Headlines through the years

By JULIE CHURCH

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 29, 2001

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.

$550 payroll stolen from Dunedin hospital

DUNEDIN -- (May 2, 1939) A reward of $100 was offered by Dr. J.A. Mease of Dunedin for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons responsible for a theft of a $550 payroll from the hospital safe.

The theft was discovered yesterday morning by an employee when he unlocked the safe.

Mease said the safe had been opened by the combination, which was known to only three persons, all of whom he said were beyond reproach.

Popularity of square dances increases

CLEARWATER -- (May 4, 1950) After a 50 percent slump in attendance at the Beach Civic Center during the Easter holidays, a promising increase is anticipated in the coming weeks, said Mrs. D'Armand, director of activities at the center.

D'Armand attributes the slump to a confused perception that square dances were somehow private and closed to the public. She has been calling apartment and court managers to inform them that the dances are indeed open to vacationers and local people.

Instructors are now wearing ribbons to identify themselves to people who may be shy about trying to square dance.

"This should prove a drawing card in the coming weeks, as many people I've found want to learn the steps," D'Armand said.

Marina planned for Indian Rocks area

INDIAN ROCKS -- (May 13, 1962) The lonesome old road that once led to the Indian Rocks Bridge is getting a new lease on life with the construction of a $125,000 marina on the bay by Horace Hamlin Jr. and Edward W. Whatley.

The marina is being built just north of the mainland end of the old bridge and it will include Beachcomber Boats, a sales, repair and service business now operating in the old Indian Rocks post office building.

Three acres of land have been set aside for the Indian Springs Marina development in an area once owned by Hamlin's grandfather, L.W. Hamlin, one of the three original settlers of Indian Rocks.

When completed, the marina will offer 24 covered boat slips. A 16,000-square-foot dry storage building will house more than 100 small boats.

Chamber asks Anclote to remain

TARPON SPRINGS -- (May 3, 1972) Chamber of Commerce directors voted Monday to appeal to Anclote Psychiatric Center officials to keep the facility in Tarpon Springs.

In return, directors pledged their cooperation and assistance in any feasible plan for the local expansion of the center.

Officials of the psychiatric center recently confirmed rumors of a feasibility study on moving the center to northwest Hillsborough County.

-- Julie Church compiles the history column. She can be reached at (727) 445-4229.

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