captain john t. lowe, area founder - beach...

MAY / 2009 ISSUE 8

PRESORTED

STDU

S POSTAG

EP A I D

Permit N

o. 39Clearw

ater,FL

Captain John T. Lowe was born in Green TurtleCay, Nassau, Bahamas, on February 15, 1830.He, like many 'conchs', as Bahamian residentswere called, migrated to Key West, where heprospered with his knowledge of sailing, shipbuilding and wrecking. With military bases beingbuilt in Pensacola, Tampa and Key West, ashipping network developed between the ports. In the 1850s, Florida had three primary cities,Jacksonville, Cedar Key and Key West. One ofFlorida's first train systems connected Jacksonvilleand Cedar Key. Goods shipped by rail to CedarKey, could then be shipped by boat to southerncoastal ports. Capt Lowe and his father madetheir living sailing shipping schooners, regularlysailing between Cedar Key and Key West. It wasvery profitable, as it was the only way to getgoods to Key West, Florida's most populated city.During one of his trips, Capt Lowe discovered apass between Tate Island (today's ClearwaterBeach), and a sandbar (Sand Key). He enteredinto what we now call the Intracoastal Waterway,and headed south to where the waters narrowed.Capt. Lowe liked what he saw. The increase ofsettlers, the availability of land, the absence ofSeminoles, and the proximity to Ft Brooke, asTampa was called, made the shore of 'ClearWater' Harbor attractive to Captain Lowe.There were no legal area land owners, untilCongress created the Armed Occupation Act of1842, which offered free 160 acre homesteads.The McMullen's had begun moving into the areain the 1850's, and acquiring property. CaptainLowe bought 80 acres from John Fain McMullenat $1.25 an acre, for a total of $100.

In 1859, Lowe arrived on the schooner "SeaDrift". On board, Lowe brought his pregnantwife Laura D. Meares Lowe, son Jefferson (3), hisfather and mother, Laura's mother and severalother members of the Meares family. Theyproceeded to clear the land and build log housesinto what became known as "Lowe's Landing".Indians were known to come by boat, and onfoot, to trade with the local residents. The first year, John's father died, and theirsecond son, Wesley, was born. They eventuallyhad two more children, Mary (1867) and AsaMilton (1871). "Boats and horses were the onlymeans of transportation. There was a 'swashchannel' deep enough for boats to pass through,including old time coastal schooners and otherlarge boats", says Sumner Lowe, Wesley's son,born in 1902. In 1860 the Civil War began, and by January,1861 Florida had withdrawn from the Union.Confederate troops began to organize. Eventhough, being in a desolate part of Florida, theydidn't experience the war, the Lowe's, Meares'and others in the area were staunchConfederates. In 1862 John Lowe enlisted in theConfederate Navy, serving on two ships, theSavannah and the Tallahassee. When the warended, he claimed to have been at Appomattox,in Battle of Gettysburg. After the war, he walkedall the way home. It took months. When hefinally arrived home, his beard was long and hisuniform tattered. No one recognized him. Whenshe saw her husband, his wife Laura fainted.Son Wesley ran away crying and hid under thehouse.

Read the rest of this story on page 3

Then and now, the house on the left was built by Wesley Lowe, Captain Lowe’s son. Pictured here are Wesley’s wifeand three children. The home has been moved and restored in Heritage Village.

Photo courtesy Courtesy of Indian Rocks Historical Museum.

By Bob Griffin,Publisher

CCAAPPTTAAIINN JJOOHHNN TT.. LLOOWWEE,, AARREEAA FFOOUUNNDDEERR

BBEELLLLEEAAIIRR AARREEAA NNEEIIGGHHBBOORRHHOOOODD NNEEWWSSLLEETTTTEERR

CITY NUMBERSCITY OF BELLEAIR BLUFFSwww.belleairbluffs.org2747 Sunset Blvd City Hall: 584-2151

FIRE DEPT: 584-8392 SHERIFF: 582-6200MAYOR - Chris Arbutine, Sr COMMISSIONERS —

Hunt Brand - Vice Mayor • Suzy SoferJack Nazario • Joseph A. Barkley, III

CITY OF BELLEAIR BEACHwww.cityofbelleairbeach.com444 Causeway Blvd City Hall: 595-4646

FIRE DEPT: 595-1117POLICE: 595-4646MAYOR - Lynn Rives COMMISSIONERS — Kathy Mortensen -

Vice Mayor • Mitchell Krach • StanSofer Mary Schoonover • RichardCrowl • Rob Baldwin

TOWN OF BELLEAIR SHOREwww.belleairshore.com1200 Gulf Blvd, Belleair Shore 593-9296

FIRE DEPT: 595-1117POLICE DEPT: 595-4646MAYOR: John A. Robertson COMMISSIONERS — John E. Hayes, Jr.Carl W. Hilton • Robert E. Schmidt, Jr.Ray Piscitelli

TOWN OF BELLEAIRwww.townofbelleair-fl.gov901 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Belleair 588-3769

FIRE DEPT: 588-8392POLICE DEPT: 588-3769MAYOR - Gary H. KaticaCOMMISSIONERS — Stephen R. Fowler

Deputy Mayor• Tom Shelly• KarlaRettstatt• Stephanie Oddo

CITY OF LARGO www.Largo.com201 Highland Ave, Largo Info: 587-6700

FIRE DEPT: 587-6714POLICE: 586-7427MAYOR - Patricia GerardCOMMISSIONERS — Mary Gray Black

Robert Murray • Rodney J. WoodsGigi Arntzen • Harriet K. CrozierWoody Brown

BELLEAIR FINE ARTS SOCIETY 934-4304FRIENDS OF THE BILTMORE 581-5171BELLEAIR SINGLE SENIORS 588-3768BEACH SINGLES CLUB 415-9496CLEARWATER SAILING 517-7776

BELLEAIR AREA ROTARY CLUBMeets at Belleair Country Club every Thur. forlunch; Ed Shaughnessy . . . . . . . 461-7171BELLEAIR BLUFFS ROTARY CLUBMeets at Jorge's Seafood Grill Tues. 6:15PMPat France, President . . . . . . . . 581-0519BLUFFS BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONKim Bender, President . . . . . . . . 559-7881 TOWN OF BELLEAIR CIVIC ASSOC.Sandy Tuten, President . . . . . . . 581-7314BELLEAIR YOUNG WOMAN’S SOCIETYNettie Thomas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 585-5464EMERGENCIES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1-1SHERIFF NON-EMERGENCIES 582-6200SHERIFF DISPATCH . . . . . . . . . 582-6177PINELLAS COUNTY INFO . . . . 464-3000CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Gulf Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . . 360-6957Clearwater Beach . . . . . . . . 447-7600Largo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 584-2321

ELECTRICITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443-2641PHONE (Residential) . . . . . 800-483-4000PHONE (Business) . . . . . . . 800-483-5000WATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4000CABLE (Bright House) . . . . . . . . 329-5020-------------------------------------------------COUNTY INFORMATION . . . . 464-3000COMMISSION OFFICES. . . . . . 464-3377

Calvin Harris . . . . . . . . . . . 464-3360Karen Seel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-3278

STATE:Senator Dennis Jones . . . . 727-549-6411

Republican, District 138940 Seminole Blvd, Seminole [email protected]

Representative Jim Frishe . 727-518-3902Republican, District 54125 Indian Rocks Rd, Belleair [email protected]

Governor Charlie [email protected]

FLORIDA UNITED STATES SENATORS:Mel Martinez . . . . . . . . . . 202-224-3041

www.Martinez.Senate.govBill Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202-224-5274

www.BillNelson.Senate.govAREA UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE:Rep Bill Young . . . . . . . . . . 727-394-6950

9210 113th St, Seminole, FL 33772www.house.gov/young

MAYTurtle Season Begins 1COTI’s Greenfest 9 Postal Workers/ Food Drive 9Mother’s Day (Sunday) 10Postage Increase 11Belleair Bluff Business Assn Mixer 14Stone Crab Season Ends 15Household Chemical Cleanup 16Heritage Village Civil War Days 16Safe Boating Week 18-24Community Clean Up IRB 18-20Memorial Day (Monday) 25JUNEHurricane Season Begins 1

Last Day Public School 2Belleair Bluff Business Assn Mixer 11Flag Retirement 12Heritage Village Antique Appraisal 13Flag Day 14Father’s Day 21Summer Begins 21JJUULLYYIndependence Day 4Belleair Bluff’s July 4th Celebration 4Morton Plant Mease Triathlon 12AAUUGGUUSSTTTrim Notices Mailed 10Belleair Bluff Business Assn Mixer 13Public School Begins 25

CREDITS

This newsletter is published byGRIFFIN PRODUCTIONS, Inc.and is mailed to occupiedresidence and business in BelleairBeach, Belleair Bluffs, HarborBluffs, and part of Largo. We arenot officially associated with anycity government.

PUBLISHERBob & Becky Griffin

ART DIRECTIONBecky Griffin

SALES727-517-1997

CONTACT INFOP.O. BOX 1314

Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785517-1997 ~ 517-1998 FAX

BeachNewsletters.comPublished Feb l May l Aug l Nov

Please send comments tobboobb@@ggrriiffff iinnddiirreeccttoorriieess..ccoomm

NEXT ISSUE IS AUGUSTDo you need another copy of thisnewsletter. You may pick upadditional copies of thisnewsletter at All City Halls, Surf &Turf Market, Wachovia and theBelleair Food Mart. Need a lotmore? Call 517-1997. This newsletter is printed everyother month and survives on localadvertising. Please support thepeople advertising here. If youare an Belleair resident you get adiscount when you advertise. Wealso offer discounts foradvertising in our other issues,Madeira Beach, Belleair Area andDowntown St. Petersburg. Call me for the next issue. Formore information, or to read ourother issues online, visitBeachNewsletters.com

© 2009 Griffin Productions, Inc.

GOT OLD PHOTOS? OLD STORIES OF THE BELLEAIR AREA?DDOO YYOOUU RREEMMEEMMBBEERR TTHHEE GGOOOODD OOLL’’ DDAAYYSS??

If you have photos or stories from your parents, or grandparents, we wantto know. We might use copies of them in future City Newsletters.

CCAALLLL 772277--551177--119999772009 CALENDAR OF LOCAL EVENTS


After the war, Captain Lowe built two more houses. One,built for son, Wesley, was a two story board and battenhouse which has been moved and preserved at HeritageVillage (see photos on front page). He also built twomore schooners, “Delia” and the “Asa M”, named for hisyoungest son. He resumed transporting supplies andmail, by boat, from Cedar Key to Key West.In 1872, Captain Lowe donated land east of IndianRocks Road for a church, cemetery and a school, whichwas built in 1874. The church became the Anona UnitedMethodist Church, and the school, Anona Elementary. In 1883, Lowe established a post office at Lowe'sLanding. The US Post Office required an official name,and Captain Lowe chose ANONA, after the sugar appletrees in Key West (spelled Annona), with their sweetcustard-like fruit. Until 1888, Anona was the only postoffice between 'Clear Water' and Point Pinellas, serving anearby population of about 100. For 39 years, his son,Jefferson, served as the first Post Master (1883-1922).Sons, Jefferson and Wesley, became sailors, too. But withthe advent of the railroads, fewer goods were shipped byboat, forcing the family to move into fishing and farming.In 1896, daughter Mary married Murdo Logan. He tookover the aging Captain Lowe’s farming duties. He beganplanting citrus, which was not natural to the area, but didadapt well to the sandy soil. These early plantingspreceded the extensive orange groves that, by the 1920s,would eventually dominate Pinellas County. "We grazedour cattle in the large pasture where Serenity Gardens(Moss-Feaster) is today," says Sumner Lowe.The Lowe's house was simple. "The parlor had no rugs orcurtains, an upright piano, a cylinder type table Victrola,

several upholstered chairs and a fancy painted kerosenelamp," remembers Milt Logan, Captain Lowe’s grandson."The dining room was small, and had no rugs orcurtains. It had a rectangular dining table with akerosene lamp hanging over it.""Monday was always wash day, and Tuesday ironing day.Mostly they ate soup," says Logan. "Saturdays they wouldkill a chicken to eat on Sunday. There was no ice. UncleWesley had 2 cows, several horses, chickens, hogs andbeehives. We also raised some sugar cane, processed atBurt McMullen’s small sugar cane mill, nearby. We wouldgo to Largo to buy flour, corn meal, grits and coffee fromthe general store. Almost all our clothes werehomemade, from cotton, wool or corduroy. There waslittle time to do any fancy needlework. In the winter, therewere large community oyster roasts," says Milt Logan.In 1913, the Tampa & Gulf Coast Railroad, operatedfrom the Belleview Biltmore to downtown St Petersburg,following what is now Wilcox Road to Siesta Road, andcrossed the Intracoastal into Indian Rocks. Its path splitthe Lowe's homestead in half. The tracks were eventuallyabandoned, and the Lowe's and next door neighbors theMai's, used the railroad ties to smoke mullet.In 1905, his wife, Laura Meares Lowe, died, at the age of70 . Captain Lowe lived to be 91, before he passed awayin 1921. They are both buried among other familymembers in the historic Anona cemetery, that he helpedto create. Jefferson Lowe became one of PinellasCounty's first County Commissioners in1912, and died in1952, at the age of 96._________________________Sources: Family Interview with Milton Logan, 1987; The JohnThomas Lowe Story; Indian Rocks, As It Was, 2006; LargoFlorida, Then ‘til, 1975; Pines & Palmetto’s, History of Largo

Capt. John T. Lowe, continued from page 1


FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONYDo you have an old, tatteredAmerican flag? Retire it properly.The City of IRB will have theirannual Flag Retirement ceremonyat Chic-A-Si Park on Friday, June12 at noon. Many area militaryand scout troops participate. Therewill be have refreshmentsafterwards. Bring your flags toIndian Rocks’ City Hall by June 11._______________________________POSTAL WORKERS’ FOODDRIVE Saturday, May 9th is their annual Food Drive.Leave a bag of can goods by your mailbox, and they willpick it up. Last year, the NALC (National Association ofLetter Carriers Union) collected over 1.7 million poundsof food from the Pinellas District. RCS (Religious ChristianServices) in Clearwater gets 90% of the food collected inLargo. The Beaches Food Pantry in Indian Rocks, get allthe food from Belleair Beach and Belleair Shores. ______________________________

POSTAGE GOING UP, AGAINThe cost of a regular stamp willgo to 44¢ on Monday, May 11th.You can buy "anytime" stampsnow for 42¢ and use them later. _____________________________HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALCLEAN UP Do you have oldpaint, chemicals, TV's, monitors,orother hazardous things? Don'tthrow them in the trash, protectthe environment by disposing ofthem at the Gulf Beaches MobileCollection Event at NO CHARGE.

Bring them to Indian Rocks Beach’s City Hall at 1507Bay Palm Boulevard, on Saturday, May 16th 9am-4pm. ___________________________________________________SUMMER CAMP CANCELLED Due to budget cut backs,there will be no summer camp at Heritage Village.However, there will be a program for campers fromother programs to visit Heritage Village, as a field trip._________________________________________________MARKET IN THE PARK CLOSED The Market in thePark at the Pinellas County Extension Office closed inApril for summer. _________________________________________________DISTEMPER ON THE RISE The economy affects pets, too.There has been increased cases of distemper in PinellasCounty recently. It may be related to a decrease in theamount of people doing their yearly vaccines. This is adeadly disease with no treatment. Google 'distemper' and'Pinellas County' for more information.___________________________________________________VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL First Baptist Church ofIndian Rocks (FBCIR) will be hosting Vacation BibleSchool “Boomerang Express”, Monday, June 15 - 19,from 8:55am - Noon on the FBCIR Campus (12685Ulmerton Road, in Largo). This event is for Kindergartenthrough (entering) 6th grade. For information call (727)593-8745 or visit www.indianrocks.org._________________________________________________HURRICANE SEASON IS COMING! Yes, it is that timeagain. It officially begins June 1st. Do you have ahurricane plan? Be prepared.

Did You Know...


BELLEAIR CAUSEWAY OPENING SOON You will bedriving on the Belleair Causeway Bridge by the last weekof May. They will close the bridge during the night,remove the barricades and move the east-west traffic tothe lanes of the new bridge. Wait until you see the view!It is something else. They hope to open the boat ramp,dog beach, and be off the job, by mid-November. Theseare the men who made it happen. The primary people incharge of building the Belleair Causeway Bridge are (leftto right) John Meagher of Johnson Bros Corp, JonathanAddison with ECDriver & Associates, and Tony Hornickwith Pinellas County. (Not shown is Angelo Solbadi ofMisener Marine.) _________________________________________________BELLEAIR FINE ARTS SOCIETY will be installing newofficers Thursday, May 21st at the Carousel Yacht Club.Dorothy Edmonds, founder and past President (1963) ,will give the oath of office. The new President is LoisO'Donnell. Contact Lois O'Donnell, 595-1349 or JoyceMuller, 595-6888 for information._________________________________________________BELLEAIR CIVIC ASSOCIATION Anyone interested inserving on the board of the Civic Association should callnow. They are holding elections in May. The CivicAssociation plans Halloween events and the ChristmasTree lighting. Call Sandy Tuten, 581-7314 or SherrieMorton, 581-8313 if you have any questions._________________________________________________BIRTHDAY PARTIES you can host a birthday party atHeritage Village on Saturdays from 10:30am to 1:30pmor by appointment. You bring the cake and beverage,and they do the rest. A dedicated staff member will helpyou create a party to remember. Members pay $75 forup to 10 people; Non-members pay $90. Call them toreserve your party, 582-2123._________________________________________________HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS Hurricane Seasonbegins June 1st. Pinellas County wants you to be ready,through a series of citizen seminars on what to expect,and how to prepare. The closest seminars to the Belleairarea are at the Largo Public Library:

May 11, Preparing Your Pets (6:30pm)June 1, Hurricanes for Kids (6:30pm)

There are other topics and other dates and locations. Call the Largo Library at 587-6715 or Tom Lovino at 464-5573 for other dates and locations.___________________________________________________

NEXT ISSUE IN AUGUST This newsletter is printed fourtimes a year, and survives on advertisements. Pleasesupport the advertisers. Belleair area residents advertising,receive a discount. Read this issue (as well as others)online at BeachNewsletters.com. Send comments [email protected].

and More...


ST CECELIA’S CELEBRATES 60 YEARS The school opened in 1948 with 60 students in grades 1through 6. By 195,1 enrollment tripled and a new schoolwas constructed on the corner of Hillcrest Avenue andCourt Street. The school is expanded from six grades toeight, and eventually to ten, prior to the completion of anew area high school. The need to expand continued,and in 1959 a new wing was added. Through the years,the school campus has continued to grow with theaddition of the cafetorium, library and music departmentin the '60s, a youth center in 1978, a chapel and 6 newprimary classrooms in the '90s. and nine middle schoolclassrooms, a computer room and science lab in 2001.

During the early 80's, St. Cecelia School received its firstcomputer and technology was the focus in the 90's with

the addition of 30 computers as well as internetcapabilities. A Spanish program was added to all gradelevels during this time as well. The present decade hasbrought cable to all the classrooms;

Three generations of families can now be found at theschool. The school'smission, "Of Hearts toGod, Minds toLearning and Hands toServe" continues today.The future of St.Cecelia is a bright one.

Visit the school at 400S. Hillcrest Ave. inClearwater.

SAVING MONEY INBELLEAIR BY GOINGGREENby Stephanie Oddo, Belleair TownCommissionerDuring the 2008-09 budget year,the Belleair Town Commissionapproved three key projects that willprotect Town resources and savetaxpayers money by improving theefficiency of operations and service delivery.Belleair will soon be replacing existing streetlights withnew energy-efficient LED technology that will save onour town's annual electric bill and allow for a saferdriving and walking community. Only the plastic domeand electric housing will be replaced leaving the historicpoles intact. Funding for this project came from abalance in the wastewater fund (after selling ourwastewater system to the County in 10/03).Another way the Town is working to save money isthrough reducing energy consumption of its publicfacilities. Anything with a high energy demand is beingretrofitted with a power factor correction device - adevice that saves unused energy that would otherwise belost. The Town's return on investment of 36 months issecure because energy savings are guaranteed(minimum of 9.14%) and underwritten by a Lloyds ofLondon bond. In addition, the town has added digitalthermostats, different chemical composition for coolantsand is preventing short-cycling on its A/C units.Water conservation is very important to Belleair as itprovides its residents with drinking water from its ownland. Therefore, the Commission found it prudent toapprove installation of an AMR (auto meter reading)system that will reduce the need for hand checkingmeters, detect leaks in the town's system, and monitorillegal watering or excessive water usage. In the future,residents will be able to go online and see if there areany leaks in their own pipes. This measure will conservea valuable resource for Belleair and save money forthose customers who currently have undetected leaks.I look forward to hearing your input on Town issues andwelcome you to attend Belleair Town Commissionmeetings held the first Tuesday of each month at5:30PM and the third Tuesday of each month at7:30PM. Your participation is key to our success.

Dedication in 1951


MILTON LOGANby Bob Griffin, PublisherOur area lost a link to local historyin February, when John 'Milt'Logan, grandson of area founder,Captain John T. Lowe passedaway. He was 99 years and 9months old. I interviewed Milt inDecember, planning to run thisstory in May, his 100th birthday.____________________________Mary Ellen Lowe, the third child ofCapt. Lowe, married Murdo Loganin 1896. They had five children. John Milton (Milt), bornin 1909, was the fourth. Mary Logan, Milt's mother diedafter childbirth in 1915. His father, Murdo, died fromblood poisoning a year later. Milt, six at the time, alongwith his two older siblings, Janet and Guy, went to livewith his grandfather, Capt Lowe.Milt lived in Captain Lowe's house, during the Hurricaneof 1921. "I was only 12 when it hit. The house shook sohard, it almost fell down with everyone inside" Milt said.Captain Lowe kept watching his barometer. Milt saidLowe knew from the readings "this was going to be a badone". Milt kept that barometer, the original barometerused on Capt Lowe's first schooner, Sea Drift, and hung iton the wall in his home (See photo above).Mary Ellen and Murdo owned a piece of property justwest of Indian Rocks Road, near today's Randolph Farms.Milt, using some of the wood from Captain Lowe'soriginal house, built his home there, (13086 Indian RocksRoad), where lived until he died.Logan worked as a fireman, at the Belleview Biltmore,

during the winter months when the tourists were there. Inthe summer months he traveled to Connecticut, to workat another Belleview Biltmore property. While at theBiltmore, he told his girl friend, Nella Cheatham, that "if Iever get a raise, I'll marry you". He soon received one,and they were married in 1932. They had two daughters,Paige and FayeBefore World War II, Milt worked in the area's packinghouses, and at Wadfords, a grocery story in Largo. Heplayed baseball, in the Largo League, local farm team,and was a great pitcher. For a while, he worked on theold Indian Rocks Beach Bridge, operated by his father-in-law, Mr. Cheatham. Cheatham worked for Ned Bedford,who had a financial interest in the bridge.Immediately after World War II, Milton worked as afisherman. In addition, he built "smokers" for mullet andsold them to area fishermen. In 1955, Milt took a job with Pinellas County's waterdepartment. The population was growing so fast, it washard to keep up. In 1950, 159,000 people lived inPinellas County. By 1960 it had grown to 374,000.When Milt retired in 1977, he was Production Managerfor the entire system. By then there were 750,000 peoplein the county, each consuming an average of 150 gallonsof water daily. His name is on the J.M. Logan WaterQuality Building in Largo. His boss, Pick Talley said, "No man has given more ofhimself to public service, to the Water System, and toPinellas County. Few made a more significantcontribution to the quality of life enjoyed in our county". Faye Logan Spielberger contributed to this article. Somematerial also from “Between the Lines”, Pinellas County UtilitiesMagazine, March 2009.


CITY GOVERNMENT NEWSBELLEAIR BLUFFSFFIIRREE NNEEWWSS The Town of Belleair is reviewing its fireservice contract, currently provided by Belleair Bluffs. TheTown of Belleair contributes 45% of Belleair Bluff'sannual fire department budget. The City of Clearwaterand Largo are bidding for the contract. "There is apossibility that the Belleair Bluff's Fire Department will goout of business, if we don't keep the Town of Belleair'sbusiness," says Mayor Chris Arbutine.

TOWN OFBELLEAIRNNEEWW PPAARRKK Long timeBelleair residentEleanor Thompsondied, leaving herwaterfront house, at 8North Pine Circle, tothe people of Belleair.The only condition isthat the house bedemolished, and theproperty turned into acommunity park. The waterfront property has beautifulsunsets. After determining it will cost approximately$10,000 to demolish the house and about $1,000 ayear in maintenance, the commission voted unanimouslyto accept the offer and to create the park. Demolitionbegins soon. They will place a plaque on the propertyreading, "The Eleanor Thompson Memorial Park”.IINNCCRREEAASSEEDD CCOOSSTT OOFF IILLLLEEGGAALL PPAARRKKIINNGG The newcommission voted to increase the cost of a parking ticketfrom $5 to $30. Fines for double parking, parking in ano parking zone and other minor instances of illegalparking will be increased by more than double, from$10 to $15-$30. Parking in a fire lane is still $100.Parking in a handicapped zone is now $250.

BELLEAIR BEACHCCIITTYY HHAALLLL The newcity hall is about 70%complete. Althoughscheduled to becompleted bySeptember 12, it islikely to be finished inlate July or earlyAugust depending onthe weather. Whennot used for citymeetings, the building may be rented for weddings andfunctions. There is a terrace running along the east sidewith a lovely view of the water. BBOOAATT SSLLIIPPSS The city owned marina at the very north endof the city has one slip available for rent. The rate is $ 7a linear foot (minimum charge, 30 feet) plus tax. Youmust be a Belleair Beach resident to apply.

BELLEAIR SHORESNNOO BBOOUUYYSS Have you noticed that the "No Wake" bouysin the Gulf are gone? A combination of weather andrusted chains lead to their disappearance. "They werenever anchored properly," says Mayor Robertson. "Weare coordinating with Belleair Beach to get more.”


BBuussiinneessss BBrriieeffss.... ..WAL-MART OPENINGIN JULY A"Neighborhood Market",which is different than anormal Wal-mart, is closeto opening onWalsingham. It willprimarily carry groceries,and have a pharmacy.There are two othersnearby, one in Clearwateron Highlands and the other in Pinellas Park. This storebegins stocking, hiring and training in June, for a mid-July opening. Want a job? Apply on-line now. Go towww.WalMart.com, click on careers at the bottom, and

click on stores. ______________________________BELLEAIR FOOD MART has newowners. Joe and Maria sold toVictor and Sam Suhweil. This istheir first convenience store. Theyboth used to be in real estate.Drop by for a coffee and meetthem.______________________________

INSTY PRINT IS 28 Insty Prints at 520 N. IndianRocks Road opened in Belleair Bluffs in 1981. July willbe their 28th anniversary._________________________________________________PAIGE'S CLUBHOUSE Paige of Kaige's Boutique isopening her own shop at 404 Indian Rocks Road,where Brown Eyed Girls used to be. Called Paige'sClubhouse, it will carry ladies' contemporary and casualclothing and should be open by June 1st. _________________________________________________WILAMINA’S RELOCATION At the end of this month,Karen of Wilamina's is 'relocating' to South Tampa. Sheis now located at 790 Indian Rocks Road, just south ofLe Bouchon Restaurant._________________________________________________ABOVE AND BEYOND GRADUATE Gen Hetzel, atravel agent at Above & Beyond (Star) Travel in BelleairBluffs, has become one of the first to graduate from thenew online travel agent university, NCL University. Sheis considered among the most qualified representativesfor the NCL's cruise product. Call her at 595-5443._________________________________________________BELLA VINO WINE & CHEESE in The Plaza hasopened a new wine bar, serving wine by the glass.Drop in for a glass of wine, with cheese in a cozyenvironment. Meet your friends for a glass of winebefore dining at E&E, Marlin Darlin, Le Bouchon orBonefish. Tell Brian you saw this in the BelleairNewsletter._________________________________________________

AN EMPTY GLASS? SouthwestFlorida Water ManagementDistrict (SWFMD) is askingrestaurants not to serve waterunless requested. About 100 arearestaurants have alreadycomplied. It might seem like asmall amount of water saved, but"For every glass of water taken to

the table, two are used to wash that glass later", saysone restaurant owner. "It may not save a billion gallons,but it is a great educational tool" says Robyn Felix ofSWFMD.


RAYMOND JAMES LizaCampa-Flanagan (CFP) ofRaymond James in BelleairBluffs has been in her newoffice one year now and nowhas a new partner to share thespace. Tish Wold (CFP) is aplanner with 10 years ofexperience. She is offeringexclusive concierge financial services. Tish is a CertifiedLong Term Care Specialist, and a graduate of the USNaval Academy with a BS in mathematics. She is activelocally in many organizations including Habitat forHumanity and the Greater Belleair Young Women'sSociety. Call her at 585-1212._________________________________________________BELLEVIEW BILTMORE There is a lawsuit in place, witha May court date, threatening to stop or delay the $100million renovation of the 112 year old resort, but GeneralManager Martin Smith plans to close May 31st, asplanned. The renovations were scheduled to commenceshortly after the resort closes, and continue for three years.But the owners will have to wait until the lawsuit is settled.Because of that, a construction start date has not beendetermined. However, The Belleview Biltmore Hotel andCabana Club will be closed as of June 1. The BelleviewBiltmore Golf Club will remain open with a new restaurantmenu, and extended dining hours with specialty buffets. ___________________________________BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT ATSUMMER CAMP! Send your kids toSummer Camp at Clearwater Ice Arena(formerly Sun Blades). The camp is June8 - August 7. No matter what your skilllevel is, there will be plenty to learn,and do, including classes, figureskating, on and off the ice games, artsand crafts and computer time. Located close to Ulmerton,and US 19. Get more information at 536-5843. _________________________________________________BLUFFS BUSINESS ASSOCIATION The BBA hasmixers the second Thursday of every month. Thefollowing are scheduled:May 14: Brightway Insurance AgencyJune11: Blazier Hearing CenterJuly 4: 4th of July Bash at Belleair Bluffs City Hall 11-2pm

For more information, call Kim Bender, 559-7881. To joincall Bob Griffin, at 517-1997.___________________________________________________MIDORI SALON AND SPA EXPANDS by addingvarious treatment rooms. This includes additional spacefor massages, facials, couple services and bodytreatments. See our non-toxic, environmentally friendly,organic facility. Visit midorisalonandspa.com for specials! _________________________________________________OUT OF BUSINESS:

Brown Eyed Girls on Indian Rocks RoadKaige's Boutique at The Plaza Boaters World at Largo Mall _________________________________________________

NOT OUT OF BUSINESS In the last issue, weindicated Turning Leaf Construction was closed. Whilethey did close their Indian Rocks Rd office, they did notgo out of business. They downsized their business andnow operate out of their home. They have severalhomes under construction. Reach them at 501-5373.

aanndd MMoorree .. ....


From the Desk of Sheriff Jim Coats

We recently announced the implementationof a new program at the Sheriff's Officecalled Project Lifesaver. It is a program that Ifeel will provide peace of mind to thosePinellas County citizens who are caregiversfor a family member or other persons whohave Alzheimers, autism or related specialneeds.Our deputy sheriffs and police officers from otheragencies have contact with these individuals on a regularbasis as many of them are known to walk away fromtheir residence, become disoriented or lost. Frantic familymembers and caregivers then search for these persons,who many times do not wander far, but may becomevulnerable to the elements, their lack of medication, andfoul play. Project Lifesaver is the latest in technology available toassist law enforcement and caregivers in recovering thesepersons safely and in a timely manner. Caregivers interested in the program have the option toregister, and equip their loved one or client with a specialpersonalized wristband containing a transmitter, which isalways emitting a tracking signal. Should the personwander away, caregivers can call 911 and trained searchteams will be activated to track the signal with theequipment provided through Project Lifesaver. I am pleased that our office will be offering andmanaging this service on a countywide basis. Ourdeputies have been diligently training on the use of the

tracking equipment and we have joined several otheragencies around the state in providing this program. Project Lifesaver International reports the average searchtime for a missing Project Lifesaver client is 30 minutes. From January 2008 through March of 2009, the Sheriff'sOffice alone had 310 missing person reports involvingadults. Of those, 81 involved persons with Alzheimersdementia or autism who wandered from caregivers.Without this technology, the recovery time for these caseswas anywhere from two hours to over two days. Project Lifesaver is an international nonprofit programwhich provides the transmitter and tracking equipment tous. This is not a revenue generating endeavor, as the feespay for the cost of the equipment.The initial cost to register with Project Lifesaver is $300,which includes twelve mandatory monthly batteryreplacements and 12 wristbands. The annualmaintenance fee after the first year is $70. Someassistance for families who might not otherwise be able toafford the service is available and will be reviewed on acase by case basisFor more information and to register with ProjectLifesaver, please call (727) 582-6806 for an appointmentor email [email protected]. In addition, youmay visit our website at www.pcsoweb.com and click onthe Project Lifesaver icon.I am looking forward to working with representativesfrom the Alzheimers and mental health community whohave endorsed our effort; as well as with Project Lifesaver.Through the program we will work towards ensuring thesafety and security of our most vulnerable citizens.


MAY EVENTS IN LARGOMMoovviieess iinn LLaarrggoo CCeennttrraall PPaarrkk,, May 1st, 8th, 15th, &22nd, at 7:00 pm, Largo Central Park TTrraaiinn WWeeeekkeenndd, May 2nd & 3rd, at 10:00 am until 4:00pm, Largo Central Park KKiidd''ss FFiitt FFeesstt 0099, May 2nd, at 10:00 am until 2:00 pm,Largo Central Park, This event is Free!!3333rrdd AAnnnnuuaall MMaayyoorr''ss IInntteerrffaaiitthh PPrraayyeerr BBrreeaakkffaasstt, May4th, at 7:00 am until 9:00 am, St. Paul United MethodistChurch DDeeaarrllyy DDeeppaarrtteedd, May 8th through May 17th, Thursday,through Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm,Largo Cultural Center SSuunnsseett SSoouunnddss, May 8th, at 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm,Ulmer Park SSpprriinngg GGrraanndd OOppeenniinngg aatt HHiigghhllaanndd FFaammiillyy AAqquuaattiiccCCeenntteerr, May 9th & 10th, at 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm,Highland Family Aquatic Center SSuunnccooaasstt WWaatteerrWWoorrkkss PPrreesseennttss aa SSyynncchhrroo SSppeeccttaaccuullaarr,May 16th, at 6:30 pm until 9:30 pm, Southwest Pool HHiirroosshhiimmaa, May 23rd, at 8:00 pm until 9:30 pm, LargoCultural Center MMeemmoorriiaall DDaayy SSuunnsseett CCeerreemmoonnyy, May 25th, at 7:00 pmuntil 8:00 pm, Largo Central Park SSiillvveerr SSccrreeeenn CCllaassssiiccss aa HHiissttoorryy ooff tthhee MMoovviieess, May 28th,at 12:00 pm, Largo Community Center.

KIDS GET FIT AT LARGOSUMMER CAMPSThe City of Largohas openedregistration for morethan 60 summerday-camps thatencourage fit kids.Largo Recreationcamp 'Fit andFabulous!' Programwas initiated morethan five years agoto address theepidemic of childobesity, diabetes, and poor nutrition. These camps focuson fitness and encourage nutrition.

Each camper receives at least 60 minutes of physicalactivity a day. No soda or candy are permitted, and arenot available at camp. Daily activities encouragecampers to walk, on average, more than two miles aday and participate in fitness challenges throughout thesummer.

A variety of camps are open to 'munchkins' enteringkindergarten to teens. With more than 21 sports camps,theater, dance, nature and science-themed camps,Largo Recreation offers a camp for every child.

Enroll today space is limited and filling quickly. TeenScholarships for Summer Camps are also available. Formore information on Largo Recreation Camps call, 518-3016 or 518-3125 or www.Largo.com.

REAL ESTATE IN THE AREAInformation provided by Martha Thorn,

Coldwell Banker, Belleair Bluffs. 727/ 432-9019and represents sales activity in the fourth quarter of 2008. Shown are SOLD prices.

Belleair Non Waterfront Average 135,000Highest Sale 217,000Belleair Waterfront Average NO SALESHighest Sale NO SALESBelleair Shore Waterfront Average NO SALESHighest Sale NO SALESBelleair Beach Non-Waterfront Average 290,000Highest Sale 359,000Belleair Beach Waterfront Average 875,000Highest Sale 400,000Harbor Bluffs Non-Waterfront Average 332,000Highest Sale 670,000Harbor Bluffs Waterfront Average 832,000Highest Sale 895,000Harbor Hills Non Waterfront Average 185,000Highest Sale 185,000Harbor Hills Waterfront Average 357,000Highest Sale 375,000Belleair Bluffs Non Waterfront Average 570,000Highest Sale 570,000Belleair Bluffs Waterfront Average NO SALES Highest Sale NO SALES

IDEAS THAT MAY HELP REBUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO

by Elizabeth (Liza) Campa-Flanagan, CFP®, CIMARegistered Principal, Raymond James

Many once-strong U.S. financial institutions fell on hardtimes in 2008, leading to bankruptcy, failure oracquisition. Countrywide, Bear Stearns, WaMu, FreddieMac, Fannie Mae, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch,IndyMac, Wachovia, recognizable institutions, some ofwhich are in our own backyard in Belleair, BelleairBluffs, and the beaches.Fiscal stimulus, credit easing, and programs to purchasemortgage-backed securities, agency debt, and long-termTreasury securities, have all been initiated in an effort tohelp stabilize the economy. These measures may notkick-start the economy, but the plans should helpsupport growth as the economy begins to recover.Many Belleair and Belleair Bluffs residents have asked,"why invest now???" "2008 was the worst year for stocksin over 50 years!!" Federal Reserve Chairman, BenBernanke in his speech to the Council on ForeignRelations in March stated "Financial crises will continueto occur, as they have around the world for literallyhundreds of years." No one knows when we will comeout of this, but he said, "we will come out of this becauseof the strength of our underlying economy." No one knows when, but if you believe the economy willrecover, the following ideas may help you rebuild yourportfolio: AAsssseessss yyoouurr ssiittuuaattiioonn && eevvaalluuaattee yyoouurr iinnvveess ttmmeennttssReview your financial plan and portfolio consideringyour short & longer-term needs/goals - if needed -make adjustments.LLooookk ffoorr ooppppoorrttuunniittiieess::Once you've thoroughly assessed your situation,holdings, and your goals and objectives, you may wantto start identifying opportunities for future investment.Securities issued by fundamentally solid companies,backed by expert management and sound policies, maybe at historically low prices now. If you are still working and will be for 5 plus years,consider monthly contributions to your retirement plansto Dollar Cost Average (DCA) into the market. If youare already contributing, can you contribute more? If you are retired, review your asset allocation andrebalance where appropriate. Reevaluate your spendinggoals too. If you are able, perhaps lower your spendingtarget so you can DCA some money into your existingportfolio. If you are taking your dividends, can youreinvest for the time being?? MMaayybbee UUnnccllee SSaamm ccaann hheellpp?? Perhaps take losses for taxpurposes and move back into your portfolio (throughDCA). Losses not matched with gains over $3,000 willcarry forward for use in future tax years (taxes could behigher in the future). Consult your tax advisor.As Nobel Prize-winning physicist Marie Curie once said,"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to beunderstood." This is the worst market we have seen inyears. Try to understand it & put current events intoperspective, then be proactive if you can____________You can reach Liza at 645 N. Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs,Phone 727-585-1212


SUMMER SAILING CAMPClearwater Community Sailing Center, located in SandKey at 1001 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, is offer SummerSailing & Windsurfing Camps for ages 8-16. A Swimtest is required. Refresh or learn sailing skills,participate in informal races and have tons of fun withsailing games. Camps run 9am-3pm, June 8 throughAugust 10, and cost $250 per week. To sign up call

517-7776.

UNDER & OVER AQUATIC CAMPThe Aquatics Division of the City of Largo Recreation,Parks and Arts Department invites youths ages 12 andover to participate in a specialty aquatic camp June 8 –12. The Under & Over Aquatic Camp will be held atSouthwest Pool located at 13120 Vonn Road in Largofrom 9 – 1pm Mon-Thu. On Friday, campers willattend Adventure Island in Tampa from 9am – 3pm.Register soon because there is a maximum limit of 15 participants.Participants must be able to swim above water for 25yards and tread in deep water for one minute. Thecamp is focused on basic scuba diving and kayakingskills however participants will experience shallow and deep water diving with tanks and regulator in the pool.The fee is $99 (R) and $125 (NR) with a current Largorecreation card. Fee includes lunch Mon – Thu andadmission to Adventure Island. Sponsors for the Under and Over Aquatic Camp are Sunshine Scubaand WaterSports West. For detailed informationcontact 518-3126 or www.largopools.com.


TThhee BBeelllleeaaiirrCCaauusseewwaayy..TThhiiss pphhoottoowwaass ttaakkeenn iinnllaattee AApprriill.. IIttiiss sscchheedduulleeddttoo bbee ooppeennbbyy tthhee eenndd ooff MMaayy!!

IITT IISSAALLMMOOSSTTDDOONNEE!!

Email: [email protected] HHHHAA ##229999999922228822

Quality Home Care for the Way You Live Assisting with Life Enrichment Activities

E A S Y L I V I N G I N C

HOME CARE FOR THE WAY YOU LIVE

TM

Call 727-448-0900

1465 S. Ft. Harrison Ave. Suite 200 Clearwater

l NEW Concierges ServiceAvailable

l Personal Assistant(Companion/Housekeeping)

l Personal Care Assistant(Certified Nursing AssistantHome Health Aide)

l Transportation (Errands/Appointments)


COMPOST TUMBLINGby Dan TorresWe started composting tohelp the soil. We beganpiling all of our organicwaste and leavestogether in the yard, andwithin several months wehad rich, new soil for ourgarden and lawn. Wealso discovered howmuch waste we no longerput into our trash can. We soon realized that methodof composting is lengthy and quite messy, so we didsome research on alternative methods, and discoveredcompost tumblers. The advantage to compost tumblingis the creation of new, fertile soil in a much shorterperiod of time than in-ground composting. Also, it is amuch cleaner method, keeping rodents away andgiving you the ability to compost more organic wastematerial, such as egg shells. The disadvantage was thecost; we found quality double composting systems werecosting around $500 - $600. This was not going towork for us, so we created the Wasteland CompostTumblers. To give people as many economical optionsas possible, we have created the following pricingstructure: 1- Complete set of construction plans only for $10 - Ifyou are handy, have tools and the proper barrels, theseplans are all you need. It a complete list of everythingrequired with step by step instructions.2- Plans and two plastic, terra-cotta colored, barrels for$75 - If you are handy but need a good source for thebarrel, which can be tough to find, this is your bestoption.3- Completely pre-constructed systems, as pictured, for$225, are available at Greenbenches and More (727-517-2373). If you are interested in plans or a set of barrels pleasecall 727-595-1838.

BIG NEW HOUSEIf you have a boat, and travel the Intracoastalwaterway, you've seen this house under construction,about a half mile north of the Walsingham Bridge, atthe west end of Siesta Road. It is a 16,000 sq. feethome being built by the Dan Karcher ConstructionCompany, on the site of Captain Lowe's originalhomestead and Lowe's Landing . (See the CaptainLowe story on the cover).


RESIDENTS CAN DETER COYOTE PRESENCECoyotes are amazingly adaptable, and can survivein nearly any habitat. They arrived in the 1970sand have found a home in parks, preserves, andwooded areas surrounding many residential areas."As long as residents keep wildlife wild and do notprovide easy meals to them, they should not posea threat to people," said Dr. Welch Agnew, directorof Pinellas County Animal Services. "The problemoccurs when people start leaving food outside theirhomes, leave trash available, or allow cats anddogs to roam the neighborhood. Then, we areproviding easy meals to wild coyotes, inviting theminto our areas, and encouraging them to lose theirnatural fear of humans."Residents are reminded to follow simpleprecautions to prevent the threat of coyotes:l Never leave pet food or trash outside where itwill attract wildlife.l Clear brush and dense weeds from arounddwellings. This reduces cover for coyotes and theirprey, such as rodents and other small animals.l Protect children. Although rare, coyotes havebeen known to seriously injure children. Do notleave young children unattended, even in abackyard.l Protect pets and livestock. These are favorite preyfor coyotes. Keep pets indoors, especially at night.Keep dogs and cats leashed at all times. There is aPinellas County Ordinance that prohibits dogs orcats from roaming freely.l Use negative reinforcement. Make sure thecoyotes know that they are not welcome. Makeloud noises, throw rocks or spray with a gardenhose.l Report any coyote threats to people or pets toAnimal Services at (727) 582-2600. For a copy of the coyote safety brochure, visitwww.pinellascounty.org/animalservices.

TTHHEE BBEELLLLEEAAIIRR RREECCRREEAATTIIOONN DDEEPPAARRTTMMEENNTT willbe offering a morning youth camp June 8 - August14. This special program will be for children ages6-12, Monday-Friday from 9 am to 12 pm. Eachweek will be offered at a cost of $35 for membersand $50 for non members. Space is limited to 75campers per week, so sign up early! Along with themorning summer camp, the Belleair Rec will beoffering avariety ofspecialty campsin the afternoonfrom 1 pm to4pm. This year'scamps are sureto be a hit forall! For moreinformation call518-3728 orvisit townofbelleair.com.

captain john t. lowe, area founder - beach...

Documents