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!

• Upgrading the Zamora: A Minneapolis-based company is dropping $7.5 million to upgrade the 67K-square-foot hotel on the Intracoastal side of Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach. The firm that bought the hotel for $34.7 million in 2022 because they “found a lack of quality lodgings along the beach.” A Pinellas Park developer involved in the project said the hotel was missing “that Miami class.” Construction will conclude by the end of September.

• Fighting the Flooding: "You can do this!" Redington Beach retiree urges homeowners not to give up in the face of flooding – provide basic tips anyone can do to minimize flooding damage.

• 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 their first meeting June 29. Read about this at the TBN Weekly. Lisa is one of the Heroes of the Gulf Beaches. Watch her interview on YouTube.

• Sanding Ovations Set: The 2024 Sanding Ovations Masters Cup in Treasure Island runs this year from November 21-24, with an encore weekend from November 30 through December 1. "Treasure Island has one of the widest beaches on the west coast of Florida. This is a perfect setting for a gallery," said founder Dan Doubleday. "The quality of Treasure Island's sand enables the sculptors to create very difficult, gravity-defying pieces of art."

• St Pete Beach Home Record Sale: The top-grossing residential sale in Pinellas County is just a half mile south of the Don Cesar Hotel, sitting directly on St. Pete Beach. The house, 2709 Sunset Way, sold for $11.4 million. Originally listed for $12.4 million, it is the highest-priced sale in the history of St. Pete Beach — even with 8% shaved off the asking price. (Zillow)

Scam Beach

This section will equip you with the knowledge and tools to protect yourself from the ever-evolving world of scams. We'll uncover the latest tactics used by scammers, provide tips on how to identify suspicious activity, and offer advice on safeguarding your personal and financial information.

Missed Jury Duty

From Ann S. in Garden Manor (east of Madeira Beach): “I just received a phone call from a caller purporting to be from the Pinellas County Sheriff, telling me that I had missed jury duty and that a bench warrant for $5,000 was issued for me. The caller helpfully volunteered to receive my $5,000, so I told him I would contact the Sheriff's office. Of course, it's a scam. Be aware.” For more: Jury-Duty Scam has officials on statewide alert (fox13news.com).

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER call you requesting money over the telephone or ask for banking information to wire money. Do not give personal or account information over the phone and call the Sheriff’s Office (727-582-6200) to report suspicious activity.

Eco Warrior Beach

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

How Do Storms and Hurricanes Impact Sea Turtles in Florida?

By Lisa Reich

Significant storms and hurricanes can, unfortunately, have a negative impact on sea turtles nesting in Florida. Storms can wash away nests, flood them, or expose eggs, which can likely lead to the death of hatchlings. Storms can also cause beach erosion which reduces the amount of nesting habitat.

Sea turtle eggs are permeable, allowing for gas, water, and heat exchange which is necessary for successful incubation and embryonic development. Prolonged submersion from tidal inundation or significant storm surge can cause embryonic mortality. If the eggs are submerged for too long, sadly the embryos essentially drown. Nests can survive a “wash-over” event by the tide as long as it is brief.

Studies, through data collected from satellite transmitters, indicate that adult sea turtles alter their behavior in a storm. They will change their diving patterns by diving deeper and staying down longer while the storm passes. Some adult sea turtles will navigate to areas closer to the storm’s periphery where the conditions are less severe.

Here are some ways that storms can impact sea turtles:

• Washed away nests: Storms can wash away nests completely, or just sections of the beach which can leave eggs exposed.

• Flooded nests: Storm surge and high tides can inundate a nest with water which sadly drowns the developing hatchlings.

• Exposed eggs: Exposed eggs cannot withstand being tumbled around. And once exposed, will dry out and/or be predated.

• Reduced nesting habitat: Beach erosion reduces the amount of space available for sea turtles to lay their eggs.

• Temperature difference: Less severe erosion can move the eggs closer to the surface, which can change the temperature of the egg chamber and affect hatch success. Additional sand on top of a nest (sand accretion) can also create temperature differences of the nest and make it more difficult for the hatchlings to reach the surface.

Why can’t we move the nest(s)? This is not permitted in Florida. Not only is moving many nests not feasible, but it can also be detrimental to the embryonic development and hatch success of the nest.

What to do if you see a nest being inundated, exposed eggs, an adult nesting, or hatchlings? Do nothing! Do not touch or disturb adults, hatchlings or eggs! Sea turtles and their eggs are protected on the state and federal level. Contact FWC Wildlife Hotline (888)404-3922 or local non-emergency police department. They will dispatch the local sea turtle permit holder.

How can you help to minimize the human impact on sea turtles? Please keep our beaches CLEAN, FLAT AND DARK.

Sea Turtle Facts:

• Sea Turtles have existed for over 100 million years!

• Florida’s beaches are home to 90% of all the sea turtles nesting in the continental US.

• There are more than 100,000 sea turtles’ nests on Florida beaches each year

Rescue Beach

Rescuing and protecting our companion animals (Editor: Monica Pugh)

Doggy Dehydration!

By Monica Pugh

It can sometimes be hard to know how much water your dog gets in a day.

Most need about an ounce of fluids per pound of body weight per day, so a 10-pound dog needs a bit over a cup of clean water daily. If your dog drinks a lot more than that, it may signal a health problem.

Hot summer days, play, exercise, illness, infection - all of these can lead to dehydration in dogs and trigger them to seek water. Older dogs and dogs that are sick, pregnant, or nursing can get dehydrated easily.

Dog dehydration symptoms. Along with increased thirst, signs that your pet may be dehydrated include:

• Little energy

• No interest in eating

• Sunken eyes

• Dry mouth

• Thick, rope-like saliva

You can use these two ways to quickly check your dog for dehydration. If the response isn't normal, it's a sign of possible dehydration:

• Lift the skin on the back between your dog's shoulders. It should sink back to its normal place right away.

• Gently press on your dog's gums until the pressure creates a light spot. The normal color should come back right away when you remove your finger. Also, the gums should feel slick and moist.

• Dehydration can turn life-threatening fast. If you think your dog is very dehydrated, take them to the vet immediately. If your dog seems mildly dehydrated and is not vomiting, give your dog small amounts of water -1 teaspoon for a little dog, 1-2 tablespoons for larger dogs – every 10 minutes for a few hours.

• Don't let your dog have free access to a lot of liquids when they are dehydrated, as drinking too much too fast could cause vomiting.

How to Get Your Dog to Drink More Water

Leave the water bowl where your dog can get to it easily. Since dogs can knock over the bowl while they're drinking, use one that's made to not tip and spill.

Clean the bowl daily. Refill often so the water supply stays fresh.

Whenever you and your dog are playing outdoors — especially when it's hot — bring cool water with you for them to drink. If your dog stays outside on hot days, add ice to the water bowl.

Some dogs are happy to drink from the toilet. But that isn't a clean source of water!  Keep the toilet lid closed so your dog stays out.

Keeping an Eye on Water Consumption

It's easier to notice changes in your dog's thirst or drinking behavior if you develop a water bowl routine.

• Refill your dog's bowl at roughly the same time daily.

• Fill the bowl to about the same level each time.

• Pay attention to how much you put in each day and how much is left.

Water is critical to your dog’s health and well-being. Never deprive your dog of water. If you're worried your dog is drinking too much (or not enough), don't wait: Give your vet a call.

Source: Wendy C. Fries for WebMD

Lifestyle Beach

The Diamond Dilemma: Nature or Nurture?

By Julie Miro

Diamonds have captured the human imagination for millennia. Born from the fiery crucible of Earth's core, these gemstones have adorned royalty, sealed promises, and symbolized eternal love. From the ancient treasures of India to the glittering crowns of European monarchs, diamonds have commanded reverence and desire. Their allure has been immortalized in iconic films like “Diamonds Are Forever” and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," cementing their status as symbols of luxury, status, and enduring beauty.

While diamonds have always been the go-to for those big, special moments, the diamond world is changing, and we need to get a little more specific. You’ve got your “Natural Diamonds” and your “Lab Diamonds,” which are similar. Natural diamonds are the real deal, formed deep in the Earth over millions of years. But now, with technology, we can whip up diamonds in a lab that look almost identical to the real thing. These lab diamonds have opened a whole new world of choices, but they’ve also started a conversation about what counts as luxury and what holds lasting value. So, when shopping for that perfect diamond, it’s good to know the differences and what they mean for you.

Diamonds, Naturally

Natural diamonds are extremely rare; a solid form of the element carbon, they are found in the earth’s mantle at 150 to 250 kilometers (93.21 to 155.34 miles) deep, where the pressure, temperature, and overall conditions within the heart of the earth are conducive for these tiny treasures to form.

Natural diamonds are the hardest known substance, so much so that a diamond can only be cut by another diamond. Diamond cutters need diamond dust to hand polish the facets of each stone in a perfectly symmetrical design, allowing light to go in, bounce off every facet, and come back out, creating a rainbow of color called scintillation. Every single natural diamond has been unearthed by a miner’s hand.

In recent years, the unethical mining of diamonds has been exposed, forcing the industry to create an independent organization, the “Kimberly Project,” which works as a watchdog on mining practices, virtually eliminating abuse and danger and achieving a safe environment. “Blood Diamonds” are a thing of the past.

Diamonds are so strong they are resistant to heat, can withstand daily wear, and are nearly indestructible. It's no wonder that for centuries, they’ve been a symbol of never-ending love and commitment, becoming engagement rings, gifts to commemorate special occasions, and treasured family heirlooms.

Diamonds on Demand

Lab-created diamonds (LCD), or synthetic diamonds, are extremely common. They are made in a factory-type environment by a controlled process called high pressure, high temperature (HPHT), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Three press designs can mimic the earth’s pressure and temperature at 150 to 250 km underground.

The diamond “seeds,” which consist of high-purity carbon atoms, are placed at the bottom of the press, which is then heated to 2,550 degrees Fahrenheit, and the press provides the pressure needed to create the stone. Research on how to make a diamond in a lab began in the 1940s, with General Electric (GE) developing the first press and achieving the first lab diamond in 1970.

While lab-grown diamonds share some physical attributes with their natural counterparts, they fall short in durability and value. Created through high-pressure, high-temperature processes, these synthetic stones lack natural diamonds' inherent hardness and resilience. Their abundance and lower production costs translate to significantly lower prices, diminishing their perceived luxury and investment potential. Unlike natural diamonds, which have endured as symbols of love and commitment for centuries, lab-grown diamonds struggle to match the same emotional resonance and market value.

The author of this article is my cousin, Julie Miro. She is a Graduate Gemologist and Graduate Jewelry Designer from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) with over 40 years of experience in the industry. www.juliemiro.com

City Beach - Improving Our Municipalities

Empowering our local communities through informed and active engagement to address local challenges and foster self-reliance.

City-Wide Tidal Flood Mitigation - St. Augustine

The City of St. Augustine currently experiences “sunny day” flooding within many parts of the city — just like our Gulf cities do. “Sunny day” flooding also known as tidal flooding or nuisance flooding, is the “temporary inundation of low-lying areas, especially streets, during exceptionally high tide events, such as at full and new moons. The highest tides of the year may be known as the king tide, with the month varying by location”. It is estimated that St. Augustine experiences this tidal flooding between 12 to 16 times per year.

This type of flooding is not catastrophic, like the impact of storm surge from a hurricane. It is a persistent nuisance that already soaks streets and bubbles through drains in some Florida cities like Treasure Island, and most notoriously in Miami and in the Keys.

Residents of flood-prone coastal neighborhoods may see several inches of water on roads, forcing them to re-route drives to work, school or home — even on days when it doesn’t rain. City infrastructure, like pipes and pavement, would be submerged more often in corrosive saltwater, and garden plants can die off due to being immersed in salt water.

City leaders in St. Augustine are using federal and state funds to install city-wide “Tidal Backflow Valves” — devices installed onto existing sewer pipes that only allow water to flow in one direction. Think of it as a one-way gate that allows rainwater to flow out but stops tidal water from flowing backwards and flooding city streets — similar to what the City of Miami has installed. Wouldn’t that be a great idea for our Gulf communities?

Will “Elevate TI” Devalue TI?

“The enormous 400+ page Elevate TI document…most likely will cause individual taxpayer’s homes to become more difficult to improve or sell and there decrease in value.” Read the rest of this message on the CVTI website.

Advocacy: Want to help your local government be more responsive, transparent and fiscally responsible? Join Protect St. Pete Beach, or Citizens’ Voice of Treasure Island. Other groups with shared interests: Florida Beaches for All,

Who Are My Elected Representatives?

• CITY: St. Pete Beach; Treasure Island; Madeira Beach; Redington Beach; North Redington Beach; Indian Shores.

• County & State: Florida Senate; Florida House of Representatives: County Commission - Search by Zip Code.

History Beach

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

The Tocobaga on Treasure Island

By Derry Smith, Treasure Island Historical Society (TIHS)

Did you know that before there were tourists, or pirates, or Spanish explorers visiting Treasure Island, the area was frequented by members of the Tocobaga tribe?

These indigenous people lived across the water on the mainland (St. Pete) and would frequently canoe over to Treasure Island. They traveled many times to a specific spot on the Island for sacred reasons, and left remnants behind at that place. Do you know where that sacred spot is on Treasure Island? Do you know the reason the Tocobaga people regularly visited that place, as well as what they left behind? For these answers and more, read below!

And as for where exactly members of the Tocobaga tribe regularly visited Treasure Island, it was Key Capri, a residential block at the end of Isle of Capri. The Tocobaga built a burial mound there. Skeletal remains of approximately one hundred Tocobaga people were found there prior to construction of the building that sits on the area now (see image below).

To remember this sacred place, the Treasure Island Historical Society will be placing a plaque at the site in the near future.

For more information, contact us at [email protected] or look for us on Facebook!

Talk to the Tortuga

Letters to the Editor

Following our mention last week of our "Kumbaya" moment, Saray chimed in with, "Great idea! We need more positive vibes in the world. Thank you." 

I couldn't agree more, Saray. While my instinct often leans towards critique and throwing out challenges, I'm making an effort to shift gears. My goal is to build up, inspire, and contribute positively to the lives of others. Let's come together to help our communities flourish and support one another in the process.

Picture Beach

Pictures from local residents: Nanday parakeets in our backyard palm trees, Treasure Island — shot taken by Chloe, age 15.