Clearwater Beach Association Springs ForwardBy Vicki Jackson"The membership more than doubled, since the last meeting! Keep it up!" exclaimed President Sue Johnson, at the Clearwater Beach Association (CBA) March Board Meeting. A recent membership drive has resulted in increased support for a variety of beneficial and social activities, and they aren't done yet. According to the their website, www.clearwaterflbeachassociation.net, for more than six decades the organization has "provided an opportunity for residents and visitors of Clearwater Beach to work and play together, to get to know each other, to unite in common causes, and to make their concerns for our community known." Sharing that concern were two representatives from the Clearwater Police Department. Guest speakers, Sergeant Thomas F. Fisherkeller and Officer Johnathan C. Cappa, reminded those present that Spring Break is upon us, and will continue through mid-April. With more traffic and people, residents were urged to exercise extra caution and patience when driving. In an effort to be pro-active, local law enforcement has increased their presence with more traffic stops and patrols. Higher visibility "puts everyone on notice that we're out there," said Officer Cappa. In addition to placing emphasis on speed limits, they "also find a lot of other criminal behaviors, such as expired licenses, DUI's and outstanding warrants." One CBA board member asked, "Did they find out who is breaking into everybody's cars on the North End of Clearwater Beach." The Sergeant responded, "No, but almost all are unlocked vehicles." He continued, "We have a problem with that everywhere. Lock your doors! We all need to take more responsibility for our own stuff." Officer Cappa concurred, "Don't be an easy target." There followed much interest in Neighborhood Watch, the Community Mutual Assistance Program, sponsored by the Clearwater Police Department Crime Prevention Unit. Board member, Ross Concklin, summarized operations of the neighborhood crime watch program, for which 'block captains' must be recruited. Local realtor, Bobby Rowe, was the first to volunteer. In other business, Pat Power solicited donations from members, and neighbors of members, for an upcoming rummage sale that the CBA will co-host with Friends of the Clearwater Beach Library and Recreation Center. She expressed optimism that a portion of the proceeds might enable the community pool to extend their operations beyond the summer. Donors may call (727) 446-0929 to arrange pickup of items, which should exclude any clothing. The Buried Treasure Sale, featuring "antiques to uniques" will be held at Triangle Park, Bay Esplanade and Narcissus on North Clearwater Beach, on March 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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