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.

By JULIE CHURCH

© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 24, 2001

Clearwater discusses reviving downtown

CLEARWATER -- The city of Clearwater has a head start on many other communities with the job of downtown revitalization, but still faces a major project if the full value of its core area is to be preserved.

This is the conclusion reached after 12 weeks of preliminary study by a downtown committee headed by Bank of Clearwater president Joseph Cornelius. A group of nearly 150 downtown businessmen and property owners yesterday heard Laurance Alexander, a consultant, report on some of efforts undertaken in other communities to fight downtown decay and rehabilitate such areas. He also stressed that all sound programs must start with a base market study.

Cornelius said that an office has been set up for a downtown merchants association at the Bank of Clearwater and that letters will go out to downtown property owners seeking members in the newly formed organization. He estimates that it will cost about $10,000 to run the office on an annual basis and the market study will be an additional expense.

June 7, 1947

Causeway toll to be discussed

CLEARWATER -- City commissioners at their next meeting are expected to hear proposals for the establishment of tolls on the Memorial Causeway.

Charles Day, who made the original proposal, said yesterday that he did not agree with H.H. Baskin, former mayor, who said the tolls would not be legal since the causeway had been built with bond money and dedicated for free public use.

July 2, 1955

Permits up 100 percent in Dunedin

DUNEDIN -- Building permits issued by the city for the first half of 1955 total more than $1-million, more than twice the total for the same six months of last year and only $100,000 less than the all-time high reached last year.

June permits topped May's by a total of more than $95,000. A little over $50,000 was accounted for in the permit issued to Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd for its new parish house. The balance of the total represented permits issued largely to regular builders and contractors for 15 new residences.

July 4, 1955

Rutland's new store readied

CLEARWATER -- Face-lifting operations on the old Peninsular Telephone Co. building are under way in preparation for the opening of the new Rutland's Department Store about Sept. 1.

The new Clearwater store will be located at the corner of Garden Avenue and Cleveland Street and will have half the floor area of the company's St. Petersburg store. The entire exterior of the three-story structure is being renovated. Inside the store, new floors are being laid, and a new elevator and a complete air-conditioning system are being installed.

The store will have all the departments of the St. Petersburg store except food service.

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

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