JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 ISSUE 89
Pajano’s Pizza - Celebrates 50 years!
Next month, Pajano’s Pizza & Subs will celebrate its 50th
anniversary making it the oldest operating restaurant in Indian
Rocks Beach. It was opened on February of 1971, oddly enough
by a man whose last name was not named “Pajano.” Owner
Nick Faraone bought the pizza business for $5,000, then located
inside of the Red Lion Pub building, before there was a Red Lion.
He operated out of that 15th Avenue location for 3 years before
moving to today’s location. He picked that spot to be closer
to the Indian Rocks Pier, at 12th Avenue. As luck would have
it, the Pier collapsed the next year during Hurricane Elena, but
Pajano’s Pizza did not!
Nick met his wife, Monica, when she applied for a
job while still at the 15th Ave. location. Of course,
he hired her. They started dating and soon were
married. While growing up, all four of their kids
worked at Pajano’s. Nick has passed away and
today son Mike owns and manages the restaurant.
His mother Monica is also still involved. Pajano’s is
located at 1305 Gulf Blvd.
Indian Rocks Beach is known for its great local
restaurants and Pajano’s is not the only old restaurant
in town. Others have been around for many years,
too. We highlighted ten of the oldest.
- Continued on page 7
Also in this Issue:
Bella Vino 15
years later
What does it take to
start a successful wine
business from scratch?
Owners Brian and
Cheryl Franzeses know,
they did it. - page 3
O
r C
u
r
re
n
t R
e
s
id
e
n
t
Working the Polls
See what is involved
in being a poll worker
during
a
major
Presidential Election.
Maybe you will want
to give it a try next
time.
- page 27
Walk Indian Rocks Historical Tour
A joint effort between Action 2000 and the Indian
Rocks Historical Museum created a free self-guided,
audio and visual walking tour of historical Indian
Rocks Beach - page 19
Janna’s Consignment Boutique
What is the difference between a thrift shore
and a consignment shop? Lisa Hammock,
owner of Janna’s, explains. - page 30
Nick a
nd Mik
e
Faraon
e, 2011
Nick, when he first
opened Pajano’s
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 2
CITY NUMBERS
CITY HALL 595-2517
Mon - Fri, 7:30am to 4pm
1507 Bay Palm Blvd
www.Indian-Rocks-Beach.com
CITY MANAGER Gregg Mims 595-2517
MAYOR - Cookie Kennedy
COMMISSIONERS —
Ed Hoofnagle Vice Mayor
Diane Flagg • Phil Hanna • Joe McCall
Building Dept: Dan Weigner 517-0404
Planning & Zoning: 517-0404
Public Works: Dean Scharmen 595-6889
Mon - Fri, 7am to 3:30pm
Solid Waste/Trash Pickup 595-6889
ELECTRICITY

443-2641
PHONE (RESIDENTIAL) 800-483-4000
PHONE (BUSINESS) 800-483-5000
WATER


464-4000
CABLE (SPECTRUM)

329-5020
--------------------------------------------
EMERGENCIES:





9-1-1
SHERIFF NON-EMERGENCIES 582-6200
SHERIFF DISPATCH 582-6177
IRB FIRE STATION 595-1117
-------------------------------------------
AA & AL-ANON MEETINGS 595-1038
POST OFFICE


596-2894
204 4th Ave. Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30; Sat 9a-12p
IRB LIBRARY 596-1822
Mon-Fri 10-5pm, Sat 10-1pm
IRB HISTORICAL MUSEUM 593-3861
Wed - Sat, 10am to 2pm
IRB HOMEOWNER ASSOC.
Mary Beth Dunn, President - IRBHome.com
BEACH ART CENTER

596-4331
1515 Bay Palm Blvd., Mon-Fri 8:45am to 4pm
IRB ROTARY, Bruce Sobut, 403-4060
Meets at Jimmy Guana’s every Wed. 7:15AM
ACTION 2000 John Ashby, President
Meets 2nd Mon each month Beach Art Ctr
LITTLE LEAGUE
409-5024
IRB WELCOME CENTER 595-4575
BEACH FOOD PANTRY 282-4085
1615 First St. M-W-F 10 am-12 pm
BEACH THRIFT STORE 596-8868
Tue & Sat, 10am to 2pm, Thu 5 to 8pm
--------------------------------------------
PINELLAS COUNTY INFO 464-3000
COMMISSION OFFICES 464-3377
Karen Seel


464-3278
STATE:
Senator Jeff Brandes 727-395-2512
Republican, Dist. 24
3637 Fourth St. N., Ste 101 St. Pete
Brandes.Jeff.web@flsenate.gov
Representative Nick DiCeglie 727-588-7090
Republican, District 66
1940 West Bay Drive, Ste 4, Largo
nick.diceglie@myfloridahouse.gov
Governor Ron DeSantis
Ron.DeSantis@myflorida.com
FLORIDA UNITED STATES SENATORS:
Marco Rubio


202-224-3041
www.Rubio.Senate.gov
Rick Scott . . . . . . . . . . . 202-224-5274
www.RickScott.Senate.gov
AREA UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE:
Charlie Crist . . . . . . . . . . .202-225-5961
696 1st Ave N., Suite #203, St. Pete
www.Crist.House.Gov
This newsletter is published by
GRIFFIN PRODUCTIONS, Inc. and is
mailed to every occupied residence
in Indian Rocks Beach’s zip code
33785. We are not associated with
the City of Indian Rocks Beach.
PUBLISHER
Bob & Becky Griffin
ART DIRECTION
Becky Griffin
SALES
727-430-8300
CONTACT INFO
P.O. Box 1314
Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
727-430-8300
BeachNewsletters.com
If you are interested in advertising,
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discounts. Ads need to be reserved
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© 2021 Griffin Productions, Inc.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSLETTER
Inside, you will find articles and
local information about the nearby
area. We call it Neighborhood News
because it is primarily about our
neighborhood, Indian Rocks Beach.
This newsletter is printed every other
month and mailed to every occupied
house in the city.
Do you need another copy? Ask for
them at USA Grocers, CVS Drug
Store, Beach Welcome Center, City
Hall, Indian Rocks Beach Library.
We hope you enjoyed our magazine.
We want your input. Did you like
this issue? What suggestions do
you have for future articles? Call or
email us or take our online survey at
beachnewsletters.com.
Keep up to date with your local
news; follow us on Facebook at
Neighborhood News Magazine.
Thank you for reading,
Bob & Becky Griffin, 727-430-8300
bob@griffindirectories.com
SEE YOU AGAIN IN
MARCH!
CREDITS
JANUARY
Bloody Mary Day


1
Buffet Day



2
Cream Puff Day


2
Chocolate Covered Cherries Day 3
Spaghetti Day


4
Whipped Cream Day


5
Keto Day



5
Bean Day



6
Shortbread Day


6
Tempura Day



7
English Toffee Day


8
Apricot Day



9
Bitter Sweet Chocolate Day

10
Oysters Rockefeller Day

10
Milk Day



11
Hot Toddy Day


11
Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day

14
National Bagel Day


15
Fig Newton Day


16
Buttered Rum Day


17
Popcorn Day



19
Banana Bread Day


21
Granola Bar Day


21
Blonde Brownie Day


22
Pie Day



23
Green Juice Day


24
Peanut Butter Day


24
Irish Coffee Day


25
Peanut Brittle Day


26
Chocolate Cake Day


27
Blackberry Pancake Day

28
Corn Chip Day


29
Croissant Day


30
Hot Chocolate Day


31
FEBRUARY
Baked Alaska Day


1
Tater Tot Day



2
Carrot Cake Day


3
Homemade Soup Day

4
Chocolate Fondue Day

5
Frozen Yogurt Day


6
Fettuccine Alfredo Day

7
National Pizza Day


9
Plum Pudding Day


12
Tortellini Day



13
National Almond Day


16
National Muffin Day


20
Margarita Day


22
Banana Bread Day


23
Tortilla Chip Day


24
Clam Chowder Day

25
Pistachio Day


26
Kahlua Day


27
Chili Day



27
Strawberry Day


27
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING FOOD HOLIDAYS
With all the uncertainties and cancellations, we are unable to have a true event calendar.
Instead, we thought we would give you something fun - a list of National Food Days.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 3
BELLA VINO CELEBRATES 15 YEARS
As of December 22nd, Brian and Cheryl Franzese will have
been providing wine in Belleair Bluffs for 15 years.
Brian is from Hollywood, Florida. When he was young, his
family moved to Pinellas County, where he attended school.
That is where he first met Cheryl. 15 years later, Cheryl and
Brian reconnected at a wedding in Weeki Wachi. 24 years
later, Brian and Cheryl have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.
For almost 20 years, Brian worked for a major wine
distributor, managing its fine wine division from Naples to
Tampa. Cheryl sold her technology business and became a
Realtor - now with 17 years experience. In 2005, Brian and
Cheryl decided to venture out and start their own business,
putting their passion for wine to work. They quickly decided
Belleair Bluffs’ Plaza 100 was the location with the best
demographics. They also liked being next door to E & E
Stakeout Grill; as a bonus it is also close to home.
“We gutted the place back to the bare walls,” Brian recalls.
“We replaced the drywall, floors, ceiling, electrical wiring and
lighting, plus we added custom Napa wood wine shelving
and a temperature controlled cellar.”
The wine business, unlike others, is filled with an interest for
knowledge and taste from new wine lovers to connoisseurs.
“We started Bella Vino from grass-roots. We did not buy an
existing wine business,” Brian continues. “Because we did not
have an ready-made customer base we had to quickly learn
the needs of the local wine community. We are thankful that
our local residents discovered us and seemed to like us.”
“Up front, we originally had a small service area for wine
sampling and to sell a little bit of cheese. We also sold gelato
and espresso drinks,” Brian says.
“About
ten
years
ago, we redesigned
our upfront area
to expand the wine
bar, add seating,
more cheese display
space, and enlarged
our gourmet food &
cigar selections.”
Bella
Vino
has
something
for
everyone. “We have
wine selections from
one end of the price
range to the other.
We have a wide variety of cheeses. You can sit at our bar
and enjoy any wine, with cheese or a charcuterie plate.”
“We see well over 1,000 customers a month and most are
repeat customers. You can not imagine how many cases our
little store goes through - several hundred - per week! “We
sell a lot of wine online, too. We ship to nearly 40 states.”
We typically have many special events, such as Wine Tastings
and Wine Dinners, but due to the pandemic, we’ve had none
since February. We hope to resume them soon, depending
on the conditions. We were forced to postponed our 2020
Annual Tiny Bubbles & Big Reds event, which is one of the
largest and best wine tasting events in Pinellas County. When
we bring it back, it will be better than ever!
Bella Vino Wine Market is located in The Plaza at 100 N.
Indian Rocks Road, next to E&E Stakeout. Find them online at
BellaVinoWineMarket.com or call Brian at 584-5552.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 4
Did You Know
GRAND MARSHAL
Former Mayor RB
Johnson
and
his
wife
Sarah were
honored as Grand
Marshal of the Indian
Rocks Holiday Street
Parade.
RB was a member of
the City Commission
for 18 years, the last
12 he was the Mayor.
Each year, a resident
of
Indian
Rocks
is honored in the
parade to thank them
for their service to the
city.


MARTINIS & MATISSE Like any good martini, they are
shaking things up this year. Relax in your favorite chair, mix
yourself a martini and tune into the online version of their
signature art lottery, cooking and mixology demonstrations
from favorite local restaurants and more. Being held Saturday,
January 16 from 6:30 to 8pm, you can register by texting
MARTINI to 72727 or at www.martinisandmatisse.org. Register
early for a chance to win fabulous prizes. All proceeds benefit
the Clearwater Free Clinic.


BAG PROGRAM BENEFITS BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation has been selected
as the beneficiary of the Community Bag Program. The
Program, which launched in February 2019, is a reusable
bag program designed to help make a difference in the
communities where shoppers live and work. Each time a
$2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at the Largo
Winn-Dixie at 10202 Seminole Boulevard during the month of
January, the Gardens Foundation will receive a $1 donation.

RECYCLED
DECORATIONS
Gerry McIntosh
walks the beach
almost every
day. About 9
months ago, she
started picking
up discarded
beach toys on the
beach and the
beach accesses.
She decided to
repurpose them
as Christmas
decorations and
she hung them on
a tree in her front
yard. It did not take
long to fill that tree,
so she started a second one. She quickly filled that one,
too. She and husband, Andy, enjoyed creating the holiday
project and all the comments people made while passing
their home, located at 2021 20th Parkway. Look for the
repurposed toys to reappear next Christmas.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 5
and More...
FOOD
PANTRY
NEEDS YOUR
HELP The need
for food and
other supplies
has only
increased with
the pandemic.
The Beach
Community Food Pantry provides food to about 800 families
every month.
They need dedicated volunteers to help sort and shelve food,
process inventory and assist individuals with their food selection
on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9:30 am to 12:15
pm and Thursday evening from 4:30 pm to 7:15 pm.
Also they always need non-perishable food. Food donations
can be brought to the pantry Wednesday 10am to noon, or 5
to 7 pm Thursday night. It can also be left at the Calvary church
main office during its hours 9 am to 1 pm Mon. through Thurs.
Call 727-282-4085 or e-mail info@bcfoodpantry.org.


CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS The Indian Rocks Beach
City Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month.
The next City Commission meetings will be January 12 and
February 9th beginning at 7pm.
Due to Covid-19, meetings are available live on Zoom. You
can find the link and log-in information at the bottom of each
meeting’s agenda, available on the City’s calendar at
www.indian-rocks-beach.com


REDS WHITES & BITES Save the date, Friday March 5, 2021.
This year’s event will be virtual with an exciting online lottery. All
proceeds benefit the Community Dental Clinic.
They were expecting almost 400 guests for their 2020 Reds,
Whites & Bites Fundraiser. Unfortunately, with the pandemic,
the uncertainty of the future, and their genuine concern for the
welfare of the guests, they were forced to cancel just days before
the event. They truly appreciate the flexibility and commitment to
safety of all involved.
Through donations and community support, the clinic provides
low income, uninsured adults access to urgent dental care for
improved health. Almost 25% of the people in our area do
not receive the dental care they need due to a lack of dental
insurance or ability to pay. During the first half of the year, even
with Covid-19, they treated 267 acute patients who would have
otherwise gone to the ER or urgent care to escape their pain.

ONLY
RECYCLE
EMPTY
CONTAINERS One of the most
common recycling mistakes?
People throwing plastic bottles
into their recycling bin without
emptying them first. If there is
liquid inside, it can spill and
contaminate other commingled
materials such as paper causing
it to be discarded instead of
recycled. Additionally, containers carrying liquid are heavier
than empty containers, and can cause to incorrect sorting.








OUR NEXT ISSUE IS IN MARCH Read this issue, and
others, online at www.BeachNewsletters.com and follow us
on Facebook at Neighborhood News Magazine - for ongoing
local news updates.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 6
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 7
Indian Rocks Beach’s Oldest Restaurants
CRABBY BILL’S SEAFOOD (37)
412 Gulf Blvd.
Opened in April of 1983, this is one of the city’s most well-known
restaurants. Founder Bill Loder sold seafood in New Jersey in the
1950s before relocating his family to Pinellas County in 1968.
He opened a series of small fish markets and cafés—including
a small store in Indian Rocks Beach. Bill purchased the building
where Crabby Bill’s Seafood is today in 1987. His daughter
Ellie suggested the name “Crabby Bill’s.” Then, you could buy a
grouper sandwich and fries for only $3.
Today, the restaurant is run by Bill’s son, Matt and his wife
Maria. Dozens of third and fourth generation family members
work at Crabby Bill’s and at their several other Pinellas County
restaurants.
P.J.’S OYSTER BAR (35)
415 2nd Street.
Opened in June of 1985, P.J.’s is named for the parrot that still
lives there today. The restaurant originally was located on the
corner of 5th Avenue and 1st Street. Formerly a convenience
store, the building had been converted into a bar, before it
was P.J.’s. Today, it is Jake’s Coastal Cantina. Founding owners
Judy Vermont and Ed Rosicky sold the restaurant to long time
employees Bama and Steve Palmer. The Palmers eventually
bought the much larger building across the street.
J.D.’s RESTAURANT (35)
125 Gulf Blvd.
Tom and Jackie Downing opened this restaurant in October of
1985, just one month after Hurricane Elena.
The two-story house that houses J.D.’s was built around 1945
and was first “Moodie’s Drug Sundries” downstairs, while owners
Furman Moodie and his wife Elsie lived upstairs. Moodie sold
the building to Jimmy O’Neal who converted it into “O’Neal’s
Restaurant,” which was sold to the Downings.
Tom Downing named his restaurant J.D.’s, after his wife, Jackie.
Eventually, their three children - Kip, Jay and Leslie, worked
there doing everything from serving food to bartending. After
Tom died in 2007, Jackie stayed involved and still is today.
KEEGAN’S SEAFOOD (35)
1519 Gulf Blvd
Also opened in 1985 by Linda and Cesar Labrador, Keegan’s
Seafood was first located at 1309 Gulf Blvd. The 35-seat cafe,
named for the Labrador’s son Keegan, claimed to be the first
beach restaurant to offer a “blackened” grouper sandwich.
They eventually moved to their current location in Keegan’s Plaza
and sold the restaurant in 2008 to The Schonowski family (John,
Jackie, and John Jr.) who still operate it.
SANDY’S (31)
2300 Gulf Blvd.
Sandy’s Restaurant opened in 1989 when Sandy Dodd bought
the small “Nancee’s Cafe” named for owner, Nancee Reedy, who
had opened it fourteen years prior. Sandy naturally renamed the
restaurant after herself.
Sandy only owned it for five years before selling to Gabriella
(Gabby) who did not change the name. In 2004, Chris Madelaine
bought it, and after 10 years, sold it to her daughter, Natasha,
who operates it today. Chris still helps out.
TJ’S ITALIAN CAFE (30)
1515 Gulf Blvd.
Thomas John Smith, (TJ) bought a small wlak-up pizza business
on Gulf Blvd. in 1990. It could only sit about 40 people—inside
and out.
He eventually bought the lot to the north and tore down some
cottages to build today’s restaurant. At first the building , was
about half the size you see today. It has since undergone a few
additions. Later the deck to the west was added.
While not Italian, TJ grew up in a mostly Italian neighborhood
in New Jersey and learned to love the food. He is proud that his
Italian customers seem to enjoy his menu the most.
GUPPY’S ON THE BEACH (28)
1701 Gulf Blvd.
Guppy’s has been a casual fine dining restaurant since December
of 1992. Housed in what once was a beach house, the building
has also been a gas station, beach bar, and a French cafe,
known as “La Cave.”
When the owner of La Cave died, Eugen Fuhrmann bought it. He
and partner Erwin Scheuringer already owned a small restaurant
in Belleair Bluffs called E&E Stakeout
Before opening, they brought in Scott Bebell to be the chef and
third partner. Eugen’s son, Andreas, came up with the name
“Guppy’s” saying that it sounded like “Yuppies”, a popular
word in the 1990s. The restaurant quickly became a favorite
among locals and tourists, alike. “We normally have an even mix
of 50/50 locals to tourists”, says Chef Bebell. They have been
voted “Best Dinner on the Beach” in this Neighborhood News
Magazine, many times.
VILLA GALLACE RISTORANTE (25)
109 Gulf Blvd.
In 1995, Pompeo Gallace and son Luigi bought a convenience
store at the south end of town and converted it into an Italian
restaurant. Pompeo, originally from Calabria, Italy, and moved
to Indian Rocks by way of New York. They have developed a
reputation as one of the finest Italian restaurants on the beaches.
Today Luigi runs “Villa Gallace” (which means House of Gallace).
JIMMY GUANA’S RESTAURANT (23)
401 2nd St
The Holiday Inn Harbouside opened in 1993 and Jimmy Guana’s
became their in-house restaurant four years later, opening in
April of 1997. Although Jimmy’s is attached to the Holiday Inn,
the locals like to eat there, too. Many come for the live music
most nights and on weekends.
CAFÉ de PARIS (19)
2300 Gulf Blvd.
Xavier and Valerie de Marchi opened their small French cafe in
2002. They are from Bordeaux, France, so the food and pastries
have always been quite authentic, but today they have offer
more than just pastries. They have award winning cakes, pies,
croissants, and “crepes” made to order. i
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 8
WHAT NOW MR. BIDEN?
by Ray Ferrara, ProVise Management
Group
The election for President is finally over.
Regardless of how you voted, now is the
time for the country to come together
and move forward. What lies ahead in a
President Biden White House?
Much will depend on the outcome of
the Senatorial elections in Georgia. The
Democrats need to win both seats to
control the Senate. It is likely that at least
one of the Republicans will advance.
Gridlock is something that the markets
like and are counting on. If things work in the Democrats favor,
there will be major changes over the next two years. If not, then
it is unlikely that much will change.
Mr. Biden campaigned on raising taxes for those with more
than $400,000 of income by increasing the top rate to 39.6%.
He would also eliminate the tax break for capital gains and
dividends for those making over $1 million. On the corporate
side he would raise the tax rate from 21% to 28%. This is still
below the 35% bracket that existed before the December 2017
tax act. Finally, he would roll back the estate tax rules to those
that existed prior to the 2017 act, but this is set to happen in
2026 anyway.
Together these tax increases are expected to raise $3.5 trillion
dollars over the next ten years. Regardless of your views on these
increases, tax increases are generally bad for the economy and
the markets.
We expect a President Biden to be almost as tough on China as
President Trump has been. His tone might be different, but he
views China as a threat to the US both as a trading “partner”
and for stealing our technology. The tariffs are likely going to
stay in place for some time. His negotiations with the European
Union will be much more conciliatory. Both developments
should be a positive for our economy.
Expect significant investments into alternative energy sources,
infrastructure, 5G everywhere, especially in rural areas,
healthcare, an emphasis on made in America, and science
and technology. Each of these areas will provide opportunity
for investors, but clearly not without risk. There will be winners
and losers.
The coming new year is the time to review your financial and
investment plan. Take advantage of our one-hour complimentary
appointment to help set the stage for the next four years.
V. Raymond Ferrara, CFP®, Chair and CEO
ProVise Management Group, LLC
611 Druid Rd E, Suite 105, Clearwater, FL 33756
727-441-9022, info@provise.com
The information herein is general and educational in nature and should
not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are
complex and are subject to change.
Investment Advisory Services may be offered through ProVise
Management Group, LLC.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 9
MILLIE WARD, FOUNDER OF
WARD’S SEAFOOD DIES
We interviewed Millie Ward in June of
2016. Below is part of the interview.
Since 1955, Ward’s Seafood has
supplied the area with locally caught
fresh seafood. Few people remember
the folks who started it, Johnie and
Millie Ward.
Johnie Ward grew up in Clearwater
in a fishing family. His three brothers
and later his son were all fishermen.
Early on, most people caught mullet.
At certain times of year, thousands
of mullet would school around
Clearwater Harbor and Sand Key. Fishermen used gill nets
to round them up and pull them into their specially designed
boats. The boat’s engines were in the middle of the boats so
as not to interfere with the nets in the back. Johnie would catch
a boatload and sell them—usually to the Anderson brothers,
who owned two area fish markets.
In 1954, Johnie met Millie. He was a young guy in his 30s;
Millie in her 20 had recently moved to Clearwater from
Indiana. She liked his dark tanned look, and he liked the way
she smiled. Johnie loved to fish. Millie soon loved to fish, too.
They got married in 1954.
At first, they sold the fish Johnie caught out of ice chests and
buckets in front of their home. In 1955, after they built a house
on the southwest corner of MLK South and Belleair Road, they
decided to start a proper fish market like the Andersons. In
1956, Johnie added a 20’x20’ building just to the north of
their house and called it Ward’s Seafood Market. Johnie and
Millie ran the small fish house seven days a week.
“We sold fish - both retail and wholesale,” remembered Millie
Ward. “Johnie fished all day and sold the fish at the store. We
got seafood from other area fishermen, too. I would help filet,
display, and sell the fish, crabs, scallops and other seafood.
Johnie used his truck to deliver seafood to area restaurants
and bait shops. In the early days, we even supplied Publix.”
“We delivered to so many restaurants that no longer exist
today,” Millie recalled. “I remember selling to Leon’s, The
Pelican, Fisherman’s Wharf, The Garden Seat, The Palm
Garden, Morrison’s, and even the Safety Harbor Resort.”
Word quickly spread that the Wards had the “freshest fish
in town” and their business just got bigger and bigger. They
made five additions to the initial building, but only had the
one location. “We had all we could do,” said Millie, “between
fishing, delivering, and selling, we could not even think of
expanding.”
The Wards had ten employees-three were girls. Millie paid the
bills, the employees, suppliers and billed the customers. “We
owned a few trucks and kept them busy every day.”
They sold grouper, snapper, mackerel, and of course mullet.
“Mullet was very popular in those days - especially smoked
mullet,” Millie said. “We sold a lot of smoked fish - Johnie was
a great smoker,” Millie added. “We also sold shrimp, crabs
and lobster, flown in from Maine.”
In 1975, after 20 years, the Wards sold their business to Wayne
Widmark, who sold it to present owners Rob and Michelle
Cameron in 1990.
“Johnie kept on fishing, because that is what he did,” Millie
said with a smile. “I used to go fishing with him a lot. I loved
fishing almost as much as he did.”
Johnie died in 2007. Millie, 88, died on Thanksgiving Day.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 10
Real Estate News
REAL ESTATE CRYSTAL BALL RECALL
Vision for 2020 Wasn’t 20/20
By Gordon Obarski, Real Estate Broker Gordon Realty House
The old “real estate crystal ball” failed us
big-time last year…but in a good way.
Coming off a mediocre year in 2019,
we expected IRB property values to level
off somewhat, forecasting only a modest
2% increase for 2020. WRONG. The
average sale price of condos/townhomes
was up nearly 25% over the previous
year and single-family homes increased
by 19%. Had we seen facemasks, social
distancing and lockdowns when peering
into the ball last December, 2020’s
prediction would have been worse. And that would have been
WRONG, too, since Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater was one of two
Florida Metros to bounce back and beat pre-pandemic levels
as soon as August 1.
Defying all odds, there were 19 more sales in 2020 than in
the previous year…and that was after a 2-year decline in
the non-COVID years of 2018 and 2019. The average days
an IRB property was listed in 2020: 59…down from 76 in
2019…thanks, in part, to a continuing inventory drought.
But, that wasn’t the whole reason. In fact, by October, a tad
more inventory popped up. And, November, usually the real
estate doldrums, went gangbusters, much to the chagrin of
homebuyers holding out hope for “a deal.”
Here’s what COVID did to real estate: Trends that had been
unraveling slowly over decades were fast-tracked. “Southern
migratory patterns” weren’t new but those with “future” Florida
relocation plans jumped into the market ahead of schedule to
escape stricter lockdown restrictions back home and to be able
to spend more time outdoors. What better place than Pinellas
with 2 of Trip Advisor’s Top 5 Beaches in the country!
When predicting 2020, COVID wasn’t part of the equation.
For 2021, it’s a significant factor, fraught with uncertainty as
to when the virus will truly be under control. Will the vaccine
provide the comfort level needed to nudge homeowners, who
put off selling during COVID, to sell? Reluctance to sell is
often steeped in fear of not finding the next home. One good
thing COVID did: It sharpened everyone’s technological skills,
making folks much more comfortable searching for properties
online.
The subject of foreclosures has largely been avoided thanks to
forbearance programs. Nationally, distressed mortgages are
knocking on the door of 2010 housing crisis levels and Florida
has more financially struggling homeowners than any other
state. But, what’s different now is that those in trouble will have
an opportunity to sell while the market is hot: Home prices are
expected to hit a new high in 2021. Pandemic or no pandemic,
real estate is still our economy’s brightest spot.
Last year’s prediction was so wrong that it’s tough to say this
with a straight face: I see 2021 to be more “normal”…at least
in terms of supply and demand. A parade of buyers against a
better field of inventory and low interest rates points to another
growth year in 2021. However, this year’s prediction comes
with a gigantic asterisk. Even though my crystal ball has been
jacked up and totally rebuilt since last year, I’m still not 100%
sure of its reliability for 2021…but it’s the best I can do.
Source: Stellar MLS (Avg. close price comparing 1/1/19-12/31/19 to
1/1/20-12/19/20)
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 11
ADDRESSING HOMELESS
FAMILIES’ NEEDS IN 2021
Government contract ending impacts
funding, but Hope Villages of America vows
not to let the Grace House shelter close.
President and CEO Kirk Ray Smith of Hope Villages of
America (HVA), formerly RCS Pinellas, announced today
that the nonprofit is ramping up fundraising efforts in the
community to address a potential funding gap caused by
the end of significant government funding. “We believe
housing is a right, not a privilege,” said Smith. “To
eradicate homelessness, it will take a Village.”
After several years, the contract between the Juvenile
Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) and HVA will
end on February 28, 2021. The end of the contract
leaves Grace House with a potential funding shortfall,
which Smith hopes the community can help meet. “We’re
calling on individuals, groups, churches, business owners
and corporations to join us in ensuring these vulnerable
members of our community are protected and feel valued
in these already unsettling days. We also want to say thank
you to the City of Clearwater, City of Largo and City of St.
Pete for their continued support of the Grace House.”
Each year six Grace House staff and numerous volunteers
serve homeless individuals and families with care and
compassion. “Homeless families are one of the fastest-
growing demographics we serve,” Smith reported. “There
are only 180 beds for homeless families in Pinellas County,
which has a population of more than 1 million. Hope
Villages provides nearly half of those beds, and Grace
House offers dignified apartment-style emergency shelter
to homeless families with children for up to three months.
We touch more than 300 lives each year through Grace
House—60 percent of whom are children.
“We certainly will not let the shelter close, pushing those
families onto the streets—and neither will we lay off the
Grace House case managers and other employees who
serve them. All of these families need us now more than
ever due to the pandemic.”
Food, clothing and household goods are available to
residents, and Grace House staff work one-on-one with
families, providing case management, education, job
readiness and helping guests save money to secure stable
housing. When it comes to changing lives and ending
homelessness, Grace House is a resounding success: “We
are proud that 90 percent of families who complete the
program move to stable housing.”
“We’re grateful for our longstanding and very positive
relationship with JWB. We knew the contract was coming
to an end, and we’ve been planning and working for this.
Government funding, in our eyes, is always mean to get
a program off the ground but not for long-term support—
that’s where we engage the community,” Smith said. “In
fact, we’re pleased to announce that our longstanding
community partner and major corporate donor Siracusa
Staffing & Leasing have already committed significant
financial support to meet this funding gap.”
But that’s just a small percent of the total annual Grace
House operating budget of $700,000. “We still urgently
need our neighbors’ help,” concluded Smith.
Learn how you can support homeless families on their
journey from Grace House to self-sufficiency at
www.rcspinellas.org
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 12
FRESH SEAFOOD
DELIVERED TO
YOUR HOME
Mark Rose entered
the seafood
wholesale business
over 30 years
ago with a couple
of trucks, a little
office, and a
small processing
plant. Over the
years, with a lot
of hard work, he
achieved success
in providing quality
seafood to his wholesale customers in the Tampa Bay area.
Now, after the encouragement of many family, friends and
clients, Mark with the help of his wife, Aileen and longtime
friend, David Cornell, decided to expand into home delivery
of his quality seafood products with his new Seafood Direct.
They hope in these trying times, the convenience of ordering
online and having quality seafood delivered right to your
front door will allow you to feel more at ease, while enjoying
delicious seafood that puts a smile on your face.
Visit www.seafooddirectflorida.com to place your order. Free
delivery on orders over $50.







HER SCAN This new Breast Screening Ultrasound business
opened in Belleair Bluffs in November.
Ultrasound screenings are capable of detecting cancers that
cannot be found by mammography and physical exams alone.
HER SCAN will hold testing events in the area for women and
takes merely 15 minutes. Visit www.HerScan.com for an event.
Find HER SCAN at 404 Indian Rocks Road, near Suzette’s and
South Trust Bank.

HOUSE CALLS ARE BACK “House Calls For Kids” medical
practice launched in December with a team of Pediatricians,
Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners with many years of
experience in pediatrics, emergency medicine, and urgent care,
bringing convenience and safe care to families.
All of their house calls begin with a telemedicine call to
determine when/if a house call is necessary. Being able to take
that next step without going to the ER or urgent care is what sets
them apart.
How it works:
• Request House Call via www.housecallsforkidsfl.com
• Complete brief patient questionnaire, initially pay telehealth
call fee - $75
• A practitioner will reach you for your initial telehealth call to
consult and determine if a House Call is needed
•
If your child cannot be cared for virtually, your House Call
will proceed immediately or at a time convenient for you.
(additional $175 will be applied)
They are currently serving: St Petersburg, Gulfport, Seminole,
Largo, Pinellas Park, all beaches south of Clearwater, and South
Tampa, with plans for quick expansion.
They serve ages 0-18 years old from noon to midnight Monday
through Friday and 9am – midnight Saturday and Sunday
Visit www.housecallsforkids.com for more information.
ARCHITECT WINS AWARD Local Indian Rocks Beach Architect
Business Briefs
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 13
Business Briefs
Scott Holmes of Holmes
Architects
(holmes-
architects.com) recently
announced
they
have been awarded
a
2020
American
Institute of Architects
(AIA) Tampa Bay Merit
Award for the design
of The Coral Home in
Tampa for the Lykes
Family. Merit Awards
recognize
projects
that
demonstrate
a
commitment to excellence in architectural design. This is
the only new single family residence in the Tampa Bay area
(Hillsborough/Pinellas) to win a Design Award this year and only
the second residence to win since 2008. That other residence
was also designed by Holmes Architects and is located in Indian
Rocks Beach.








NEW CONDO PROJECT The large restaurant at the north end
of the Holiday Inn Harborside (visible from the Indian Rocks
Bridge) closed ten years ago. Known as “Brewmasters” for
many years, before it closed, it became “Marker 34” for a short
while, named after the channel marker closest to the bridge.
Part of the Holiday Inn Harborside, it is owned by Jeff Keierleber,
who says he has submitted plans to the City to build a new
building that will be part condo vacation rentals and part
townhomes. The plans are being reviewed and the number of
units and the height of the building are still being discussed.

G-MART This new
convenience
store
opened
December
1st. It is the is the only
Indian Rocks Beach
convenience
store
south of Walsingham
Road. Owner Gee
converted his Baked
Batata restaurant into
the store at 321 Gulf
Blvd, south of the CVS
store. He carries the
usual small grocery
items, including beer, wine, cigarettes and LOTTO.


VIRTUAL MEDICAL VISITS December 9 to January 1
Peggy Cordle, Nurse Practitioner, Owner/Director of Urgent
Care Housecalls will continue to take care of her patients,
friends, and neighbors through Virtual Visits (telemedicine)
ONLY. As many in our tight knit community already know,
Peggy‘s husband Brian has Leukemia and will undergo a
Bone Marrow Transplant at Moffitt Cancer Center and Peggy
will stay with him at Moffitt to take care of him during this
time. She is incredibly grateful to her patients for making
UrgentCare Housecalls’ first year of practice an amazing
and fulfilling labor of love. Log on to
www.urgentcarehousecalls.net and schedule a Virtual Visit
for only $59 and get the care you need including delivered
prescriptions! Peg will see you for Housecalls in the New
Year.
Reach Urgent Care Housecalls for trusted care anywhere at
727-403-5380.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 14
YOLAND LOREN OPENS IN THE
PLAZA Yoland Loren, a
ladies’
boutique in The Plaza opened in
November. The store is named after its
owner Yoland who is from France and
was a FIT/Parsons student. She also
was a personal stylist for many years.
“What makes Yoland’s special is our
experience,” Yoland says. “Women
come to my store not just for clothes,
but for our personal styling.” She has a
variety of styles from casual every day
chic to evening attire that caters to any
event. “I can also fit any body type,” she
adds. Discover her store in The Plaza,
next to Bella Vino Wines and E&E.


HOMETOWN HERO You might not think of a UPS delivery man
as a hero, but many businesses in the area do, including Belleair
Opticians. They participated in a contest sponsored by Maui Jim
sunglasses that named Robert Fekete their ‘Hometown Hero.
“We recognized Robert for the continuous service he provided
us—and all Belleair Bluff’s merchants—during the Covid-19
Pandemic,” says Berangere Granger, owner of Belleair Opticians.
“He was certainly an essential worker helping keep our business
running. Rob impressed us with the way he stayed so positive
through these tough times. He always brings a smile to our faces.”
Robert and his family live in Belleair Bluffs and he has worked for
UPS for 29 years. “I am proud of my husband,” says wife Sharon.
“It is incredibly meaningful to us to have one of his customers
recognize him this way.”
Rob was offered a chance to pick a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses
that included a prescription - so he could read his UPS ipad


AAA TRAVEL IN THE PLAZA CLOSES AAA closed their
Belleair Bluffs location. They still have other Pinellas County
locations including Clearwater, Seminole and Countryside. The
owner of the Plaza are hoping to replace AAA with a restaurant.

COASTAL
AIRE
DESIGN
OPENS Jenni Martin and Chelsea
Allison are bringing their vision
of a beautifully curated furniture
and home décor store to Antique
Alley.
Coastal Aire Design will offer
uniquely local home furnishings
and design essentials for your
home. They will be joined by the
Potted Pair florist to continue the
traditions of the space.
Jenni is the owner of Marcotte’s Design in Largo, a store
known for coastal decor and custom-built furniture for the past
8 years. Chelsea joined the Marcotte’s team in May just as the
mandatory shut down was lifted. Her background started in art
and evolved into business ownership in the Clearwater area. It
wasn’t long after Chelsea joined the Marcotte’s team that the
opportunity for the two to start a new store came about, “the
location spoke to us, we knew we had to carry on something
special in this space.”
Opened in the building where Petals and Vine used to be, they
hope to become a fast favorite for area. Find them at 596
Indian Rocks Road North. Call 286-8686.
Business Briefs
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 15
MUNICIPAL ELECTION CANCELED
The City of Indian Rocks Beach will NOT be holding a City
election as all qualified candidates ran unopposed. The
Commissioner-Elects are as follows:
•
Incumbent Phillip J. Hanna returns for a new term.
• Diane Flagg declined to run again for her seat and will be
replaced by Denise Houseberg
For those that don’t know her, for over
35 years Denise Houseberg helped small
companies expand and become more
profitable in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
After many years there, Denise and her
husband moved to Florida to be closer
to the grandchildren. They purchased a
home in Harbour House where she now
serves on the HOA as Vice President.
After arriving in Indian Rocks, one of Houseberg’s first pursuits
was to create a way to work out on the beach. She formed IRB
Fitness and found a trainer. It now has over 25 members.
Next, Houseberg took up the Garden for Free IRB project which
allowed locals to get free access to fresh herbs and vegetables.
She helped get garden boxes painted and filled with plants and
herbs for all to enjoy. She engaged the locals to help with planting,
watering, and picking. The garden boxes are at Cookie’s Cuttery.
Earlier this year, Houseberg joined The Beach Community
Food Pantry where she serves on the Management Team and
created a Virtual Online Food Drive with YouGiveGoods.com
as well as a toy drive. Houseberg enjoys her time serving those
in need and helps with bagging and inventory as needed.
She hopes she can help even more people and the community
when her term begins in March of 2021.
SUNSTAR AMBULANCE MEMBERSHIP
Save on ambulance transportation costs
Enroll now for coverage through March 31, 2022
• Membership covers 100 percent of expenses associated with
deductibles and co-payments
• Membership covers 50 percent of medically necessary trips
denied by insurance
• Uninsured members receive a 20 percent discount on
medically necessary ambulance transportation services
Enrollment applications are available for the 2021 Sunstar
FirstCare Membership providing financial help for patients
or families on out-of pocket expenses for ambulance
transportation. The estimated average cost of a single
ambulance transport is $780.
Annual membership fees for the Membership plan are $75
for a single membership and $114 for a family membership.
Savings for a single membership, including the initial cost
of the plan, range between $81 and $705 for the first
transport, depending on individual insurance coverage and
co-pay schedules. Additional ambulance transports during the
coverage period receive additional savings.
The family membership covers individuals who reside in the
same household related by blood, adoption, marriage, or
registered domestic partnership.
The Sunstar FirstCare Ambulance Membership is not an
insurance plan. It is a Pinellas County Government program
that works with an your insurance company to minimize out-
of-pocket ambulance expenses.
New enrollees, paid in full prior to March 31, 2021, will receive
more than 12 months of coverage for the cost of the one-year
plan. For detailed plan coverage, call 727-582-2008 or visit
www.pinellascounty.org/firstcare.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 16
RICK DADDY’S Former
Indian Rocks resident,
Rick Brumfield
is
the
owner of “RickDaddy’s
Eatin’
Fresh
Seafood
and More”
opening
in the old Lighthouse
Donut
building
on
Gulf Blvd. Rick owns
another RickDaddy’s in
Clearwater.
Hoping
to open
this
month, Rick plans to only
serve lunch for a while.
“When I get my beer and
wine license from the City,
I plan to open for dinner,
too,” Rick says. “It will probably happen later in the month.”
The small 36-seat restaurant will offer take-out and dine in,
but also has a large deck nearby. For now, there is no delivery.
Find RickDaddy’s in Indian Rocks Beach at 215 Gulf Blvd.

SANDY’S REOPENS
WITH A REMODEL
Owner Natasha
Madelaine, who bought
Sandy’s from her mother
Christine in 2014 felt it
was time for an updated
look in the restaurant.
She decided to close for
the month of November
for a minor refurbish.
She added a new ceiling,
seating, flooring, and
moved things around. She
reopened December 1st
with the fresh new look
and feel. All seating is six feet apart to follow CDC guidelines.
Check them out at 2300 Gulf Blvd, near Café de Paris, daily
from 8am to 2pm.

A N E C D O T E
B R E W E R Y
SURVIVES
A
TOUGH FIRST
YEAR After years
of
planning,
Phillip Anderson
(pictured
here
with
girlfriend
Kirstin)
opened
A n e c d o t e
Brewery in Indian
Rocks in February of 2020 - just in time for Covid 19. He
partially re-opened in May with take-out beer in growlers.
Now he is open with limited inside seating Wednesdays
through Mondays and closed Tuesday & Wednesday.
Give him your support, at 321 Gulf Blvd, just south of CVS.
www.AnecdoteBrewing.com.


RESTAURANT NEWS WANTED If you have news for this
News Magazine, e-mail Bob@GriffinDirectories.com or call
727-430-8300.
Restaurant & Bar News
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 17
VIP’S NEW INDIAN ROCKS
LOCATION In September, the
owners announced a new VIP
Mexican Restaurant was coming
to Indian Rocks Beach, exciting
many locals that regularly visit
the Treasure
Island
location.
Currently construction is ongoing
to convert Aqua Prime and Off
The Grid restaurants into our
newest Mexican restaurant.
At the December Indian Rocks City Commission meeting, The
VIP received their liquor license. They have been approved for
250 seats but plan to only open with about 110 inside and 40
outside. They have not announced how they plan to use the
Off The Grid space.
“This new site is nearly twice the size of our restaurant in
Treasure Island,” say owner Nick. “We need to start small
before we expand.”
They hope to open at 213 Gulf Blvd in Indian Rocks Beach
March 1st. See their menu at www.VIPlounge-fla.com.

NEW OVEN AT CAFÉ
DE
PARIS
Xavier
is excited about his
new oven. During the
shutdown, they installed
a new commercial oven
in their bakery, which
allows them to produce
a wide variety of fresh
baked goods, hourly.
Drop in for some goodies by Xavier, Valerie, and their staff.
Find them at 2300 Gulf Blvd.

BEACH WAVES GRILL OPENS TO RAVE REVIEWS Thai
Pan Alley Is now Beach Waves Grill, a fun, casual new concept
in the 23rd Avenue Plaza. The restaurant specializes in fresh
seafood and dishes made from scratch daily, but still has a
few Thai Pan favorites on the menu. Eat in, take out or use
their Free Delivery. You can order your meal online through
Facebook or on their Web site, www.BeachWavesGrill.com.
They are open daily at 11am. Beach Waves Grill is located
at 2300 Gulf Blvd, near Café de Paris. Call 593-3663 for
takeout and delivery.

PANERA NOW SERVES PIZZA
There is a new place in Belleair to
get your pizza fix. Panera Bread
on West Bay now offers a single
serving flatbread pizza. It comes in
Margherita, Chipotle Chicken and
Bacon, and Just Cheese options.
Prices range from $6.50 to $8.00
each. You can eat in, take out and
even have it delivered.
For
more
information
visit
PaneraBread.com. To order for pick
up or delivery, download their app.

NEW BAKERY COMING SOON Plans are for the Pipo-N-
Betty’s bakery to open this Spring in the former site of Jake’s
Cantina, at the intersection of Gulf Blvd at Walsingham—
next to Tropical Ice Cream.
Restaurant & Bar News
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 18
Another Year, and more Challenges in the Building Industry…
Hard to believe that 2021 is now here, and Santa is back at the
North Pole resting up for next year. Spring is just around the
corner, and many families that come through our model center
each year have now decided that it’s time to build their dream
home here along the Pinellas beach communities. Again, new
home costs have increased due to inflation, supply & demand,
and unfortunately in 2021 it is predicted that another round of
increases will take place, now due to constant FEMA changes
and a new building code revision that is just now being put into
place (2020 7th Edition, effective 12/31/2020).
After the devastating pictures that we all saw with recent storms
over the last couple years, it only stands to reason that the
building industry cannot be allowed to construct homes using
yesterday’s codes. When the big one hits Pinellas, we will see
the same devastation from the existing homes built decades
ago. It’s been 100 years since a direct hit hurricane came ashore
in Pinellas County, but the odds are very probable of course. I
hope to have 25 to 30 years left to chase my grandchildren
around, and I hope that I do not witness a Pinellas direct hit, but
the odds are probably going to catch up to us.
Specifically, the talk in the industry is that FEMA will enact even
stronger standards for homes, for new construction and major
remodeling. Some beach jurisdictions themselves are enacting
even more stringent codes than FEMA requires. The so called
“50% Rule” may become history, so remodeling homes using
this loophole may go the way of the dinosaurs. I can’t say I’m
against that, seeing that if/when the storm comes, those family
dollars now being spent for remodeling will be wasted as they
will then be required to start over with an elevated home, at
tomorrow’s costs.
It’s also predicted that this tourist season, a record number
of snowbirds will become homeowners along the beach
communities. The trends are high with people moving to
Florida due to the Covid pandemic and ultra high tax laws in
many other populous States. I personally enjoy seeing the new
homes being constructed here by various builders in the many
Pinellas communities. And thankfully, these newly constructed
homes will weather the storm,
being constructed under newer
stricter codes to protect the
homeowners
investment and
offering extremely lower flood
insurance rates being that they
meet the current code heights.
Then too, these families that
are now constructing new homes will appreciate many years
of family enjoyment living in a new more modern home, as
well as the peace of mind knowing the security of a new home,
raised above the flood plain and constructed with today’s more
stringent standards.
GHD Coastal Homes, a division of GHD Construction Services,
Inc., is now offering very attractive homes from under $550,000.
Of course, each are constructed with today’s stringent Florida
Building Codes as well as elevated to FEMA required elevations.
Please visit our website for details.
GHD Construction Services, Inc. has constructed 6,000 homes
since 1971, and has a new Showroom at 14995 Gulf Blvd.,
Suite C, Madeira Beach. If you have any questions pertaining
to new home construction, feel free to email me directly at:
Tnegoshian@ghdcsi.com, or call and request a walk-thru
meeting at one of our homes in-progress (727)954-8345.
. . . With new
stringent codes,
will the so called
“50% Rule”
become history?
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 19
Creating a self-guided history tour of Indian Rocks has been
talked about for a few years, but it wasn’t until two local
organizations came together that the project moved forward.
As a joint effort with members of IRB Action 2000 and
Indian Rocks Historical Museum a committee was formed
that included: Julie Hoofnagle, RB Johnson, Terry Hamilton-
Wollin, Patty Donovan, and Daryl Frahn. Julie was the team
leader and kept everything on track throughout the tour
development and launch. The committees’ first meeting was
January 8, 2019
The idea was to expand on the existing Historical Marker Bike
Tour that includes twelve historical markers. That tour is about
three miles from start to finish. It was also a joint project of
the Indian Rocks History Museum and IRB Action 2000, Inc.
The group looked at online applications available and found
several good options, including the Florida Humanities
Council “Florida Stories” Walking Tours. Unfortunately, the
Council had no grant funding when this project was ready to
move forward.
Through some complicated negotiations, the committee
convinced the Council to support the Indian Rocks Beach
tour with their resources and the group would reimburse the
Council’s expenses. The Museum and Action 2000 each paid
$6,000 ($12,000 total) for the application’s development. Of
course, before they could proceed, both organizations had to
get the funding approved through their own boards.
The team used the Florida Humanities Council tools to
prepare the tour. At the time, the Council had 35 Florida
walking tours (now they have 37).
To begin, they identified 65 significant Indian Rocks structures.
Shera Bie, a member of the Museum’s Board, compiled the
list. Then they had the difficult task of narrowing that down to
a 14 stops. Each stop would include photos and a narrative.
Members of the team divided up the stops to prepare the
narratives. The team then looked through hundreds of photos
to prepare the accompanying visual components. Nancy
Ayers at the Museum was instrumental in compiling many of
the old photos.
The Council had the script reviewed by a historian, then
had the script recorded by a professional narrator. With the
recording in hand, each team member had to insert their
selected photos to match the script - to the second - in a
massive spreadsheet.
The Council used their graphic artist, located in New York
City, to prepare the rack card with the selected images. The
artist converted those photos into icons on the card.
The plan was to launch the tour at Action 2000’s May Mixer
as a joint effort with the Museum. The theme was to be:
“Historical IRB – Discover the Charm.” But Covid-19 changed
those plans.
Instead, Julie Hoofnagle created the Walk Indian Rocks
Beach website, they had launched the application, and the
racks cards were distributed to various Indian Rocks Beach
locations.
Now “The Walk Indian Rocks Beach” is available as a free
self-guided audio app designed to be downloaded to your
smart phone or tablet. The app will take you on a narrated,
self-guided tour of 14 stops with historical images and music.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you can experience -
on your own time and pace - the charming cottages and
rich heritage that makes our small town truly special. Visit
walkindianrocksbeach.com for more information.
WALK INDIAN ROCKS BEACH HISTORICAL TOUR
A free self-guided, audio and visual walking tour of historical Indian Rocks Beach
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 20
MOVING OUT-OF-STATE?
By Brooke Anderson
It’s no secret:
the
local
housing market is booming
and homes are under contract
in 7 days or less. Inventory is
flying off the shelves faster
than
toilet paper during
Covid! Our state welcomes
950 new inhabitants DAILY;
many of whom are escaping
high taxes and strict Covid
protocols in the northeast.
What isn’t being reported: this
influx of north easterners has
caused new trends among
longtime local homeowners.
Big Man’s Moving Company
explains, “Since Covid started,
we have had a tremendous increase in out-of-state moves;
locals moving to the mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee,
northern Georgia, and South Carolina for less traffic and
more space to social distance. The most popular destination is
Asheville, NC,” explains Josh Anderson, owner of Big Man’s.
“Homes in the mountains are selling just as quickly as homes
here in Pinellas County.”
You’ve found a home, now what? Big Man’s Moving explains
there are several options for interstate moving, and the options
vary in terms of pricing, quality, and investment of “sweat equity.”
The most affordable way to move is the “do it yourself” option-
rent a truck, load/unload it yourself (or hire a mover), and
drive the truck yourself.
PODS are another option. But, if more than one container is
needed, the price adds up quickly.
“We acquire business from people who used van lines before,
and don’t want to use them again. Most semi companies
give a 14-21 day delivery window, resulting in costly hotel
stays (or sleeping on the floor). Also, semis move multiple
homes simultaneously and don’t necessarily deliver in the
order the household belongings were picked up. This causes
overhandling of furniture and breakage or lost items.” Another
consideration: many are brokers and contract the individual
parts of your move to outside companies. For example, one
company may load, another drive, and a third party unload
(and there could even be another company involved if your
items go to a warehouse in the interim)! Who is responsible if
something gets damaged or lost?
The final option is hiring a family-owned business. Big Man’s
Moving Company, for example, has the same employees (covered
by workers comp) load, drive, and unload. Moving is considered
1 of the top 5 most stressful life events, so familiar faces from start
to finish is comforting. Big Man’s uses one truck per household so
items do not get lost or broken. They also provide an exact arrival
time to load and unload. This option may be a little more costly,
but it saves aggravation and headaches.
It is not uncommon for movers to claim they are licensed to
move out-of-state, but truly they are not. How does a potential
customer verify? Simply Google “FMCSA snapshot” and search
the company’s name. There should be a checkmark next to
“interstate” and “authorized.” Failure to hire a licensed interstate
mover could result in the truck being stopped and the customer’s
items being stuck until a licensed mover can go claim them.
Big Man’s Moving Company, a contributor to this article, was
voted the #1 Mover in Tampa Bay for local, statewide, and
out-of-state moving, 727-772-3458. Bigmansmoving.com
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 21
FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF BOB GUALTIERI
Shop Safely in the New Year
Giving gifts during the holidays is an expression of love and
appreciation. However, returning, exchanging, and even
selling presents is also a common practice in the months
following the holiday season.
Whether you drive to the store to return an item or sell it
online, here are some ways you can stay safe while getting
rid of those unwanted gifts or making new purchases.
Shopping in Stores:
• Park in a well-lit, public area when possible and become
familiar with your surroundings before walking inside.
• Always lock your car doors. Even if you won’t be in the
store long, it only takes seconds for a criminal to open a
door, take something inside, or steal your vehicle.
• Vehicles are easy targets because they often contain
valuable items like laptops, recent store purchases,
firearms, purses, and cell phones. Place valuables in the
trunk before you park in public so they are not visible to
burglars.
•
If your vehicle doesn’t have an alarm, consider
purchasing one. The noise alone is often enough to
scare away inexperienced criminals.
• Once you leave the store, have your car keys in hand,
ready to use, so that you can put any valuables in the
trunk and enter your vehicle quickly.
Online Transactions:
•
If you are buying or selling something online, meet the
potential buyer or seller in a public location, like the
parking lot of a police department or the sheriff’s office.
• Meet the buyer or seller during
the day or in a well-lit area at
night. As an extra precaution,
take a person with you so you
are not alone.
• Do not go
through with
the
transaction
if
the
communication with the buyer
or seller seems suspicious or
you do not feel safe completing
it.
• Ask for identification. If the
individual is lying about their
identity, they will most likely
not continue communication
or complete the meetup. In the
event the transaction goes wrong, you will have their
information to report to law enforcement.
Home Deliveries
• “Porch pirates,” thieves who steal packages left on
doorsteps, are all too common today. Use a surveillance
camera to monitor the activity at your door, have
packages delivered to a secure location, or schedule
deliveries when you are home to ensure they make it
inside your residence.
This year, make New Year’s resolutions that will protect you,
your belongings, and your community. Lock your car doors
regularly and take necessary precautions when making
transactions or meeting with strangers.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 22
A BETTER YEAR AHEAD
By Karen Williams Seel, Pinellas County Commissioner
Who would have thought that 2020 was
going to turn out to be such a horrible year
for everyone around the world and right
here in Pinellas County? And, although the
coronavirus is still with us—and will be for a
while—we are moving in the right direction.
One bright spot is the development and
distribution of the vaccine. Another bright
spot is how the toughest of times brought out
the best in all of us.
When I look back, I am amazed by all the hard work many in
the county have been doing, and are still doing, to keep people
safe, keep businesses going, keep our children educated and
keep our sanity amidst this devastating crisis. Part of that work
was accomplished by Pinellas County employees and our
partner agencies.
As the news about the pandemic spread across the country
in late February, teams across Pinellas County were already
shoring up their plans and engaging our partners. Risk
assessments, coordination of medical protocols, coordination
of safety messaging for the public, call center operations to
receive your many questions and more were already taking
place and being implemented within the first week.
As the crisis wore on, Pinellas County worked with local health
and social agencies, businesses and others through frequent
conference calls to tackle the many challenges the pandemic
presented. Many cross-functional teams from the county worked
tirelessly with hospitals and nursing homes assessing their
needs, local businesses helping get designs and manufacturing
up and running to produce personal protective equipment and
disinfectants for first responders, local food banks assessing
where food supplies were needed and getting those supplies
routed correctly, and others arranging sites where donations of
supplies and personal protective equipment could be dropped
off and dispatched to those in greatest need.
When I look back at all the work that was done and all the
partnerships that were made for this common cause, I know
that 2021 is going to be a better year. How could it not be
with all that we have accomplished together. We are stronger
because we met the challenge of the pandemic head on. We
dug in deep and made the improbable happen. We lost many
loved ones along the way, but in the end, we will carry on as a
stronger county because of the pandemic and a stronger nation
because of it, as well.
As we move further away from the darkness of 2020, may you
and your family embrace and enjoy the coming light of 2021.
Stay safe and know a better year is already here.
As always, I welcome your comments and concerns. Please
email me at kseel@pinellascounty.org.
DALÍ FEATURES VAN GOGH ALIVE
Through April 11, 2021
Experience Vincent van Gogh’s works in an immersive art
installation that opens a new window into the celebrated
painter’s artistic genius. From his famous “Starry Night” to his
radiant “Sunflowers,” Van Gogh’s vibrant work invites viewers
to revel in color, light and sound. Visitors will feel the sensation
of walking right into Van Gogh’s paintings – an experience
that is both educational and inspiring. The exhibition features
more than 3,000 Van Gogh images at enormous scale, viewed
through high-definition projectors and synchronized to a
powerful classical score.
Advanced timed-tickets are required for ALL visitors.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 23
CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY GARDEN
The Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation (FBGF) is
undertaking the creation of a new garden within the Botanical
Gardens footprint. The Children’s Discovery Garden (CDG)
will be designed specifically to entice, engage, and educate
children through discovery and play.
The Florida Botanical Gardens is a part of Pinellas County’s
park system, and with no cost for admission, thousands of
annual visitors from the Tampa Bay community and beyond
are able to enjoy the Botanical Gardens. It is accessible to
all those who live, work, and play in Pinellas County, and
it provides an oasis for many looking to relax and escape.
The area proposed for the CDG is approximately 2.5 acres.
Of which, 1.5 acres will be used for the site improvements
and 1-acre will receive plantings and natural enhancements.
A concrete walk running north/south divides the site into a
1/2 acre to the west and 2 acres to the east, and features
the main entry, which includes ADA-compliant paths, a rain
feature, benches and plantings. The west side of the CDG
has hard surfaces of concrete and pavers, while the east is
more natural with surfaces of turf, stabilized soil, wood fiber,
pour-in-place play surfaces and mulch. Both sides provide
for unstructured play, engaging nature activities, and seating
and amenities for parents/supervisors.
The Music Forest contains a plaza of pavers among trees
providing a shady space for play with oversized, stationary,
musical instruments. A fun and engaging access to this
section will be by rope bridge through a stand of bamboo.
Pollinator Landing is a multi-purpose area for climbing,
group presentations, puppet shows and theatre skits with
seating. The east side of CDG features primary educational
elements, as well as Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ exhibits.
Roots n Shoots is
an environment
where children
can get
their
hands dirty, and
includes a hand
water
pump,
as
a
source
for play and
watering plants.
A
screened
c l a s s r o o m
building
will
facilitate nature observation and create a location for
structured programming. It will provide for both educational
presentations and a space for children’s events and parties.
Other places for play are provided by a large Beetle Climber
and Trunk Jump. A loop path through the southern end of
the site will provide for wildlife observation, as well as a
location for children to display their artwork on an Artline.
You can become part of the CDG legacy by donating through
a commemorative tribute. Each portion of the garden offers
the possibility for tribute, with an engraved plaque to honor
yourself, family or friends. A personal acknowledgment is
sent to you or the family/individual being honored, with
reference to the gift, and will be listed in the Foundation’s
Annual Report. In addition to honoring a special person or
occasion, commemorative items also support the Garden
and build a tradition of joyful memories. Levels range from
$10 to $1,000. Higher-level donor recognition begins with
the Roots n Shoots potting area, and includes all proposed
site locations. Visit: www.flbgfoundation.org/cdgsponsorship
Beetle Climber
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 24
WINTERFEST ON THE ROCKS 2021
Calvary Episcopal Church, located at 1615 First Street,
Indian Rocks Beach will host its 16th Annual Winterfest
On The Rocks. However, a great transition is currently
underway by the Planning Committee about a new
format for a “bigger and better” event on Saturday,
February 13, 2021. This family-friendly festival will not be
a large gathering of people held outside the church on
the property. A “telethon-style presentation, closed doors
and virtual” will be the basis of this new direction. The
Committee meets weekly to share their creative, “outside
the box” ideas for a “best one yet” event.
Calvary seeks to bring the beach communities together
and to raise funds to assist in its overall mission, “To know
Christ and to make Him known”. Also, the event will raise
awareness to the Church’s ongoing efforts to support and
serve the poor through the Beach Community Food Pantry
and its other outreach ministries.
For
information,
including
sponsor and vendor
opportunities, please contact Calvary Episcopal Church
M-TH 9am – 1pm at 727.595.2874 or the Calvary website
at www.calvaryirb.org.
IRB ACTION 2000, INC.
Submitted by Daryl Frahn
A2K Virtual Run/Walk Challenge. We are so grateful for
the outpouring of support for our first A2K Virtual Run/
Walk Challenge - thank you to everyone who registered,
donated, shared our posts, forwarded emails and left
kind messages. The event was a huge success with 139
participants from all over the world! In an effort to give
back to our local businesses, gift cards were purchased as
prizes in 6 different categories. We exceeded our goal of
$6000 – the annual costs to maintain our projects across
IRB. Thank you to all the participants, donors and our
great sponsors - you are helping A2K to create a real and
lasting impact for the beautification of Indian Rocks Beach.
A2K keeps working! Adhering to social distancing,
volunteers have continued to maintain our landscaping
projects across the City. Learn more about how you can
volunteer and make a difference at
www.irbaction2000.com/volunteer.
Holiday Parade Breaking tradition of a party aboard
the Jolly Trolley, A2K decided to safely participate in the
Parade with 3 golf carts displaying A2K signage and lots
of holiday decorations and costumes!
Plein Aire Cottage Artists Calendars The 2021 calendar
is a collaborative effort with the Plein Aire Cottage Artists
and IRB Action 2000.
This colorful 12-month calendar, highlighting
the
paintings of the three local artists, is available at Kooky
Coconuts, Crabby Bill’s Gift Shop, The Welcome Center,
Pat’s Consignment, Café de Paris, The Frame Factory,
Cookie Cutter Hair Salon, Island Bead Shop, Janna’s
Consignment as well as The IRB Historical Museum, Indian
Rocks Beach Library, The Beach Art Center, and online at
www.irbaction2000.com/shop, or email A2K:
dfrahn@tampabay.rr.com. Still just $20!
Community News
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 25
BEACH ART CENTER
Submitted by Patricia Thomas
The Benefits of creating art reach far beyond the canvas.
Several medical studies support the act of creating visual arts
improves your mental health and wellbeing. During this time of
pandemic, we can all use that more than ever. Three ways that
creating art benefits your brain: Improves our ability to cope
with stress, It can help reduce instances of depression and it
can help prevent mental decline as we age.
At the Beach Art Center, we feel called to our mission to
engage the community in creative arts now more than ever.
We are doing our best to be available to the entire community
during this time of pandemic. We made modifications to our
classrooms and pottery studio to comply with CDC guidelines.
Our gallery shows are available for you to view in our gallery
AND online, and we have also added on-line (Zoom) classes to
our schedule of In-House classes.
Weekly Classes allow you to sign up and attend as often as
you like. Most are $30 ($24 for Members) and include, Pencil
Drawing, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Oil Painting, Acrylics,
Pottery, Plein Air Painting, and Pallet Knife Painting. Level of
experience ranges from Beginner to Intermediate. Check
out our website for classes as well as how to register. Class
description indicates In-House, On-line (Zoom) or Hybrid
(available both online and in-house).
In addition to our Weekly Classes, check out these special NEW
Limited Series Classes* beginning in early January –
• “Cartooning On Zoom” with Deb Vest – Thursdays in January
after school for 6-9 year olds. (Zoom)
• “Joyful Journaling” with Lisbeth Graham – 4 Saturdays in
January, beginning Jan 9. 10 am – noon. (In-House)
• “Watercolor Bootcamp” with Susan Wiley – Wednesday
evenings, 6pm – 9pm Jan 13, 20 & 27. (Zoom)
*limited series classes are sold as a package for the full series.
Registration in advance is required.
Art on the Rocks – $38, Held in-house from 6-9. Materials included.
• Friday, Jan. 8 - “Paint Your Own Sand Dollars,” Shawn Dell Joyce
• Friday, Jan. 15 – “Glass & Resin Jewelry,” Jackie Kaufman
• Saturday, Jan. 16, “Mandala Art Coffee Mugs,” Natalia Londono
• Friday, Jan. 22, “Colorful Crab on Canvas,” Shawn Dell Joyce
Visit our website or Facebook page for February classes and
information. Advanced registration required.
Special Workshops – We have some fantastic visiting artists
lined up for one of a kind all day workshops:
• Sat., Jan. 30, from 10 – 4. “Sunflower Painting Adventure” –
Mixed Media” with Caroline Karp: $300
• Sat./Sun., Feb. 6th & 7th, from 9–5 “Impressionist Landscape
Painting,” Violetta Chandler: $325 Non-Members, $300 Members.
• Sat./Sun., Feb. 13th & 14th, from 9 – 4 “Watercolors from the
Beach” with Carol Carter Fee: $350
• Sat., Feb. 27th 10 – 5 “Introduction to Scratchboard” with
Sheryl Unwin Fee: $100
• Sat./Sun., March 6th & 7th, 9 – 4 “Plein Air Color Bootcamp”
with John Clayton: $250
View full classes calendar at www.beachartcenter.org/calendar.
We hope you will enjoy visiting the gallery in person or virtually
(on our website).
Note: To protect our staff and guests, the Beach Art Center observes
Covid-19 protocols including a requirement that guests wear a
facemask. Guests will also sign in and submit to a touchless temperature
check. Details can be found at beachartcenter.org.
Community News
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 26
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 27
WORKING THE POLLS IN THE 2020 ELECTION
By Bob Griffin, Publisher
On November 3rd, I did something I
had never done before - I volunteered to
be an Election Day poll worker. I really
didn’t know what I was getting into, but
with so many prior workers “sitting this
one out” due to COVID-19, I wanted to
help.
First of all - not all the people you see at your
polling place are volunteers. I got paid. I
was assigned to be an “Assistant Clerk,”
which is basically middle management.
Training was required. I attended a
5-hour class two weeks before the
election to learn the procedures and
how to operate the polling equipment.
Prior to the class, I was instructed to
watch a series of online training videos.
The main piece of equipment is called
an “EVID” (Electronic Voter Identification
Device). When you vote in person, it
scans your driver’s license. The title
of the person operating it is called an
“Inspector.”
The process is straightforward--when
your license is scanned, the EVID tells
the poll worker if you are in the system
(database) and at the correct precinct.
Once that checks out, voters are directed
to the person issuing ballots. Ballot in
hand, voters then move to a nearby
privacy booth to vote.
Once completed, the voter then feeds his/
her ballot into the scanner themselves. If
fed successfully, the scanner announces
“You Voted” and you then get an “I
Voted” peel-off sticker.
At my assigned location, the entire process
took anywhere from 5-15 minutes per
person - it depending on the voter’s
readiness and ability to read.
After working 12 hours (7am - 7pm),
our precinct had 606 actual in-person
voters. That translates to about 50
people per hour. We had a rush from
7:30am to 9am, and another one again
in the afternoon from 4-6pm. A very few
people voted from 6 to 7pm. Our line
never went outside the building as it did
at other precincts.
Part of our group – four of us - reported
to the polling place the day before to
setup the equipment and make sure
everything was working. That took us
about two hours. As we left, we were
instructed to be on site by 5:15 am the
next day, Election Day, as we had to
be ready for the first voter at 7 am. Two
people called ‘deputies’ controlled the
lines, inside and out.
A team of twelve people were assigned
to our polling place. There were two
EVID operators, a ballot issuer, a
machine manager who oversaw the two
scanners, myself (Assistant Clerk) and
the Clerk (Site Manager).
A regional manager from the Office
of Elections was on site 50 percent of
the time. Two “Poll Watchers” from the
two primary parties were also present to
observe and keep an eye on things.
I helped check people in with the EVIDs
and processed people that had a problem.
We only turned people away if they were
not registered in Pinellas County or were
at the wrong polling site.
Of the 606 successful voters, less than a
dozen were turned away.
I was amazed to see how many people
either had the wrong address on their
driver’s license or had not notified the
Supervisor of Elections office that they
had moved. In most cases, if they had a
valid photo-ID, we updated them in the
database and let them vote. However, if
they had moved, they were sent to their
new polling place to vote and the EVID
provided the address and directions to
the new site. Most people understood and
were grateful for the help. A few, however,
were frustrated and stormed out.
I personally assisted four people needing
special help. One was an elderly person
that brought a relative to assist them.
Another only spoke Vietnamese and
needed a the help of a translator via
phone.
Throughout the day, all our information
was sent to headquarters, the Supervisor
of Elections office - electronically. Thus,
our results are basically known within
minutes of the polls closing.
At 7pm we had no line and closed the
doors. At 7:01, we started to break
down the equipment and the tables.
All the electronic equipment, EVIDs
and scanners produce back-up tapes
to record all the day’s activity. That is
used as reference in the event there is a
problem calculating the vote.
We were packed up and out of there
by 8pm – the end of a 15-hour day. It
was interesting, that before we left the
building, our precinct’s results were
being broadcast on television and
available on the Internet.
As I said - I was paid. I received $210 for
my service. Considering my three days of
service, that translates to about $10 per
hour. Some of my fellow workers were
employed by local governments, which
encourages participation (three were
from the City of Largo). They received
time off with pay from their jobs while
they worked at the poll.
All in all, I was impressed by the checks
and balances put in place. I saw virtually
no way for the wrong person to vote or
to vote “twice.”
Keeping the voter database current is
a shared responsibility between the
voter and the Board of Elections. If a
registered voter moves without notice
or does not vote for many years, they
may not be in the County’s database.
That is why it is important to keep voter
registrations updated so that voting in
the proper precinct is possible.
I was also impressed with the attention
to the health and safety of the staff
and the voters. Due to the COVID-19
pandemic, we were issued face shields
and masks. There was hand sanitizer
everywhere. Voters used a disposable
Q-Tip-like swab to electronically sign,
which was then thrown away.
For me, working the polls was a good
experience, thanks to my great team.
If you would like to learn more or
volunteer for the next election, visit
www.VotePinellas.com and click on
the link on the Front Page “Become an
Election Worker” or send an email to
PollWorker@VotePinellas.com.
NOTE:
Pinellas had 166 polling places serving
301 precincts. (Some were combined.)
Nearly 80% of registered voters voted
in advance—in person, by mail or other
means. That means only 20% voted at
their precinct on election day.
According
to VotePinellas.com, of
716,747 registered voters, 563,804
people voted in the November 2020
election. That is a 79% turnout.
Of Pinellas County’s 563,804 voters,
49.2% voted for President Trump and
49.4% voted for Vice President Biden.
While Biden had 1,241 more Pinellas
County votes, President Trump won the
statewide count.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 28
GREENTOWN KIDS
Submitted by Allie DeVore
Happy 2021, Greenies & friends! We hope the new year
finds you well. While we weren’t able to carry out our events
as planned last year, we made the most of 2020 and were
lucky to be able to adapt and give to others in need. GTK
made donations to McGough Nature Park to help feed
their birds of prey. We also donated to Farm Fresh Food,
helping to provide 200 lbs of fresh fruits and veggies to
local families in need. And, during our 2nd Annual Holiday
Toy & Clothing Drive, we collected 2 carfuls of gently used
toys, clothing, books and other gear for local children in
need at Bright Stars Learning Academy. Instead of a group
beach cleanup in November, we asked everyone to do their
own beach cleanups and Give Thanks for a Clean Beach.
Thanks to all our participants, our beaches and oceans are
cleaner and healthier! We were thrilled to acquire 10 more
garden boxes in the IRB Community Garden, allowing us
to create a truly magnificent children’s garden with fresh
veggies for all our families to harvest and beautiful flowers
to feed the pollinators. Along with the City, we implemented
6 Beach Toy Boxes for the Take-A-Toy, Leave-A-Toy program
encouraging families to reuse beach toys and help keep
our beaches clean. This year we will focus on keeping our
beaches clean as well as expanding our Children’s Garden,
making it a truly inviting and interactive outdoor space our
Greenies can learn and play. Thank you to all our families,
friends, and community who support us and help make
the things we do possible! Please consider supporting
our cause with an annual or lifetime membership at:
greentownkids.org. Email us at greentownkids@gmail.com.
BELLEAIR WOMEN’S REPUBLICAN CLUB
Submitted by Sandra Sockwell
Belleair Women’s Republican Club will have as speaker
Pinellas County Commissioner Kathleen Peters, District 6,
Friday, January 8, 2021, 11:30 am-2 pm. District 6, one of
four Single Member Districts, covers Gandy, Feather Sound,
Pinellas Park, Bardmoor, Seminole, Bay Pines, northern parts
of Lealman and the island corridor from Redington Shores
to Tierra Verde, a wide swath of central Pinellas County.
Commissioner Peters, having earlier served in the Florida
State Legislature, was elected to serve District 6 in November
2018. The meeting is at Belleair Country Club.
No walk-ins will be permitted. A check for $26, payable to
BWRC, confirms a reservation and should be sent to: Linda
Wade, 729 Creekside Lane, Palm Harbor, FL 34683.
Luncheon guests must practice social distancing and observe
all CDC-recommended practices, including wearing masks
when not seated, to keep everyone attending safe and
healthy.
WELCOME NEWCOMER CLUB
They will not be meeting in January. Various groups with the
club are meeting, but not the entire membership. Dues paid
for this year will be extended through June 2021.
THE BELLEAIR LADIES LUNCHEON CLUB
The January 12th luncheon is scheduled for Bon Appetit
Restaurant and hopefully, more members will be allowed
to attend. The last meeting was capped at 40 members.
Contact Treasurer Deborah Hendricks, 737-453-2193, for
further information about the Club.
Community News
PEACE MEMORIAL CONCERT SERIES
January 10, 3pm, they will be hosting a lovely classical chamber
concert featuring solos and duets for harp and flute. You will
hear enchanting selections by Mozart, Rota, Saint-Saens and
the charming Irish Fantasy by Harty. The rich acoustics of the
Peace sanctuary are perfectly suited to enhance the sounds of
these instruments. Due to COVID 19 procedures and social
distancing, reserved tickets are required.
Reserve tickets at www.itickets.com/events/449008 or listen to
the concert virtually via their YouTube Channel.
Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church (the pink church) is
located at 110 S. Ft. Harrison Ave., Clearwater. For more
information, visit www.peacememorialpresbyterian.org.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH ROTARY CLUB
Submitted by Vernon R Bryant
15 years ago the Rotary Club of Indian Rocks Beach
purchased and installed a gazebo (or pavilion) in Chief
Chic-A-Si park. The Gazebo was in honor of the Rotary’s
Centennial celebration. Then Club President, David Kline, led
that effort and the Rotary Centennial Gazebo quickly became
a nice place for many activities and celebrations. For instance,
everyone knows that during every Taste of IRB the Gazebo
becomes the center of attention when it is filled with musical
entertainment to feel the souls of thousands of IRB residents
while local restaurants feed them physically.
However, the years were not nice to the Gazebo and the
element’s persistent onslaught caused it to become unsafe.
The City approached the IRB Rotary club to determine if they
wished to fund the repairs or have the building demolished.
The Club decided to step up to the plate and save it. Past
IRB Rotary Club President, Vernon Bryant, was tasked with
leading the project and at the beginning of summer the work
began. All of the work was accomplished with volunteer labor
of members of the Club. The project started with removing the
decking which was the biggest issue. In addition the railing
system had to be removed as it was also unsafe. To everyone’s
relief the supporting structure was in very good condition
and only a few pieces had to be replaced. The decking was
replaced with Trex recycled decking and the entire rail system
was revamped and updated to meet current safety standards.
The final piece of the restoration was to repaint the entire
structure. The club chose to use a blue accent to match the
Historical Museum Building.
Kudos go to the following members that gave of their time,
talent and also finances to make the project a success. Vernon
Bryant, Cheryl Schultz, Rick Walker, David Kline, Paul Burns,
Chris Smaridge,, Earl Wertheim, Lynn Johler, Claire English,
Emily Schulz, Bill Atkinson, Cliff Koch and Steve Dante. Kidos
also go to the City of IRB and the construction certification
program at Richard O Jacobsen Technical High School for
helping with some of the detail work. Mika Schulz, Cheryl’s
son, also provided a lot of physical prowess along the way.
The Rotary Club is working on establishing a maintenance
agreement with the City to keep the Gazebo well maintained.
This year the Rotary Club also decorated it for the holidays
with the help of the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation,
who loaned them lights and other supplies. They are planning
other activities at the Gazebo for the future so keep an eye
out on their Facebook page - IRBRotary. If you are interested
in renting the Gazebo for an event, please contact the City of
Indian Rocks Beach.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 29
IS IT TIME FOR A CHANGE?
By Melanie LeBlanc, owner IRB Crossfit
The holidays have come and gone,
leaving us with that feeling of what’s
next. With anxieties and uncertainties
of 2020 still lingering, how do we move
past that sticking point, the rut we’ve got
ourselves in? Every year we seem to ask
ourselves the same question(s), but have
we truly found the answer? It’s like we
put ourselves on a hamster wheel doing
the same things over and over, and
nothing changes.
We’ve heard all the commercials before, they’re all the same,
offering ‘magic pills’ or ‘new you solutions’, but NONE of that
bologna works. What it truly takes is determination: change is
sparked by desire, desire builds curiosities, curiosities create
knowledge, knowledge lessens fear, the lack of fear provides
courage, courage feeds determination, AND determination
brings accomplishments!
I’m right there with you though, change is hard! It’s hard to
change routines, but it’s routines that keep us trapped! It’s
change though that creates growth; and growth only happens
when we take ourselves out of our comfort zone.
Over the past 10 years I’ve coached 100s of people. Each
person has their story, each person has their struggles. However,
EVERY person is the same - we all have an overwhelming desire
to be better than we were yesterday. When people walk in to
the gym for the first time I know it took courage. I remember
my first day, I also remember not wanting to go back. BUT I
knew I needed to if I wanted change. I knew I couldn’t do it
by myself. I knew I needed help. It took courage to go back,
and it was because of my coach that I continued. He showed
me that I was capable of doing things I had no idea I could
do. He encouraged me to try again, and never give up. It was
determination to prove to myself that I was worth it, that created
the change that I wanted.
If you are stuck in a rut, reach out to someone. Ask a friend
to go for a run with you. Hire an online coach to keep you
accountable. Or find a community gym that offers personal
training, or group classes. We all need help, we were not
created to do things by ourselves. If you have questions about
the training I offer, reach out any time: 727-403-0466, or
email me at coachmel@irbcrossfit.com.
“Ask for help not because you are weak, but because you want
to remain strong.” Les Brown
ST PETE COLLEGE FOOD PACKAGES
The Pinellas community has experienced many economic
setbacks in the past year, given the number of jobs lost in the
wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the holidays, money
woes were even more exacerbated, and many may found
themselves wondering how they would feed and provide for
their families. In response, St. Petersburg College partnered
with Hope Villages of America, formerly RCS Pinellas, to offer
food packages for SPC students, staff and the community
Funded by the Pinellas Cares grant, the program provided
packages that included non-perishable items including canned
fruits, vegetables and meats, along with pasta and sauce. The
boxes will also contained community resource flyers, including
information for mental health care.
Each of the eight campuses chosen for distribution had 150
boxes of food for pickup. Anyone could sign up for a box,
whether it be for themselves or someone else, though
distribution is limited to one box per household.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 30
JANNA’S CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE - HOW DO THEY DO THAT?
By Bob Griffin, Publisher
Janna’s Consignment Boutique is not
anything like a thrift store at all. It is truly
a boutique shopping experience.
What is the difference between a thrift
store and a consignment shop? Thrift
stores accept donated items that are
subject to less scrutiny. You may find
treasures, but the stores are usually
overloaded and disorderly, making
shopping overwhelming. Consignment
shops handpick their
items. Each
gently used item undergoes a complete
inspection for damage or missing items.
If it is not perfect, it will not be accepted.
Consignment stores have been around
since the 19th Century and are a
popular way of buying current fashions
at a discounted price.
We visited with Lisa Hammock, owner
of Janna’s Fine Consigner in Belleair
Bluffs to find out how a consignment
shop actually works and what makes it
a boutique.
Her store, Janna’s has been open in
Belleair Bluffs for 27 years, and Lisa
has owned it for the past three. It is not
the only clothing consignment shop in
the area, but it is definitely the most
upscale. The store only handles fine
women’s fashions - and the clothing
and accessories must be in near perfect
condition. It offers a great opportunity
to buy designer brands at affordable
prices.
“We are a small boutique consignment
shop selling fashionable clothes,” says
Lisa. We consign an average of 1,200
items per month with about 1,800
‘active’ consigners on record. Most of
our consigners (vendors) are also our
best shoppers.”
Janna’s
carries a
full
line of
accessories, too, such as handbags,
jewelry, sunglasses, and miscellaneous
women’s accessories.
“Many of the products we get have
never even been worn or used,” says
Lisa about her inventory.
Products come to her from people in
the area—some from as far away as
Tampa. “When the snowbirds arrive,
we get a lot of their things. Then, they
shop here too. During the pandemic,
many people have used their time at
home to clean out their closets.
People have discovered it is a great
way to keep your closet under control
and to make a little extra money to buy
more. From the formal dress you only
wore once to those must-have shoes
that are unbearably uncomfortable,
you have the makings of your first sale.
So, how does it all work?
Putting your clothes on consignment at
Janna’s means you are allowing Lisa
to sell your items for you, and you will
be paid a percentage of the profit. That
percentage is determined up front.
The
first
step
is
to make an
appointment. They do not accept walk
in consignments. It is time consuming
and they need the proper number of
staff available. They accept clothing
and other items on Monday through
Thursdays only. “It takes time,” Lisa
adds. “We go over all the items in
detail checking for missing buttons,
stains, tears and remove all pins.”
The clothing MUST come on a hanger
and be laundered, wrinkle free. It has to
be in excellent condition, or Lisa will not
accept it. You are limited to 15 items per
appointment. Accepted clothes needs to
correspond to the upcoming season or
selling period, meaning the store does
not carry winter clothing in the summer.
It must also be of current styles.
The store’s seasons are just like the
big box stores - Winter: September 15
through January 1st, Spring/ Summer:
January 15 through July, and Fall:
August 1 through September 15th.
Shoes and handbags must be scuff free,
dusted, and removed from their boxes.
Jewelry cannot be broken or have
any missing stones. Sterling must be
polished.
Janna’s prices the items accordingly
and they are dated upon check-in. If
it does not sell in 30 days, the price
is lowered. After 60 days, it is offered
back to the owner. If the owner does
not want it back, Janna’s donates the
item to nearby charities, primarily
Suncoast Hospice.
“Janna’s Consignment and Lisa have
been great to us,” says Joan Spies
with Suncoast Hospice. “Whatever she
does not sell, she gives to us and those
items are always top quality. We sell
those recycled items in our shops and
the money is used in the community at
Hospice. Lisa is a wonderful person,
and it is great that she thinks of the
community as well as her own business.”
“It is important to point out that we get
new inventory daily,” says Lisa. “If you
don’t see something that you want this
week—come back next week.”
Janna’s is in Belleair Bluffs at 268
Indian Rocks Road North, next to Robert
Young Jewelers. Call Lisa at 584-9222
for an appointment.
Owner of Janna’s Fine Consigner
Lisa Hammack
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 31
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
page 32
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