Headlines through the years

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

By JULIE CHURCH

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 13, 2001

Petitions to recall mayor have begun

SAFETY HARBOR -- The first phase of a recall movement to remove Mayor Howard Martin from office was completed yesterday when recall petitions were certified to be valid with 100 signatures.

The recall movement was started last month following a stormy meeting when Martin was charged by Commissioners Helen Stansbury and Fred Miller with exceeding his authority.

The petitions charge that Martin has arbitrarily denied other commissioners the privilege of free discussion and has established himself as the sole judge of what can or cannot be discussed by removing from the agenda items placed there by other commissioners.

May 3, 1939

Yes, we have no negative votes

CLEARWATER -- The dove of peace, which normally remains in his loft during meetings of the County Commission, hovered over the board session yesterday and the meeting ended with not a single negative vote.

The meeting was regarded by Chairman John Chesnut as one of the most unusual during his reign as chairman and to make certain nothing would arise to mar the perfect day, he suggested an early adjournment.

May 7, 1950

Clinton Foods may buy Pasco Packing

DUNEDIN -- An official of Clinton Foods said yesterday that the giant corporation is negotiating for the purchase of Pasco Packing Co., Florida's largest citrus canner.

In recent months, Clinton has been expanding its operations widely in the Florida field. It also owns Juice Industries, a large Dunedin citrus processing firm, and in February bought the Maxey grove and cannery interests in Polk and Alachua counties.

If the Clinton-Pasco deal goes through, it would be the largest of the several national food interests to move into the Florida citrus business.

May 5, 1939

2 counties' dog fanciers may organize

CLEARWATER -- Plans for the formation of a kennel club in the bay area are being considered by a group of dog fanciers that met Sunday at a horse farm owned by Sheik Kalil Al-Rawif of Saudi Arabia.

It was proposed that a meeting be called to organize a club. The club would then discuss holding a sanctioned show in the early fall under American Kennel Club rules in hopes of arousing interest in a licensed AKC show later in the winter.

A licensed show could be part of a circuit with other shows in Miami Beach, Winter Haven and possibly other areas.

May 13, 1962

Erwin is 1962 Mr. Clearwater

CLEARWATER -- Joseph H. Erwin was named Mr. Clearwater 1962 by the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce at its annual social get-together at the Clearwater Beach Hotel.

Erwin, 30, originated the Clearwater Welcome Station on U.S. 19, which has been operated successfully by the Clearwater Jaycees for three months.

Erwin also headed projects like the Jaycee Fourth of July fireworks display, Easter egg hunt and Yuletide art contest.

Erwin is on temporary active duty with the Army Missile School in Fort Sill, Okla.

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

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