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Headlines through the years

A look back at the events, people and places that made North Pinellas the unique place it is. The information is compiled from past editions of the St. Petersburg Times.

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 1, 2006

Jan. 1, 1929: Good work done by citrus patrol officers

CLEARWATER - The Pinellas Citrus Patrol has been quite active during December. Chief Motorcycle Officer Ware was responsible for the arrest of a man charged with having taken fruit from the Grable grove at Seminole.

Three men, caught stealing fruit from the McVeigh grove on Druid Road in Clearwater, were convicted of trespassing when given a hearing in Justice Moore's court here.

Two tourists were also convicted of trespassing after they had been found in another grove.

The citrus patrol chief can be reached either day or night by dialing 29-264, Clearwater. Officer Ware states that one or more men are always ready to discourage pilfering of citrus fruits from groves anywhere in the county.

CLEARWATER - Those who have seen the Hungarians at work in the coal regions of Pennsylvania may be interested in a letter received by the Chamber of Commerce from Ernest L. Mandel of the American Magyr Nepazava in New York City.

The letter says:

"Several Hungarian farmers have expressed their desire to settle in Florida. These men are now working in industrial towns, but are not happy there and are anxious to get back to the soil.

"This brought the idea that it would be a public benefit to have a colony of these sturdy, thrifty people settle in some worthwhile section of your state.

"May I ask if you have any place near your town where they might settle; that is, some large landowner who would facilitate their going there, whether you could send me a list of such people, or have them get in touch with me."

The chamber has taken the matter under advisement.

CLEAWATER - A large six-passenger seaplane, which was shipped to Clearwater by rail, is to be assembled on the shore of the causeway by the owner, William Simpson, and his crew of two, Frank Mills and Charles Benton, all of Philadelphia.

The seaplane will use Clearwater harbor as a winter base, and parties will be taken to any point along the coast of Florida or Cuba. The aviators are making their headquarters at the Fort Harrison Hotel.

CLEARWATER - Another enthusiastic meeting of the Pinellas Berry Growers Association took place last night at the courthouse. Cooperative shipping was discussed, and all the growers agreed that the strawberry crop is an excellent one for the first season.

TARPON SPRINGS - Many persons of middle Pinellas County are planning to attend the annual Greek Cross Day exercises at Tarpon Springs tomorrow.

The ceremonies, including the blessing of the waters of the gulf and the diving for the cross thrown in Spring Bayou by the priest, are events that are always witnessed by throngs of tourists from all over this section.

Last year, so great was the crowd around the bayou that it was difficult to secure a seat where it was possible to see all that was going on, regardless of the fact that the open-air ceremonies take place in a vast natural amphitheater with the bayou as the stage.

Theresa Blackwell compiles the history column. She can be reached at 727 445-4170 or tblackwell@sptimes.com

[Last modified January 1, 2006, 00:41:29]