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 Times Staff Writer
Published May 16, 2004
May 16, 1947: Geologists probe the riddle of Lake Butler
TARPON SPRINGS - In an effort to solve the longstanding riddle of the Lake Butler siphon, federal geologists and two United States navy experts in underwater photography are trying to photograph a 75-foot deep hole in the lake.
The hole is believed to be the opening of a subterranean canal through which salt water periodically flows into the lake from the Gulf of Mexico.
During periods of prolonged heavy rainfalls, the lake "siphon" suddenly opens and the water surface may drop several feet in a matter of hours. Then the flow reverses and salt water comes back through the hidden channel.
This phenomenon has been studied by federal and state geologists over a long period of time.
Those working on the project at the present time are W.O. Smith of the U.S. Geological Survey office in Washington; Robert L. Taylor, U.S. geologist from the Ocala office; and Navy photographers Allen Holmes and J.M. Dickinson. Dickinson was a photographer on the Bikini Atomic Bomb test and the Byrd Antarctic expedition.
- EDITOR'S NOTE: Lake Butler is now known as Lake Tarpon. In 1969, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, with the help of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, changed Lake Tarpon from brackish water to fresh. The agencies plugged a sinkhole that leaked saltwater from Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs into the lake.
May 16, 1947: Tarpon voters to decide on land sale
TARPON SPRINGS - The citizens of Tarpon Springs will go to the polls Monday at which time all qualified voters will cast their votes for or against the sale of the city property on Pinellas Avenue.
At the present time, the Chamber of Commerce and the Tourist Club are on this property, which Peter Saclarides of Tarpon Springs has offered to buy from the city for the sum of $12,650, cash. If enough voters agree to the sale of this property, the money derived therefrom will be used for an addition to the north side of City Hall, which will house the chamber offices, headquarters for the police department and public rest rooms, and also to erect a tourist club in Coburn Park.
The buildings on the property are not to be included in the sale. Present plans call for the use of the lumber in these two buildings for the construction of a much-needed annex at the Tarpon Springs hospital for the use of the Negro population of the city, as no hospitalization facilities are available at the present time for the colored population of Tarpon Springs. The lumber also will be used in the new tourist club house.
May 15, 1947: Oldsmar city pier to be repaired
OLDSMAR - At a recent meeting, members of the Oldsmar Civic Club voted $100 from club funds for the purchase of materials for repairs to the city pier. Volunteers will perform the labor involved.
The decision to repair the pier was made following a report by a committee which investigated the condition of the structure recently. Six-inch water pipes are being laid in Oldsmar to replace smaller pipe which has been deemed inadequate to serve the city's needs.
Mrs. Isabelle Bland has closed her home on Bayview Boulevard at St. Petersburg Drive and has returned to St. Louis for the summer. A social evening sponsored by the Civic Club will be held tomorrow night at the Oldsmar Hotel.
- Theresa Blackwell compiles the history column. She can be reached at 727 445-4229 or blackwell@sptimes.com
