Joe Calio, Mr. Sand KeyBy Anne McKay Garris
Joe Calio, long term resident of Sand Key, passed away Wednesday, August 25, 2010, at the age of 83. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Joe retired in 1978 from being owner and president of the Brotherston Hospital Supply business and brought his considerable talents as a concerned citizen and talented negotiator to the Sand Key suburb of Clearwater, Florida, where he proceeded to lead the way in turning the community from a group of unconnected condominiums into a neighborhood. It began with the need to persuade the City of Clearwater to remove the toll on the bridge which connected Sand Key to the rest of Clearwater. Joe became a founding member and served a term as president of the Sand Key Civic Association which brought the people of the island together to successfully negotiate with the city leaders. After that, it seemed natural that Joe would go on to be the idea man, and one of the leaders as the community obtained a fire station for the island, developed a volunteer Beach Patrol, got the power lines buried along the Sand Key portion of Gulf Boulevard, and persuaded the state to provide beach renourishment, among other less dramatic achievements. He was involved in the City of Clearwater, participating on the Environmental Advisory Board of the City of Clearwater; as a member of the Jolley Trolley Board of Directors and on the Clearwater Fire Task Force. He was also on the Pinellas County Fire Task Force. Most memorable of all, back in 2001, when Clearwater's Sailing Center was struggling to become self-supporting under city operation, Joe Calio got involved. He put together a 501c3 organization and contracted with the city to operate the center. Wisely using the involvement of volunteers to make it work and a sound business plan, Mr. Calio soon had things not only working, but succeeding. Providing a wide variety of sailing opportunities for people of every age and ability. They started with providing a base for another 501c3 organization called Sailability. With equipment and trained volunteers, plus support from a wide variety of organizations, the Sailability program soon had people with all sorts of disabilities, including quadriplegia, happily sailing in Clearwater Bay. Then the Optimist Pram sailing program for children was developed. Teenagers were included with racing teams formed. Now Regattas are held, bringing people from all over the world to Clearwater. Sailing lessons are given to people of all ages. Sailboats are rented and much needed small boat storage is provided. Last year, when the Clearwater Community Sailing Center dedicated a newly built veranda, it was named Calio Veranda and dedicated in Mr. Calio's honor. There is also a sailboat and an entry way named after him. A Navy veteran, serving in World War II, and a graduate of Temple University, Joe was also an avid golfer, with membership in the Belleair Country Club. Joe is survived by his wife, Staycee; two daughters, Donna M. Chmar and Pamela S. Throne; a son, J. Evan Calio; a brother, Dr. Anthony J. Calio; and four grandchildren.
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