Clearwater Beach Association Vows To PersevereBy Anne McKay GarrisLong-term Clearwater Beach resident, Jay Keyes, newly elected to president of the Clearwater Beach Association, promised his board of directors, last week, that the major focus of the CBA would continue unabated. He assured them that the CBA would continue its efforts to solve some of the tough problems that challenge the Beach community. The major effort being to work with the City to curtail illegal short term rentals in residential areas. At the January CBA meeting, a new Environmental Committee was appointed to address some of the needs of our environment. As a beginning for this interest of the CBA, the board voted to send a letter to the City of Clearwater, asking for a ban on dogs on the beach. This was done in response to a report on research done by an Eckerd College graduate student. His studies determined that the substantial loss of sea birds and turtle nests on Clearwater Beach was caused by the presence of dogs on the beach. The research determined that even dogs on a leash were frightening to nesting birds, and, once the birds were frightened from their nests, a short absence could be fatal to the eggs, or fledglings. The report included the information that Clearwater Beach is the only municipality in Pinellas County that still allows dogs on the beach. This makes it attractive to non-residents to come here just to take their dogs on the beach. Fireworks set off near, or on, the beach were also sited as a deterrent to nesting birds. The board agreed to continue a fledgling effort for close communication and cooperation with our neighboring associations on Sand Key and Island Estates. This has already provided a unified approach to issues of interest to each community. A report was made on a proposed Tour of Homes on Clearwater Beach to be co-sponsored by the CBA and the Friends Of The Clearwater Beach Library And Recreation Center. Multiple committees have been formed to work on the Tour which will be held some time in the Spring. Proceeds will benefit programs at the Beach Library and Recreation Center as well as projects of the CBA. A committee was appointed to continue CBA participation in the City's Clearwater Awards for Neighborhoods (CAN). The CBA has won top honors in this competition for two years and found good use for the funds awarded with the honor. Another committee was tasked with expanding the social activities planned for CBA members. And a third will work to persuade city officials to respect the building codes when building permits are issued. Keyes is joined in this year's leadership of the CBA by Candy Zimmerman as vice president, Kim Porte as secretary and David Ramos as treasurer. Membership in the Clearwater Beach Association is open to all residents and business people of Clearwater Beach. Jerry Murphy, at 443-2168, is membership chairman and would welcome any questions about becoming a member.
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