New Directors Elected to Clearwater Beach AssociationBy Anne McKay GarrisOne of the accomplishments celebrated by the Clearwater Beach Association at their Christmas Party and annual meeting last week was the forming of the Friends of the Clearwater Beach Library and Recreation Center this year. This new organization, a spin off from the CBA, is working to improve activity at the Library and Recreation Center, resulting in programs on writing, gardening and literature appreciation, plus an increase in library use. Helping lobby to save the Beach Library and Recreation Center was another of the successes reported to the CBA members by outgoing President Jerry Murphy. Included in Murphy's report were CAN awards won by the CBA in the City's Neighborhood Associations competition; an increased presence at City Hall as members lobbied the City Council on issues important to our community; and lines of cooperation between CBA and the neighborhood associations of Sand Key and Island Estates. Believing there is strength in numbers the three associations have agreed to work together on mutual challenges, such as the recent building permits on Sand Key which the neighborhoods felt were a bad precedent to set for use on the Clearwater Islands. Murphy also reported on CBA participation in last year's Christmas Parade and the assortment of social events enjoyed by the membership, including picnics, a day at the ball field and the annual Community Christmas Caroling. Ongoing projects referred to in the report included continuing work on the problem of short-term rentals on the Beach, and continued beautification of Triangle Park at Narcissus and Bay Esplanade. New directors elected to the board include Jay Keyes, Ann Grzesinski, Ray Massieu and Sue Johnson. Reelected were Allan Avery and Kim Porte. The Board of Directors of the Clearwater Beach Association meet the first Tuesday of every month and members are welcome to attend.
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