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 October 10, 2004
Oct. 24, 1925: Chamber head seeks speed rail unloadings
CLEARWATER - An immense amount of building material needed in Clearwater is being held at Trilby and Ocala.
President F.J. Lee of the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce last night proposed that the chamber ask the Atlantic Coast Line and Seaboard railways to furnish engines and cars and the chamber of commerce furnish crews to operate them and guarantee immediate unloading.
Mr. Lee is an old-time railroad conductor and still carries his union card, which he thought would obviate opposition from the Brotherhood of Conductors. Another member of the chamber's board of governors carries a card in the Brotherhood of Trainmen, while a third member is an ex-railroad employee.
President Lee declared that building material must move into Clearwater if there is any possible way for the Chamber of Commerce to move it.
When President Lee called for volunteers to unload freight or move trains, every member of the chamber of commerce and citizens who were present signified their willingness to abandon their own business if necessary to keep building materials coming in.
Oct. 24, 1925: Clearwater plunged into darkness
CLEARWATER - Middle Pinellas County was left in darkness for more than half an hour last night, electric current being off from shortly after 7 o'clock until 7:40. A meeting of the chamber of commerce was interfered with and restaurant proprietors and patrons as well as businessmen were greatly inconvenienced.
Oct. 24, 1925: Automobile camp tourists need water
CLEARWATER - Carmel Cereola, one of the proprietors of the automobile tourist camp in the southern part of the city, was present at last night's meeting of the chamber of commerce and heard discussed different plans to assist him in procuring a supply of water for his campers.
It appeared that the chamber of commerce had taken it upon itself to see that Cereola was supplied with water. Two wells have been drilled and still another one was being worked on, it seems, but still there was no water for the camp. City Manager Mason, Secretary Boykin and A.M. Bobbit suggested plans that might solve the problem. Cereola was assured that every effort would be made to assist him in his dilemma.
Oct. 22, 1928: One more journey for sponge fleet
CLEARWATER - The sponge fleet of Tarpon Springs has been in port for the past week with most of the vessels tied up at the Sponge exchange docks. Their crews have been taking on supplies and gasoline for another trip offshore.
The spongers are to make one more trip in anticipation of the big October sale, which is a regular event in the sponge industry.
Oct. 22, 1928: Absentee voting under way today
CLEARWATER - Voting by citizens who expect to be out of the county on the day of the general election, Nov. 6, began this morning in the office of County Judge James F. Sikes.
Ballots are being marked and sealed in the presence of the judge, who guarantees that the votes will be deposited in the correct precinct ballot box. All those who wish to avail themselves of this service must, of course, have registered on the books of the supervisor of registration and paid their poll taxes.
Theresa Blackwell compiles the history column. She can be reached at 727 771-4305 or blackwell@sptimes.com
