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Beaches notebook
By AMY WIMMER, Times Staff Writer This model has a coat of redSOUTH PASADENA -- She's a beauty, all right. But "Miss February"? The Fire Department is pleased with its new combination fire engine/rescue truck, a state-of-the-art, customized engine manufactured by Sutphen Corp., a leading fire apparatus manufacturer based in Amlin, Ohio. The manufacturer is apparently proud of it, too. South Pasadena's new rescue pumper, identifiable with the words "South Pasadena Fire Dept." stenciled on the cab door, is featured in Sutphen's new 2002 calendar. "The truck was unique as far as the features that were on it," said Bill Naylor, fire chief in South Pasadena. "The truck really looked good, according to Sutphen, as far as the lettering goes and the compartmentation we used on it. They had never done one like that. They've used this as a demo truck." The new pumper cost $297,000. The one vehicle replaced a 21-year-old engine and a 9-year-old truck. Sutphen (pronounced SUT-fen) is the oldest continuously owned and operated fire apparatus manufacturer in the United States. Madeira BeachDisappointed commissioners learned Tuesday that residents must continue to pay for the use of Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority buses, even though the city is displeased with how the county agency is operating in Madeira Beach. Residents in participating communities throughout Pinellas County pay PSTA $65 for every $100,000 of property they own. Madeira Beach was so frustrated with PSTA's customer service a couple months ago that commissioners instructed their attorney to research how they could get their residents out of this arrangement. City Attorney Tom Trask reported back to them Tuesday. He said that because Madeira Beach voters agreed to participate in PSTA through a voter referendum more than 10 years ago, the city had little negotiating power with the agency. In fact, without a contract with the city, PSTA is not even legally bound to operate a bus in Madeira Beach, Trask said. The only possible way out of the agreement is another voter referendum, which commissioners plan to discuss. Madeira Beach and other communities, such as Gulfport and Indian Rocks Beach, have been frustrated by what they see as PSTA's refusal to negotiate the cities' concerns about bus and trolley stops. Madeira Beach was particularly frustrated after St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island, where residents do not pay into the PSTA system, were allowed to take part in the popular beach trolley program, even though they are not PSTA members. PSTA, for its part, says it tries to compromise with communities whenever it can. Treasure IslandThe Boca Ciega Sail & Power Squadron will split its eight-hour safe boating course into two four-hour sessions held on consecutive Saturdays. The classes will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 26 and Feb. 2 at the Boca Ciega Sail & Power Squadron Headquarters, 130 126th Ave. E. Registration is required and will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Jan. 19 and 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at the squadron building. The course manual and reading assignments will be provided at that time. The course is restricted to the first 50 people who register. Boat ownership is not required. Classroom lecture and self-study lessons cover the techniques of safe handling of sail and power craft, anchoring, tying basic knots, chart reading, plotting courses, radio use, emergency procedures and general safety. Navigation aids such as buoys and range markers will be explained. Students pay $30 for the course manual and materials, and fees are due at registration. Additional students in the same family pay only $5. Graduates may be eligible for a discount on marine insurance. A unit of the U.S. Power Squadrons, the Boca Ciega Sail & Power Squadron conducts classes to teach boaters and those interested in boating. More than 4-million people have taken the safe boating course. For more information, call course chairman Don Rife at 397-0572. Mayor Leon Atkinson will present his "State of the City" address at the next monthly meeting of the Sunset Beach Civic Association, scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at the Treasure Island Community Center. The public is invited to join the association at 6:30 p.m. for refreshments. Atkinson will also swear in the new civic association board of directors at the meeting. For information, call Rhonda Anderson at 360-5599. Indian Rocks BeachAn eight-week stained glass course will kick off the winter schedule of classes this week at the Beach Art Center. Well-known artist Irene Docherty, who also teaches in Canada, will teach the course from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 27. The course includes the use of materials and equipment. Stained glass patio stones will be featured. Fees are $96 for members and $120 for nonmembers. Other courses include: Basic Drawing with Gwen Gutwein, a six-week course from 9 a.m. to noon beginning Thursday. Fees are $72 for members, $96 for nonmembers. Classes in the pottery studio, offered Mondays and Wednesdays for eight weeks. Gutwein will teach from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Feb. 25. Fees are $120 for members, $150 for nonmembers. Staff instructors resuming classes after the holiday hiatus are Hiroko Borish, sumi-e, and Charlotte Di Gennaro, watercolor, whose courses will resume Monday; Ed Bookmyer, watercolor, and Jeanne Dunne, miniatures, whose courses resume Tuesday; and Barbara Kuzin, acrylics, whose class resumes Thursday. To register, call 596-4331. The Beach Art Center is at 1515 Bay Palm Blvd. St. Pete BeachThe Suntan Art Center, which has returned to its original name after being known as the St. Pete Beach Art Institute, offers classes in all media, including watercolor, drawing, silk painting and clay pottery. The opening show for 2002 is titled "Primary Colors," featuring artist Evelyn Zwerner. As always, in addition to the monthlong exhibit of the featured artist, members' artwork will be on display. For information or to inquire about classes, call 367-3818. -- Compiled by Times staff writer Amy Wimmer. To submit information for the Beaches Notebook, e-mail wimmer@sptimes.com.
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