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Letter to the editor

1945: Police officers granted one day off a week

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 20, 2008

Jan. 2, 1945

CLEARWATER - The Clearwater city commission last night granted the police department's request that the men be put on a six-day basis. Mayor George R. Seavey said that the department is doing a real job now, that it is at the best it has ever been, and it is his opinion that the men are entitled to one day off a week. Members of the commission said that one day of rest would probably even increase efficiency.

The city also discussed the danger of fishing from the Memorial causeway and other bridges, unless there is more protection for motorists and pedestrians.

"I am not opposed to people fishing even from bridges providing there is some kind of a railing or other protection," the mayor said.

"It was pointed out that in the excitement of making a catch some fisherman might step back from the railing into the path of a car. The matter will be taken up with the county commission to see what can be done.

Jan. 4, 1945

County fathers address income loss

CLEARWATER - Facing many of the same problems that confront Florida's state government, Pinellas County's commissioners will hold their annual reorganization meeting here tomorrow to elect Commissioner Frank Merrin, Dunedin, as their new chairman. And, in all probability, they will discuss what to do about the $36,000 that had been budgeted as income from racetrack betting but has been snatched away by the abrupt closing of the state's racing industry.

How the commission will readjust the current budget to meet the shrinkage in income caused by shutting down the tracks is a moot question. There are surpluses in most funds, but the county's anticipated share from the state parimutuel pot is important money. The prediction was that all appropriations might be given the once-over and trimmed just enough to overcome the deficit.

Commissioner Merrin will succeed Chairman D. Orville Harris, St. Petersburg. The new chairman of the county board represents the fourth for Dunedin district. He has played an active role in many highway development projects inside and outside the county, including the extension of State Road 17 from the end of Hillsborough Avenue on the Tampa side of the bay to the Oldsmar apex.

Jan. 6, 1945

Cigarette tax will replace lost revenues

CLEARWATER - Revenue lost by the closing of Florida racetracks will be replaced to the counties out of the proceeds of the state cigarette tax, Circuit Clerk Ray E. Green explained here last night in discussing plans of the Pinellas County government to overcome the deficit involved in shutting down parimutuels.

"The cigarette tax was passed," Clerk Green declared, "as a safeguard to the counties' racetrack money in the event the tracks could not open this year or were suddenly closed by federal order. Therefore, we are sure of the $36,000 that the county board budgeted from the tracks."

Clerk Green's statement on the racetrack revenue situation came coincident with his presentation of a financial statement, showing the condition of county funds as of Jan. 1. The total of all funds was $308,584, with the largest balance - $66,232 - credited to the general fund account.

Jan. 6, 1945

Labor shortage eased due to military wives

CLEARWATER - Superintendent O.R. Moe of the county farm and hospital advised the county commission early last night that his labor problems have eased slightly as a result of the employment of servicemen's wives. The situation at the county institution had been getting pretty difficult, but Moe believes he will be able to get through the winter, thanks to his new recruits.

Looking back

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.

[Last modified January 19, 2008, 20:44:58]