State of Florida, our local beach municipalities and the tremendous citizen volunteer efforts employed in our dune replanting, continue to make our beach access expansion and enhancement program a resounding success.
About Pinellas County Beaches
Occupying a peninsula along the Gulf Coast in the heart of west central Florida, Pinellas County is the second smallest county in the state, containing less than 281 square miles. While small in total area, Pinellas enjoys a long coastline along the Gulf Coast, providing over 35 miles of fine white sandy beaches stretching from Tarpon Springs to Fort De Soto.
With over 3,150 people per square mile, Pinellas County today is by far the most densely populated county in the State of Florida and is second only to Atlanta Georgia’s Fulton County, in the southeastern United States. Large numbers of residents are attracted to the county’s mild sub-tropical climate and strong economy. In 1996, over 4.1 million overnight visitors came to Pinellas County from around the state, the nation and throughout the world. To support the growing needs of our expanding residential population and the large number of visitors drawn to our area, enhancing our beaches, the county’s greatest asset, is vitally important to our overall economy and quality of life in our community.
Spotlight — Fort De Soto named America’s Top Beach – 2008
Pristine Area Favorite Lauded as “Portrait of Tranquility”Fort De Soto Park was named America’s Top Beach by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest online travel community.
Citing a “spectacular combination of soft white sand, calm, clear water and a laid-back atmosphere,” the popular online travel network put the park’s North Beach at the top of its annual best-of list, based on TripAdvisor’s Popularity Index.
This marks the second time in three years the pristine Pinellas County beach has received top honors on an annual “best-of” list. In 2005, Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. “Dr. Beach,” named Fort De Soto the nation’s #1 Beach.
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/beaches.htm
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/virtual_tour_beach_menu.htm
http://www.pinellascounty.org/PDF/BeachGuide.pdf
http://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/?type=beach
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/pdf/beach-shells.pdf
http://www.pinellascounty.org/resident/recreation.htm
CREDITS: Information courtesy of www.PinellasCounty.org. Photography provided courtesy of my personal photo collection, my friend Brian Greene, and the beach panoramic scene photo provided courtesy of Pinellas County Communications Department
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Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer
Nat King Cole said (well, sang) it best:
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
those days of soda and pretzels and beer
roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
you’ll wish that summer could always be here!Summer is here! It’s the perfect time to enjoy a variety of fun and refreshing water sports, including jet skiing, kayaking, kite boarding, power boating, sailing, and wind surfing. The South Gulf Beaches area of Pinellas County (FL) is home to these activities-and more!
Visitors and residents need only visit Dolphin Landings in St. Pete Beach behind the Dolphin Village shopping center, historic Merry Pier in Pass-a-Grille, or The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg, to arrange for a sunset sail, dolphin watch, deep sea fishing, power boat cruise, snorkeling, nature tour, or island adventure to Egmont Key and Shell Key.
Check out Starlite Cruises, which operates five vessels in the intracoastal waterways of coastal Florida, with locations in Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Consider a sightseeing cruise, luncheon or dinner cruise aboard the Starlite Majesty Dinner Yacht or Starlite Princess Riverboat. Or, how about a tropical island party cruise aboard the Calypso Queen or a dolphin watch adventure aboard the Dolphin Racer speedboat. Starlite Cruises additionally offers a nature eco-tour aboard the Sea Life Safari.
This “fun for the family” excursion is a two-hour scenic boat ride. Billed as a Sea Life Safari Eco Tour, the adventure is hosted by Clearwater Marine Aquarium. You’ll travel to Shell Island and spend time looking for seashells on the beach at Compass Island. And, you’ll get a bird’s eye view (pun intended) of sanctuaries for some of our area’s most beautiful and exotic birds. You’ll have a chance to see, touch, and learn about marine creatures that are native to the Suncoast of Florida. Kids of all ages will enjoy this hands-on learning experience. No matter what cruise or adventure you choose, you’ll interact with a variety of birds, dolphins, fish, seahorses, turtles, and other fascinating sea life!
Its summer and the communities of Pinellas County (FL) are abuzz with activity in celebration of the season. And, many events are planned to commemorate the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend!
To conclude, let me add, as an enticement, any time is a great time to visit the South Gulf Beaches. But summertime is a golden gem. The sun shines, our beaches glisten, the water sparkles, and the nighttime horizon dazzles.
Plan a trip to one of our area’s top-rated beaches, enjoy a multitude of water sports, or chill out by a cool pool. On the Fourth, take in a parade, plan a picnic, and enjoy a fireworks display.
Remember . . . we’re on island time. Don’t be lazy . . . it won’t be hazy . . . you’ll be crazy not to enjoy summer staples of soda and pretzels and [root] beer!
Just another day in Paradise Found!
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Thanks for visiting!
NOTE: Photos courtesy of Dolphin Landings, Starlite Cruises, and The Pier.
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Botanical Gardens, Butterflies, Eagles, and Sea Turtles
Botanical Gardens, Butterflies, Eagles, and Sea Turtles
As our state’s name implies, Florida is synonymous with flora and fauna.
In Pinellas County, summer has arrived! Mother Nature is relishing the season. Bird of Paradise, Blue Daze, Bougainvillea, Jasmine, Crape Myrtle, Verbena, and perennial Oleander and Hibiscus, are in bloom in a bevy of enchanting colors. The names of native flowering plants hint at the magic of this special time of year-Beach Sunflower, Golden Dew Drop, Sunshine Mimosa, Magnolia, and Coral Honeysuckle.
Many of these beautiful plants are intoxicatingly fragrant, attracting another of Mother Nature’s wonders . . . butterflies. These winged creatures are equally enchanting in their diversity of color, shape, and size. Flowers and butterflies are everywhere right now, but anyone who enjoys viewing them may wish to visit the Florida Botanical Gardens. Located minutes from the South Gulf Beaches in the community of Largo, visitors are welcome to stroll through the Gardens and the adjoining historical park at Heritage Village. Both are conveniently open every day-and there is no admission fee!
Preview the Florida Botanical Gardens online at: http://www.flbg.org/.
Aside from the plant world, our neighborhoods offer attractions to behold in the fauna world, too! Hot pink Rosetta Spoonbills, snowy white egrets, giant gray Heron, tiny Sandpipers, and the occasional (and rare) white Pelican, are here and have helped to welcome summer. 
Another sight to behold is one of our nation’s most patriotic emblems-Bald Eagles. Recently, a pair of these majestic creatures constructed a mammoth nest near the top of a dead wood tree situated on the secluded side of a lake in Tierra Verde. They have attracted birdwatchers from around the globe. Eagle sightings are not an uncommon occurrence in Pinellas County. The winged ambassadors are admired and respected (with the latter attribute being mutual in its dissemination).Most excitingly of all, summer ushers in sea turtle hatching season. Pinellas County is home to miles of beautiful beaches. Several species of sea turtles are prevalent in the waters off of our shores in the Gulf of Mexico. Nesting and
hatching season runs from May 1 through October 31. At this time of year, residents and visitors may encounter a sea turtle nest or hatchlings. Help protect our sea turtles by visiting Pinellas County Environmental Management online by clicking here.To see sea turtles, including “Stubby,” the Green Sea Turtle, and Leatherbacks (the largest local species), visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Pinellas County. Photos and videos of turtles and other aquatic life, including Winter, the rescued Dolphin, are online at:
Flora and fauna are abundant (and valued) throughout Pinellas County, which contributes to our area being such a special place to live, work, and play. There is much to marvel at and fall in love with . . . from botanical gardens to eagles, sea turtles, and the carefree flight of butterflies that, in itself, defines the laidback lifestyle in our neighborhoods.
The opportunity to live in harmony with awe-inspiring plants and creatures is, in my estimation, a treasured gift from Mother Nature. It represents another example of the beauty of life in Paradise Found!
Enjoy it. Thanks for visiting!
NOTE: Photos used in this blog post are courtesy of the Florida Botanical Gardens and Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
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Clearwater
Clearwater’s sugar-white sands and warm Gulf of Mexico waters have made it a popular vacation destination – and an incredible place to live. Overlooking the Gulf and connected with its famous beach by a scenic, two-mile causeway, Clearwater offers the perfect combination of work and play.The Beach
Clearwater Beach has been named the “Best City Beach on the Gulf of Mexico.” Three miles of beachfront – all public – offer some of the best shelling, sunning and sailing opportunities anywhere, with fun shops and restaurants dotting the landscape. The newest highlight of Clearwater Beach is the nearly complete 3,000-ft. BeachWalk. The winding beach-side promenade is invigorating the personality of an already lively destination.
The Clearwater Marina houses the largest recreational fleet of fishing boats on Florida’s west coast, while the nearby located Clearwater Marine Aquarium introduces visitors to the dolphins, stingrays and sea turtles that populate the area’s waters. The city is also in the permitting stage of constructing 132 new slips with easy access to downtown. Pier 60 hosts a nightly family-oriented festival celebrating the sunset with outdoor art, music and entertainment.In Clearwater, vacation starts every Friday.
Lots to do Inland
Coachman’s Park hosts popular community events, including the annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday. Ruth Eckerd Hall is the city’s cultural treasure, the only performing arts center in the state to be designated a Major Cultural Institution.Multitude of Home Styles
Clearwater’s 109,000 residents enjoy a wide selection of homes, from a golf front villa in a master-planned community to a gulf front condo in an elegant high-rise. Many single-family homes, ranging from modest bungalows to upscale luxury residences serve the city’s diverse population. Many residents opt for homes with boat slips to take advantage of Clearwater’s waterfront location.The city’s size offers a large variety of public and private school choices and its own police and fire departments.
“Clearwater is already a great place to live and in five years when the new downtown marina is complete it’s going to be even better – for residents and tourists alike. It’s a continually improving community.” Frank Dane, seven-year resident.
Property Search:
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Factoids:
Population: 109,000
Land Area: 25.3 Sq. Miles
Median Age: 41.8Points of Interest: Public Beaches – offers some of the best shelling, sunning and sailing opportunities anywhere, 3,000-ft. BeachWalk, The Clearwater Marina, The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Pier 60, Coachman’s Park, The annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Golfing.
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Clearwater Jazz Holiday
New Orleans has its Jazz Fest. Montreux has its Jazz Festival. In NYC, it’s the JVC. In Pinellas County we gather for our own world-class musical celebration held every October at the Clearwater Jazz Holiday in the city’s downtown area.What started as a 10-day series of jazz concerts staged from the back of a flatbed truck has evolved into a major regional jazz festival. For three decades now, the Clearwater Jazz Holiday has brought together some of the greatest jazz talents in the world in front of a large and appreciative crowd of fans. And there’s been a lot to appreciate.
Through the years the Clearwater Jazz Holiday stage has been graced by legends: Herbie Mann, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Woody Herman and the Count Basie Orchestra only to name a few. The festival has also showcased contemporary jazz stars such as Jean-Luc Ponty, Bela Fleck, Buckwheat Zydeco, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Natalie Cole and many more.Against the backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico, intense sunsets vie with the music for your attention. Most spectacular of all, the event is free to the public. The Clearwater Jazz Holiday is no doubt one of the most magical musical events in the world. And, it’s only in Pinellas.
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