Thursday, December 31, 2009

Clearwater Beach Featured On ESPN

Clearwater Beach will be featured in this year’s Outback Bowl Preview Special on ESPN2 and ESPNU. In addition to Clearwater Beach, Busch Gardens Tampa, the Florida Aquarium, Channelside Bay Plaza, Ybor City, St. Pete museums and area events will also be featured.  The Outback Bowl, named for sponsor Outback Steakhouse,  kicks off at 11 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa and will be telecast internationally on ESPN TV. The event is in its 24th year.

The half-hour show also will highlight Auburn University and Northwestern University football teams, who will compete in the bowl. The show will air at 2 p.m. on Dec. 28th on ESPN2 and is scheduled to run eight additional times until Dec. 31 on ESPNU.

 

AAA Offers Free Transportation New Year's Eve - Don't Drive Drunk!

AAA Auto Club South is offering transportation for party-goers who've had too much to drink on New Year’s Eve. The free service, available throughout Florida, Georgia and Tennessee, is intended as a last resort for those who haven't made designated driver arrangements. Through the weekend, AAA's network of drivers will be offering a free tow to anyone who has had too much to drink.

When people call 1-800-AAA-HELP, a driver will show up and give them — and their vehicle — a ride home.

 

Monday, December 28, 2009

Outback Bowl Clearwater Beach Day

The Outback Bowl Clearwater Beach Day is December 30th. Join the teams, their marching bands and cheerleaders as they enjoy the sun and beaches at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort next to Pier 60. The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, City of Clearwater, the Hilton, Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 95.7 the Beat and 93.3FLZ Radio sponsor this fun day which includes live music, skydivers, a tug-of-war and other contests from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

New Market & Deli At The Shoppes on Sand Key

"Sand Key Market & Deli" is located at 1261 Gulf Blvd, at the Shoppes on Sand Key. They will feature NY style sandwhiches, Philly cheesesteaks, and Barnies coffee along with groceries, beer, wine, and Boars Head products.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Ironman Event Bringing Visitors To Sand Key

The Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 will bring visitors to Sand Key this weekend. The event takes place Saturday morning in Clearwater Beach, and the Harborview Center and Sheraton Sand Key Resort are hosting pre and post race activities.

The race begins and ends at Pier 60 consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run, will start and finish at Pier 60.

Rough Surf May Change Ironman Course

High surf and possible rip currents in the Gulf have closed parts of Clearwater Beach.

Yesterday, buoys were supposed to be placed for the swim portion of the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 but dangerous waters did not allow for it. The Ironman staff is meeting this morning to determine whether the swim should be moved from the Gulf of Mexico to the Intracoastal.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Ironman Schedule and Traffic Pattern

The Foster Grant Ironman 70.3 World Championship is Saturday, with 1800 competitors traversing Clearwater, Largo, Safety Harbor and East Lake.

The race will begin and end at Pier 60, beginning at 6:45 am and lasting about 7.5 hours. There will be a 1.2 mile swim on Clearwater Beach followed by a 56 mile bike course on the Memorial Causeway Bridge, Drew St, Countryside Blvd, McMullen-Booth Rd, East Lake Rd, Bayside Bridge, Roosevelt Blvd, Belcher Rd and Gulf-to-Bay Blvd. It will be capped off with a 13.1 mile run through Clearwater Beach, downtown Clearwater, and Harbor Oaks.

The swim can be watched from Pier 60, and the bike and run can be best veiwed from the courthouse and the causeway. Parking in downtown Clearwater is recommended, there will be shuttles available for spectators.

Police will be present to help drivers at traffic signals along the route. At intersections without signals, bikes have the right of way on the course.

Starting 3 a.m. Saturday, drivers won't be permitted south of the Clearwater Beach roundabout. People needing access to and from the south Clearwater Beach will need to use the Belleair Causeway. There will also be delays at the following intersections, most will be blocked during the race.

• Coronado Dr at the roundabout, 3 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• MLK Jr. Ave and Court St, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Drew St and Keene Rd, 7:15 to 9:30 a.m.

• Drew St and Belcher Rd, 7:15 to 10 a.m.

• Countryside Blvd and SR 580, 7:15 to 9:45 a.m.

• McMullen-Booth and Curlew roads, 7:30 to 11:15 a.m.

• McMullen-Booth and Keystone roads, 8 to 11 a.m.

• McMullen-Booth and Enterprise roads, 8:15 to 11:30 a.m.

• McMullen-Booth Rd and Drew St, 8:30 to 11:45 a.m.

• McMullen-Booth Rd and Roosevelt Blvd, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

• East Bay Dr and Belcher Rd, 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

• Belcher and Belleair roads, 8:45 to 12:15 p.m.

• Belcher Rd and Gulf-to-Bay Blvd, 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Gulf-to-Bay Blvd to Clearwater Beach, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Medians along East Lake Rd between Tampa Rd and Trinity Blvd will be closed.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Sand Key Jetty Will Get Warning Lights

City Council has decided to put navigational warning lights on the Clearwater Pass jetty, by installing a series of yellow flashing lights on the jetty to warn boaters to steer clear.

The rock jetty was built in 1975 to prevent beach erosion and extends hundreds of feet into the gulf from Sand Key Park and stands about 7 feet above the water. Boaters are supposed to stay in the marked channel north of the jetty, which has its lights but the jetty has been the scene of several boat crashes. The channel between Sand Key and Clearwater Beach is narrow and heavily traveled. Despite being well lit inexperience, bad weather, or carelessness can cause boaters to strike the jetty in the dark.

Another boating hazard will also be removed. There is an 85,000-pound block of concrete submerged in Clearwater Harbor off the Seminole Boat Ramp, the remains of the base of a turnstile that was in the middle of the Seminole Bridge, built in 1917. Concrete can still be seen at very low tides and has been struck several times by vessels.

Governor Charlie Crist recently asked the U.S. Coast Guard to install lights on the Bayboro jetty in St Petersburg after a fatal accident on October 2nd where a boat struck the jetty.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

The 19th Edition of the Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Classic continues in the fine tradition of Dixieland Fun in the Florida Sun. The Sheraton Sand Key Resort and Marriott Suites on Sand Key will be transformed into the headquarters hotel for this year's Jazz Classic.

The festival runs Friday through Sunday, Nov. 20 - 22nd and will feature bands such as Titan Hot Seven, Wally’s Warehouse Waifs, St. Louis Stompers, Mighty Aphrodite Jazz Band, Cornet Chop Suey, Bill Allred’s Classic Jazz Band, Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers, Red Lehr’s Powerhouse Five, Wolverine Jazz Band, the Dixie Chaps, Naples Dixieland Jazz Band, the Original All Stars, Palm City Jazz, Pepper and Fine Thyme and Valerie Gillespie Trio.

Cost: Friday or Sunday $40, Saturday $50. Weekend badge $100.
Sheraton Sand Key Resort 1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater
Marriott Suites on Sand Key, 1201 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater
Call 536-0064 or visit www.JazzClassic.net for more info.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Sand Key Restaurant Named Best Taste Of 2009

Congratulations to the winners of the 20th Annual Taste of Clearwater.

Best Themed Booth - Sand Pearl Resort Caretta's on the Gulf
Best Entree - Salt Rock Grill for their Crab Cake
Best Appetizer - Sand Pearl Caretta's on the Gulf for their BBQ Oysters
Best Dessert - Oaks of Clearwater for their outstanding Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Best Beverage - Great Bay Distributors for the Gordon Blersch Beer

Best of Taste 2009 (The Peoples Choice) - Watercolour Steakhouse and Grill located at the Marriott Suites on Sand Key.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Powerboat Race Will Benefit Sailing Center

Residents with northward gulf views will have a bird's eye view of the Super Boat International race on October 4th. Boats will be racing at speeds up to 140 mph off Clearwater Beach on October 4th when the offshore powerboating race comes to town. Some proceeds from the race will benefit the Clearwater Community Sailing Center located in Sand Key.


Super Boat International of Key West has been staging races for 30 years and is known for its annual races in Key West, Sarasota and New York City. It recently struck a deal with CBS to broadcast the Clearwater race and 7 others. The races feature 50-foot boats with F-16 jet canopies and 4,800-horsepower engines. During races, they reach speeds of 100 to 140 mph, depending on weather conditions. Super Boat International plans 9 races this year, the 1st was last weekend in Miami.

Super Boat International says it has applied for a race permit from the U.S. Coast Guard, and it expects to get one. Spotters in helicopters will watch for manatees and sea turtles, and will stop a race if necessary and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be assisting.

The race on Sunday will be free and open to the public, around 40,000 spectators are expected. Free parties at Coachman Park and Pier 60, and a free concert and fireworks are also planned for the weekend.
Boats up to 50 feet long will race from Pier 60 north for about 2½ miles and back, doing multiple laps around the loop. 30 to 35 boats are expected to compete in two races. Powerboats and their pit crews will set up beginning Friday, Oct. 2, in Coachman Park, where the public can get a closer look at them. The plan is for them to launch from the nearby Seminole Boat Ramp.


Oct. 2: Racing boats set up in Coachman Park.
Oct. 3: Racers check out the course at regular speed.
Oct. 4: Two races between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Beach Walk Family Festival Scheduled For October

The first Family Fun Festival is planned for October 24 and 25, 2009. Beach Walk will offer arts,crafts, toys and novelties for sale along with entertainment, games, celebrity visits, food and refreshments.

The Family Fun Fest will benefit Tampa Bay Harvest, who's mission is to end hunger in our community by moving good food from super markets, restaurants and other sources to places where hungry people are being fed. Shelters, food pantries and other services are the recipients of the food.

The Clearwater Beach Association is offering volunteers and planning help. Anyone wishing to volunteer can call Rich Gonzalez at 727-394-1012. Crafters can sign up at http://www.familyfunfest.net/

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Clearwater Beach Post Office May Close

We could lose the Clearwater Beach post office as early as October. It is on the list of thousands of post offices around the country that may close.

Other Pinellas locations on the list are Countryside, Cleveland St, St Pete Beach and Pass a Grille. The full list is here.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Sand Key Real Estate Transactions April - June 2009

The following sales closed during April, May, and June 2009. Data is obtained from the Realtor MLS data.

Property Address / Subdivision / Sale Price / # Days On Market

1651 Sand Key Est. #83 / Harborage / $235,000 / 42
1621 Gulf Blvd #202 / Isle of Sand Key / $274,500 / 21
1230 Gulf Blvd #507 / Landmark Towers / $290,000 / 87
1480 Gulf Blvd #205 / Sand Key Condo / $299,500 / 162
1460 Gulf Blvd #706 / Sand Key Condo / $325,000 / 9
1501 Gulf Blvd #706 / Sand Key Condo / $306,000 / 144
240 Sand Key Est. #612 / Harborage / $308,000 / 58
1400 Gulf Blvd #612 / Sand Key Condo / $285,000 / 80
1430 Gulf Blvd #407 / Sand Key Condo / $310,000 / 1165
1270 Gulf Blvd #1403 / Harbor Light Towers / $325,000 / 160
1290 Gulf Blvd #2004 / Lighthouse Towers / $300,000 / 107
1501 Gulf Blvd #204 / Sand Key Condo / $375,500 / 136
1582 Gulf Blvd #1305 / Cabana Club / $410,000 / 88
1540 Gulf Blvd #2104 / Ultimar / $430,000 / 86
1170 Gulf Blvd #704 / Grande on Sand Key / $600,000 / 68
1600 Gulf Blvd #1014 / Dans Island / $535,000 / 525
1200 Gulf Blvd #1006 / Meridian / $600,000 / 117
1170 Gulf Blvd #1004 / Grande on Sand Key / $650,000 / 76
1200 Gulf Blvd #1101 / Meridian / $715,000 / 1
1390 Gulf Blvd #P2 / Sand Key Club / $616,000 / 149

Average Sales Price $409,375
Average number of days on market 164
Number of properties sold: 20

For more Sand Key Real Estate information & a Free CMA for your Sand Key Condo call PropCo Real Estate 727-585-0800, or visit SandKeyProperty.com

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Shoppes Will Remain Zoned "Tourist"

On June 18th, the Clearwater City Council gave up its fight to impose the “Commercial” zoning designation on the 3-acre property where the Shoppes on Sand Key are located.

The Shoppes were left without valid zoning when a 20 year agreement ended back in 2006. Owner D.A. Bennett Company, sought Tourist zoning, which would allow it to build a 100-foot-high hotel on the site.

Under pressure by the Save Our Shoppes organization and other Sand Key residents, the council imposed the obsolete Commercial zoning and re-applied it to the Shoppes. Bennett appealed and won, and the city appealed that ruling and lost. The City Councel said they have no options left at this point.

Bennett executives have claimed they have no plans to build a hotel.

Friday, June 26, 2009

4th Of July Celebrations and Fireworks

There are lots of area events scheduled to celebrate the 4th of July. Take in a parade, enjoy live music and then watch fireworks. All events are on Saturday July 4th unless noted.

Clearwater Celebrates America
Overlooking the beautiful intercoastal waterway at Coachman Park, this celebration features the Mostly Pops Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. A spectacular fireworks show will follow at 9:30 p.m. The event includes children's activities, food and beverages for purchase and exhibitor and sponsor booths. Gates open at 4 pm.
*Coachman Park 301 Drew. St., Clearwater.

4TH of July U.S. Constitution Boat Parade
Enjoy a patriotic, fun filled Rally that will kick off the First Annual Fourth of July U.S. Constitution boat parade. Festivities will start at noon at Gators Pass. There will be music and prize drawings throughout the afternoon. Decorate your boat - Show it off - Wave Flags! Or, just watch the boat parade sail by just after 3:00 P.M.
*Gators on the Pass 12754 Kingfish Dr, Treasure Island


4th of July Extravaganza at The Pier
Starting at 1pm on the east courtyard, enjoy live music by the Cool Daddies or step inside to catch a one man circus. If you've never tried a drum circle, this is your chance, with free drums or bring your own. Live music continues until 8pm. Fireworks start at 9 pm.
*The Pier 800 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg.

Largo 4th of July Celebration
Music starts at 7pm with interactive kids activities near the stage. Fireworks begin at 9pm. Parking is available on site and free. No alcohol, pets, or personal fireworks.
*Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo.

Madeira Beach Fireworks
The fireworks display will be fired from the city recreation park on Rex Place next to the City Hall complex.
*Madeira Beach 300 Municipal Dr., Madeira Beach


Redington Shores Fireworks
The fireworks display will take place shortly after dusk in the County beach park.
*Redington Shores,182nd Avenue and Gulf Boulevard


St. Pete Beach Fireworks
Launched along the Gulf of Mexico, enjoy the fireworks show starting at dusk.
*St. Pete Beach Access Park, 4700 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach

Treasure Island Fireworks
Enjoy fireworks on the beach. Bring your chair or blanket. Fireworks start at 9pm.
*Treasure Island Beach,10400 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island


July 3rd Concert and Fireworks
Fri, Jul, 3 6:00 pm
*Knology Park , 373 Douglas Ave. Dunedin


Fireworks Cruise
Take a high speed water sightseeing ride. Then, watch Clearwater's fireworks display from the deck of the Sea Screamer. $35 adults, $25 children. 8 pm.
*Clearwater Beach Marina at Sea Screamer 25 Causeway Blvd. Clearwater Beach 727-447-7200

4th Of July Parade
The North Redington Beach 4th of July Parade will be begin at Addie Graham Park 173rd Avenue and proceed via Second Street and First Street to Radcliffe Park starting at 9 am.
*North Redington Beach at Addie Graham Park

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Finally, A Deal For Beach Parking Garage

Clearwater Beach has finally struck a deal to build a city parking garage. City council voted unanimously on a 300 space 4 level garage atop ground floor retail space. Vehicles will enter and exit the garage from Coronado Drive.

The site is currently the home of Britt's Laguna Grill, a popular restaurant on the Beachwalk promenade. A new Britt's will be located on the ground floor. Surf Style Retail Management, who owns the site will pay to build the garage itself, with no city tax dollars. It has not yet been determined what the city will charge for parking, but it will likely be similar the agreement the city has with the Hyatt, which will have 400 parking places for the public in its 750-space garage - rates must be "comparable" to the garages of other beachfront resorts.

The Beachwalk project, which was completed last year, eliminated hundreds of waterfront parking spaces on S. Gulfview Blvd, and the city has been scrambling ever since to come up with replacements. The city is currently leasing 2 vacant lots for parking.

The project is expected to to be complete by next fall.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Sand Key Park May Allow Alcohol Sales

The contract with vendor who currently provides concession service at the Sand Key Park expires in a few months. That vendor along with 2 others has submitted proposals for the new contract.

The current vendor is mobile, selling snacks from a roving golf cart, and hot dogs, hamburgers and soft drinks from a mobile kitchen/trailer. One of the alternative proposals includes a 2,200 square foot elevated pavilion, called "The Sandbar Grill". The pavilion would provide beach concession services, hot meals in addition to the standard beach fare of hot dogs and hamburgers during the day. After 4 pm the pavilion would be used to host "weddings, food functions and other special events and would include providing "controlled and restricted alcoholic beverage services." The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the city's public beaches and parks, but Sand Key Park is governed by the County, not the City.

Pinellas County will review all three proposals and the city Commission will discuss the proposed availability of alcohol at Sand Key Park at their next meeting.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Celebrate Flag Day at Sand Key Park

The Flag Day event is being sponsored by the Clearwater Veterans Alliance. Everyone is invited to kickoff summer at the celebration and show their support for our veterans. Flag Day festivities begin at 1 pm.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Shoppes Zoning To Be Revisited

The owner of the Shoppes at Sand Key has won its appeal against the city of Clearwater for zoning it “commercial” instead “tourist” as requested. In June, the City Council will take up the zoning matter again.

Hundreds of supporters turned out to celebrate the opening of Joe Calio Veranda , a second story addition to the Clearwater Community Sailing Center. The party featured an oil drum symphony playing and an elaborate cook-out courtesy of the Sheraton Sand Key, which is just across the street. The new addition provides covered shelter for classroom space, both above and below, as well as outdoor space for people and organizations to rent for parties and other functions.

Calio is credited with the constant growth and improvement at the Center as a result of his leadership. City and county officials, members of the Clearwater Yacht Club, sailors, and CCSC board members were all on hand to help celebrate.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Belleair Causeway Bridge To Open May 29th

Traffic will begin using the road and bridge in three weeks so that workers can remove the old roadway and bridge and build the retention and recreation areas. The entire construction will not be complete until late November or early December.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Turtle Nesting Season Starts Today

Sea turtle nesting season starts today and runs through October 31st. If you live near the beach, make sure you shut off or dim your lights at night. This reduces artificial light that reaches turtle nests and will help hatchlings reach the water safely. Newly hatched turtles find their way to the sea by following the natural light reflected by the water.

If you find a turtle nest on the beach, don’t disturb it. If the nest is unmarked, notify the Clearwater Marine Aquarium at (727) 441-1790.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Sand Key, Island Estates, and Clearwater Beach Residents Seek Independence

The Islands Independence Initiative, a group of residents from Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Sand Key and Island Estates are looking into whether the 3 island communities can secede from Clearwater and start their own city. They will present their case tonight at the Island Estates Civic Association meeting. The idea is in its early stages, and they don't know how exactly the de-annexing would work. The will be exploring the legal and practical issues for the next 90 days.

They say they are dissatisfied with the service they're getting from Clearwater and have hired an attorney to represent them. Officials say they're doing their best to serve the barrier islands as well as the rest of the city and are disappointed by the initiative. They site Clearwater Beach's library, marina, BeachWalk, and the Sailing Center on Sand Key, among other benefits to the island communities.

The group decided to explore alternatives after many disappointments with the city. Among them -

  • a lack of a beach parking garage while the city builds boat slips downtown;
  • a refusal to use Penny for Pinellas money to underground utilities on Island Estates;
  • unenforced short-term rental rules on North Clearwater Beach;
  • the approval of the Cabana Club project on Sand Key;
  • allowing a developer to seek a rezoning for the Shoppes at Sand Key.

Clearwater officials say it would be difficult or impossible to accomplish a secession. All Clearwater taxpayers — not just the island taxpayers who pay 40% of the taxes — own much of the public buildings and infrastructure along the beaches. And, the new city would need to assume its share of Clearwater debt. It would be extremely complicated, and expensive.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Coast Guard Offering Navigation Class

Flotilla 11-1 of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering an 8 session program, the "Weekend Navigator" starting Monday April 6th and ending April 30. It will be held on Mondays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Clearwater Sailing Center at 1001 Gulf Blvd in Sand Key.

Participants will learn how to use charts, plotting tools and a GPS. Registration starts at 7 p.m. Monday. Participants are welcome to bring their GPS. The $75 fee includes books, study guides, charting software, and plotting tools. It is open to adults and youths. Call 469-8895 or visit http://a0701101.uscgaux.info.

Sand Key Real Estate Transactions Jan - March 2009

The following sales closed during January, February, and March 2009. Data is obtained from the Realtor MLS data.

Property Address / Subdivision / Sale Price / # Days On Market

1581 Gulf Blvd #103 / Harbour Condo / $235,000 / 179
1501 Gulf Blvd #202 / Sand Key Condo / $279,000 / 373
1230 Gulf Blvd #1006 / Landmark Towers / $310,000 / 22
1501 Gulf Blvd #104 / Sand Key Condo / $345,000 / 113
1270 Gulf Blvd #802 / Harbour Light / $325,000 / 93
1380 Gulf Blvd #808 / Sand Key Club / $360,000 / 325
1501 Gulf Blvd #307 / Sand Key Condo / $331,000 / 0
1540 Gulf Blvd #304 / Ultimar / $432,500 / 154
1180 Gulf Blvd #804 / Grande on Sand Key / $530,000 / 370
1180 Gulf Blvd #904 / Grande on Sand Key / $515,000 / 327
1180 Gulf Blvd #1603 / Grande on Sand Key / $590,000 / 175
1290 Gulf Blvd #801 / Lighthouse Towers / $675,000 / 29
1370 Gulf Blvd #401 / Bella Rosa / $825,000 / 42
1180 Gulf Blvd #2006 / Grande on Sand Key / $830,000 / 30
1560 Gulf Blvd #601 / Ultimar / $949,000 / 140

Average Sales Price $492,167
Average number of days on market 169
Number of properties sold: 15

For more Sand Key Real Estate information & a Free CMA for your Sand Key Condo call PropCo Real Estate 727-585-0800, or visit SandKeyProperty.com

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Laser Midwinter East Regatta Results

The Clearwater Community Sailing Center in Sand Key served as the launching point for the Laser Midwinter East Regatta, which was hosted by the Clearwater Yacht Club February 18th - 22nd. Weather conditions were tough the 1st 2 days, with small craft advisories, strong winds, driving rain and 4 to 6 foot seas, but improved for the last 2 days.

Paige Railey of Clearwater won the laser radial division. Anna Tunnicliffe of Fort Lauderdale, Olympic gold medalist in Beijing, placed second. Local Emily Billing of Clearwater Yacht Club, placing 8th. Great Britain's Nick Thompson won the laser full rig division .

Friday, February 20, 2009

Phillies Phan Fest Tonight

Brighthouse Field Clearwater Florida 6-8 Pm - Fireworks start at 8 pm

The event will once again feature something for fans of all ages, including player autographs and several games and activities for children. Admission is free. The City of Clearwater Department of Parks and Recreation, the Phillies and Clearwater Threshers are sponsors of the event.

PHAN FEST HIGHLIGHTS:
Autographs: Brad Lidge, Jamie Moyer, Geoff Jenkins, Kyle Kendrick, Carlos Ruiz, Pedro Feliz, So Taguchi and Greg Dobbs will sign autographs from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. The players will be set up in two stations. Cost is $15.00 per station, which will include four autographs. Fan may purchase additional coupons while supplies last.

Photo Booth: Phillies Alumni Club legends Garry Maddox and Gary Matthews will be stationed at the Photo Booth on the main concourse behind home plate from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The $15.00 fee will include a photo of the two former Phillies as well as an autograph.

Silent Auction: This year's auction will feature close to 40 items, including bats, jerseys and balls signed by current and former Phillies. The auction will take place on the third base side of the main concourse.

Raffle: There will be three prizes for this year's raffle: 2006 MVP Ryan Howard autographed bat, 2007 MVP Jimmy Rollins autographed ball, Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt autographed ball. Raffle tickets will be sold at various locations in the ballpark at $2.00 each and three for $5.00. The winning tickets will be drawn at 7:45 p.m.

Yard Sale: Discounted, game-worn jerseys from Phillies major and minor league players and coaches will be available at the yard sale, located on the first base side of the main concourse. Prices will range from $25 to $150.

Fireworks: The evening concludes with a large aerial fireworks show that will start shortly after 8:00 p.m.

Mascots: The Phillie Phanatic will travel from Philadelphia to make a special appearance at Phan Fest. He'll be joined by Threshers mascot Phinley.

Special Feature: Legendary boxing trainer Angelo Dundee will take part in a book signing at Phan Fest for his new release "My View From The Corner." Dundee has trained several world champion boxers, including Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Kids Activities: Face painters, speed pitch, moon bounce, playground in left field and rock climbing will be among the activities available for kids.

Phillies Charities, Inc.: Phan Fest proceeds will go to Phillies Charities, Inc, which in turn will distribute the dollars to Clearwater For Youth, Clearwater Little League and Hospice of the Florida Suncoast.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Sand Key Real Estate Transactions January 2009

The following sales closed in January 2009. Data is obtained from the Realtor MLS data.

Property Address / Subdivision / Sale Price / # Days On Market

1501 Gulf Blvd #307 / Sand Key Condo South / $331,000 / 0
1180 Gulf Blvd #904 / Grande on Sand Key / $515,000 / 327
1350 Gulf Blvd #401 / Utopia Condo / $750,000 / 58
1180 Gulf Blvd #2006 / Grande on Sand Key / $830,000 / 30

Average Sales Price $606,500
Average number of days on market 138
Number of properties sold: 4

For more Sand Key Real Estate information & a Free CMA for your Sand Key Condo call PropCo Real Estate 727-585-0800, or visit SandKeyProperty.com

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Cabana Club Hearing Set For March

A (nother) hearing is set for March 3rd at Clearwater City Hall concerning the Cabana Club project. Neighbors of the Cabana Club claim the proposed restaurant and 38-room hotel is too large for the site and will cause parking problems. The hearings have already been postponed twice since December.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Celebrities In Sand Key For Super Bowl

If you stop by the Sand Key Sheraton this weekend for lunch, you may very well see some celebrities. Jimmy Johnson is there for the Super Bowl along with other NFL and Fox employees. A number of celebrities are said to be staying at the the Sheraton and the Belleview Biltmore. A limo driver who I spoke to today said she was on her way to pick up an actor with the last name "Kinnear", I asked here if it was Greg Kinnear, and she said "I don't know, they don't give me the first name, just Mr Kinnear".

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Cabana Club Hearing Delayed Again

The Cabana Club hearing scheduled for January 26th (rescheduled from December 15th) has been postposed. A new date has not been set.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Aquarium Announces Wedding Contest Winners

On Tuesday the Clearwater Marine Aquarium announced the winners of its "Wedding of a Lifetime" contest. The winners however, didn't know they were even in the contest - they had been entered by friends. Kevin Freeland and Samantha Stahl were among 77 entries in the contest to win a Valentine's Day wedding at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Island Estates.

They found out Tuesday afternoon at the Clearwater Police Department, where Stahl is a dispatcher. Freeland attended thinking Stahl was going to win a work-related award. Stahl showed up thinking she had an employee evaluation.

David Yates, the aquarium's CEO, was there to give them the happy news. The bride and groom can invite 100 guests to the ceremony at the aquarium on Valentine's Day. The Sheraton Sand Key is providing the reception hall and honeymoon night at the hotel. Publix will donate a wedding cake, and clothing, wine, and flowers will be donated by other local businesses.

Stahl and Freeland met on Match.com about 5 years ago. Freeland has suffered severe health problems, being diagnosed with oral cancer in 2001 with 2 relapses. He is now 6 months out of treatment and in remission. They were engaged in August and planned to marry in October 2009. The prize was a welcome relief to the couple. Due to financial setbacks they had considered eloping instead of having a large ceremony with friends and family.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Yes It's Cold, But Not Record Breaking

According to the Weather Channel, Sand Key is under a "freeze watch" and "wind chill advisory". The low tonight is expected to be in the low 30s, with wind chills around 25 degrees. The record low for January is 19 degrees, recorded in 1981.

Cabana Club Hearing Rescheduled

A hearing concerning the building of the Cabana Club on Sand Key scheduled for December 15 was postponed and will now take place in January. Save Our Neighborhood (SON), a community action group formed to fight the building of the new Cabana Club, appealed a decision of the Clearwater Planning Department to allow building code derivations that would permit construction of the $25-million Cabana Club as a proposed 38-room high-end hotel resort at 1590 Gulf Boulevard which would be operated in conjunction with the Belleair Biltmore Hotel scheduled for a $125 million upgrade.

SON gained the support of The Clearwater Beach Association (CBA) and the Sand Key Civic Association (SKCA) and received donations from the groups for its legal battle against Legg Mason, owners of the Belleview Biltmore. SON representatives and Sand Key residents oppose the project because they feel it is not in keeping with the residential character of the neighborhood and would diminish the views of properties adjacent to the site and would create traffic and parking problems.

They oppose the Planning Commission's September 16 approval of code deviations that includes a reduction to the required lot width; a reduction to setbacks; allowance of proposed temporary cabanas and an increase to building height; a reduction to perimeter buffers and a reduction to the width of interior landscape islands. SON has opposed the granting of code variances except for safety or ecological reasons citing a reduction in quality of life and the environment that results from such variances.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Sand Key Real Estate Transactions December 2008

The following sales closed in December 2008. Data is obtained from the local Realtor MLS . Look for our yearly recap in a few days.

Property Address / Subdivision / Sale Price / # Days On Market
1401 Gulf Blvd #215 / Sand Key Condo Bayside / $234,000 / 179
1430 Gulf Blvd #511 / Sand Key Condo South / $242,000 / 235
1400 Gulf Blvd #212 / Sand Key Condo South / $295,000 / 26
1380 Gulf Blvd #207 / Sand Key Club / $260,000 / 89
1351 Gulf Blvd #213 / Sand Key Condo Bayside / $302,500 / 24
1401 Gulf Blvd #108 / Sand Key Condo Bayside / $270,000 / 107
1480 Gulf Blvd #809 / Sand Key Condo South / $347,500 / 329
1430 Gulf Blvd #709 / Sand Key Condo South / $357,500 / 49
1200 Gulf Blvd #1205 / Meridian on Sand Key / $1,350,000 / 144

Average Sales Price $406,500
Average number of days on market 131
Number of properties sold: 9

For more Sand Key Real Estate information & a Free CMA for your Sand Key Condo call PropCo Real Estate 727-585-0800, or visit SandKeyProperty.com

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