The Ford IronMan 70.3 held in Clearwater last November will air on NBC April 12 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
This year Foster Grant, (think Sun Glasses) a long-standing Ironman partner, will serve as title sponsor and will now be referred to as the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3. The event will take place on Nov. 8, and Foster Grant will continue its support through 2009.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Sand Key Shoppes Zoning Update March 25, 2008
From: Cynthia L. Remley, Esq."
Dear Concerned Neighbors of Sand Key and fellow Save Our Neighborhood (“SON”) of Sand Key Committee members: This is a periodic update based on the best information I have concerning issues that impact Legg Mason’s attempts to build a hotel at 1590 Gulf Blvd.:
SOS (Save Our Shoppes) Opposition to Tourist Zone Application: On March 20th the City Council voted 4-1 to deny an application that requested that the Shoppes of Sand Key be zoned as “Tourist.” Previously, the Marriott Hotel had joined in on that application with the owner, Bennett. This was a victory, but there is still a lot of work to be done to get the type of Commercial Zone applied that will retain the Shoppes.
More Hotel Rooms on Sand Key and at 1590 Gulf Blvd.: Just before the hearing on March 20th, the City Council deferred a hearing until April 17th on the proposal to adopt the Pinellas Planning Council’s (PPC’s) increased hotel density code. Despite the deferral, Legg Mason’s attorney specifically asked the City Council to adopt PPC code. As you may recall, October 2007, the Pinellas Planning Council (PPC) adopted an increased hotel density code that would apply to both “Tourist” and “Commercial” zones, and the Cabana Club Restaurant site is a “C” zone. If adopted, Legg Mason might submit plans to build a hotel of 60-66 rooms. Up to 3,000 hotel rooms might be added to the entire island. Mayor Hibbard has indicated that he does not believe Sand Key residents are opposed to more hotel rooms and the PPC being adopted to apply to Sand Key. It is important that you let him and other City Council members know your concerns. Contact information and suggested message points will be distributed later this week in another status email.
Legg Mason’s Plans: As of this date, we are not aware of any plans of Legg Mason being on file with the City Planning Department. Because of their push for a code that would allow more hotel rooms, this is not surprising. Petitions that oppose a structure which seeks variances have been left in the lobbies of some condominium lobbies. In the upcoming week you may be contacted for access to your building to supply/collect these petitions or to request signatures of residents.
We thank you for your support and for forwarding this information to your fellow Sand Key neighbors, condo association boards and condominium residents.
Cynthia L. Remley
The Harbour
Direct (727) 215-9711
e-mail: Cynthia@ProRemLaw.com
Dear Concerned Neighbors of Sand Key and fellow Save Our Neighborhood (“SON”) of Sand Key Committee members: This is a periodic update based on the best information I have concerning issues that impact Legg Mason’s attempts to build a hotel at 1590 Gulf Blvd.:
SOS (Save Our Shoppes) Opposition to Tourist Zone Application: On March 20th the City Council voted 4-1 to deny an application that requested that the Shoppes of Sand Key be zoned as “Tourist.” Previously, the Marriott Hotel had joined in on that application with the owner, Bennett. This was a victory, but there is still a lot of work to be done to get the type of Commercial Zone applied that will retain the Shoppes.
More Hotel Rooms on Sand Key and at 1590 Gulf Blvd.: Just before the hearing on March 20th, the City Council deferred a hearing until April 17th on the proposal to adopt the Pinellas Planning Council’s (PPC’s) increased hotel density code. Despite the deferral, Legg Mason’s attorney specifically asked the City Council to adopt PPC code. As you may recall, October 2007, the Pinellas Planning Council (PPC) adopted an increased hotel density code that would apply to both “Tourist” and “Commercial” zones, and the Cabana Club Restaurant site is a “C” zone. If adopted, Legg Mason might submit plans to build a hotel of 60-66 rooms. Up to 3,000 hotel rooms might be added to the entire island. Mayor Hibbard has indicated that he does not believe Sand Key residents are opposed to more hotel rooms and the PPC being adopted to apply to Sand Key. It is important that you let him and other City Council members know your concerns. Contact information and suggested message points will be distributed later this week in another status email.
Legg Mason’s Plans: As of this date, we are not aware of any plans of Legg Mason being on file with the City Planning Department. Because of their push for a code that would allow more hotel rooms, this is not surprising. Petitions that oppose a structure which seeks variances have been left in the lobbies of some condominium lobbies. In the upcoming week you may be contacted for access to your building to supply/collect these petitions or to request signatures of residents.
We thank you for your support and for forwarding this information to your fellow Sand Key neighbors, condo association boards and condominium residents.
Cynthia L. Remley
The Harbour
Direct (727) 215-9711
e-mail: Cynthia@ProRemLaw.com
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Victory for the Shoppes on Sand Key
Dear Friends, Residents, and Visitors, The City Council voted 4-1 last night to defeat the "Tourist" zoning for the Shoppes! Without all your support in the campaign and the attendance at the 3 meetings, this would have not turned out this way. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! There is still much work to be done to get the zoning that will retain the Shoppes, but with your continued support - we can do it! Thank you again,Mary Reinhardt and the SOS Committee
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Important Clarification: Sand Key Shoppes
IMPORTANT! Please attend the City Council Meeting March 20th (tomorrow) at 6pm. Even though the CDB denied the Tourist zoning for the Shoppes, it is just a recommendation. The City Council will hear the case and make the decision! And remember - there is still NO zoning for that property. www.saveourshoppes.com can help if you have questions. Thanks for your support!Mary Reinhardt
Results for Meeting 1, Sand Key Shoppes
According to Mary Reinhardt,
Hello everyone,
First, thanks for your support. You, individually and together have made the difference to have the Community Development Board deny a recommendation to the City Council for the Tourist zoning of the Shoppes.
Please refer to: www.saveourshoppes.com for the VERY LATEST information and new issues that could impact Sand Key. Be sure the check the "Call to Arms".
Please take a moment to forward this message to your "sphere of influence" mailing list. We need to have everyone informed because things change momentarily!
Thank you for your continued support!!
Mary Reinhardt
SOS Committee
Hello everyone,
First, thanks for your support. You, individually and together have made the difference to have the Community Development Board deny a recommendation to the City Council for the Tourist zoning of the Shoppes.
Please refer to: www.saveourshoppes.com for the VERY LATEST information and new issues that could impact Sand Key. Be sure the check the "Call to Arms".
Please take a moment to forward this message to your "sphere of influence" mailing list. We need to have everyone informed because things change momentarily!
Thank you for your continued support!!
Mary Reinhardt
SOS Committee
Monday, March 17, 2008
Meetings for Clearwater Beach Hotel Density
According to Mary Reinhardt: March 18th 1 pm - CDB Meeting City Hall - 112 S. Osceola St, 3rd FloorTWO IMPORTANT ITEMS! CDB Will deny or recommend the Tourist zoning for the Shoppes to the City Council. Will hear the hotel density room increase (could go from 50 rooms per acre to 125 rooms per acre This could affect Sand Key!
March 20th 6 pm - City Council Meeting City Hall - 112 S. Osceola St, 3rd Floor First hearing (the IMPORTANT ONE) on the zoning of the Shoppes Hearing on hotel density room increase. See flyer below for the details. Please plan to attend one or BOTH meetings. Thank you for your continued support.
SAVE OUR SHOPPES
WE NEED YOU!
WHY: The Mayor and City Council will finally determine the fate of the Shoppes on Sand Key. If they vote for “tourist accommodations” zoning, a ten story hotel could be built in place of the Shoppes on Sand Key. The Shoppes would be gone!
WHEN: March 20, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Clearwater City Hall
112 S. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, Florida
Doors Open at 5:00 p.m
WHAT: Can you do? Attend the hearing!
This is your last chance to unite with your neighbors and have your voice heard before your elected officials.
HOW: Bus transportation - $7 round trip.
Visit: http://www.saveourshoppes.com/
March 20th 6 pm - City Council Meeting City Hall - 112 S. Osceola St, 3rd Floor First hearing (the IMPORTANT ONE) on the zoning of the Shoppes Hearing on hotel density room increase. See flyer below for the details. Please plan to attend one or BOTH meetings. Thank you for your continued support.
SAVE OUR SHOPPES
WE NEED YOU!
WHY: The Mayor and City Council will finally determine the fate of the Shoppes on Sand Key. If they vote for “tourist accommodations” zoning, a ten story hotel could be built in place of the Shoppes on Sand Key. The Shoppes would be gone!
WHEN: March 20, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Clearwater City Hall
112 S. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, Florida
Doors Open at 5:00 p.m
WHAT: Can you do? Attend the hearing!
This is your last chance to unite with your neighbors and have your voice heard before your elected officials.
HOW: Bus transportation - $7 round trip.
Visit: http://www.saveourshoppes.com/
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Another Clearwater Gazette
Another Clearwater Gazette Article:
The Sand Key Civic Association meeting of March 5th started with Lt. Andrews of the Clearwater Police Department reporting on a proposed Gulf Boulevard crosswalk between Dan's Island and the Marina location.
Then the board of directors handled the recent resignation of president Mike Dooley due to relocation by holding an election to fill the vacancy. Al DiPalo of Crescent Beach Club was elected to fill the remaining term of Dooley.
A presentation was then made by Legg Mason/ Belleview Biltmore team regarding redevelopment of the Cabana Club Grille. According to Legg Mason, the redevelopment plan for the Sand Key property includes demolishing the current building and erecting a six story 38-room hotel with restaurant/bar and cabanas. The proposed redevelopment plan would require a height variance from the current 25-foot limitation to a 65-foot limit, stated the planners. Questions from citizens followed the presentation. The SKCA board of directors discussed the proposed redevelopment plan of the Cabana Club Grille and then resolved to oppose any city variance to the current building and city codes.
Regarding the Shoppes, it was reported that as a result of the 3/3 split vote to deny the application for T zoning at the February 19 Community Development Board meeting, a new motion and vote will take place at the March 18 meeting. The term of one board member expired after the meeting and a new board member was appointed, and one board member was absent - so there will be several different members voting. The result of that vote will determine the recommendation the board makes to the City Council which will hear the application at its March 20 meeting.
All who attended were urged to attend the City Council meeting and voice their opinions.
The Sand Key Civic Association meeting of March 5th started with Lt. Andrews of the Clearwater Police Department reporting on a proposed Gulf Boulevard crosswalk between Dan's Island and the Marina location.
Then the board of directors handled the recent resignation of president Mike Dooley due to relocation by holding an election to fill the vacancy. Al DiPalo of Crescent Beach Club was elected to fill the remaining term of Dooley.
A presentation was then made by Legg Mason/ Belleview Biltmore team regarding redevelopment of the Cabana Club Grille. According to Legg Mason, the redevelopment plan for the Sand Key property includes demolishing the current building and erecting a six story 38-room hotel with restaurant/bar and cabanas. The proposed redevelopment plan would require a height variance from the current 25-foot limitation to a 65-foot limit, stated the planners. Questions from citizens followed the presentation. The SKCA board of directors discussed the proposed redevelopment plan of the Cabana Club Grille and then resolved to oppose any city variance to the current building and city codes.
Regarding the Shoppes, it was reported that as a result of the 3/3 split vote to deny the application for T zoning at the February 19 Community Development Board meeting, a new motion and vote will take place at the March 18 meeting. The term of one board member expired after the meeting and a new board member was appointed, and one board member was absent - so there will be several different members voting. The result of that vote will determine the recommendation the board makes to the City Council which will hear the application at its March 20 meeting.
All who attended were urged to attend the City Council meeting and voice their opinions.
Clearwater Gazette
This week in the Clearwater Gazette:
Some 400 Sand Key residents attended a recent Community Development Board meeting to protest Tourist zoning for Sand Key. Twice that number of signed petitions affirming the protest were presented at the meeting. For some reason, the Board had only six members present resulting in a split vote on whether the CDB recommends Tourist zoning to the City Council. Consequently, the meeting was extended to March 18 for a final vote, the results of which will be referred to the City Council at its March 20 meeting.
We recognize the City is looking for new ways to generate tax revenue. We applaud the City`s encouragement of new hotel rooms on Clearwater Beach, already a tourist destination. We just discovered on the agenda for that same March 20 meeting, the City Council and Mayor will vote on allowing the Marriott and Sheraton hotels on Sand Key to increase the number of hotel rooms on the north end of the island from the current 610 to 3000 or FIVE TIMES! Sand Key is not a tourist destination now and we urge our City officials to respect our residents' determination to keep it that way.
We bought our home on Sand Key because of the residential nature of this community, complete with our quaint but convenient retail component, the Shoppes on Sand Key. We`d like to maintain the residential nature of our community along with thousands of our neighbors. The Shoppes have provided the entire Sand Key community with amenities that will be lost if tourist zoning is approved. Along with that loss will be greatly increased traffic, construction congestion, decreased property values and much increased beach noise.
We respectfully ask the City Council to work with our residents to produce a Neighborhood Community Overlay District for Sand Key. This was done successfully for Island Estates and the Coachman Ridge Neighborhood Plan. It can be done for Sand Key and thereby preserve the residential nature of our community. After all, Sand Key residents generate, through payment of property taxes in excess of 17% of the City`s budget. Let`s not lose sight of that!
- Jim and Jane Strenski, Sand Key (Clearwater).
Some 400 Sand Key residents attended a recent Community Development Board meeting to protest Tourist zoning for Sand Key. Twice that number of signed petitions affirming the protest were presented at the meeting. For some reason, the Board had only six members present resulting in a split vote on whether the CDB recommends Tourist zoning to the City Council. Consequently, the meeting was extended to March 18 for a final vote, the results of which will be referred to the City Council at its March 20 meeting.
We recognize the City is looking for new ways to generate tax revenue. We applaud the City`s encouragement of new hotel rooms on Clearwater Beach, already a tourist destination. We just discovered on the agenda for that same March 20 meeting, the City Council and Mayor will vote on allowing the Marriott and Sheraton hotels on Sand Key to increase the number of hotel rooms on the north end of the island from the current 610 to 3000 or FIVE TIMES! Sand Key is not a tourist destination now and we urge our City officials to respect our residents' determination to keep it that way.
We bought our home on Sand Key because of the residential nature of this community, complete with our quaint but convenient retail component, the Shoppes on Sand Key. We`d like to maintain the residential nature of our community along with thousands of our neighbors. The Shoppes have provided the entire Sand Key community with amenities that will be lost if tourist zoning is approved. Along with that loss will be greatly increased traffic, construction congestion, decreased property values and much increased beach noise.
We respectfully ask the City Council to work with our residents to produce a Neighborhood Community Overlay District for Sand Key. This was done successfully for Island Estates and the Coachman Ridge Neighborhood Plan. It can be done for Sand Key and thereby preserve the residential nature of our community. After all, Sand Key residents generate, through payment of property taxes in excess of 17% of the City`s budget. Let`s not lose sight of that!
- Jim and Jane Strenski, Sand Key (Clearwater).
Friday, March 7, 2008
Save our Shoppes on Sand Key
According to Mary Reinhardt of Save our Shoppes:
Dear Friend and Supporters of Sand Key, Again thank you for your emails and support. SOS also means HELP! You can help us very easily. I have attached a survey which is very important.Please take a moment and have each member of your household fill it out and return to me. It can be mailed, FAXed or left at the Bank of America.The address and FAX number are at the bottom of the page. I need it by March 14th. Also, we have bumper stickers (removable) available for a donation of $5.00. This is used for the legal defense fund. Don't forget the BIG DAY. The City Council meets on March 20th at 6 pm to hear the zoning application for the Shoppes. Please try to attend. We filled the hearing room, the overflow room, the lobby and the parking lot at the CDB hearing.We must do it again. Our future and our life style on Sand Key depends on this!! Continued thanks for all your support!
Dear Friend and Supporters of Sand Key, Again thank you for your emails and support. SOS also means HELP! You can help us very easily. I have attached a survey which is very important.Please take a moment and have each member of your household fill it out and return to me. It can be mailed, FAXed or left at the Bank of America.The address and FAX number are at the bottom of the page. I need it by March 14th. Also, we have bumper stickers (removable) available for a donation of $5.00. This is used for the legal defense fund. Don't forget the BIG DAY. The City Council meets on March 20th at 6 pm to hear the zoning application for the Shoppes. Please try to attend. We filled the hearing room, the overflow room, the lobby and the parking lot at the CDB hearing.We must do it again. Our future and our life style on Sand Key depends on this!! Continued thanks for all your support!
Residents and Visitors of Sand Key
Survey for the SOS Committee
1. How often do you use the Shoppes on Sand Key?
______per day
______per week
What services do you use at the Shoppes on Sand Key?
(Check which ones you use)
_____Bank _____Grocery Store
_____Restaurants _____Nail Salon
_____Dry Cleaners _____Yogurt/Ice Cream Parlor
_____Real Estate Company _____Coffee Shop
_____Gift Shops or Jewelry Store _____Ladies Apparel Shops
_____Men’s Clothing Store
3. Which directions(s) would you travel if there were no Shoppes on Sand Key? (Check one or both)
_____North to Clearwater Beach
_____South to Belleair or Largo
Name______________________Address___________________________
Phone_____________________ City, State, Zip Code_________________
Thank you for participating in this survey
Please return by March 14, 2008 to:
SOS Committee c/o M. Reinhardt, 1230 Gulf Blvd #604, Clearwater, FL 33767
or FAX to 727-595-7355
______per day
______per week
What services do you use at the Shoppes on Sand Key?
(Check which ones you use)
_____Bank _____Grocery Store
_____Restaurants _____Nail Salon
_____Dry Cleaners _____Yogurt/Ice Cream Parlor
_____Real Estate Company _____Coffee Shop
_____Gift Shops or Jewelry Store _____Ladies Apparel Shops
_____Men’s Clothing Store
3. Which directions(s) would you travel if there were no Shoppes on Sand Key? (Check one or both)
_____North to Clearwater Beach
_____South to Belleair or Largo
Name______________________Address___________________________
Phone_____________________ City, State, Zip Code_________________
Thank you for participating in this survey
Please return by March 14, 2008 to:
SOS Committee c/o M. Reinhardt, 1230 Gulf Blvd #604, Clearwater, FL 33767
or FAX to 727-595-7355
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