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.

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.

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.

Citizens Protest Taxes

The Clearwater Beach Property Tax Relief Fund (CB-PTRF), has been formed to protest unfair property tax assessments and explore legal options for residents of north or south Clearwater Beach, Sand Key and Island Estates who are unhappy property tax assessments, which in many cases far exceeds current market values.

The CB-PTRF is in the process of engaging legal counsel to lead a proactive effort for fair appraisals. Once representation is chosen, a town meeting will be organized. Residents are asked to donate $50 to the CB-PTRF to fund to cover legal and administrative costs. If you want to learn more about how you can support CB-PTRF, please e-mail w2smith@aol.com. You can send contributions to CB-PTRF, 868 Bayway Blvd., Unit #112, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767.

Clearwater Aquarium Open Again

After recent improvements, including an IMAX type movie theater, the aquaruim on Island Estates is open after a 6 week hiatus. Other additions are an expanded gift shop, windows on the dolphin pool, and additional exhibits.