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© St. Petersburg Times, published June 19, 2002
Treasure Island planners tackle new height limits
TREASURE ISLAND -- Proposals that could allow taller buildings along the beach will be discussed Thursday by the city's Planning & Zoning Committee. The land development regulations are on the agenda for the 1 p.m. meeting at City Hall, 120 108th Ave.
Meanwhile, a citizens group opposing the new height recommendations is circulating a petition asking that the proposed changes be placed on the ballot for the March city elections. Members of the Concerned Citizens of Treasure Island want an ordinance that would give voters the power to decide any future changes allowing increases in height or in the number of units that can be built on the island.
The committee has asked the city to make copies of numerous files and reports about land development issues. City clerks estimated it will cost about $3,175 in time and copies to fulfill that request. The citizens group will have to pay those costs.
"We are afraid we will lose our beach," said Walter Herring, a resident of Sunset Beach who heads the citizens group. Herring said residents are concerned that the city has not completed the environmental studies necessary to make decisions about the proposed land use changes. Group members also are concerned about beach erosion and the impact of development on city utilities.
"What happens when they change the wind patterns or water patterns?" asked Herring. And, he said, "Our sewer system is ready to collapse out here."
Fourth of July celebrations include an early-morning kayak and canoe race, a wacky "Build Your Own Boat" competition and the fireworks presentation at 9 p.m.
The kayak and canoe race, set for 7:30 a.m., begins and ends at the county beach at Gulf Boulevard and 104th Avenue. Registration for the event, sponsored by Treasure Island Charities and the Gulf Beaches Rotary Club, begins at 6 a.m. followed by an orientation of the eight-mile course at 7 a.m.
The entry fee is $25 per paddler if paid by June 28 or $30 on the day of the race. The fee for the Treasure Island Ocean Challenge includes a T-shirt and a postrace lunch. Awards will be presented to the first-, second- and third-place winners in five categories of men's and women's races. Entry fees should be mailed to Harry Black at 9980 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, FL 33706.
Part of the waterfront program includes a "Build Your Own Boat Regatta" at noon. Participants are asked to bring two paddles and their own life jackets. Regatta organizers will supply three pieces of cardboard, three rolls of duct tape, a cardboard cutter and markers to decorate the vessels. Teams will have 90 minutes to build the boats before they will be required to race to a buoy and back. The fee for the regatta is $25, which includes the supplies.
The city also is sponsoring a number of activities along the beach. Food and beverage concessions will be open along the county beach from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
From 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the city is hosting "Beach Blanket Bingo," with prizes donated by local merchants. The Charlie Morris Band, playing music from the '50s, '60s and '70s, will perform from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
At the nearby municipal beach at Gulf Boulevard and 112th Avenue, the Clam Bayou Jazz Band is scheduled to perform from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
All of the beachfront events, except for the kayak and boat races, are free and open to the public.
The Gulfport Waterfront District offers live music and refreshments on the first Friday and third Saturday of each month at the Gulfport Artwalk. The next event will take place July 5.
Free parking is available, as well as a free trolley service that takes visitors on a tour of historic Gulfport. For information, contact Tracey Jackson at 328-9790 or bcbacytrader@aol.com. The Gulfport Waterfront District is on Beach Boulevard.
The city will celebrate Independence Day with activities beginning at 10 a.m. July 4.
A sand castle contest will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on the beach. At 4 p.m., food vendors will be set up and Radio Disney will be on hand with music, games and prizes on Shore Boulevard and by the playground.
The annual parade begins at 7 p.m. on Beach Boulevard, followed by a flag disposal ceremony with American Legion Post 125 on the beach behind Gulfport Recreation Center. A fireworks display will begin at 9:15 p.m. Free. Call 893-1070.
The featured artists for June at the Suntan Art Center are George Avery, a painter, and Dani Bergman, a clay artist.
The center is at 3300 Gulf Blvd., directly south of the Don CeSar.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 73 will sponsor a free boat safety check from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Madeira Beach American Legion Post 273 at 600 American Legion Drive.
Boat owners should bring their vessels to the legion post to receive a free safety inspection.
The Madeira Beach Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer a four-night boating safety program beginning July 9. The course will cost $25 and will be held at the Flotilla Building, 299 Boca Ciega Drive. For information, call Len Dolney at 541-7965.
-- To submit items to the beaches notebook, e-mail wimmer@sptimes.com.