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© St. Petersburg Times, published April 21, 2002
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.
Dunedin officials see no need to build a jail
DUNEDIN -- The YWCA and the Ladies Library are found to be two very necessary elements in the life of Dunedin. But a jail is not.
In the 27 years since the incorporation of Dunedin, a town of approximately 1,500, the residents have never been introduced to a jail. The so-called "crime wave" is a total stranger.
The city officials of Dunedin, years ago, discovered that a jail would be operated at a distinct loss. A block of land suitable for one is owned on the Clearwater bayfront, but, instead of building it, a structure to house the YWCA and Ladies Library, considered of far more importance, was placed there.
Clearwater city code is revised
CLEARWATER -- Officials in the city manager's office are revising the city code, which has not been changed since 1916 and is becoming increasingly difficult to follow.
So far the sections relating to traffic, health and sanitation have been recodified.
Many striking changes in the development of the city are evident in the old code as compared with the new. Traffic laws were crude and little used in 1916. A driver then was directed to hold out his whip when he was about to turn a corner and to "holler" when he entered the street from an alley. There were no regulations against left turns. One might park as long as he pleased. Speed laws were in their infancy.
There were several pages in the 1916 code devoted to the care of stables for the sanitary safeguard of the city. This whole section will be left out with possibly one short ordinance in the new code. Stables have since gone out of fashion.
Sponge City awaits decision on U.S. 19
TARPON SPRINGS -- Businessmen of this city are waiting the arrival of state Rep. Archie Clement from Tallahassee this weekend to discuss the proposal to abandon Alternate Highway No. 19 from New Port Richey to Tarpon Springs.
Last Saturday a group of 30 men met with Clement and explained what the new proposal would do to business in this city. The proposal states that Alternate No. 19 should begin at the intersection of U.S. 19 and Tarpon Avenue, which would divide Tarpon Springs in half.
Business in the northern section of the city, which includes the Sponge Exchange and Sponge Docks, would be cut off from tourist travel in the event that the proposal is carried through.
Clement promised the group that he would do everything possible this week to confer with State Highway Commissioner Alfred McKethan and Gov. Fuller Warren on the matter.
No comic book complaints received
CLEARWATER -- Police have received no complaints to justify seizing comic crime books under the ordinance adopted by the Clearwater City Commission on Thursday night.
Chief George McClamma indicated yesterday that the police would use discretion in making any arrests under the ordinance. He indicated there would be no general campaign to purge the newsstands of books thought to be undesirable for children.
One newsstand worker said yesterday it would be best to place a sign over the newsstands saying "no persons under 18 admitted" similar to that placed in bar rooms. This worker said most of the actual crime books were bought by adults.
The ordinance does not cover harmless comic books.
-- Julie Church compiles the history column. She can be reached at (727) 445-4229 or