Beach Association Plans City Council Candidates ForumBy Anne McKay Garris
A forum for all the candidates for the next Clearwater Council was planned by the Clearwater Beach Association at its November meeting. It was decided that all of the candidates would be invited to respond to questions at the meeting, to be held at the Beach Recreation Center on Wednesday, December 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. "This way," suggested one board member, "the people will have an opportunity to hear the views and goals of all the Council candidates, including those who are running unopposed." Other dates determined at the meeting were December 1 for the annual Christmas party at the Beach Recreation Center and December 19 for the traditional Christmas Caroling. Plans were made to participate in the city's annual Holiday Parade, using three convertibles belonging to CBA members. Mrs. Sandy Britton, chosen "Mrs. Clearwater Beach" in a recent competition, was asked to be on one of the "floats" and a committee was chosen to plan for the rest of CBA participation in the parade. Ron Delp, who chaired the committee to participate in the City's CAN competition, reported that CBA had won a $2,000 City Manager's Award for outstanding volunteerism. "This," he said, "reflects the over 11,000 volunteer hours of CBA members in 2006, supporting over 20 organizations in Clearwater." Jay Keyes, chairman of the 2nd annual golf tournament, reported an income of $7,000 which has been pledged to assist in the purchase of a refrigerated truck which will be used to transport free food for those who need it in Clearwater. There was further discussion on the City's appeal from the judge's decision to allow short term rentals in the North Beach which will be heard on November 28. Board members plan to attend. Preliminary plans were made for reviving the Neighborhood Watch program in the North Beach neighborhood and the Board was reminded that more volunteers are needed to help with the library in the afternoons, from 1 to 5 p.m. Those interested may sign up on the volunteer's sheet at the temporary trailer now housing the Beach Library in the parking lot of the Recreation Center on Bay Esplanade. |