Beaches notebook

TREASURE ISLAND -- A majority of city commissioners say they will vote to build a bridge that resembles the new clock tower downtown. The price is between $50-million and $60-million. They are scheduled to make a formal selection of the Florida Vernacular style bridge at their meeting Tuesday, 3:30 p.m. at City Hall, 120 108th Ave.

Commissioners discussed the theme for the new bridge during a workshop last week, saying they preferred the Key West look to a more costly Mediterranean Revival structure. The Florida Vernacular bridge could have open air towers for scenic viewing, open railings and elements such as tin roofs and column lightposts.

Commissioners need to pick the theme for the new bridge so that two approach bridges can be designed this summer. The city could receive a $5-million grant to rebuild those two bridges if they meet a construction deadline by the end of the year.

The two approach bridges are part of the Causeway Drawbridge. One is on the east side of the drawbridge, near Park Street in the city of St. Petersburg. The other is at the entrance to downtown.

Consultants for the city say the existing bridge, built in 1939, is deteriorating rapidly and needs to be replaced by 2005.

The Treasure Island Volunteer Fire Department will be conducting its annual fund drive in March.

Instead of doorknob hangers, the department will be mailing an informational packet seeking contributions from every residence and business. Donations will go toward the purchase of equipment such as vehicles, rescue saws, chain saws, breathing air systems, portable radios, pagers, protective gear and uniforms for members.

The volunteers recently contributed $20,000 toward the purchase of a four-wheel drive quick-response rescue vehicle.

No funds or sponsorships are solicited by telephone, and anyone doing so is not connected with the Treasure Island Fire Department.

Call 547-4590.

The Isle of Palms Civic Association will hold its annual garage sale, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. March 16. Maps to participating houses will be distributed at the entrance to the neighborhood. Homeowners also will open a concession area and restrooms and provide a face painter for children. Residents are required to pay a $5 registration fee to be included on the maps. The Isle of Palms is at 112th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard. (Turn at the Waffle House off Gulf Boulevard.) For more information, call 363-7087. If it rains, the sale will take place March 17.

The Sunshine Beach Homeowners Association will have its 12th annual Giant Flea Market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Treasure Island Community Center.

Table rentals are $10. Donated items can be dropped off at the center between noon and 5 p.m. March 1. The flea market will be free, and refreshments are available. Call 367-1782.

St. Pete Beach

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker will make a presentation and sign books at 2 p.m. March 3 at the St. Pete Beach Library, 365 73rd Ave. Baker is the author of Mangroves to Major League: A Timeline of St. Petersburg, Florida (Prehistory to 2000 A.D.).

Books will be available for purchase. The program is free and open to the public. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the St. Pete Beach Library.

The third annual Island Festival is Saturday in Pass-a-Grille Park. The daylong event features live music, book signings by local authors, art vendors and exhibits.

Island Festival III is sponsored by Suntan Art Center, Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, Island Community Theatre and Friends of the St. Pete Beach Library.

The community theater will present short plays through the day, museum docents will lead tours through Pass-a-Grille streets, local musicians will perform, and local authors will sign books.

The art center will provide arts and crafts projects for children. Friends of the Library will sell used books.

Artists, artisans and other vendors are invited to participate. All work must be original to the artist. Sixty-five spaces are available in the park or the street. Entry fee is $50, or $25 for Suntan members. Artists should register to participate by today. Call 526-0664.

Madeira Beach

The Pinellas Parliamentarian Unit will hold its monthly meeting from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Madeira Beach City Hall auditorium. A coffee and social hour will begin at 9 a.m.

The unit talks about proper procedures for resolving differences in organizations. All meetings are free and open to the public. Call 866-3899 or 392-3263.

The Madeira Beach Seniors will meet in the City Hall auditorium at 1 p.m. March 4. Meetings are free and open to those over 50.

Indian Rocks Beach

Beginning in March, the Beach Art Center will offer classes in drawing, beginning oil painting, stained glass, watercolor, beginning acrylics and glass painting.

Call 596-4331 for details and registration. The art center is at 1515 Bay Palm Blvd., next door to City Hall, in Indian Rocks Beach.

The Beach Art Center will present the annual Student Show in March. It is held once a year and is open to all students who have taken classes within the past two years. Entry fee is $5.

Enter up to three works between 9 a.m. and noon Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The show will close March 24, and work may be removed from 9 a.m. to noon March 25-27.

South Pasadena

The Pinellas Braille Group will hold its monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m. March 5 at Temple Beth El and is looking for volunteers to help prepare texts and both fiction and nonfiction books in Braille and on audiotapes. Call 347-9836.

-- Compiled by Times staff writers Amy Wimmer and Ryan Maldonado. To submit items for the Beaches Notebook, e-mail wimmer@sptimes.com.

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