First Communion: Blessed sacrament [Times photo: Amber Tanille Woolfolk] After a year of classes, groups of children, some a little nervous, many excited, take their first Holy Eucharist.

New City Hall is a done deal
After months of turmoil and debate, St. Pete Beach commissioners agree on a $3.39-million contract.

Artist wants to beautify ugly pipe
Muralist John Vitale offers to improve the aesthetics of the traffic signal support monotube offending sensibilities of drivers in Pinellas Park.

Skater's mother wants an answer
Garbage workers took her son's ramp, she says, and now she wants a call back and reimbursement from the city.

Council will hitch a ride to reality
On a trolley tour, they and others will examine issues involving commercial trucks, carports and Dumpsters.

Demotion needs some explanation
Re: Change shocks Seminole principal, April 12.

Red-haired Realtor got Gulfport going in '30s
GULFPORT -- Local beachgoers owe R.W. Caldwell Sr. waves of thanks.

Lakeview center will get a grocery
Price Buster, a store like Save-A-Lot, will move into the Sunshine Thrift Store spot.

Stylist purchases hair salon on Central
ST. PETERSBURG -- Ruth R. McCormack, a hair stylist for more than two years at the Haircutting Co. Inc. at 231 Central Ave., purchased the salon in March.

Behind the scenes
From costumes to set changes, students put together all aspects of Alice in Wonderland in less than three months.

Council won't discuss easier library access
Teresa Zemaitis thinks Kenneth City should pay for residents' library cards, but the issue won't be on the council agenda.

Pretend that pays off
Although it's only make believe, when students go to Finance Park or Enterprise Village, they're learning and using math and logic skills that will help them be smart budgeters and consumers.

Achievers
Aysha Qamar, daughter of Jeanie and Melik Qamar of Pinellas Park, was one of 42 student delegates selected statewide by the Able Trust to attend the Florida Youth Leadership Forum. The forum is a statewide leadership conference for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities. It is scheduled for July 12-15 in Tallahassee.

Neighborhood briefs
Free adoption seminar is today in Tampa

Sewer pipe being fixed quickly to spare creek
ST. PETERSBURG -- A big sewer pipe running along Booker Creek needs repair. So for the next two weeks, nearby residents in Roser Park may hear a loud booming pump that will divert the flow to a temporary pipe while the permanent line is fixed.

Police memo says new leader will help codes
PINELLAS PARK -- The appointment of a new leader and communications training should make code enforcement more effective and user-friendly, according to a memo from the police chief. Capt. Mike Haworth, the third-ranking officer in the department, took over code enforcement Monday. Chief Dorene Thomas also announced that she is arranging training for all code enforcement officers so they will be able to communicate more effectively with the public. For questions or complaints about code enforcement, call Haworth at 541-0790.

Venus de Milo prevails, from invitation to dessert
By today's standards of physical perfection, she would probably feel the need for some sit-ups or maybe a tummy tuck. Her legs look a bit fleshy, even under drapes; armless, she at least would not have to worry about toning those muscles. Even so, the 2,000-year-old Venus de Milo endures as an icon of classic beauty, and she is celebrated in a new exhibition at the Salvador Dali Museum called "A Disarming Beauty" (get it?), which is full of 20th century artists' meditations on her.

Unclean beach water carries health risks
A non-profit organization hopes to raise awareness in Florida of the health risks of tainted water.

Officer's pet dog bites dog out for a walk
The bichon frise had puncture wounds but will be okay. The Largo sergeant was cited.

Ancestral search brings town reward
Due to Rich Pettit's search, a small town in Scotland now has one of that nation's largest community Web sites.

Party to honor former city manager
ST. PETERSBURG -- City staffers and people from the community will honor Don McRae upon his retirement with a party Friday at Sunken Gardens from 4 to 7 p.m.

Bring the sprouts to family fun day
The Weed and Seed event Saturday will feature food, music, bike giveaways and more.

Military news
Capt. David A. Porter, a deceased Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a former St. Petersburg resident, will be honored posthumously by the Order of the Silver Rose in a Memorial Day service May 28 at Sanctuary Gardens, Seminole.

Dog tips scales, divides neighbors
The boxer's owners say they will move rather than get rid of their dog after being sued over a deed restriction on large pets.

Racquet Club I wins another title
Steady play, experience and having fun contributed to Racquet Club I's second Pinellas Area Doubles League championship in three years.

St. Anthony's events generate excitement
Attention in the worldwide triathlon community was focused on St. Petersburg last weekend during the St. Anthony's Triathlon events, which showcased nearly 2,000 athletes ranging from recent Olympic Games medalists to Meek & Mighty rookies.

LaVine produces a round to remember
There's a time to get excited in a round of golf and a time to stay calm.

St. Pete Beach's new City Hall: A timeline
August 1998: Developer Paul Skipper and business partner Joe Klingel offer to build a new City Hall at the site of the defunct Paradise miniature golf course, 155 Corey Ave., and then lease the building to the beach. Although then-Mayor Ron McKenney and Commissioner Ward Friszolowski are interested in considering it, the idea fails because other commissioners want the city to own the land City Hall occupies.

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