The rhythmic crash of waves against the shore is a sound we know well in our beachside communities of southern Pinellas. But recently, that familiar rhythm has been drowned out by the harsher sounds of a hydraulic excavator demolishing a neighbor’s home.
A Family Used to Live Here — Good Neighbors and Friends
Hurricanes Helene and Milton left deep scars across our communities. Some of those scars are silent and unseen—in the hearts of people displaced from their homes, in the psyche from the trauma of the floods, and in the loss of possessions. How many irreplaceable photos and heirlooms have we lost? How much pain have we endured?
But some scars are all too visible—like the slash marks of a huge animal. There are deep gashes—empty lots—where our neighbors’ homes used to stand. My friend Bill up the street, or Alex and his wife across the way, who always kept their lawn looking so nice—they’re gone. This story is playing out on almost every street in our neighborhoods. People who once decorated their homes with Christmas lights or gave candy to local kids on Halloween have left our community forever.
As the drip, drip, drip of permits begins to turn into a (very) slow stream, those of us who remain, start the work of rebuilding our homes and lives. But we also have an opportunity—and perhaps even a responsibility—to rebuild something equally vital: our community.
Being a Good Neighbor
What does it truly mean to be a good neighbor? It's far more than a courteous wave or a superficial "hello." Good neighborliness is about fostering genuine connections and interactions. It means being there when Mr. Jenkins, who lives alone, needs help clearing debris from his yard or when the Smiths, still waiting for their building permit, could use a friendly chat, a cup of coffee, and a little help with their permit application. These actions knit us together, creating a fabric of support and care.
It’s about genuine connection, a willingness to offer support, and a shared understanding that we are part of something bigger. It’s the small acts of kindness that weave the fabric of a strong neighborhood: checking in on someone who lives alone, offering a ride to the store, or simply lending a listening ear. These gestures, seemingly insignificant on their own, create a sense of belonging and mutual care that strengthens the entire community.
Chris Clark, a candidate for City Commissioner in District 2 of Treasure Island, exemplifies the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors. When a fallen tree blocked the road and city officials were unwilling to assist, Chris didn’t wait for bureaucracy to step in. Instead, he rallied a group of neighbors, grabbed a chainsaw, and together, they cleared the obstruction themselves. This act of initiative and collaboration not only resolved the immediate issue but also showcased the power of community action in the face of challenges.
The benefits of such connections are profound. They combat the creeping isolation and loneliness that can take hold, especially in the aftermath of a disaster like we’ve suffered. For those among us who are elderly or living with disabilities, these neighborly bonds are not just comforting; they are essential for mental well-being. Studies show that communities with strong social ties experience not only better individual health outcomes but also a collective resilience that helps in times of crisis. Our recent struggles have shown us how, together, we can navigate the challenges of recovery with a shared spirit.
Rebuilding Our Communities
As we look forward to the day when our neighborhoods are fully restored, cultivating good neighborliness is key. Start with a simple introduction; a plate of homemade cookies or a friendly conversation can go a long way when the new family moves in down the street. Offering help when you see it's needed—whether assisting with chores or listening when someone needs to talk—is the essence of community building. Engage in local events, not just as a participant but as someone who cares about the community’s pulse.
Together, these small acts can lead to a vibrant, supportive community ready to face whatever comes our way with resilience and unity. Let’s rebuild not just our homes, but our hearts and connections, one neighborly act at a time.
Happiness Beach
REAL HAPPINESS, FROM THE INSIDE OUT
By Gary King
After spending much of my life chasing the elusive concept of happiness, I finally uncovered the truth: happiness isn't something you find; it's something you cultivate within yourself. My journey to this understanding wasn’t easy, shaped by a childhood of emotional and physical abuse that left me with zero self-worth.
Abuse, of course, is a subjective term influenced by many factors. Yet universally, all children yearn for three core emotional needs: approval, appreciation, and acceptance. As we grow, these needs are deeply embedded in our subconscious, shaping our adult behaviors like computer algorithms. Adults, too, continue chasing these emotional validations, but when they are externally driven, the result is often sustained unhappiness.
What if we flipped the script? Imagine a world where parents and educational systems taught self-approval, self-appreciation, and self-acceptance. These are the building blocks of a happiness journey—a sustainable, fulfilling path—not the unreachable happiness destination many of us pursue.
I spent decades in this stressful pursuit of happiness through external achievements. My life was filled with high-octane adventures: motorcycle, car, and powerboat racing; setting world records; and building a 500-square-foot home on Paradise Island’s Paradise Boulevard in 1976. I was the first person in Pinellas County to own a brand-new DeLorean. My professional life was equally dazzling, from being an international artist featured on the front pages of U.S. newspapers (including a photo of President Clinton hugging me) to owning successful businesses like King Marine Engineering and King Productions International.
I even worked as a celebrity bodyguard and consultant, traveled over 4 million air miles, and started a career as an international speaker and author in 1992. My life story has been so eventful that it’s being turned into a documentary in production for over two and a half years.
Yet, for all these achievements, did any of them make me truly happy? Absolutely not. While they brought moments of pleasure, happiness, and pleasure are not the same. Pleasure is a fleeting, stressful destination, while happiness is a sustainable, daily journey.
During this relentless climb, I experienced 39 extreme traumas, leading to complex PTSD. Even my 5,000-square-foot waterfront mansion on Paradise Boulevard, which I once thought would symbolize success, brought immense physical, emotional, and financial stress. I eventually coined a saying: “Homes are not assets; they are liabilities. They only become assets when you deposit them in a bank account.”
The Happiness Experiment
Through my journey, I’ve learned that true happiness requires a deliberate, disciplined approach. It involves critical thinking, conscious behavior modification, and refusing to let others dictate your emotional, mental, or financial well-being.
One lesson I’ve embraced comes from cultures where people are taught: “Attachment causes suffering.” Let that sink in for a moment.
Years ago, I studied U.S. centenarians—people who live to 100 or beyond—and identified seven common traits among them:
They worked for a living.
They believed in a higher power.
They maintained a positive mental attitude.
They consumed what they loved and loved what they consumed.
They felt no sense of loss.
They had deep, bias-free, judgment-free friendships.
They upheld self-respect and strength of character.
Let’s focus on #5: feeling no sense of loss. In Western cultures, materialism dominates, with mass marketing driving trillion-dollar industries. This constant consumerism feeds a cycle of dissatisfaction, making happiness feel even more elusive.
The Message
Happiness isn’t dependent on external circumstances. It’s a mindset, a practice, and a choice. How do I know? Because I’ve lived it—and now I teach it.
Consider this: the placebo effect is real and supported by science. Our thoughts have incredible power; they can cause disease or healing and create problems or solutions. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to spreading positivity, putting up 616 “HAPPINESS” signs so far.
I’ve also redefined PTSD as:
Positive
Transition
Solution
Direction
This is not just an ending to my story but a beginning for anyone seeking true happiness. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with some of the world’s wealthiest and most famous celebrities. Despite their fame and fortune, they all had one thing in common: they were still chasing happiness because they were deeply unhappy.
True happiness doesn’t come from the outside. It begins—and grows—from the inside out.
