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Unemployment continues downward trend

TALLAHASSEE - The unemployment rate for Pinellas County dropped to 6.5 percent in April, according to the May 17 report from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

Judge rules in favor of County Commissioners

CLEARWATER - Circuit Court Judge John A. Schaefer has spoken. Term limits approved by referendum in 1996 do not apply to current Pinellas County Commissioners.

Sheriff reports decrease in Part 1 crimes

LARGO - Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri announced May 17 that there was an 11.44 percent decrease in Part 1 crimes for the Sheriff's entire service area in 2012 as compared to 2011.

Help needed to ID burglary suspect

PALM HARBOR - Detectives assigned to the Pinellas County Sheriff's burglary and pawn unit are seeking the public's assistance in locating a suspect in approximately eight auto burglaries in the Ridgemoor area of Palm Harbor.

Child prodigy to perform at Carnegie Hall

PALM HARBOR - In the music world, a common joke is, "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice." For Nadia Azzi, all of her practicing paid off and she made her Carnegie Hall debut at age 11. Now, at 14 years old, she is making her third Carnegie performance on May 19.

FWC scientists discover new bass species

Scientists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have uncovered a new species of black bass in the southeastern United States. Scientists have proposed naming the new species the Choctaw bass and recommended the scientific name of Micropterus haiaka. They revealed their discovery at a meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society earlier this year.

Tampa Bay Boat Show set for May 17-19

TAMPA - Chart your course to Florida State Fairgrounds - Main Expo Hall on May 17, 18 and 19 for the Tampa Bay Boat Show.

See synchronized swimming at Southwest

LARGO - Suncoast Water Works will present a synchronized swimming show entitled Synchro Under the Big Top June 1, 6 p.m., at Southwest pool, 13120 Vonn Road.

Sports Roundup

Swim classes offered at SPB
ST. PETE BEACH - The St. Pete Beach Aquatic Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, is accepting registration for swimming classes through the American Red Cross. The classes, for all ages, will teach proper technique and tips for safety in any water environment. Classes are held Monday through Thursday and run in two-week sessions of 30-minute classes. Classes are available morning and evening to fit every schedule. A two-week session is $40 for residents of St. Pete Beach and $45 for non-residents. For more information, visit www.spbrec.com or call 363-9264.

Nature walks and hikes around Pinellas

Philippe to host nature walks
SAFETY HARBOR - Guided nature walks will be offered Saturdays, May 18 and June 15, 9 to 10:30 a.m., at Philippe Park, 2525 Philippe Parkway. The hike is limited to 12 participants. Attendees will learn park history while exploring nature. Participants should meet at the Philippe gravesite at 9 a.m. Closed-toe shoes, water, sunscreen a hat and insect repellant are recommended. Reservations will be accepted through the Friday prior to the hike. An adult must accompany children. To register, call 669-1947 or email .

Dolphin Watch - How well do you know your neighbors?

We're profoundly privileged to have such a rich environment for dolphins around here. Local waters host 30-40 different dolphins a month. They are a spectacular amount of biomass, but how they coordinate themselves is a mystery.

Fish Tales - Good catches often found around jetties

After a brief drop in the water temperature early last week our inshore waters once again are pushing 80 degrees. The rise in the temperatures will undoubtedly slow the bite on the shallow flats. Anglers looking to target the coveted big three (redfish, trout and snook) should now begin to focus their attention on deeper areas that offer a stronger current flow.

Free fishing events for kids

Free fishing derby for kids planned
ST. PETE BEACH - The St. Pete Beach Recreation Department is hosting a free fishing derby for kids Saturday, May 18, 8 to 11 a.m., at the Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive. Bait will be provided and prizes awarded to biggest and smallest fish caught. No pre-registration required. Light refreshments will be for sale by the St. Pete Beach Fire Department. For more information, call 363-9245 or visit www.spbrec.com.

Summer camps and youth programs

The Centre offers cooking camp
PALM HARBOR - The Centre of Palm Harbor, 1500 16th St., is offering a Mini Chefs Cooking Camp for ages 7 to 12 June 24-28, 9 a.m. to noon. The camp will give children the opportunity to learn the basics of cooking, preparing and baking in a full-service kitchen facility. Campers will create snacks, meals and desserts. The cost is $80 for members and $90 for nonmembers, CSA Palm Harbor, 1500 16th St., is offering a number of summer camps for kids in June, July and August. For more information, visit www.csapalmharbor.org or call 771-6000.

Stone crab season closes May 16

The commercial and recreational harvest of stone crab claws in Florida closes on May 16, with the last day of harvest on May 15. This closure occurs each year during the species' peak spawning season to help protect and sustain Florida's valuable stone crab resource. Stone crab season will reopen on Oct. 15.

Retired teacher celebrates 100th birthday

PALM HARBOR - The family of Elberta Pictor gathered April 15 at Tiffany's Restaurant in Palm Harbor in honor of her 100th birthday.

Palm Harbor Library parking expansion delayed

PALM HARBOR - The addition of new parking at Palm Harbor Library has been delayed after a miscommunication regarding costs and design.

Recreation projects moving along

PALM HARBOR - Several projects taken on by CSA Palm Harbor concluded or got underway recently, Director Erica Lynford reported May 15.

PHCSA considers East Lake taxing district

PALM HARBOR - Board members of the Palm Harbor Community Services Agency began to consider May 15 how the agency's role might change if county commissioners approve a new Municipal Services Taxing Unit for East Lake library.

Teenagers fast to fight global hunger

PALM HARBOR - A group of teens from Lutheran Church of the Palms recently sacrificed a weekend during Lent to participate in World Vision's 30-Hour Famine - an event where teenagers fast for 30 hours, learn about global hunger and raise funds to feed and care for hungry children in their community and around the world.

Business Briefs

Sweet Caroline's opens caf�
PALM HARBOR - Sweet Caroline's Bakery, now in its fourth year of providing delightful "made from scratch" treats to Bay area residents, has opened Sweet Caroline's Caf� adjacent to the bakery at 3347 Tampa Road.

Temporary leadership at library chosen

Following a personal emergency, East Lake library Director Patricia Perez has taken an unpaid leave of absence. The Palm Harbor Community Services Agency board named Palm Harbor Library Director Gene Coppola as the temporary acting director April 17 until her return.

School store teaches special needs kids life lessons

CLEARWATER - When Jennifer Tollefson began meeting with her special needs students at Woodlawn Community Academy in Clearwater, many struggled with basic mathematical concepts, such as counting money, even though most were juniors and seniors in high school. But now, through her teaching and launching a student store that her kids run, her students are not only much better at their math skills, they also are learning many life skills that will help them in the "real world" after they graduate.

Palm Harbor junior earns perfect SAT score

PALM HARBOR - Reaping the benefits of studying hard is nothing new for Aadith Moorthy, a junior at Palm Harbor University High School.

North Pinellas schools plan graduation

PALM HARBOR - Two Palm Harbor area high schools will conduct graduation on Monday, June 3, at the USF Sun Dome, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa.

Cleanup, monitoring continues after boat fire

TARPON SPRINGS - Coast Guard crews continue to monitor the pollution cleanup Thursday from a boat that caught fire near the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs.

Clearwater considers aquarium referendum

CLEARWATER - Before city officials can enter into an agreement for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to lease the current City Hall property, raze City Hall and build a new $160 million aquarium on the site, the voters must approve the lease in a special election that would be held on Nov. 5.

Blowfish Bar & Grill plans nightly music

ST. PETERSBURG - Blowfish Bar & Grill officially opened its doors May 10 at 8305 Bay Pines Blvd. - only days after patrons of the new restaurant were pleasantly surprised by an unexpected performance.

Humane Society hosts photography contest for kids

CLEARWATER - In honor of Be Kind to Animals Week, the Humane Society of Pinellas is hosting a photography contest for kids.

Save Our Strays hosts social for volunteers

CLEARWATER - Save Our Strays, - a nonprofit, no-kill organization dedicated to finding homes for cats and kittens - will host a social for its volunteers and those who may be interested in volunteering.

Bigs and Littles treated to a racing day

LARGO - Ten selected "Bigs" volunteers and their "Littles" received the VIP Honda Grand Prix experience during Big Brothers Big Sisters Pinellas Day At The Track April 23.

Belleair breaks ground on public works building

BELLEAIR - The town of Belleair will soon have a new public works facility. The groundbreaking for the building, which will be on Ponce De Leon Boulevard just east of Town Hall, took place May 13, and it couldn't have come soon enough for Public Works Director Perry Lopez.

Bluffs fire station location in limbo

BELLEAIR BLUFFS - A new fire station on city-owned property near Belleair Blufs City Hall seemed a near certainty after the Largo fire department chose the site last year. Now, terms of a proposed agreement on the station has put its location in doubt.

IRB city manager search attracts a crowd

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH - When City Manager Chuck Coward announced his retirement a few weeks ago there was immediate concern about his replacement. Along those lines, several questions were answered at the City Commission meeting Tuesday, May 14.

Rotary gala attracts about 300 guests

BELLEAIR - The Belleair Rotary Club recently had its annual fundraiser Wine & Tapas Extravaganza at the Largo Cultural Center.

Obituary: Raymond C. Foster Jr.

BELLEAIR - Raymond C. Foster Jr., 64, of Belleair, Fla. passed away on April 17, 2013.

Redington Beach eyes two empty lots

REDINGTON BEACH - An opportunity to purchase a parcel of land for town use met with enthusiasm among Redington Beach Commissioners, who voted unanimously to pursue the sale at their May 7 meeting.

'Gotta Serve Somebody' - Dylan's song works well for restaurateur

ST. PETERSBURG - When Steve Westphal describes his years of success operating bars and restaurants in Pinellas County, he points to the 1979 Bob Dylan song "Gotta Serve Somebody."

Police seek spray paint vandal

TREASURE ISLAND - Police are asking visitors and residents to be on the lookout for a person who might be spray painting on the new Central Beach Trail and other public property.

Commission decides to keep vision panel

TREASURE ISLAND - After a brief discussion, Treasure Island Commissioners voted May 7 to keep the city's Vision Stewardship Committee and conduct meetings four times a year.

Redington Shores meetings moving online

REDINGTON SHORES - Live streaming of commission meetings and other town information will begin next month, Redington Shores Commissioner Casey Wojcik announced at the May 8 regular meeting.

Nourishment could begin in September

TREASURE ISLAND - If all goes as hoped, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could begin emergency beach nourishment to Sunset Beach and Sunshine Beach in Treasure Island as early as September.

Treasure Island advances PD concept

TREASURE ISLAND - After a lengthy discussion, Treasure Island Commissioners decided May 7 to forward a proposal for a planned development district to the city's Local Planning Agency for review.

Library closing temporarily for upgrade

LARGO - The Largo Public Library will be closed Monday, May 20 through Monday, May 27 for an upgrade of the check-out/check-in system, RFID tagging, and improved self-checkout technology.

Parents, teens protest sale of synthetic drugs

LARGO - A group of concerned parents and teenagers held brightly colored signs along Seminole Boulevard in Largo May 9 to warn of the dangerous products still sold in convenience stores all over Pinellas County.

Largo considers business tax exemptions

LARGO - The city of Largo economic development staff will be developing an incentive program to encourage new and expanding businesses by exempting city property taxes, after commissioners voiced favor for the program May 14.

Clearwater says no to castle playground

CLEARWATER - Faced with an unexpected groundswell of opposition from residents and the Clearwater Beach business community, the clearwater City Council at its May 13 work session decided to scrap plans for a new $438,881 playground near Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach.

Carl Hiaasen - It's too easy to become a terrorist

Authorities say that the two brothers who allegedly bombed the Boston Marathon were probably 'self-radicalized.'

Driver's Seat - What TV might one day become

Last night while watching TV I dozed off and had a marvelous dream.

Red light camera legislation provides due process

Editor:
The people of the state of Florida have won a victory in the Red Light Camera legislation that was introduced by state Senator Jeff Brandes and passed into law during the 2013 legislative session.

Cuban embargo - an ineffective joke

Editor:
Thanks for the article by attorney Castillo on Cuba policy. He convincingly argues that the embargo "has long been a joke," but then surprisingly advocates continuing this ineffective "joke."

Keep dogs off the beaches

Editor:
Why do we allow dogs to run amuck on the same public beaches where we bathe and lay on the sand?�I see dogs on Clearwater Beach running loose and defecating and urinating where we all have to walk bare footed and lay on the sand.�

A vast pool of inexpensive labor

Editor:
In any dialogue involving the issue of undocumented workers there is one important element generally omitted from the discussion. It is conspicuous by its absence since it is vital to the argument and must be considered in any search for resolution.

Dive Care teams with American Legion

SEMINOLE - American Legion Post 252 Cross Bayou has teamed up with Dive Care to support scuba divers with disabilities - both civilians and veterans.

Health Department seeking volunteers

Volunteers don't get paid, but the benefits are great, starting with feeling good about helping those in need. For medical doctors, dentists and other health professionals who give their time and skills to the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County, there are other benefits, too.

Opening this weekend - May 17

A number of new movies will hit theaters this week, including the following film opening in wide release:

Chamber hosts Hospitality Beach Games

ST. PETE BEACH - The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce plans to celebrate National Tourism Week with the sixth annual Spirit of Hospitality: Beach Games Sunday, May 19 at the Bilmar Beach Resort, 10650 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island.

Learn Greek bouzouki at summer workshops

TARPON SPRINGS - Tarpon Springs Cultural Treasures Program presents a series of workshops in Greek bouzouki for youth and adults with Leonidas Zafiris and Elias Poulos at the Safford House, 23 Parkin Court, Tarpon Springs.

G.I. Jive Dance and show set for May 17

ST. PETERSBURG - USO Tampa Bay is preparing for its first signature event - G.I. Jive Dance and Show is Friday, May 17, 8 p.m. to midnight, at the St. Petersburg Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N. in St. Petersburg. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Summerland Tour 2013 comes to St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG - Art Alexakis, frontman for the alternative rock band Everclear, will repeat his summer treat, called Summerland Tour 2013, to 35 cities in the United States. The Alternative Guitars tour will be on stage at The Mahaffey Theater on Thursday, May 30 at 8 p.m.

2PM presents gallery concert, CD release

DUNEDIN - 2PM, a vocal and instrumental folk trio. will release their second CD project "Let's Just Play One More" at a Sunday concert at Painted Fish Gallery on May 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Three generations exhibit at May opening

GULFPORT - Domain Home Accessories & Gallery will host its next "Meet the Artists" event with a showing of work by three generations of artists from one local family on Saturday, May 18, 6 to 10 p.m.

MFA announces summer admission

ST. PETERSBURG - The Museum of Fine Arts is opening its doors wide this summer. Admission is now $10 for everyone through Sept. 30, 2013. Groups of 10 or more adults pay only $8 each and groups of 10 or more students, $4 per person.

Armed Forces Museum plans May events

LARGO - The Armed Forces History Museum's 2013 special event series presented by Maggi Tax Advisory and Veteran Solutions continues with three events this month.

MFA names glass conservatory

ST. PETERSBURG - The naming of the Museum of Fine Art's spectacular glass Conservatory in honor of Mary Alice McClendon honors one of the most generous donors in the Museum's history.

Studio@620 stages Neil Simon's Odd Couple

ST. PETERSBURG - The Odd Couple by Neil Simon is on stage May 16-19 at Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S. in St. Petersburg.

Surface water utility tax on June 18 agenda

CLEARWATER - Pinellas County Commissioners approved advertising of a June 18 public hearing May 7 on creation of a surface water utility and setting an appropriate fee for residents in unincorporated areas.

County moves to protect industrial land

CLEARWATER - The decision was unanimous, and Pinellas County Commissioners made it clear that preservation of industrial land was of paramount importance.

County employees may get raises

CLEARWATER - For the past few weeks, there have been hints that a pay raise might be coming next year for Pinellas County employees.

East Lake MSTU on May 21 agenda

CLEARWATER - Pinellas County Commissioners will consider an ordinance May 21 that would create a separate Municipal Services Taxing Unit for the East Lake Library.

Seminole man charged with child abuse

SEMINOLE - A Seminole man was arrested May 10 and charged with aggravated child abuse of a six-month-old female.

Kids Appreciation Day slated for June 5

SEMINOLE - Seminole Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Kids Appreciation Day on Wednesday, June 5, 3 to 5:30 p.m., at Seminole City Park, 7464 Ridge Road.

Services available for uninsured women

Early detection is the key to the successful diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and cervical cancer, but women who have no insurance and are too young for Medicare often cannot afford to get these lifesaving screenings. In Florida, there's a state resource that can provide these screenings at no cost for those who qualify.

Hearing loss common health problem in U.S.

Although hearing problems are commonly associated with the normal aging process, more than half of all hearing-impaired Hearing loss currently affects more than 36 million American persons younger than 65. With the increased use of personal music players (MP3s) and earbuds, the number of Americans experiencing hearing loss at a younger age is growing.

Heart Association honors Bay Pines

SEMINOLE - The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System recently received the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines-

Largo Medical Center earns accreditation

LARGO - Largo Medical Center recently earned a three-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International.

Featured pet

Little Puppy, a 5-year-old rat terrier mix is Tampa Bay Newspapers' May pet of the month. Her humans are Allen and Pepir Jernigan of Seminole.

Trivia Night to benefit SPCA

LARGO - Trivia Night at the Shelter will be presented Saturday, May 11, 8 p.m., at SPCA Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Ave. N.

SPOT offers special on spay, neuter program

PINELLAS PARK - Stop Pet Overpopulation Together is offering a special spay and neuter program for those on food stamps and Medicaid this summer.

Speaking of Pets - Acupuncture for pets gaining popularity

As our pets enjoy longer lives, we as pet owners and veterinarians are constantly looking for additional tools to improve the quality and quantity of their lives. One such tool is veterinary acupuncture.

Teens arrested for restaurant robbery

OLDSMAR - Two teens were arrested May 8 in connection with the May 6 armed robbery of Boton Sushi restaurant, 300 E. State Street in Oldsmar.

Clearwater Council news

Libraries to get radio scanners
CLEARWATER - Supermarkets may still use bar code scanners, but they're becoming obsolete in libraries. On May 2, the Clearwater City Council authorized Barbara Pickell, head of the city's library system, to spend $582,549 for the purchase of a state-of-the-art Radio Frequency Identification system from Bibliotheca, LLC.

Clearwater PD offers anti-phishing tips

CLEARWATER - The Clearwater Police Department warns people to not get caught up in phishing scams, where criminals try to get people's personal information online. The department offers the following tips:

Waste collection heads to Countryside

CLEARWATER - The next Pinellas County Utilities mobile hazardous waste collection is Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Countryside High School, 3000 State Road 580, Clearwater.

Beach playground gets go-ahead

CLEARWATER - The Clearwater City Council decided on May 1 to postpone the contentious Clearwater Beach playground matter until its May 16 meeting.

Fort De Soto offers guided walks

TIERRA VERDE - Free, guided nature walk will be offered Sunday, May 12, 10 to 11 a.m., at Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S.

Dolphin Watch - What in the water was Q thinking?

True to form, local dolphins have shifted gears. A week ago they liberally dotted the waterscape at twice their normal numbers for this time of year.

Celtic FC hosts summer school camp

LARGO - Celtic FC Florida will host a summer school through Celtic FC International Development Academy for ages 5 to 15, July 8 to 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Seminole Junior Warhawks Soccer Complex, 11450 125th St. N. in Largo.

Red snapper season begins June 1

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a 44-day recreational red snapper season for Gulf of Mexico state waters at its meeting April 17 in Tallahassee. State waters are from shore to 9 nautical miles in Gulf waters.

Fish Tales - Tarpon migration under way

Tarpon are beginning their migration through our area. For those who love the pursuit of the silver king it's been the better part of eight months since your last opportunity to attempt to fool the beast.

Junior roller derby thrives in Pinellas

PINELLAS PARK - Aaron Myers, 16, of Seminole has never been drawn to popular sports.

Alligator permit process starts

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has more than 5,000 permits available to participate in the 11-week alligator season, which runs Aug. 15 to Nov. 1.

Nursing school awards scholarship

LEALMAN - In an effort to stay true to its mission of ensuring accessible and affordable Christian education, Christian International School of Healthcare Professions awarded its first $6,000 scholarship April 30.

State intervenes at Pinellas Park Middle School

PINELLAS PARK - Following Pinellas Park Middle School earning D grades for two years in a row, the state gave the Pinellas School District three options: close the school, turn it into a charter or implement a district-managed plan that would shake up the school's teaching staff and administration.

Fleeing suspect attacked by alligator

PINELLAS PARK - A Pinellas Park man was attacked by an alligator while fleeing from Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies about 2:47 a.m. May 9.

Pinellas Park planning for 5600 block

PINELLAS PARK - At the April 23 Community Redevelopment Agency meeting, the Pinellas Park City Council - which doubles as the CRA - began discussions about how the city plans to revamp the ailing 5600 block of Park Boulevard, which falls within the city's Community Redevelopment Area.

Fire Truck Pull helps Be the Match

PINELLAS PARK - Last year, the annual Fire Truck Pull in Pinellas Park gave Christa Lynn the thrill of her life, and not because she helped pull a fire truck over the finish line; it was because she was chosen as a perfect match for a woman who needed a bone marrow transplant to save her life.

Summer camp options in Pinellas Park

PINELLAS PARK - With the end of the school year approaching, Pinellas Park children have a variety of options for summer camps to keep them busy.

Travel experts discuss tourism trends

CLEARWATER - A panel of travel experts told members of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce that tourists from China will be the next wave of new business for the hospitality industry in Florida.

Tax Collector's Office receives award

CLEARWATER - The Pinellas County Tax Collector's Office was named a recipient of the 2013 Governor's Sterling Award May 6, the highest award an organization can receive for performance excellence in Florida.