African honey bees, often referred to as killer bees, arrived in the Tampa Bay area several years ago and are here to stay. Africanized bees arrived in the United States in 1990 by way of Hidalgo, Texas. The bees were descendants from a group of Tanzanian queen bees accidentally released in Brazil, 1957. Biologist Warwick [...]

By Jill Jackson, PTA Representative and Janet Martin, Community Liaison We are back to school at Curlew Creek this month! There are so many exciting events and programs coming up this year! The students are coming back ready to work hard and are prospering from all of that summer reading! We have big plans for [...]

By Terry Repp, Countryside Recreation Center The City of Clearwater Countryside Recreation Center celebrates 15 years of providing a sense of community for activities that benefit the young and old alike. July was Parks and Recreation month and the City of Clearwater added the Silver Sneakers Fitness Program. This health, exercise and wellness program helps [...]

By Julie Hudson, Youth Services Librarian Okay … the first question is, “Did you miss me?” I would like to think I had a loyal following reading this column (of course I would also like to think I will win the lottery one day). So, when you didn’t see my cheery face last month perhaps [...]

By George Cretekos, Clearwater City Councilman When I became a member of the Clearwater City Council in 2007, the general fund’s operating budget was $121,902,700. Just before the start of the Independence Day holiday weekend, City Manager Bill Horne released his general operating fund budget for Fiscal Year 2011/2012. It calls for $109,111,070 in expenditures, [...]

Exciting summer programs By Jen Obermaier, Assistant Director Clearwater Public Library System It is a privilege to introduce myself as the new Assistant Director of the Clearwater Public Library System. I have had the good fortune to work for the Clearwater libraries for the past four and a half years as the Youth Services Manager. [...]

By Terry Repp, Countryside Recreation Center The City of Clearwater Recreation Centers have a new ally and partner in health and fitness! We now offer the SilverSneakers Fitness Program, which is the nation’s leading exercise program designed for older adults. SilverSneakers participants receive memberships that include access to fitness equipment, treadmills, free weights and classes [...]

By George Cretekos, Clearwater City Councilman Since 1923, the City of Clearwater has operated a municipally-owned gas utility. During this time, Clearwater Gas has provided natural and propane gas sales and service to residents and businesses. As an enterprise fund, the system’s rates, not property tax revenues, fund its operation. Clearwater Gas operates over 700 [...]

The Nest was Found on Sand Key Beach on May 5 Clearwater, Fla. (July 1, 2011) –Loggerhead hatchlings made their way to the water last night marking the beginning of an important time at Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA). Staff and volunteers have located 60 nests so far this season, which is up from 44 nests last [...]

Winter the Dolphin to help complete 11-year-old’s healing journey Journey Loupe travels from Louisiana after open heart surgery to meet Winter Clearwater, FL (June 22, 2011) – Eleven-year-old Journey Loupe from Berwick Louisiana has overcome many life obstacles. Journey was born with a heart valve condition that was diagnosed when she was four years old. [...]