Workshop on library at college postponed

ST. PETERSBURG -- A City Council workshop about whether to build a library in partnership with St. Petersburg College was put off for one week.

Mayor Rick Baker wants to invest $2-million in a library on the college campus. A current library branch at Azalea Middle School would close to the public, but residents could use the new college library, which would include a children's section and community room. The college would put $7-million toward the project.

Council members said comments at Tuesday night's public hearing from more than 40 speakers raised questions that require further research. The council had tentatively scheduled a workshop for Tuesday. Residents in the Azalea area decried the loss of their current local branch and said the college had not come up with an adequate parking plan.

The city clerk's office now estimates the workshop will be Aug. 19 or 20 to prepare the council for the first public hearing on the city budget on Aug. 22.

Public interest in this issue has been high, but no public comments will be taken at the workshop.

Ruskin festival needs artists and crafters

The Ruskin Seafood and Arts Festival is accepting applications from artists and fine crafters to participate in the 14th annual event, scheduled Nov. 2-3 in E.G. Simmons Park. The all juried art festival attracted 15,000 attendees last year and cash prizes will be awarded.

Deadline for applications is Oct. 1.

For information and applications, call (813) 645-3808 or (813) 645-1668.

Water awards program seeks landscape designs

The Fourth Annual Water Wise Awards program is accepting nominations of Florida friendly landscape designs in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

Awards will be given in the categories of residents/homeowners, multifamily properties, commercial properties, governmental properties, builders, schools and other. Landscapes must consist of select plants that are cohesive with the natural environment and can survive the wet and dry extremes of Florida's climate.

The awards are sponsored by Tampa Bay Water, local county Extension Services and the cities of St. Petersburg, New Port Richey and Tampa. Deadline for entries is Aug. 31.

For information on Pinellas County, call 582-2124.

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