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.

 

New Causeway Recieves National Accolades

The new Belleair Beach causeway has gained national recoginition from "Roads and Bridges" magazine for using an innovative contruction technique. The magazine named the Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge replacement project as No. 5 in the top 10 bridge projects in 2009.

The 74-foot high, fixed-span bridge was the 2nd project in the U.S. to use "incremental launching" in its construction. It was 1st in the country to use concrete. The 1st project, in Ohio, used steel.

The bridge project is open to traffic and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. To view a video on incremental launching and the latest news on the bridge project, visit www.belleaircausewaybridge.com.

Expect Heavy Bridge Traffic On Saturday

The Foster Grant Ironman Championship 70.3 will cause some traffic issues this weekend. Because of road closures in Clearwater Beach and the surrounding area on Saturday, the Belleair causeway wll be busier than usual. Clearwater Beach roads will be closed south of the roundabout, so the Belleair causeway must used to access south beach and Sand Key instead of the Memorial Causeway.

Biltmore Being Fined Over Roof

The town of Belleair city code board voted 5-2 to fine the owner of the Belleview Biltmore Resort with daily fines of $250 per day until it fixes the dilapidated roof which has been in disrepair. The damage occurred during storms in 2004 when it was under different ownership.

"We don't agree and we will hopefully work it out through other avenues," said Joe Penner, a managing director for the owner.

The fines are another roadblock for the $100 million renovation project, which has been delayed by lawsuits, according to George Rahdert, a lawyer representing owner Latitude Management Real Estate Investors (formerly known as Legg Mason Real Estate Investors).

In November 2007, the town's code board gave the owner two years, or until last Sunday, to bring the roof into compliance. The project architect told the board that bringing the roof up to code was a "Herculean task" that would cost almost $6M, and that it was illogical to pour millions of dollars repairing it when it already requires total renovation that must be done from the ground up. Hotel representatives said the owners have repaired portions of the roof and implemented techniques to avoid leaks for now.

After the meeting, Rahdert said he was specifically concerned about a comment made by board member Don Newman, who suggested rescinding the fine if the owner would consider certain things that would help nearby neighbors and the Belleair Country Club including installing lighting along the roadway that leads to the hotel as well as nearby condos, pushing back intrusive fencing and unblocking parking, formerly used by the country club. Newman used the phrase "quid pro quo" which Rahdert called "extortion." Newman said his concerns were for neighbors who live in the area.

Belleair Beach City Wide Yard Sale Nov 7th

The Belleair Beach annual city wide yard sale, or garage sale as the case may be, will be Saturday November 7th from 8 am to 2 pm. This yearly event gets bigger every year. If you are a resident, the city will place a sign at your street free of charge, call 595-4646.

New Community Center Open For Business

Belleair Beach celebrated the opening of its new $3.9 million community center with a ribbon cutting and open house on Oct. 22. The new 10,000-square-foot building replaces the now demolished 50-year-old Belleair Beach City Hall.

The new community center construction took 14 months and has a large gathering room with a water view through floor-length windows and an adjacent terrace, city government offices, a conference room, break room, computer server room, and storage spaces. Meeting space will be available for rent once rental rates are established.

Belleair Beach City Hall Set To Open

The move into the new community center (formerly referred to as City Hall) is planned for this week . Furniture is being delivered on Sept. 14 and 15. City offices will be closed to foot traffic during the week to allow for the move from the temporary office to the new building. Residents may contact the city by phone during the week. An open house and ribbon cutting is tentatively set for Thursday Oct. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Belleair Causeway Closing Update

The bridge will be closed for 32 hours from 9 pm Sept 3rd until 5 am September 5th.

Fishing Pier Approved For Belleair Causeway

The Board of Pinellas County Commissioners approved construction of a fishing pier and lift station at the Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge boat ramp park.

The construction of the new bridge decreased the fishing area in the park. Building a new pier would increase it, and provide a safer location compliant with ADA requirements, as opposed to fishing from a seawall. A new lift station is being installed to ensure operation of future boat ramp restrooms. The completion date is October 9th.

Belleview Biltmore Liquidation Sale

BELLEVIEW BILTMORE RESORT & BEACH CLUB
25 Belleview Blvd. * Belleair, FL

Complete Hotel Contents! Everything Must Go!
10-7 Monday-Saturday & Sundays 12-5 Until Sold Out!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Featuring 246 Guestrooms & Suites of Quality Furnishings

GUESTROOM FURNISHINGS: 25" & 19" Color TV's, King & Queen Size Sleigh Beds, Armoires (many styles, Chests, Nightstands, Writing Desk, Sofas, Loveseats, Uph. Arm Chairs, Desk Chairs, End Tables, Sofa Tables, Coffee Tables, Dining Tables & Chairs, Chandeliers, Sconces, Ceiling Fans, Mini Fridges, Lamps, ARtwork, Mirrors, Drapes, PTAC Units, Window AC/Heat Units

BAR & RESTAURANT FURNISHINGS: (2) Bars with all Under Bar Equipment, Dining Tables (all sizes), Restaurant Chairs (many styles), Bar Stools, Wine Coolers, High Cocktail Tables, Chandeliers & Scones, Micros System, Artwork, Planters

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT: Hobart Mixers, Hobart Slicers, Buffalo Choper, Fryers, Stoves, Reach-In Coolers & Freezers (all sizes), Chargrills, Convection Ovens, Griddles, Counter Prep Coolers, Walk-In Coolers (all sizes), Manitowoc Ice Machines, Cres-Cor Warming Carts & Cabinets, SS Prep Sinks, SS Pot Sinks, SS Prep Tables, Wire Racks, SS Pots & Pans, Dishwashers, Hoods, Fire Systems, Steam Tables, Stock Pots, Steamers and much more!

LOBBY FURNISHINGS: Sofas, Loveseats, End Tables, Coffee Tables, Side Tables, Upholstered Chairs, Chandeliers & Sconces, Planters, Light Fixtures, Artwork

BUILDING FIXTURES: Pedestal Sinks, Tank Toilets, Antique Pine Panel Doors, Vanity Sinks, Public Restroom Fixtures, PTAC Units, Window AC/Heat Units

BOUTIQUE ITEMS: China, Glassware, Flatware, Serving Pieces, Pots, Pans, Bed Linens, Banquet Linens, Bedspreads, Towels, Blankets and 100's more!

PLUS: Office Furnishings, Pool & Patio Furnishings, Commercial Laundry Equipment, Conference Tables & Chairs, Phone Switch, Commercial Air Conditioning, Hot Water Heaters, Folding Chairs, Ice Machines and much more!

Phone: 727-441-9690

July Is Family Golf Month At Belleview Biltmore

July is Family Golf Month at the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club.

Kids play free when accompanied by a golfing adult
Kids Get Free Range Balls
Free Kids Clinic for the month of July.

The Belleivew Biltmore Golf Club is located at 1501 Indian Rocks Rd, Belleair Fl.
Reservations are recommended, 800-237-8947.

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

Keep Renters In Check - The Rules Apply To Everyone- A Rant

Recently the City of Belleair Beach received multiple calls to report dogs being on the beach. It turned out to be just one dog, who is owned by a renter. Many other rules are being ignored as well. On 20th Street there's a truck with a "Signs Now" magnet on it ( a violation of city code), parked pretty much all day everyday at a rental property. And no, it's not an ignorant employee, it's the ignorant owner of the company. Same goes for Bayshore Drive @ 20th Street - there's a pickup truck with a "Bovis" logo on it parked overnight every night. In this case it's an ignorant employee of Bovis Lendlease. A year ago any other resident would have been cited within a week of the violation, without anyone calling to report it.

These people think because they are renters they don't have to follow the rules- they can just plead ignorance. Meanwhile they are disrupting the serenity we once had -the very thing that made us want to live here. We chose Belleair Beach because it wasn't like those other towns with their riff-raff. What's worse is they laugh if you threaten to call the police, claiming the police tell them the homeowners call the police all the time for nonsense. They are told "don't worry about them calling us", "these people (the homeowners) call the cops for every little thing" "I don't hear your dog barking".

So, we are expected to put up with early morning pow-wows( loud conversations in the a.m. before work with a LOT of coughing). And there's the after-work pow-wows - I'll have to watch Slingblade again to figure out what it is they talk about. And the barking dogs, that never stop. I am a dog lover. I have a dog, I've had many dogs, almost everyone in town has a dog. BUT, they behave. They do not disturb the neighbors. I'd mention the diesel trucks, but they are not against the law. Change has turned our "resort community" into a "working class" community.

Times are different in this era of "change". Our sleepy community has changed. And we have to do more than complain, we have to respond. Many homes have been turned into rentals, housing people who do not care about our community, contributing to the decline of our way of life. We have to stand our ground. Owners of these properties must be held accountable. The City and the Sheriff have to enforce the rules, no matter how trivial they think they are - they are OUR rules. If you don't like it leave.

That been said, I do not mean in any way to disparage renters. I myself was a renter for many many years. But, I obeyed and respected the rules and other's right to enjoy peace and quiet.

So, as homeowners, we need to enforce the rules. We need to call the city, call the sheriff, do whatever is necessary to preserve our way of life. This is our town. Owner's and renters of these transient properties must be held accountable. I have to imagine that the owners of these homes would be mortified to know that their tenants were behaving in such a way. But, maybe I'm wrong. They left - why should they care. Well, because when they come back - and they will - they expect everything to be as they left it. Peaceful, pleasant, quiet....

What can you do? If you know a home on your block is being rented, verify that the owner has a rental permit from the city. If you see violations, call the city or the sheriff. Don't feel ashamed, you pay taxes for these services. If we don't exercise our rights, we will lose our peace, our enjoyment of our property, and our property values.

Check Your Speed On New Bridge

You many have noticed a police car posted on the new bridge. If you guessed they were looking for speeders, you were right. The Pinellas Sheriff's Office reports a large number of speeding citations in just the first few days. On May 29th alone, there were 40 citations issued. Most were for speeds in the 50 - 70 mph range, and large number of those were issued for speeds in excess of 70 mph, while the posted speed limit is just 30 mph.

News Personality Greta Van Susteren Buys Beach Home

Greta Van Susteren recently purchased a beachfront home in Belleair Beach. She is currently the host of "On The Record" a Fox News show.

Residents and Business Must Register Alarm Systems

A new Pinellas County ordinance requires home and business owners to register their alarm systems.

On July 1, 2009, Pinellas County deputy sheriffs will begin enforcing this ordinance by citing property owners for false alarm incidents. The Sheriff’s Alarm Registration Program or “SHARP” has been established for home and business owners. Registration is available online or by mail. The ordinance covers unincorporated Pinellas County and the following cities: Belleair Bluffs ,Belleair Shore ,Belleair Beach ,Dunedin, Indian Rocks Beach ,Madeira Beach ,North Redington Beach ,Oldsmar ,Redington Beach,
Safety Harbor ,Seminole ,South Pasadena

There is no registration fee. Alarm subscribers will receive warnings for the first two false alarms within a revolving year. Registered alarm owners who experience more than two false alarms in one year will be subject to fines. Home and business owners who do not register their alarm systems will not receive any warnings and will be subject to fines. Registered alarm owners who experience more than two false alarm events in one year may also be subject to fines, as identified below, if the false alarms continue.

New Garbage Collection Schedule for Belleair Beach

In August residential garbage collection will be on Tuesdays and Fridays (instead of Mondays and Thursdays) with recycling pickup on Fridays.

Belleview Biltmore and Cabana Club Update

The Belleview Biltmore Hotel received a favorable decision from a 3 judge panel regarding the restoration of the property. The Circuit Court entered an Order and Opinion upholding the Belleair Town Commission’s grant of variances and approval of site plans necessary for the restoration of the historic property. The complaining parties have 30 days to appeal.

The Belleview Biltmore Hotel also owns a parcel on Sand Key which it proposes to redevelop with a 38 room hotel as part of the overall project. The City of Clearwater Community Development Board approved redevelopment of the Sand Key site in 2008. Several neighboring residents appealed this decision. The assigned Administrative Law Judge rejected the challenge and upheld the decision of the Community Development Board. The residents have now filed a Petition in the Circuit Court for Pinellas County, Florida challenging the decision.

The attorneys for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel expect the Circuit Court to render a decision within the next 30 days as to whether the Petition has sufficient basis for the appeal to proceed.

The restoration project for the Belleview Biltmore will include:

• LEED Certification.
• Expansion plans include a new wing adding 176 hotel rooms.
• Restoration of the main building will provide 260 hotel rooms.
• Restoration of the Sunset, Magnolia and Palm cottages will add 12 guest quarters, plus corporate meeting space.
• Restoration Tiffany, Starlight and Candlelight Ballroom to original design.
• Construction of a new 18,900 square foot full service spa with thirteen treatment rooms, fitness center, salon and aerobics room.
• World class 18-hole Donald Ross designed golf course with a renovated club house featuring a new kitchen, grillroom, bar and banquet facility.
• A new 38 room, 6 story Victorian styled boutique hotel on the beach at
  the Cabana Club site.

Beware Of Trespassing Insurance Companies

Have you seen this man creeping around?

He was found trespassing in a back yard in Belleair Beach this morning around 9 am. His name(which he tried not to give) is believed to be Daniel Hogan. He was also reluctant to disclose who sent him trespassing. He wanted to identify himself only as "insurance inspector". When asked by the homeowner for a business card or other documentation, he refused. At one point he said he worked for a company called Castle, and then later said Citizens and AAA, but the door hanger he gave the police (he did not leave on the door) had the name "Rapid Survey Group".

A phone call to Rapid Survey Group in Utah this morning got no answer. After some digging it appears he is a independent contractor, hired by a company, who hired a company to snoop for whatever reason. I say snoop, because the homeowner was never called or mailed regarding an inspection. It seems they prefer to sneak around.

Insurance companies(assuming that's who hired him) may have the right to inspect your property from time to time. That does not give independent contractors (who's job description only requires that they have a car and a camera) the right to trespass.

In this case the guy let himself into a yard protected by a 6ft gated fence. When told to leave he said he "had the right to be there". Apparently he thinks the badge he was wearing, on which the print was too small to read, gives him property rights. He refused to give a business card, or any other paperwork.

The photo above was taken while waiting for the police to arrive.

Farewell To The Belleview Biltmore

1 Pm Monday June 1st will be final checkout for guests of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel until it re-opens in 2012.

Special events are planned for the weekend, including a poolside Victorian Garden Party, Back to the Future fundraising party , and The Final Final Tournament, a long standing golf tournament involving golf club members from the Biltmore and Foxborough Country Club near Boston. It will be the rivals' last chance to stay at the hotel, but the Biltmore Golf Club on Indian Rocks Road will remain open throughout the restoration. The golf club will also recieve improvements, including a members-only lounge, expanded restaurant menu, Friday prime rib buffet, and Sunday brunch.

After extensive renovations the resort will be "the place to be", as it was in it's heyday. It will be a 22 acre Victorian-style resort with gardens and walking paths. When it reopens, it will be without vehicles driving around on the property. Underground parking will be accessible through "rabbit holes" where vehicles will disappear from view at the entrance. The exterior and first floor will be restored to what it looked like in the 1930s to make it as historically accurate as possible. The hotel's historian is cataloging and photographing everything of historical significance.

There will be 450-plus guest rooms, 50k square feet of meeting space, and a spa. The three cottages on the property will also be restored and will be perfect for weddings, reunions or business meetings. While the resort will look "old" it will be an energy efficient green project

Around 200 employees will be displaced, many but not all have found new jobs. Hundreds of construction jobs will be created over the three years.

New Belleair Bridge Has Gulf Views

Drivers using the new Belleair bridge now have a gulf view thanks to the higher elevation of the new structure.

The Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge opened to traffic on Friday, May 29. The sidewalks will remain closed to pedestrians through the completion of the project for public safety. Construction started in March 2007, and the $72.3 million infrastructure project is on time and on budget.

In addition to the new bridge- new storm drains, retaining walls, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, curbs and gutters, and a widened roadway are part of the project. Over the next few months, construction and demolition will continue with removal of the existing bridge and temporary roadway, completion of the south half of the relief bridge, building of a new boat ramp park, construction of retention and detention ponds, grading, paving, signing and pavement markings. Over 2 acres of seagrass beds will be enhanced to improve water quality and the marine habitat, and along the southern shore of the causeway, a new tidal wetland will be constructed as required by federal and state environmental agencies. The higher bridge elevation creates an acre of land with additional parking, accommodating trailers up to 45 feet.

Belleair Beach Boat Slip Available

The city owned marina has a slip available, call 595-4646. The rate is $7/foot with a 30 ft minimum, and is only available to Belleair Beach residents.

New City Hall Ahead of Schedule

The new Belleair Beach city hall is ahead of schedule and could be finished in July or August. Completion had been scheduled for September 12th. The building is about 70% complete.

Belleair Causeway Bridge Set 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.

Sea 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.

Gulf Beaches Rays Day Is June 14th

Residents of all the beach communities are invited to attend Gulf Beaches Rays Day, Sunday, June 14, when the team faces the Washington Nationals. The event is being organized by the Barrier Islands Governmental Council. Tickets are $30 each and include a Rays hat and great seats “just past the dugout”. All 11 beach mayors will participate in opening ceremonies on the field, he added. Tickets are availalbe at Indian Shores Town Hall.

Harrison Avenue Bridge Contract Awarded

The Belleair Beach ciy council awarded the bid for the Harrison Ave bridge replacement to Caladesi Construction for $189,658. Construction time for the project is about 13 weeks. city. There will be a pre-construction kick-off meeting on April 10.

New City Hall Update

The new Belleair Beach community center and city hall is about 60% complete and may be ready as early as July, even though the completion deadline is September 12th. The new building will replace the 50 year old Belleair Beach City Hall which was demolished to make way for the new building. Temporary city offices are in a city-owned house on Cedar Drive, and city council meetings are held in the home’s garage.

The new building will be about 10,000 square feet, with a large gathering room featuring a water view and terrace. The city council chamber room has about 2900 square feet for functions, which can be divided into to 2 rooms for meetings and rentals. It will nclude a catering room with a refrigerator and microwave. The terrace will provide additional space for meetings.

Belleair Bridge Causeway Update

The new Belleair Causeway Bridge should be open by the end of April or first of May, according to the Board of Pinellas County Commissioners. Demolition of the old bridge is scheduled for sometime in October or November.

Belleair To Defend Drinking Water Title

Region IV of the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association is hosting its annual Best Tasting Drinking Water Contest for Tampa Bay area on March 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The contest will be hosted by 2008 winner of the Best Tasting Water, the town of Belleair at the town’s soccer field, next to the water treatment facility, 1075 Ponce de Leon Blvd. The winner will attend the 8th annual Best Tasting Water in Florida Contest in Tallahassee on April 1, as a part of FSAWWA Legislative Drinking Water Day.

Judges for the contest are radio persoanlity Jack Harris and Belleair Mayor Gary Katica.

Belleair Shore May Limit Time For New Construction

At the Belleair Shore Town Commission meeting, a draft of an ordinance limting the time allowed for new construction was presented. A 2 year limit is being proposed with a provision for an extension, if unsual circumstances arise.

Belleair Bridge Causeway Closing Monday

The Belleair Causeway will be closed from 7 pm Monday 2/16 unitl 7 am Tuesday 2/17 for construction.

Signs Proposed To Help Bluffs Businesses

A city-sponsored program to rent signs on a short-term basis to businesses was proposed at the Belleair Bluffs City Commission meeting on February 9th..

According the the Commisssioner, the program will help stimulate business in the city during tough economic times. The city would charge a rental fee for the signs, which could be customized by businesses and used to promote events, sales and other activities.

A handout described the signs as being about 3- to 4-feet tall and about 3-feet wide, with “Shop Belleair Bluffs” inscribed on the top. They would have a blank space on both sides for messages.
The signs would cost an estimated $300 - $700 a sign, with $50 - $100 a week rental fees.

The proposal will need to be reviewed by the city attorney, and charter review commission and current city sign codes will need to be changed if the idea is approved.

Harrison Avenue Bridge Design Chosen

Belleair Beach City Council has chosen the design and approved design costs for the new Harrison Avenue Bridge.

The selected design uses the existing seawall and adds a steel support sheet behind the wall. The seawall is part of the base of the bridge. The new bridge roadway should be a bit wider than the current one. The exact width of the roadway will be determined during the design phase.

The estimated cost of building the bridge is $290k with the project taking 3-4 months to complete. The work will likely be done in two phases starting on the south side. During construction one lane will be open for traffic on the bridge.

Still Time To Register For Belleair Classic Road Race

Registration is still open for The 7th annual Belleair Classic 5K/10K Road Race.

The race is Saturday, March 7, 7:30 a.m., starting at the Dimmitt Community Center, 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

The race expo expo will be Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, March 7, 6 to 10 a.m and will feature products and services presented by the sponsors.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top female and male winners in both the 5K and 10K races as well as Fit2Run gift cards. Technical T-shirts are provided to each paid participant as well as breakfast, compliments of the Belleview Biltmore. In an effort to support the Go Green campaign, Outspokin Family Cyclery of Largo will host a bike corral to house any manpowered form of race transportation (i.e., bicycle, skateboard, scooter, etc.) that is utilized to get to the race to avoid contributing to unnecessary fuel emissions. There will be a drawing for a bicycle at the post-race party.

Participants can sign up in person at the Belleair Recreation Center, or online twww.active.com. Visit www.belleairclassic.com.

Court Will Hear Biltmore Arguments

The Belleview Biltmore is scheduled to close for extensive renovations this spring, but a court panel has agreed to hear arguments in a lawsuit which could delay the project, which is estimated to cost $100 million.

In 2008 the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court accepted a Writ of Certiorari filed by 3 Belleair residents who allege the Town Commission showed favoritism toward the Biltmore owners, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, during a hearing regarding requests for variances to existing town codes.

Another hearing is set for March 3rd at Clearwater City Hall concerning the Cabana Club, the Biltmore's beach property, which is also scheduled for renovations. 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.

Belleair Bridge Causeway Will Be Closed Tonight

All lanes will be closed to traffic from 7 p.m. Monday until 7 a.m. Tuesday. Detour signs will be in place prior to the shutdown, made necessary by construction equipment blocking the driving lanes. The shutdown does not affect marine traffic using the Intracoastal Waterway.

Brrrrr - Cold Enough For Snow?

According to the Weather Channel, Belleair Beach 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. While it will be cold enough to snow, no precipitation is forecast.

Belleair Rummage Sale Sunday

A rummage sale will be held Sunday, Jan. 25, from 10 - 4 at the Belleair Recreation Center east soccer field at 918 Osceola Rd. Funds will benefit the Gulf Coast United Soccer Club, who is experiencing an urgent financial shortfall. Tax-deductible donations are welcome as well. To contribute items to the rummage sale or to make a financial donation should call Matt at 560-6512.

No road through Harbor Club

The rumor that there may be a road built on the land behind the Harbor Club condos is just that. Residents of the Harbor Club condominiums were concerned over a rumored plan to put an access road to small piece of beach on county land near the condos. According to the public works department, they plan to stabilize the ground mesh and plant grass on top. Vehicles would only access it in case of emergency or for occasional clean up of debris that washes up on the beach.

Dimmitt Community Center 2009 Schedule

The Town of Belleair Recreation Department is offering registeration for spring break camps, archery, basketball league, flag football league, and the Belleair Classic. New programs include digital photography, lunchtime pilates, and golf lessons. Call 727-588-3769 ext 210 or visit the web at www.townofbelleair.com

Volunteer To Take Down Biltmore Decorations

If you would like to volunteer to help take down the holiday decorations at the Belleview Biltmore on Sunday January 18th, call 373-3000. Starting time is 9 am, and lunch will be served.

Bellair Shore Incumbents Re-Elected

Yet again there will be no election for municipal officials in March. There has not been a competition for a seat on the Belleair Shore Town Commission since the 1990s. There were two positions scheduled for re-election this year. The only 2 applicants are the present office holders, who both applied and qualified again for their posts.

Mayor John Robertson will continue in his mayor/commissioner post and Commissioner John E. Hayes Jr. will stay on as well. They will be sworn in for their new two-year terms in March.

Harrison Avenue Bridge Update

After a recent inspection, the Belleair Beach City Council discussed the weakened condition of the Harrison Avenue Bridge and reviewed design options and costs According to the inspection report, the beams and abutments require major repairs soon. The engineering firm hired by the city recommended the south portion of the bridge be removed during construction to create a single traffic lane and to either replace the sheet pile abutments with new bulkhead or repair the current abutment.

The engineering firm presented three alternatives for the repair of the small bridge at the meeting. The first option includes removal of half of the bridge and the installation of a new vinyl sheet pile wall in front of the existing seawall under the bridge. The second and third alternatives consist of sheeting and dewatering of the area under the bridge for excavation, the installation of a pile-supported concrete floor, poured pedestal walls and sidewalls. The third more expensive option involves construction of a bridge deck and approach slabs on each side of the bridge.

Once approved, repairs of the bridge may take three to four months.