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A study in sisterhood

For a century and a half, the sisters of the North Pinellas coast - Crystal Beach and Ozona - have existed side by side, like fingers sticking into the Gulf of Mexico. In both places, golf carts zip down narrow streets and neighbors stroll leisurely to pick up mail at the community post office. But as with any pair of siblings there are bound to be differences. And so it seems, over these years, these sisters of the coast have taken on their own identities.- NICOLE JOHNSON, Times staff writer

By TIMES STAFF WRITER
Published July 23, 2006

CRYSTAL BEACH

Favorite old building: A 78-year-old building on Crystal Beach Avenue, now the home of the Crystal Beach Youth Center, formerly the Faith Mission orphanage.

Lawn decor: A surfboard and lawn chairs shaped like fish.

Historic fact: During World War II, U.S. Coast Guardsmen climbed a big pine tree near the beach to scan the gulf for German U-boats.

Footwear: Rubber clogs.

Local desSert: Chocolate covered frozen bananas at Dairy Rich.

Insiders know: "Beach: 30" just isn't the same without the dogs.

The waterfront view: A handful of sailboats moored in the distance.

OZONA

Favorite old building: 106-year-old Ozona Town Hall.

Historic fact: The original name was Yellow Bluff. After a yellow fever epidemic, residents changed it to the more healthful-sounding Ozona.

Lawn decor: Wind chimes and painted oak stumps.

Footwear: Flip-flops.

Local dessert: Frozen custard at Strachan's with Yummy Yummy sauce on top.

Insiders know: Wear comfortable shoes to Caffe dell' Artist on Friday night for moonlit dancing.

The waterfront view: A few mini-mansions dotting the shore beyond a smattering of small islands.

[Last modified July 22, 2006, 20:15:55]