Welcome to the “Dog Days” issue, the second and last of our summer bi-monthly editions. The ‘Dog Days of Summer’ are the hottest, most uncomfortable part of the season. According to Wikipedia, it is historically the weeks following the heliacal rising (July 19th) of the star system Sirius (known colloquially as the “Dog Star”), which Hellenistic astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck.
The unprecedented global heat wave is providing plenty of fuel for tropical storms. Thankfully, hurricanes have not threatened us yet this year, but there are months of storm season still ahead. Have a plan. Through their Institute program each summer, Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce invites local businesses to send bright new staff members to learn more about our area. Each meeting has a theme, and often a sponsor. Paradise NEWS recently sponsored an event with an environmental theme in an amazing meeting space at our favorite local non-profit, Tampa Bay Watch, which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this fall. A few years back, Rudy Consoni from Resort Realty gave Bay Watch his oil spill check and paid us to ask others in the area to join him through a Paradise NEWS cover story. We would love to do an update for Bay Watch’s anniversary this fall If we can find a sponsor. The chamber’s eco event was impressive.
There were 20 participants supported by a committee of five, including sales and marketing people from both the Sirata and the Tradewinds Resorts. I was sad to hear that many current tourists do not respect our beach and leave trash in their wake. They had two young beach clean-up influencers from Madeira Beach, one in his twenties with 2 million followers and a very mature 13-year-old lady who started beach cleaning campaigns at age 10. They also introduced the CEO of a company that is cleaning up with U.S. made products to replace plastic and Styrofoam with stuff that breaks down, including straws made from agave. An extension person from U of F based in Largo talked about capital improvements, an 1,100-year-old canoe and new displays at Booker Creek and Weedon Island. Peter Clark, founder of Tampa Bay Watch served as captain and guide for the group.
Longtime readers know Paradise NEWS has a strong environmental backbone. We have an Eco column every issue and our website keeps subjects available, like safer pest and weed control. For over 10 years, our home and office have been solar-powered. For a decade, our recycled Chevy Volts have delivered magazines, mostly on solar power. We believe in natural medicine, prevention and in protecting our planet.
We owe our existence to our faithful readers and our loyal advertisers. If you know a good business that could be busier, ask the potential advertiser to reach out to sales@paradisenewsfl.com. Please keep reading and letting our advertisers know you read about them in Paradise NEWS.
Check out our website www.paradisenewsfl.com and subscribe to our free weekly Thursday digital newsletters. Keep hydrated and try not to get overheated. Best wishes for a great rest of the summer from Peter, Renee, and the talented team that brings you Paradise NEWS.