Headlines through the years

A look back at the events, people and places that made North Pinellas the unique place that it is. The information is compiled from past editions of the St. Petersburg Times.

By JULIE CHURCH, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 10, 2002

March 2, 1925

Barge's dropped cargo ruins swimmer's day

CLEARWATER -- Crude oil is not good for the complexion. At least, that is the assertion of a Clearwater bathing beauty who took a dip in the Gulf of Mexico yesterday at Island Park.

The surf was exceptionally pretty, its surface displayed all the colors of a prism. Moreover, it bore a beautiful mosaic design pattern.

But when the swimmer surfaced after a jumping into the water, her face was covered with a peculiar film that did not feel like cold cream.

Putting her hands to her face, she discovered that her entire body was covered in oil. In fact, she was the slickest little flapper along the coast.

It turns out more than 500 barrels of crude oil washed overboard from a barge trying to enter Big Pass last week. The oil remained in the surf yesterday and coated the bathing beauty.

The oil has since washed up on the beach and spoiled swimming for the present. The swimmer was given a washing with gasoline, which removed the oil from her skin.

March 10, 1943

Teachers average $25.96 weekly

CLEARWATER -- The School Board revealed yesterday that the average teacher in the Pinellas County school system who has a bachelor's degree and 10 years' experience makes only $25.96 per week.

It was pointed out that teachers' salaries have been increased only 11 percent this year.

March 23, 1938

Senatorial race begins in Clearwater

CLEARWATER -- Senatorial race political maneuvers got off to a flying start in this city last night as supporters of Dave Sholtz held their first meeting and boosters of incumbent Claude Pepper opened their large headquarters on Park Street between S Fort Harrison and Garden avenues.

Taking active part in the Sholtz meeting last night were county probation officer R.L. Turner, who urged supporters of the ex-governor to solicit the labor vote, and Clearwater attorney C.E. Ware, who represents the huge citrus interests of Bernard Kilgore. Ware said that "Dave" will get tremendous support from the citrus industry.

Meanwhile, about 25 men attended a meeting of the Pepper-For-Senator Club last night. The club will meet again next Tuesday night.

March 25, 1964

Parking meters may return to beach

CLEARWATER BEACH -- The illness Clearwater Beach suffers over a lack of parking for weekend and mid-summer bathers might cause the return of parking meters to the resort island.

Representatives from several Clearwater groups discussed Monday night the purchase of the Sea Shell Hotel property, which has 730 feet of beach on the Gulf of Mexico. The idea would be to pay for the property with revenues from parking meters.

Owner John S. Taylor has agreed to give the city an option to buy the choice land for $1.3-million.

There was no official comment from elected city officials yesterday or from City Manager James Stewart, who only said it was "news to me" and that the city hadn't yet been approached about the proposal.

-- Julie Church compiles the history column. She can be reached at (727) 445-4229 or

church@sptimes.com.

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