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Headlines through the years

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 July 31, 2005

July 25, 1949: Giant turtle mistaken for a floating body

CLEARWATER - A huge sea turtle was mistaken for a floating body by residents of the north end of Indian Rocks islands this morning, bringing Sheriff Todd Tucker and a coroner to the scene of what many thought was a marine tragedy.

Sighted about 100 yards offshore by D.D. Robertson, the turtle, oblivious of the excitement it had caused, calmly awaited the approach of a boatload of officers, equipped with grappling hooks. Considerably annoyed, the turtle waved a flipper at the posse and disappeared.

Spectators on the beach estimated the turtle's weight at better than 200 pounds.

OLDSMAR - Facing between $300 and $400 in repair bills, and forced to use the patrolling services of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Department, Oldsmar might soon purchase a new cruiser for the city's police department.

The old car, which has logged about 138,000 miles in almost three years of service, broke down Saturday with a burned-out rear wheel housing. The cruiser, actually a converted passenger car, has been plagued by mechanical maladies for several months. Councilmen at Monday night's special council meeting said repair bills for the car over the last six months have totalled about $1,500.

Mayor Ward Schrecengost was authorized by the council to look in to the possibility of renting a car from a Clearwater automobile dealer until a heavy-duty police cruiser can be purchased.

Officials at the police department have been forced to use their personal cars when the cruiser, the city's only police car, has broken down.

TARPON SPRINGS - The sponge diving boat Elsie returned to port late yesterday bringing in one of her divers, Vasilios Stathis. He was suffering from injuries sustained on the floor of the gulf at the sponge bank when the pump supplying air to him suddenly ceased working. A hand pump was substituted, but the diver narrowly escaped suffocation before being drawn to the surface.

DUNEDIN - The home town girl who went to the big city and won fame as a model for national fashion magazines and New York newspapers is in Dunedin for a short visit. She is Miss Lena Mae Ray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Ray, residents of this city.

It was at a bathing beauty contest in July 1931 at Clearwater Beach that Miss Ray started on the road to glory. She competed with girls from other Florida cities and, after giving them all the once-over, the judges decided that the Dunedin girl should have the first prize.

Soon after that, she went to New York and has been a model there ever since. Her pictures have appeared on the cover and inside many magazines, including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and the American magazine. She also has been the model in many department store advertisements appearing in New York papers.

Like many girls who have become famous as models, Miss Ray would like to go in to the movies and her chances of doing so appear good. The Dunedin girl says, "Both RCA and Paramount officials have asked me repeatedly to take screen tests. I will accept as soon as I return to New York."

CLEARWATER - The WFLA Radio Players will go on the air every Wednesday night for the next 13 weeks to present a series of new mystery dramas entitled The Mystery of Harlow Manor. The members of the cast are Tom Morton, Ivan Green, Mary Mildred Smith, Arthur Smith and Ethel Smith.

Theresa Blackwell compiles the history column. She can be reached at 727 771-4305 or blackwell@sptimes.com

[Last modified July 31, 2005, 01:55:01]