“We are grateful for the media support offered by Paradise News at the mural reception and unveiling ceremony in Tierra Verde on September 29th. I wish to thank the wonderful people affiliated with the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, especially Michael Heerschap, Lance Peterson, Pete Mickunas, Carrie Hill, (aka Marlene Dietrich) and Spencer Lucas (who was fabulous as Guy Lombardo). They were fantastic and fun to be around, and added much to our event. Thanks also for the introduction & acknowledging Janet Hopson of un/Studio Photography. Janet did an amazing job capturing the essence of our event in photographs. Thank you, one and all! Throughout the months of planning for the unveiling, many people came forward to share stories and memories (including you, Renee) of Port ‘O’ Call, LeClub, Tierra Verde Resort, and of the mural. It was special to have Carolyn (Jackson) Gruber, the artist who painted the mural in 1981, in attendance at our event. As of this writing, a small quantity of limited edition, artist-signed copies of the commemorative artwork were still available for sale from The Island Grille and Raw Bar. A portion of the proceeds benefits The Legend of Tierra Verde Island Mural LLC – Living Legacy Fund, in support of island charities and organizations.
Renee, I appreciated the quote you shared with me. About history being living. You’re absolutely right . . . this was abundantly evident at our event. We are proud to have the mural back on the island where it belongs. Now, a new generation can make memories and share stories about it. Indeed. History is alive and well. . . With gratitude and thanks,” – Connie Langhorst, Friends of Tierra Verde
“I’m a newish resident to SPB (2.5 years now). I first moved to Gulfport and stayed there until I moved to South Pass last year. I love your publication and follow you on Twitter and IG.
Anyway, I’m an ad guy and work in Ybor on LOTS of big local brands (3 Daughters Brewing, The Bucs, including doing this new campaign, Florida Hospital, and the Zoo) and love when I see great articles your team writes about all the bitchin stuff to do in our sleepy-enough beach town.
From one writer to your whole team, thanks for being so cool and so local. Pubs like yours need to stay around, and as a newish resident, it’s important to know the local rag is doing well. :=) Thanks.” – Scott Nosenko, Senior Copywriter; ChappellRoberts – Tampa
“ChappellRoberts.com Named Florida Trend’s “Best Companies to Work For” three years in a row. The magazine looks AMAZING! Enjoyed the Maderia Beach article and the Bites too! Love it!” – Sarah Lyons, Astrologer
“Peter, thank you so much for the support… just received the magazine. Cheers and will see you soon.” – Rainer Scheer, Chillounge Night Founder
SPB Firefighters Pension Demands are Worrisome Mayor and Commissioners;
I have been following the St. Pete Beach City Commission for several years. I watched when the Commission decided to disband the police department and bring the Pinellas County Sheriff in, saving the City $2,000,000 each and every year going forward.
I watched when the Commission voted to move the city pension plans from a full defined benefit plan to a hybrid defined benefit / 401K style plan. I appreciated the fact that they were taking steps to protect the city from run away pension costs, which have actually put some cities in bankruptcy. It is my understanding that to date the City has realized more than $2,000,000 in savings since the change.
Recently it has come to my attention that the City will soon be renegotiating its contract with the firefighters and among other things they are demanding that the pension plan revert back to a full defined benefit plan. Not only that, they want it to be retroactive. WOW!
Such a move would cost the City (and its tax payers) millions of dollars that it can ill afford. Furthermore, considering that the City has had no problem hiring and retaining fire fighters (8 additional firefighters have been hired since the plan change) it would make no sense.
But, of course we have the political factor. Since three of you were supported by the firefighters in recent elections and one of you intends to ride the firefighter’s support all the way to the Mayor’s office in the upcoming election, the firefighters are confident that you’ll give them whatever they want, no matter the cost to the City and its residents.
Well they might be right.
At a recent Commission meeting the City Manager asked for approval to rehire one of the pension attorneys who advised the City during the last negotiations. That would certainly make sense since the negotiations went well for the City plus he’s familiar with the pension so there would be no getting up to speed costs, but surprisingly this was quickly rejected by Commissioner Finnerty (who I understand is running for Mayor) because as she stated,” the firefighters were unhappy with the result of the last pension negotiations”.
Really? Since when do the firefighters tell the City who it can or cannot hire as it’s attorney? It would seem to me that if they were unhappy with the last negotiations, perhaps it’s they who need to hire a new attorney. This is a disturbing development that looks a lot like political payback which could be very costly to the City and I’m hoping that the Tampa Bay Times and other news organizations that I’ve copied on this email will investigate and monitor the situation and keep the public informed of future developments.
– Mildred Dickerson
Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce Urges ‘YES’ Vote on local ballot questions
Vote ‘YES’ on Treasure Island election ballot questions November 8th. Treasure Island residents will have local ballot questions on their November 8th election ballot. The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce is urging local residents to support these ballot questions to enhance our economy and overall quality of life.
“Over the years, we have seen hotels become older and older. As buildings age, so do their electrical systems, plumbing systems, amenities and aesthetics. Aging properties need to be redeveloped in order to remain competitive in the tourism market,” said Doug Izzo, Government Affairs Representative of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce. “Newer hotels offer larger rooms and additional amenities that are only made possible by new construction. However, current regulations restrict height and density to such a point that redevelopment is not economically feasible,” Izzo explained.
Izzo concluded by saying “Treasure Island needs to remain competitive in the tourism market to keep taxes low for residents and maintain their quality of life. Residents alone are not enough to support all the small businesses afforded to them. Every 85 visitors create a job. We need to vote YES in November to update regulations allowing for adequate height and density and save Treasure Island’s livelihood.”
More information contact – Doug Izzo, Government Affairs Representative doug@tampabaybeaches.com