» pinellas county

• Celebrating Labor Day

  Written by Connie Langhorst No Comments
  Last Updated: August 24, 2009

  Labor Day is just around the corner.

  Given that the Bureau of Labor Statistics is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2009, it seems appropriate, with this post, to recognize Pinellas County for its commitment to preserving our area’s natural beauty and for having a vision for the future.  This achievement is the direct result of the dedication and hard work of many people-from residents to local, state, and federal government officials.

  In recognition of Labor Day, it is fitting to offer a tip of the hat to Mother Nature, for the natural beauty she bestowed upon our area, and to Pinellas County officials for adopting a “Gateway to the Future” plan.

  Here are a some highlights about Pinellas County worth celebrating . . .

  Pinellas County was designated as the first “Green County” in Florida in 2007.  (Source:  Florida Green Building Coalition).

  Two Pinellas County beaches have been named the #1 beach in the continental US, including Ft. De Soto County Park (North Beach) in 2005 and Caladesi Island State Park in 2008.

  According to Pinellas County’s official website, future plans call for supporting economic and employment potential with County projects and plans, a recreational plan, an intermodal transportation hub, international airport master plan update, and plans for other County projects.

  With regard to the environment, County officials, working in conjunction with community leaders, volunteer groups, residents, and representatives from every level of government, are committed to natural resource protection and public use opportunities for parks and waterways throughout Pinellas County.

  Historical preservation is another priority.   Karen Williams Seel, currently a member of the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners, chairs the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, in a post on the County’s website, says:

  Pinellas County enjoys a rich and diverse culture and historic past. The historical, cultural and aesthetic heritage is among its most valued assets. Few urban areas today boast such unique perspectives of the past. Because of widespread growth and redevelopment in recent years, it is critical to the future of our County that we preserve and maintain significant elements of its history.

  With this in mind, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) took the initiative to establish a countywide policy to address historical protection and redevelopment issues among local communities. In June 2005, the BCC by resolution created the Historic Preservation Task Force (HPTF) to develop a historic preservation plan inclusive of all jurisdictions . . .

  . . . Now established as the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, members look forward to addressing future objectives. Such objectives include:

  • Establishing and maintaining a County Register of Historic Places;
  • Developing and promoting preservation regulations and programs,
  • Providing educational outreach and technical assistance (e.g. “Tool Box Kits” on historic preservation) to interested groups and citizens;
  • Exploring financial incentives to preserve historic resources;
  • Enhancing possible grant opportunities through participation in the Florida Certified Local Governments (CLG) Program;
  • Integrating and maintaining consistent historic preservation policy in Pinellas County planning processes;
  • And, researching, evaluating, and developing an ordinance to restrict demolition of significant historic resources.
    

  I am honored to serve as Chair of the Advisory Board and to be a part of perpetuating the culture and history of our County into future generations. The Advisory Board welcomes input from all citizens and the perspectives of those who can continue to enhance the rich heritage of Pinellas County.

  The future of Pinellas County and our area’s breathtaking natural beauty are very bright, indeed!

  Thinking about Labor Day . . . it takes time and energy to explore the many parks, beaches, waterways, nature trails, and historic landmarks that exist in Pinellas County.

  But it’s worth the effort and is the best kind of work–because it’s fun!

  I wish everyone a Happy Labor Day!

  Feeling proud (and lucky) to live . . . in Paradise Found!

  PHOTO CREDIT:  Photos appearing in this post are courtesy of Pinellas County.

• South Gulf Beaches . . . Beauty & History

  Written by Connie Langhorst No Comments
  Last Updated: August 17, 2009

  At the southernmost tip of Pinellas County, white as sugar sandy beaches meld with Old Florida style in the historic communities of Pass-A-Grille and Tierra Verde.

  Beauty and history coincide in these beachfront neighborhoods.  Beaches, piers, shops, and museums, are only a few sandy footsteps away from each other.

  Dust the sand off your feet, slip on your flip flops, and take a leisurely stroll along Pass-A-Grille’s Historic 8^th Avenue District.  Here, you can enjoy a meal at the water’s edge at the (aptly-named) Seahorse Restaurant, renown for its campy atmosphere, Old Florida postcards and memorabilia, and tranquil open water view.  There’s indoor and outdoor patio seating, an array of menu items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the service is oh so good.

  From here, keep cruising to check out Pass-A-Grille’s quaint and delightful shops, which are full of reasonably-price Floridiana, beachwear, custom-made jewelry and artwork, and much more!

  Stop along the way for coffee or ice cream at any one of the many beachfront purveyors.  Residents like to say that we live on “Island Time.”  With this in mind, take your time . . . relax!  Slip into a comfy and brightly-colored Adirondack chair to enjoy some people or bird watching, and then skip across the street to Seaside Grille.  It’s the perfect place to visit when needing to replenish your supply of beach accessories, food, and chilly libations.

  After a swim, some sandcastle building, shell collecting, dolphin watching, or a game of beach volleyball, beat a path to the Hurricane Restaurant.  The Victorian-style architecture of this place is a delight.  Climb (there’s an elevator for the less adventurous) to the rooftop to visit the crow’s nest bar.  The views over the Gulf of Mexico from this perch are breathtakingly beautiful-especially at sunset!  The Hurricane is a fun place to enjoy an icy beverage or fresh fish sandwich.  And no visit would be complete without indulging in a tangy slice of scrumptious Key Lime Pie.

  Food and shopping aside, Pass-A-Grille is home to many historical markers, historic Don CeSar Hotel, the Sunset Bell, and the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum.

  Located at 115 10^th Avenue in St. Pete Beach, FL, the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum is situated in the first church that was ever built on the barrier islands of Pinellas County.

  According to the Museum’s website, exhibits trace the history of the County’s barrier islands through photographs, news clippings, and artifacts, dating from the 1500s through modern times. The Museum collects artifacts and archival material to help preserve the cultural history of the islands. Many of Pass-A-Grille’s pioneer families and long-time residents assist in this endeavor. Special educational tours can be arranged for clubs, schools, churches, and civic organizations. Historical lectures, changing exhibits, fundraising events, and children’s activities round out the Museum’s calendar of events.

  According to local history, lore, and legend, the last group of Native Americans to settle in Pinellas County were the Tocobagas around 1000-1700 A.D. The area was visited by Europeans in 1528, when Spanish explorer, Panfilo de Narvaez, anchored off Pass-A-Grille Pass. Afterwards, the area was used as a camp ground for fisherman to obtain freshwater and to grill their catch.  It is thought that Pass-A-Grille derives its name from the French, Paees and Grilleare.

  In 1857, John Gomez, who identified himself as the “last of the pirates,” began bringing excursionists here from Tampa, which gave the area the distinction of possibly being the oldest resort on Central Florida’s West Coast.

  The town of Pass-A-Grille Beach was incorporated into the City of St Petersburg Beach in 1857 and in 1989 a section of Pass-A-Grille was declared a National Historic District.

  Neighboring Tierra Verde, an island community joined to the southern tip of Pinellas County by a two-lane drawbridge, is home to one of the nation’s consistently top-rated beaches–North Beach at Ft. De Soto Park.  The tiny enclave is also home to the Ft. De Soto Park Museum and serves as a pick-up and drop-off location for ferry rides, offering a historical tour of nearby Egmont Key and the Egmont Key Lighthouse.

  The Ft. De Soto Park Museum building is an authentic replica of a structure from the Spanish-American War ear.  The Park boasts self-guided nature trails and has a number of war-related relics, including cannons and battle reinforcement areas.  Parts of the original fort encampment are open to the general public.

  So, here we are, having enjoyed a glorious sunrise, beach fun, good food, and some local history, legend, and lore.  As the sun slowing sets in a profusion of golden hues, it is time to relax and ring the Sunset Bell on Pass-A-Grille Beach.

  What a way to end another day . . . in Paradise Found!

  

  PHOTO CREDITS:

  Photography provided courtesy of Pinellas County Communications Department.

  Pass-a-Grille Bell by Lila.  Photo gallery online at picasaweb.google.com

• Thinking about Buying Your First Home?

  Written by MyPinellas.com No Comments
  Last Updated: July 13, 2009

  Are you thinking about buying your first home? Good thought! Now is a great time to buy, especially with an $8,000 tax credit available for those who qualify.

  As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed legislation that grants a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers. And those who qualify for the federal $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit will be able to apply for down payment assistance through the state of Florida or the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) before they close on the purchase of their home; then repay the amount borrowed when they get their tax credit. FHA now permits its lenders to provide a short-term bridge loan to qualified homebuyers for the purpose of accessing the federal $8,000 tax credit at the closing table.

  But time is of the essence. You must buy your new home by December 1, 2009.

  Click here for more information.
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