Clearwater Holiday Boat Parade Set

The 36th annual Memorial Holiday Boat Parade, sponsored by the Island Estates Yacht Club, will be held on Saturday, December 11th. The event honors members of Island Estates Yacht Club who passed away during the year and is one of the area's largest holiday boat parades. Around 50 lighted and decorated boats will light up the waterways. Cash prizes and gift certificates donated by local businesses for the best decorated boats.

The parade will begin in Mandalay Channel between Island Estates and Clearwater Beach at 6 pm, head north through the channel, arriving at Coachman Park around 8 pm, then navigate under the Memorial Causeway Bridge to the Clearwater Yacht Club for judging.

If you are interested in entering your vessel, contact the Yacht Club Fleet Captain Tom Smith at (727) 776-3375 or Tom@TomSmith.com.

Aquarium May Get $750k For New Parking From City Council

Clearwater may give $750,000 in taxpayer funds to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium so it can buy the land next door, between the aquarium and Island Way Grill, to build a bigger parking lot. If the aquarium gets the funds, they will also receive a $750,000 matching grant from Sand Key philanthropist Richard "Dick" Jacobson. CMA needs the $1.5 million to secure financing for the $3.1 million parcel. There will be a vote Thursday at 6 p.m. at City Hall to decide if the private, non-profit facility will receive the funds..

In case you haven't heard, a major Hollywood movie, "Dolphin Tale" starring Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr. — and local celebrity Winter the dolphin is filming at the aquarium, which is closed temporarily for the shoot. The aquarium expects attendance to double or triple next fall when the movie is released. It's not just the film that has sparked the need for more parking, the aquarium has been expanding and attendance has been up sharply the past 4 years.

Winter The Dolphin Will Star In Motion Picture

Winter the dolphin will be playing herself in "A Dolphin's Tale," which is scheduled to begin filming today. Most of the movie will be shot at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. A robot double will be used in scenes that Winter cannot do. The movie will star Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr. and Ashley Judd and tells the story of a boy who befriends an injured dolphin and helps her get an artificial tail.

At three months old, Winter became tangled in a crab trap line near Cape Canaveral. She was rescued and brought to the CMA for rehab, but her injuries resulted in the loss of her entire tail and two vertebrae. To the surprise of marine experts, Winter adapted in spite of her serious injuries, and modified her swim pattern to accommodate her disability. Winter has also learned to eat fish on her own and is growing at a healthy rate. A human prosthetics company and a marine mammal veterinarian, developed a prosthetic tail for Winter. With the help trainers, she is being taught to use the prosthetic.

Winter has been featured on the NBC Today Show, CNN and BBC, and is an inspiration to millions. Observing Winter playfully swim around her enclosure is truly a joy; she has overcome adversity by surviving her injury, and seems unaware of her impediment. Her story, however, is uncommon. Each year, countless dolphins become trapped in monofilament and crab trap lines and die.

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

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.

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.

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.

2008 Holiday Boat Parade Schedule

Island Estates: The 34th annual Memorial Holiday Boat Parade has been set for Friday December 13th. The area's largest and most popular boat parade is being organized by the Island Estates Yacht Club. Boats will gather at the South Bridge in Mandalay Channel at 6 pm, and then proceed east into the basin by Island Way Grill and the, meander through several canals before heading to Coachman Park around 8 pm, then head back following the causeway to maker 7, finally heading south to Clearwater Yacht Club. Prized will be awarded, there is no entry fee. Registration forms will be available the first week of November. Call Captain Wayne Millington 727-462-81006

Indian Rocks Beach:Holiday Lighted Boat Parade December 20, 2008 at 7:00pm. Big or small, all boats are welcome. Vessels tour the IRB fingers via the Intracoastal Waterway, beginning at Holiday Inn Harbourside, near the Walsingham Bridge, up to the northern IRB city limits and returning to the Holiday Inn Harbourside.Visit www.IRBHOME.com for more information.

Tierra Verde Lighted Boat Parade: Dec. 10. Begins at 6 p.m. from Pass-a-Grille Channel, passes under the Tierra Verde bridge, heads south along the east side of Tierra Verde, then returns by the same route to Pass-a-Grille Channel. Best viewing is from the Tierra Verde bridge or the vacant lot next to Billy's Stone Crab. To enter your decorated boat, register by Dec. 9 at Billy's Stone Crab. $500 prize awarded. For information, call 458-8512.

St. Pete Beach Holiday Boat Parade and celebration: Dec. 12. Begins at 6 p.m. at the St. Pete Beach Yacht and Tennis Club, 94th Avenue and Blind Pass Road, along the Intracoastal Waterway through Boca Ciega Bay and ends at Pass-a-Grille Way. Also holiday tree lighting, boat parade viewing party, an appearance by Santa and holiday music by the Boca Ciega Jazz Band at the Community Center. For information or to participate in the parade (sign up by Friday) call 363-9245 and check the Web for a detailed route at http://www.stpetebeach.org/.

Boca Ciega Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade: Dec. 13. Begins at 6 p.m. at the Gulfport Marina, passes in front of the Gulfport Pier, into Town Shores, and into the Broadwater canals. For more information and a detailed route check the Web at www.sailbcyc.org or call 321-7295. To participate in the parade call 572-1356 or e-mail david.tarbox@yahoo.com.

Madeira Beach Holiday Illuminated Festival of Lights Boat Parade: Dec. 13 (rain date Dec. 20). Begins at 6:30 p.m. The boats will gather just north of the Tom Stuart Causeway and travel parallel to the causeway, around the City Hall Complex then travel back under the causeway in the Intracoastal Waterway, around the perimeter of the island and end at John's Pass. For a map of the route and more information check www.madeirabeachfl.gov or call 391-9951, ext. 231.

St. Petersburg: Bruce Watters Jewelers Illuminated Boat Parade: Dec. 13. Activities from 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Dec. 13, with activities at Spa Beach, 615 Second Ave. NE. Chili cook-off, food and beverage, live entertainment before and after parade. Best viewing is from the Pier and along the Vinoy Basin. Grandstand seating at Spa Beach, $10. Proceeds benefit The Children's Dream Fund and Rotary Charities. To enter your decorated boat, or for information, call 896-6661.

Treasure Island: Christmas Boat Parade and Holiday Celebration: Dec. 14 (rain date Dec. 15). Begins at 6:20 p.m. leaving the Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club basin then passing through the Treasure Island toll bridge at 7 p.m. and finishing at John's Pass between 8 and 8:30 p.m. The parade includes the islands of Paradise, Palms and Capri. To receive a pass to watch the parade from Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club and to attend the holiday party bring a new toy to the Recreation Department at City Hall or Treasure Bay on Paradise Boulevard from Monday to Dec. 12. Activities include holiday music and complimentary hot dogs, chowder, hot cider and cookies served poolside plus Santa will make an appearance. Toys will be donated to the Christmas Toy Shop Project Inc. Call 367-4511, ext. 236.

Indian Shores and Redington Beaches Christmas Boat Parade: Dec. 14. Begins at 5:45 p.m. on the north side of Tom Stuart Causeway and heads north through the Intracoastal Waterway, arriving at the Pub restaurant in Indian Shores about 9 p.m. Public viewing areas are Del Bello Park, 17925 Gulf Blvd.; the Pinellas County Boat Launch at Park Boulevard; and the Estelle Harper Park behind Indian Shores Town Hall, 19305 Gulf Blvd. Call 391-3875.

Clearwater Wants To Be "Coast Guard City"

The Coast Guard Air Station in Clearwater is the largest and busiest in the service. Every day crews fly missions the eastern Gulf down to South America and the Caribbean. About 600 personnel are stationed at the air station and at Sand Key.

The Navy League wants to help Clearwater apply to become a “Coast Guard City", Becoming a Coast Guard City is a great honor, giving a city prestige and “bragging rights”. There’s a long list of criteria and the commandant must recommend the city to Congress. Once the application is filed, inquiries are made to junior enlisted personnel asking how the city treats them. It could take 1 or 2 years, and community support is needed.

The first “Coast Guard City” was Grand Haven, Mich., which received its designation in the 1920s. Some other Coast Guard Cities are Alameda, Calif.; Mobile, Ala.; and Wilmington, N.C.

The Navy League was founded by Teddy Roosevelt in 1902 to remind the public of seamen and their dedication to our country. The league supports the Merchant Marine, The Coast Guard, the Marine Corps and the Navy. The Clearwater Council adopted the air station a few years ago.

Claudia Huber, chair of the chamber’s tourism and marketing committee and sales and marketing director of the Holiday Inn Gulfview, is working to get local businesses involved. “Our committee took this on as a project and we expect it will take a year or two to meet all the criteria. The Coast Guard wants to be sure we appreciate them,” she said.

Huber outlined some plans that are under consideration, including welcome packets for new Coast Guard personnel and families, and pertinent information on schools, doctors, recreation, restaurants, hotels, etc. There is also talk of organizing events in Clearwater that recognize the service.

Holiday Boat Parade Schedule

The Memorial Holiday Boat Parade, one of Clearwater's best events, will be on December 9th. It is sponsored by the Island Estates Yacht Club. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. in Mandalay Channel between Island Estates and Clearwater Beach. The boats will navigate through Island Estates, & head toward Coachman Park where they will arrive at 8 pm. They will proceed under the Memorial Causeway Bridge, turning into the Clearwater Marina Channel, ending at the Clearwater Yacht Club where the judging will take place.

If you would like to register your vessel, contact Joel Briskman, Fleet Captain at 688-3144, 461-1147 or Email : joelbrisk@yahoo.com

Other boat parades:

December 1st - Dunedin Holiday Lighted Boat Parade 6-8 pm
December 8th - St Pete Beach Lighted Boat Parade 6 pm
December 8th - St Petersburg Lighted Boat Parade at the Pier 6:30 pm
December 9th - Treasure Island Lighted Boat Parade - Dusk
December 15th - Madeira Beach Holiday Boat Parade 6 pm
December 15th - Indian Rocks Beach Lighted Boat Parade 7 pm
December 16th - Indian Shores Annual Boat Parade 6 pm