Citizen Beach - Community Journalism

In the News This Week

I’ve captured all the key news impacting our beach communities this week, so you don’t miss anything important!

• The Happiness Experiment: Please watch this five-minute video from Fox 13 News. I’m happy to say Gary King is a friend of mine. He lived in the Paradise Island neighborhood of Treasure Island for many years. Thanks to his indomitable spirit and relentless energy, there are over 600 “Happiness” signs posted in our area and elsewhere. Read The Happiness Experiment!

• Volunteer to Help Madeira Beach: The City of Madeira Beach seeks applicants to fill vacancies and expiring terms on the Civil Service Commission and the Planning Commission. Boards, Commissions, and Committees are valuable to the local government process. The members are volunteers and provide a great service to the city and the community.

• Family Friendly? Clearwater ranks as the second most family-friendly city in America, behind Charleston, South Carolina. The city scored 71.93 points out of a possible 100. Researchers analyzed 323 cities based on affordability, safety, and family activities, including the number of family activities per capita, public transportation costs, and crime rates.

• Beverages and Barks: According to USA Today, the nation’s seventh-best dog bar is in St Pete, aptly named “The Dog Bar.” The Dog Bar is great if you're with your pup in St. Petersburg. This membership-only sports bar and off-leash dog park features a selection of 31 draft beers and food truck options. There are several areas for you and your dog to hang out, and there are plenty of TVs for watching sports.

• Indian Shores Capital Improvement Projects: The Town of Indian Shores recently spent $6.3 million undergrounding utilities on its stretch of Gulf Boulevard and another $4.5 million on a new Municipal Center. At taxpayer expense? Nope! Penny for Pinellas will pay for both projects. It's smart not to saddle residents with increased tax burdens!

• Seems Trendy: All the beach municipalities have been moving into shiny, mega-million buildings lately for their City Halls. What about police stations? Not to be outdone, St. Pete Beach is now looking into a feasibility study for relocating the city’s police station.

• Save the Turtles! Lisa Reich’s Coastal Wildlife Advocacy Group joined forces with the city of St. Pete Beach to implement a Volunteer Beach Ambassador Program and held its first meeting on June 29. Read about this at the TBN Weekly. Lisa is one of the Heroes of the Gulf Beaches. Watch her Heroes interview on YouTube.

Hero Beach: Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth transcended baseball as a colossal figure, redefining the sport with his unparalleled home run power and electrifying charisma. His record-breaking feats captivated a nation and transformed baseball into a cultural phenomenon. Yet, his impact extended far beyond the diamond. Renowned for his generous spirit, Ruth dedicated himself to philanthropic causes, especially aiding children. Through hospital visits, charitable donations, and a genuine connection with young fans, he became a beloved symbol of hope and inspiration, leaving an enduring legacy of both athletic greatness and humanitarianism.

Sadly, the Sultan of Swat, whose legendary career included 714 home runs and numerous records that stood for decades, passed away at the very young age of 53 from throat cancer. His death marked the end of an era in baseball, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired countless players and fans around the world.

Few know, however, that the Great Bambino lived for a time in the Historic Park Street neighborhood of St. Pete — just steps from where the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge would be built in 1939.

The location — at 211 Sunset Drive N — was a prime reason Ruth chose the house, according to baseball historian Tim Reid. "He did fish; he was an avid fisherman,'' Reid said. "He was the only Yankee until Lou Gehrig who was allowed to stay away from the rest of the team because he was so overwhelmed by fans. The house was close to the Jungle Country Club, so he golfed there and always had a room there. There was a famous speakeasy down the block, the Gangplank" that he could walk to.

Built in 1928, the five-bedroom, five-bathroom (plus two half-baths) house still has some original features, including front windows, three limestone fireplaces, and wooden beams oiled to bring out the rich color. According to Zillow, the home is worth more than $3 million. It last sold in August 2019 for $1.8 million. In 1987, you could have purchased this beauty for $400,000.

The 7,381-square-foot home with a pool and greenhouse sits across a brick street from the rest of the property, which included a bathhouse and dock. The views are of Boca Ciega Bay.

But back in Ruth's day, when he fished for grouper during his stays, none of the Treasure Island waterfront was there. You could see the Gulf of Mexico. David Noyes wrote: “I remember when the bay looked like this years ago. There were grass flats where we went for scallops, and the water was crystal clear.” Babe Ruth spent 10 springs in St. Pete.

"He loved it here," the story said. He loved our weather, especially when it was sunny, and he could sneak out in the morning before practice and play golf. He was a lousy putter; the man didn't know his strength and sometimes threw his club in disgust when the ball rolled past the cup, but he laughed afterward.”

The Jungle Golf Course: “…Babe Ruth played the course well over 100 times. He could drive a golf ball over 300 yards. His long drives were unpredictable ‒ he was left-handed, and he frequently sliced the ball (sent it off to the left). Sometimes, he hooked it (to the right), and occasionally, he would hit it down the middle. He was known to hit practice balls in any direction on a whim….”

Babe Ruth's impact on St. Petersburg was monumental. He helped solidify St. Pete's reputation as a baseball hotbed. His legendary home runs and larger-than-life personality drew massive, Beatlemania-level crowds — boosting local tourism and the economy. His presence contributed significantly to our area's growth and development and may have, in some way, boosted prospects for the development of our barrier islands.

• Have a story you want to share? Send me an email to let me know.

Sources for this story include: For sale for $3 million: St. Petersburg home where Babe Ruth stayed (tampabay.com); The Jungle Country Club History Project: Babe Ruth's Winter Estate Was Near the Jungle Country Club; 211 Sunset Dr N, Saint Petersburg, FL 33710 | realtor.com®; Treasure Island Causeway - Wikipedia; and Treasure Island (archive.org)

Eco Warrior Beach

Saving and protecting our natural environment — on the beach and off (Editors: Lisa Reich, Coastal Wildlife Advocacy Group) and Ginger Goepper (Audubon Society Volunteer)

Peering into the Pier

By Ginger Goepper

The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge connects us with our neighbors in Manatee County. As most locals know, this engineering marvel was constructed to replace the old bridge, which collapsed in a 1980 shipping disaster. Beneath the bridge are the remnants of the old bridge, which have been turned into a Florida State Park known as the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.

The Skyway Pier is owned by the Florida Department of Transportation, which leases the pier to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's State Parks and Recreation Division. The Florida Dept of Transportation leases the fishing pier to the State of Florida so folks from our area and beyond can pay nominal tolls to park there for fishing opportunities. But people aren't the only ones who like to catch fish at this location. A nearby Pelican rookery has hungry birds who fish there for survival. Normally, this would not be a problem. However, some fishermen don't know that cutting the line when a fishing line gets caught on a Pelican is the worst thing to do. Furthermore, their treble lures reduce the Pelicans' chances of survival.

So last year, Florida Fish and Wildlife established a new requirement to educate fishermen and banned multi-pronged hooks for a few months. Even though taking an online class is required, there is no checkpoint to assure these Skyway fishing folks have taken and passed the class. When they pay the toll to park at the pier, nothing is required of them other than paying the parking fee.

Unfortunately, pelicans continue to get injured or killed due to carelessness and, sadly, unchecked abuse.

While efforts are made to educate the public about the dangers of cutting the line and using the multi-pronged hooks, there is no accountability or consequence at the Skyway Fishing Pier. So, what can we, as concerned beach community citizens, do? Here are a few suggestions for starters:

1. Write to each of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commissioners and tell them to enforce the regulations passed in 2023 for the Skyway Fishing Pier: Service Request - Create Request Page: Ask FWC (govqa.us)

2. Write to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and ask why the Pier Concessionaire still sells fishing tackle which was supposed to be discontinued in 2021: [email protected].

3. Read these guidelines on protecting seabirds when fishing and help others know best practices.

Let's work together to make the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier a better place for everyone - including our feathered friends.

City of Treasure Island Rescues Baby Turtles

Treasure Island Fire Rescue crews rescued over 30 hatchlings from five storm drains and safely took them back to where they belong in the Sunset Beach neighborhood, who lost their way to the water! Thanks to their teamwork and assistance from a Clearwater Marine Aquarium Conservation team.

Rescue Beach

Rescuing and protecting our companion animals (Cats Editor: Monica Pugh; Dogs: editor needed)

Adopt a Pet—Live Longer and Be Happier!

Thinking about adopting a pet? You might be doing more than just finding a new furry friend; you could also be boosting your happiness and longevity! Research shows that pet ownership can increase physical activity, improve mental health, and reduce loneliness among older adults. Regular interactions with pets often lead to better cognitive function and a stronger sense of companionship, making life richer and more fulfilling.

• Companionship and Reduced Loneliness: Pets provide constant companionship, which can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation that are common among older adults. This companionship can lead to improved mental health and overall happiness.

• Increased Physical Activity: Caring for pets, especially dogs, encourages regular physical activity such as walking and playing. Regular exercise has numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and enhanced mobility.

• Routine and Purpose: Pets can provide a sense of routine and purpose. Taking care of a pet's needs, such as feeding, grooming, and walking, can help establish a daily routine, which is beneficial for mental health and cognitive function.

• Stress Reduction: Interacting with pets has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. The act of petting an animal can lower blood pressure and release feel-good hormones like oxytocin, which can improve mood and overall well-being.

• Social Interaction: Pet ownership can increase opportunities for social interaction. Dog walking, for example, can lead to conversations with other pet owners and community members, helping to build a support network and reduce social isolation.

• Enhanced Emotional Health: The unconditional love and companionship of a pet can provide emotional support, reduce symptoms of depression, and increase feelings of happiness and contentment.

Several studies support these benefits:

A study published in the Journal of Aging and Health found that pet ownership among older adults was associated with reduced loneliness and increased physical activity.

The American Heart Association has reported that owning a pet, particularly a dog or cat, is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Research from the National Poll on Healthy Aging indicated that pets help older adults cope with physical and emotional symptoms and make them feel more connected to people around them.

Paws for Refreshment

I just read about The Dog Bar in St. Pete, 2300 Central Ave. I know the “Catfe” closed last year. Question: Is there a new Cat Cafe somewhere? Answer: Not yet, but a cat-friendly co-working space is opening. It’s called Whiskers Workspace, at 699 Central Avenue, Suite 200, St Pete. The collaboration space is partly thanks to the efforts of local rescue organization CJPaws.

Lifestyle Beach

Eating Out (Editor: Dana Ball); Healthy Living (Pat Francis); Community Events (needs editor); The Happiness Experiment (Editor: Gary King)

STRESS! Even at the Beach!

By Pat Francis

STRESS! It can be overwhelming, managing to overpower the strongest resolve to not succumb to it. Rising inflation threatens to bankrupt so many, unaffordable groceries, escalating interest rates, our lovely children and their needs and schedules that add to our overtaxed timetables, health issues, aging parents on fixed incomes…the list seems unending. We are often at a loss to juggle it all. Sound familiar? Let’s not even mention the dirty arena of politics!

Stress can put pressure on our health, affecting our immune system, sleep, appetite, temper, and mental health, to name a few. So how do we combat it? How do we do more than swallow hard and try to suppress that ever-present angst? Maybe we can start this week by trying a couple of exercises. I’m not talking about physical exercise! Chill! That’s next time!

When you find a moment alone, you can try these simple things. You may need to steal those moments, even if it means hiding out in the bathroom. Try closing your eyes and letting out a long breath. Breathe deeply through your nose, then purse your lips as if you are about to blow out birthday candles and exhale slowly. Let your busy thoughts escape with each breath. Don’t rush. Quiet those pressing things. Repeat ten times. You will feel the stress start to dissipate.

What about offering a brief prayer for help? I know I have often said quite loudly, “Help, God!” even if it’s a groan of a prayer. God understands even them. If you are not religious, then toss it out to the universe.

Then, there is the exercise of gratitude. Are you able to think of one thing you are grateful for and remind yourself of it throughout the day? Just one. If a million starts to flow through your head, that is great, too. You will find yourself feeling uplifted by these thoughts throughout your day.

See? That wasn’t so difficult and only really costs a couple of minutes of precious time daily. You can also do these three exercises throughout the day if you feel overwhelmed. I wish you the best and the ability to begin managing your stress.

Community Beach

Building strong communities empowers individuals, enhances the quality of our lives, and fosters a just society.

Citizen Beach: We’re Having a Kumbaya Moment

After some reflection, we’re rejigging the newsletter to focus more on positive stories and the helpful people in our community. We will tone down critical content and strive to be more upbeat. I hope that works for you.

• What do you think? Send me an email to let me know.