Brandon's Pavilion - Beach Neighborhood Newsletter

PRESORTED STD 

U S POSTAGE 

P A I D 

Permit No. 1478 

St Petersburg, FL 

JULY / 2009 ISSUE 20 

Brandon’s Pavilion opened in 1921 and was “the place to go” in Indian Rocks Beach for over 40 years. Today a 

condominium stands where the Pavilion once was. See more photos inside. 

By Bob Griffin, 

Publisher 

For many years, if you wanted to go to the beach 

in the Indian Rocks area, you went to Brandon's 

Pavilion. During the day, it was the place to swim, 

sunbathe and eat. During the evening, it was the 

place to socialize and dance the night away. 

Brandon's was a large, wooden, auditorium-like 

building located just west of the old Indian Rocks 

Beach Bridge, where today Fifty Gulfside 

Condominium stands. The road to the beach 

crossed the bridge, continued past Brandon's on 

the south, and the Indian Rocks Inn, on the north, 

and until it turned south when it met the sand. 

While the Inn was on the beach, The Pavilion was 

separated from the beach by the road 

Raymond Brandon moved to Indian Rocks in 

1919, buying the Pavilion from brothers Bob and 

Don C. McMullen, after the 1921 hurricane. The 

hurricane undermined the building, filling it full of 

sand. Raymond hired a crew to shovel it out and 

set the building back on its foundation. 

The Pavilion building was large and included a 

dance hall, kitchen, bathhouse, showers and 

beach lockers. Patrons could even rent a bathing 

suit. They sold soft drinks, ice cream, beer, wine 

and food, such as burgers, sandwiches, and 

snacks. Raymond built palm thatched huts and 

picnic tables behind the pavilion, and eventually, 

on the gulf side also. 

Originally, the Pavilion had a player piano. 

Patrons could dance, once they dropped a nickel 

in its slot. In 1934, Raymond bought a Wurlitzer, 

one of the first jukeboxes. 

Raymond owned rental cottages north of the 

Pavilion. Before the depression, the Brandon 

family lived in one, but eventually needing the 

Brandon’s 

Pavilion 

Photo courtesy of Indian Rocks Beach Historical Museum 

rental income, they had to move into a part of 

the Pavilion. 

During the summers of the late '20s and '30s, 

bands played each weekend. Raymond hired 

Rocco Grella, long-time Clearwater High School 

band director, to play. The Saturday night 

Charleston dance contest had a prize of a twentydollar 

gold piece. 

During the 1930s, fewer than a hundred people 

permanently lived on the island. During the 

summers, most of the Pavilion's customers came 

from Tampa. "There was virtually no business in 

the winter", says Bill Brandon, Raymond's son. By 

1942, the dance hall had to close. 

To survive in, people did anything they could. 

Raymond farmed property owned by Captain 

Lowe's son, Jefferson. He also sold stone crabs, 

caught from a line of traps in the Gulf. Using a 

16 foot skiff, he pulled traps twice a day. "Dad 

once had 400 dozen crabs, but even at just fifty 

cents a dozen he could hardly sell any," says Bill. 

During World War II, the community built a 

lookout tower behind Brandon's. Community 

volunteers manned the tower 24 hours a day, 

looking for foreign airplanes, boats and 

submarines. On July 4, 1942, it has been 

reported that a German sub was destroyed in the 

Gulf, northwest of Indian Rocks. Many people 

along the coast saw and heard the explosion. 

After World War II, the Pavilion offered a place 

where middle-class families could enjoy a day at 

the beach, picnicking, swimming and sun bathing 

for a price easy on a family's budget. 

Raymond Brandon sold the in Pavilion 1956. It 

burned down in 1968.

CREDITS 

This newsletter is published by 

GRIFFIN PRODUCTIONS, Inc. 

and is mailed to every occupied 

residence and business in Indian 

Rocks Beach We are not officially 

associated with the City of Indian 

Rocks Beach. 

PUBLISHER 

Bob & Becky Griffin 

Residents of Indian Rocks Beach 

ART DIRECTION 

Becky Griffin 

SALES 

727-517-1997 

CONTACT INFO 

P.O. BOX 1314 

Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 

517-1997 ~ 517-1998 FAX 

IRBNewsletter.com 

Is there something you would like 

to see included in this newsletter? 

Please send all comments to 

bob@griffindirectories.com 

© 2009 Griffin Productions, Inc. 

NEXT ISSUE IS SEPTEMBER 

Do you need another copy of 

this newsletter? Try the lobby of 

the IRB post office, or any 

realtor's office. USA Grocers has 

them, too. If you need a lot 

more, call 517-1997. 

This newsletter is printed every 

other month and survives on 

local advertising. Please support 

the people advertising here. If 

you are an IRB resident wanting 

to advertise, you get a discount. 

We also offer discounts for 

advertising in our other issues, 

Madeira Beach, Belleair Area 

and Downtown St. Petersburg. 

Call me for the next issue. For 

more information, or to read our 

other issues online, visit 

BeachNewsletters.com 

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSLETTER 

CITY NUMBERS 

CITY HALL. . . . . . . 595-2517 

1507 Bay Palm Blvd 

www.Indian-Rocks-Beach.com 

CITY MANAGER - Chuck Coward 

MAYOR/CITY COMMISSION . 517-0204 

MAYOR - R.B. Johnson 

COMMISSIONERS — 

Terry Wollin-Hamilton Vice Mayor • Cookie 

Kennedy • Daniel Torres • Phil Hanna 

City Manager, . . . . . . . . . . . . . 595-2517 

Chuck Coward 

Building Department: . . . . . . . . 517-0404 

John Mortellite, Dir 

Planning & Zoning: . . . . . . . . . . 517-0404 

Danny Taylor, Dir 

Public Services: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 595-6889 

Dean Scharmen, Dir. 

IRB LIBRARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 596-1822 

Next to City Hall 

M-F 10-4pm, Tu-Th 7-8:30pm, Sat 10-1pm 

IRB HISTORICAL MUSEUM . . . 593-3861 

Across from the Post Office 

IRB HOMEOWNER ASSOC.. . . 517-0525 

Phil Wrobel, President - IRBHome.com 

Bob Griffin - Boat Club . . . . . . . 517-1997 

BEACH ART CENTER . . . . . . . . 596-4331 

Next to City Hall, 1515 Bay Palm Blvd 

POST OFFICE / IRB. . . . . . . . . . 596-2894 

204 4th Avenue 33785, Near Crabby Bill’s 

Mon-Fri 8:30A-4:30P; Sat 9A-12:00P 

IRB ROTARY 

www.Indian-Rocks-Rotary.org 

Meets at Jimmy Guana's every Wed. 7:15AM 

David Kline, Past President . . . . 593-2605 

ACTION 2000 

John Todia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 595-2369 

Meets 2nd Monday Each Month Beach Art Ctr 

BEACH FOOD PANTRY . . . . . . 517-2534 

1615 First St. M-W-F 10 am-12 pm 

4H CLUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 582-2597 

JULY 

Independence Day 4 

Homeowners Happy Hour 9 

Morton Plant Mease Triathlon 12 

Action 2000 Monthly Meeting 13 

Boat Club Meeting 16 

Blood Mobile at the Post Office 25 

HOA Bowling Night 7pm 31 

AUGUST 

Little League Fall Ball Sign-up 

Trim Notices Mailed 10 




Public School Begins 25 

IRB Community Clean Up 17-19 

Homeowners Quarterly Meeting 19 

Blood Drive at the Post Office 28 

SEPTEMBER 

Labor Day 1 

Largo Chemical Cleanup 6 

Bucs First Real Game 6 

Grandparents Day 6 


EMERGENCIES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1-1 

SHERIFF NON-EMERGENCIES 582-6200 

SHERIFF DISPATCH . . . . . . . . . 582-6177 

IRB FIRE STATION . . . . . . . . . 595-1117 

PINELLAS COUNTY INFO . . . . 464-3000 

LITTLE LEAGUE . . . . . . . . . . . . 434-0511 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

Gulf Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . . 360-6957 

Clearwater Beach . . . . . . . . 447-7600 

AA & AL-ANON MEETINGS . . 595-1038 

ELECTRICITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443-2641 

PHONE (Residential) . . . . . 800-483-4000 

PHONE (Business). . . . . . . 800-483-5000 

WATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4000 

CABLE (Bright House) . . . . . . . . 329-5020 

SEWER / IRB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 595-6889 

TRASH / IRB / Pick Up . . . . . . . 595-6889 

------------------------------------------------- 

COUNTY INFORMATION . . . . 464-3000 

COMMISSION OFFICES. . . . . . 464-3377 

Karen Seel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-3278 

STATE: 

Senator Dennis Jones . . . . 727-549-6411 

Republican, District 13 

8940 Seminole Blvd, Seminole 33772 

Jones.Dennis.web@flsenate.gov 

Representative Jim Frishe . 727-518-3902 

Republican, District 54 

125 Indian Rocks Rd, Belleair Bluffs 

Jim.Frishe@MyFloridaHouse.gov 

Governor Charlie Crist 

Charlie.Crist@myflorida.com 

FLORIDA UNITED STATES SENATORS: 

Mel Martinez . . . . . . . . . . 202-224-3041 

www.Martinez.Senate.gov 

Bill Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202-224-5274 

www.BillNelson.Senate.gov 

AREA UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE: 

Rep Bill Young . . . . . . . . . . 727-394-6950 

9210 113th St, Seminole, FL 33772 

www.house.gov/young 

2009 CALENDAR OF LOCAL EVENTS 

Patriot Day (US) 11 


Boat Club Island Party 19 


HOA Poker Run Bar Crawl 26 

OCTOBER 

City Occupational Licenses Due 1 

Blessing of the Animals 3 


Commitment to Excellence Awards 9 

Boat Club Intracoastal Clean Up 10 

Columbus Day / Holiday 12 


Stone Crab Season Starts 15 


Clearwater Jazz Festival 15-18 

OktoberFest 17 

Coastal Clean Up 17 

Country Jubilee / Heritage Village 24 

John's Pass Seafood Festival 23-25 

Pumpkin Carving 24 

IRB Haunted House 24 

Halloween Half-Marathon 31

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSLETTER


Did You Know.... 

HELP FOR THE PARK Largo received 

a $10,000 grant from the Tampa 

Bay Estuary Program to replant an 

area of the McGough Nature Park. 

The area had been invaded by 

exotic plants. The city removed the 

exotics and on two full Saturdays, 

volunteers replanted the park with 

native plants. The new plants will 

cleanse water before it reaches the 

bay and will help establish a more 

viable habitat to support wildlife. 

Plus it looks better! The park is located just across the 

Walsingham Bridge at 11901 146th St. N. 

_________________________________________________ 

FALL 4-H SIGN-UPS Ochs 4-H Garden is wrapping up 

their gardening season, but it is time to join for the fall 

season. Youth joining become 4-H members and learn 

to become successful earth friendly gardeners. The cost 

is $15 per year and $10 for the plot rental. The garden 

is located at 14644 113th Ave. N., Largo. Contact Jean 

Rogalsky, 582-2597 or jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org. 

Pinellas County 4-H is open to all youth ages 5-18. 

_________________________________________________ 

HURRICANE SEASON BEGAN JUNE 1ST We live in a 

Zone A, so you need a plan. Do you have a place to go? 

Be prepared. For info related to Hurricane services 

offered by Pinellas County during the storm call 464- 

4333. Florida Power Outage Info, call 800-228-8485. 

Our Public Works number is 595-6889. 

_________________________________________________ 

TRIATHLON The 4th Annual Morton Plant Mease Triathlon 

is scheduled for Sunday, July 12. Get more information at 

www.MPMTriathalon.org. or call 638-2853. 

_________________________________________________ 

DONATE YOUR SECONDS There is a new thrift store 

operating at the Church of the Isles. Open Tues. and 

Sat. 10am to 2pm, they sell men, women and children’s 

clothing, plus jewelry, toys, books, DVDs, VCR movies 

and much more. They are asking for donations. Check 

them out at www.SaveYourSeconds.org or call 595- 

7769. 

_________________________________________________ 

RECYCLE YOUR OLD PHONE BOOKS ew phone book 

deliveries are underway. Put your old phone books out 

by the curb on Wednesday mornings and they will be 

picked up with your newspaper recycling. If you prefer, 

you can drop them off at Pinellas County Extension, 

12520 Ulmerton Rd 

_________________________________________________ 

IRB’S HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL CLEAN UP in May had 

403 participants. Residents 

look forward to this annual 

event since it is a convenient 

and proper way to get rid of 

items difficult to dispose. The 

following were collected: 

Electronics - 15,634 lbs. 

Latex Paint - 9,080 lbs. 

Oil-based Paint/Chemicals 

494 gal. & 49,995 lbs. 

Fluorescent Tubing - 400 lbs. 

Car & Boat Batteries - 24 

Propane Canisters - 24 

Fire Extinguishers - 15.


KEEP PINELLAS BEAUTIFUL recognized 

Indian Rocks Beach for their many 

years of participating in the annual 

beach clean-ups. This is a countywide 

effort to reduce litter, encourage 

recycling and improve our local 

communities. Randy Schwab, IRB Public 

Works received their President's Award 

for 10-12 years of service. Pictured 

here is Randy cooking for the volunteers after this year’s 

Keep Pinellas Beautiful Beach Cleanup. 

_________________________________________________ 

SEA TURTLES ARE NESTING As we go to press, 64 turtle 

nests have been found in Pinellas County. The first nest 

of the year, found on May 8, was once again in Indian 

Rocks Beach. We are in the peak of the season, with 3 to 

5 new nests being found each day. Each nest contains 

an average of 100-110 eggs. If you come across a nest, 

please do not disturb it! Call 441-1790 x 224 to report it. 

Nesting season runs through October. 

_________________________________________________ 

FREE BRIDGE LESSONS are available at the Indian 

Shores Town Hall, Mondays. Beginning classes are from 

11am to 1pm, Intermediate classes are from 1 to 

3:30pm. Call Barbara Smith at 392-2704 for info. 

_________________________________________________ 

SEMINOLE HIGH SCHOOL BAND HEADING TO THE 

BIG APPLE They have been selected to march in the 2010 

Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. "This is a once in a lifetime 

opportunity for the kids, parents, staff and school," says 

Chip Wood, Seminole Band Director. Seminole will be the 

first band from the Tampa Bay area to be in the parade. 

Now they have to raise their travel money. 

___________________ 

WHERE IN THE WORLD 

IS JIMMY PALAMARA? 

Our previous City 

Commissioner is in 

Takoradi, Ghana, close 

to Africa’s Ivory Coast. 

He is building a granite 

quarry and concrete 

plant. 

___________________ 

IRB COMMUNITY CLEANUP August 17-19 (Monday- 

Wednesday) Put your big trash out by the street and they 

will pick it up. There are some things not included such 

as refrigerators, contruction debris and boat trailers. If 

you have questions, call Public Works 595-6889. 

_________________________________________________ 

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Here are the 2009 storm names. 

Ana Bill Claudette Danny 

Erika Fred Grace Henri 

Ida Joaquin Kate Larry 

Mindy Nicholas Odette Peter 

Rose Sam Teresa Victor 

Wanda 

There are six hurricane name lists. They rotate each year. 

This year’s list was last used in 2003. Names are 

removed if a storm causes significant damage. The last 

time this list was used, Fabian struck Bermuda as a 

Category 3. It has been replaced by Fred. 

_________________________________________________ 

SKIM BOARD CAMP Kids, looking for a fun summer 

camp? The Island Surf Shop is offering a Skim Boarding 

Camp, July 13-17, 9am-Noon, Monday through Friday. 

Register now at 309 Gulf Blvd or call 596-2244. Then 

enter the Island Shop Skim Competition August 1st.


SAFE BOATING CLASSES: A safe boating course will be 

offered starting July 6 or August 3 at the Clearwater 

Sail and Power Squadron headquarters building at 

1000 Cleveland Street in Clearwater. The cost is $40 

for materials but there is a $5 discount if you bring a 

friend. 50% off for a second family member. To preregister, 

call 441-8775. Please call for additional dates. 

WE'RE #1, AGAIN! 

May 9th, during the annual Stamp 

Out Hunger Food Drive, the 

Pinellas Chapter of the National 

Association of Letter Carriers, West 

Coast Branch collected more food 

than any other region in the U.S, 

for a total of 1.7 million pounds. 

All the food collected in IRB and 

Belleair Beach was delivered to the 

Beaches Community Food Bank in 

the Calvary Episcopal Church. 

The IRB community donated over 

6,300 pounds of food. Our local postal workers picked 

up food all day, and delivered seven truck loads, of all 

types of food, to the Food Pantry. Volunteers were on 

hand to unload and move the food inside the church. 

Later, 33 adults and 9 children inspected, sorted and 

packed the food into other cartons, for use by patrons 

of the Food Pantry. The entire process took four days. 

"I humbly thank the volunteers, the postal workers and 

everyone who donated food," says Harvey Brillat, BCFP 

manager. "This is our mission, to help feed as many 

needy people as God sends us."


TALKIN’ TRASH - WHO'S RESPONSIBLE? 

by Cathleen Shears, IRB resident 

Wayne Ayres of the Indian Rocks Historical Society writes 

"The beach is our treasure… a goldmine for property 

owners, businesses and developers, and a treasured 

recreational resource for the thousands of tourist who 

visit our shores each year." 

The beach is our treasure? 

Plastic bottles, plastic straws, beer bottles, fast food 

wrappers, ubiquitous cigarette butts, the occasional 

soiled disposable diaper, a used condom and dog 

droppings. Sadly, these items are easy to spot during my 

walks on Indian Rock Beach. Who leaves this trash 

behind? The answer is oblivious beach goers who treat 

the beach as if it were their backyard. Do they really do 

this in their own backyards? 

The City of Indian Rocks Beach (IRB) is unique to other 

local beaches in the area, by having numerous beach 

accesses and 300 free parking spaces. This makes IRB a 

popular spot for locals, teens, and tourists. 

I have seen teen surfers surround themselves with plastic 

water bottles, and energy drinks, only to leave all the 

empty containers behind. Others, enjoying the natural 

beauty and sunshine, leave cans, bottles, fast food 

wrappers and empty cigarette packs and their butts on 

the beach, while trash containers are just steps away. 

Sometimes they are polite and bury their trash in a hole. 

Out of sight, no problem. 

The worst fallout is on a Sunday morning. So why do 

these hapless beach tourists and party-goers leave our 

beach literally "trashed"? 

In the May 2009 issue of this newsletter, in an article 

titled Why can't we have bonfires on the beach? 

Assistant Chief Richard T. Walker states that after a busy 

tourist day at the beach the trash is "cleaned up by our 

dedicated public works employees" I agree the City's 

public works crew do a great job, but as a general rule, 

they don't pick up trash that is not in or near the trash 

bins, mostly locals take it upon themselves to do this. 

I have approached dog owners happily walking their 

dog on the beach to remind them that they are at risk of 

a fine (city ordinance 11-57 -no pets on the beach or 

penalty of a $113.00 fine) this is always ignored. Some 

express that it is their right to walk their dog on the 

beach and view the city ordinance as another silly rule. 

The real risk is to others on the beach, especially 

children that play, dig and eat the sand. The 

transmission of disease from animals to humans does 

not cross the mind of dog owners. Even if they pick up 

the poop (most do not), harmful bacteria and worms 

from dog waste, such as Toxicaria, can make people 

sick. Also, it is not nice to see or step in it. 

I do not have a solution to this problem, but felt the 

need to voice my observations. Like so many things in 

life, we won't appreciate what we have until it is gone. It 

is the responsibility of all that read this to protect the 

pristine beauty of this area, and to take their trash with 

them when they leave the beach, yes, cigarette butts too. 

Spread the word and, if you have a rental property on 

IRB, please spread the word to your guests. 

The Beach IS Our Treasure! 

New Location!


ARE YOU READY FOR AN EMERGENCY? 

By Assistant Fire Chief Richard T. Walker 

This time of year considerable information is presented 

about hurricane preparedness. TV weather anchors tell 

us about the possibilities, and the newspaper's "Sunday 

supplement" magazine is published with important 

information about shelters, evacuation routes, and the 

supplies to have on hand. It's nice to have that "annual 

kick" to encourage us to be prepared. 

Let's do something a little different this year. This year 

resolve to make disaster planning a year-round project. 

Should hurricanes be your only concern? A major event 

could happen any time of year disrupting your life 

significantly. What can you do to minimize the impact? 

We live in an exceptional environment but there are 

threats to our safety and not all involve nature. You are 

familiar with severe weather, but other threats include 

structure fires, hazardous materials releases, wildfires, 

flooding, pandemics, terrorist acts and many other events. 

Each can occur any day any time and alter our daily 

routine and our plans for the future. 

By asking yourself these questions and developing a 

sound resolution, you will create the best plan for you and 

your family. What will I do if I can't use my home for a 

significant amount of time? Where will I go to safely 

protect myself and family from other types of hazards? 

How will I inform my loved ones I am safe? How will I 

reunite with them in a safe place? How will I provide for 

myself if there is an economic disruption? 

Please do not underestimate the threat of a major 

hurricane or other disaster and the affect it will have on 

your life. Use the information presented by the media 

and the government as a tool to wisely extend that 

personal plan that will focus on an all hazard world. 

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY PLANS NEW PROGRAMS 

The Friends of the Library board has a new president, 

Jean Scott. Assisting Jean are Joe Gillespie, vicepresident, 

Joan Huntley, Secretary, Louise LaSala, 

treasurer, and Mary Lou Jenkins, Assistant Treasurer. New 

directors are Gayle Peters, Liliane Alexander, Bets Driscoll, 

and Vivian Nolan. 

The Friends of the Library is a non-profit organization 

established to support and promote the operations of the 

Indian Rocks Beach Library. It was founded almost 35 

years ago as a non-profit corporation. Its mission 

included running the library until the city took over 

management and hired librarian, Jane Mitchell, last year. 

The Friends continue to provide the library with a staff of 

volunteers to help operate the library. In addition the 

Friends of the Library applies its resources monetarily to 

help the city in a variety of ways. They recently donated 

funds to the popular West Pinellas Little League "home" 

team that plays in Kolb Park. 

One of Scott's goals for the Friends is to develop library 

programs for the community’s children. Valerie Torres 

and a committee of parents is spearheading the effort to 

design kid-friendly activities. 

The Friends are open to activities that could be developed 

to benefit other groups. The library serves as home base 

for two book groups, and could also be the focal point 

for adults in activities such as scrabble, bridge or chess. 

To learn more about the Friends of the Library or to 

volunteer, contact Jean Scott at 595-1531, email: 

jscott15@tampabay.rr.com.


INDIAN ROCKS HOMEOWNERS 

ASSOCIATION NEWS 

2009 HAPPY HOURS 

Homeowners Happy Hours continue at 

the following restaurants: 

July: My Place August: Salt Rock 

These FREE Happy Hours are 6-7:30 pm the second 

Thursday of the month. Visit IRBhome.com for info. 

THE ANNUAL MEETING was May 20th. The Officers 

are Phil Wrobel, President, Dave Phearson Vice 

President, Jacque Enderle, Secretary and Becky Griffin, 

Treasurer. Two new Board members were added - Lisa 

Dawson and Caroline Dischinger 

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD 

GOLF TOURNAMENT 

was held May 30th at the 

Largo Golf Course. Over 

30 neighbors turned out 

to play. Congratulations 

to Ken Crabtree and 

Cheryl Meister, our 

winners. They had the 

lowest scores! The HOA 

hopes to plan another event in the fall. 

BOWLING NIGHT FRIDAY, JULY 31st The Homeowners 

Association plans more summer fun with a Bowling Night 

at Twedt's Bowling Alley across from Largo Mall. We will 

start at 7pm. Bowling is $11 for two hours, including 

shoes, plus your own refreshments. Prizes will be awarded 

for the best and worst scores. This is just to have fun. RSVP 

by July 27th to becky@irbhome.com or call 517-3131. 

SECOND ANNUAL POKER RUN BAR CRAWL Plans are 

underway for the HOA Poker Run, Saturday, September 

26. Visit your favorite IRB restaurants and bars, followed 

by the after party at Crabby Bill’s Loading Dock. 250 

people participated last year. Plans are still formulating, 

but watch for applications in the next newsletter. New 

this year will be special edition Poker Run T-Shirts. 

THIRD ANNUAL TASTE OF IRB will be November 7th. 

We are just starting to plan this event. If you are 

interested in being a participating vendor or a sponsor, 

please email info@irbhome.com 

BIGGEST BEACH PARTY EVER Thank You to everyone 

that helped to make the "Biggest Beach Party Ever" the 

biggest beach party EVER! A Big Thanks to our sponsors 

Century 21 Beggins, Crabby Bills, and 688 Fine Wine 

and Spirits, and to the volunteers that worked so hard all 

night. We also appreciate everyone that came out to 

enjoy such a beautiful, fun night on the beach. 

IRB HOMEOWNERS BOAT CLUB 

ISLAND PARTY On May 17th, the group spent the 

afternoon on Caladesi Island for an Island Party. Over 

30 people on 11 boats participated. Everyone had so 

much fun, they agreed to repeat it soon. 

SECOND ANNUAL END OF SUMMER ISLAND PARTY 

is September 19th. Last year over 100 people gathered 

on the island at the north end of IRB. Everyone should 

plan to bring their own meat for the grill, drinks and a 

dish to share. Look for details as it gets closer. 

MEETINGS are the third Thursday each month, at Marlin 

Time Sports Bar (inside Brewmasters), 6pm for happy 

hour and 7pm for the meeting. Contact Bob Griffin at 

517-1997 or BoatClub@IRBhome.com to join.

S O M E O F T H E B E S T D R 

Photos by Wayne Cathel, Belleair Images, belleairimages.com

R I N K S O N O U R B E A C H


FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF JIM COATS 

July 1, 2009 the Sheriff's Office will 

begin enforcing a new County Alarm 

Ordinance. The ordinance, will require 

home and business owners to register 

their alarm systems with our office; or 

face the possibility of being fined for 

any false alarms which may occur at 

the home or business. Over 90% of 

alarm calls investigated by our deputies 

turn out to be false alarms. The 

purpose of the ordinance is to reduce the number of false 

alarms in our jurisdiction and the time it takes for our 

deputies to respond to them. Fewer false alarms will 

contribute to the efficiency of deputies on patrol, by 

freeing them up to respond to other calls for service. 

The ordinance covers the unincorporated area of Pinellas 

County and the 12 cities that contract with us for law 

enforcement services including Indian Rocks Beach. 

In order to assist home and business owners in all of 

these areas in complying with the new county alarm 

ordinance we have created the Sheriff's Alarm 

Registration Program or SHARP. 

Alarm subscribers registered with SHARP who experience 

a false alarm event due to equipment malfunction or 

other related problems receive two free passes annually 

on false alarms. 

Home or business alarm owners who are not registered 

with Sharp do not receive any free passes and will be 

subject to a fine as identified: One - three Alarms $175 

Fine per Alarm, Four $200, Five $250, Six $400, Seven 

and above $600. 

Registered alarm owners who experience more than two 

false alarm events in one revolving year will be subject to 

fines, as identified: Three Alarms $75 Fine per Alarm, 

Four $100, Five $150, Six $300, Seven or more $500 

An appeals process is available to both registered and 

non-registered subscribers. Fines will be collected by the 

Sheriff's Office after the alarm subscriber is notified 

following a violation. 

There is no registration fee to sign up with SHARP. 

There are several ways to register: 

Go to Pinellas County Sheriff's Office website 

pcsoweb.com and click on the SHARP icon to fill out the 

registration form on-line. 

Click on the Sheriff's Office link on the Pinellas County 

Government website at www.pinellascounty.org, or from 

the websites for any of the twelve contract cities. 

Pick up a SHARP registration form at the following 

locations; 

l Pinellas County Sheriff's Administration Building 

10750 Ulmerton Rd., Largo 

l Pinellas Sheriff's North District Office 

737 Louden Avenue, Dunedin 

l Pinellas County Courthouse - Information Desk 

315 Court Street, Clearwater 

l The city halls of the Sheriff's twelve contract cities. 

For more information on SHARP or for answers to 

questions about registration, please call (727) 582-2870 

or email sharp@pcsonet.com. 

We look forward to working with home and business 

owners as we transition into compliance with the new 

county ordinance.


PREPARING YOUR BEACH 

HOME FOR HURRICANE 

SEASON 

by Eric Meyer 

New building codes have addressed 

many issues safeguarding homes 

against high winds and rain exposure 

during tropical storms and hurricanes. 

However, homes built prior to these 

codes, built without impact resistant doors, windows, 

garage doors, and additional roof and structural 

attachments could be vulnerable to serious damage or 

collapse. 

There are many things you can do to safeguard your 

home and belongings: 

l Trim all trees and shrubs, and check the drainage 

around your house. Be prepared to move all yard 

furniture, umbrellas etc. that can be blown and cause 

dangerous penetration to your home or others. 

l Install an anchor system for larger outdoor items that 

you can not move or store indoors during a storm. 

l Caulk all windows, doors, flashing and soffits. 

Regular painting of the exterior of your home will help 

seal your block or wood and help prevent water 

intrusion. 

l Check your roofing and exterior decks to make sure 

they are not in need of repair. Waterproofing these 

areas now can save your home and prevent costly 

damages. 

l Make sure you have temporary protection, such as 

hurricane panels ready to be installed if you do not 

have high impact resistant windows and doors. 

l Replace your garage door with a high impact 

resistant one, or strengthen your existing garage door. 

This is a very large opening to a home that can be 

penetrated by high winds. Once this happens, it causes 

internal pressure to build upward to your roof and 

outward to your exterior walls, and can cause serious 

damage. 

l Have your roof trusses inspected, and add extra 

reinforcement wherever possible. 

l Install a backflow protection device in your sewer line. 

l Install an electrical transfer switch to hook up your 

generator for emergency power. 

For a free consultation, or to learn more about 

remodeling your home with hurricane resistant features, 

call me, I can help. 

Eric Meyer, Dynamic Property Services 

727-744-0123


A DAY AT THE BEACH 

By Jim Frishe, Rep., District 54 

Even in these economic times, the 

Florida Legislature recognizes the 

importance of our beaches to the 

welfare of our great state. This year, 

through Representative Frishe and 

Senator Jones efforts, Pinellas County 

will receive state assistance with beach re-nourishment 

of Sand Key, Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach. 

Pinellas County has long been known for our beautiful, 

beaches. Our beaches serve as a first line of defense 

against storm surge, and help protect our coastal 

communities from storm damage. Because tourism is 

such a vital part of our local economy, it is imperative 

we maintain high standards for our beaches. We need 

to keep the tourists coming. In order to accomplish 

these goals, it was vital that we receive state assistance 

for the re-nourishment of our beaches. 

Representative Frishe & Senator Jones worked long and 

hard in a difficult budget year to make certain the beach 

re-nourishment funds for our county remained in the 

budget. They were successful and because of that 

success, our beaches will be re-nourished, they will 

continue to help provide vital protection to our coastal 

communities, our families will continue to enjoy the 

beaches and the tourists will keep coming. 

However, even more importantly to our citizens, they will 

have beaches where they and their children and 

grandchildren can enjoy a day at the beach in Pinellas 

County. They have the opportunity to continue a true 

Florida tradition and introduce their children and 

grandchildren to the tradition of a Day At The Beach. 

DID YOU KNOW 

BUGS HAVE A SEASON? 

Bugs really do have a season. That season is now, from 

spring until fall. Right now, many people are having 

problems with palmetto bugs (cockroaches), ants, fleas, 

ticks, rodents, and more. Ants are the number 1 

problem in the United States. A friendly reminder: Pest 

live in debris. They love unraked leaves, and trees or 

bushes that haven't been maintained. Keeping your 

yard neat will help cut down 

on pest problems. When 

that isn’t enough, Indian 

Rocks Beach residents 

have a local Pest Control 

Company around the 

corner. Tammy and Dana 

McCutchan are the owners 

of Island Pest Control, located 

on 7th Ave. in Indian Rocks 

Beach. They have been in the 

Pest Control business for 23 

years and truly cater to their 

customers. When you have a pest 

problem they respond in a 

timely manner. Don't be 

bugged, call Tammy 

at Island Pest 

Control today! 

(727) 596-7715.


ROTARY NEWS 

A ROTARY INVITATION 

In my most recent article, I discussed a new 

direction for our Rotary Club, the Rotary 

Youth Exchange (RYE) program. This was 

our club's first foray into a program that has 

been a part of Rotary International for over 75 years. 

Two members sent a son and a daughter to Brazil and 

Japan respectively. As a part of the 'exchange', Baptiste 

Jenard, from France spent his senior year at Seminole 

High, staying with two of our clubs host families. 

We will soon be saying goodbye to Baptiste as he leaves 

Florida and returns home to France. Our two outbound 

students Patrick Johnson and Kathleen OrRico, will be 

returning home to our area at the same time. 

Students are encouraged to keep an on-line journal of 

their experiences so that we can track their thoughts and 

feelings as they go through what many of them will 

agree, was the greatest adventure of their young lives. 

My first invitation to all of this column's readers is to log 

on to ryeflorida.org and experience first hand the highs 

and lows of a senior high school student far from home. 

A stout heart, personal confidence and a desire to take 

that first step is all they needed. Adventure indeed! 

The title of this article is 'A Rotary Invitation' and although 

I have invited you read about the experiences of our past 

RYE participants, the real purpose of this invitation is to 

invite you directly into the world of one of these students. 

IRB Rotary proudly welcomes this year's inbound student, 

Cansu, who comes from Turkey, and will be arriving in 

August. Applicants are required to write a letter of 

introduction and Cansu's letter reflects a multi-talented 

individual with varied interests. Here is an excerpt: "I 

want to introduce my country in a good way as well as 

improving myself and my English. I would like to discover 

the other cultures and have new friends. I believe that 

international peace can be provided with little steps. If I 

become friends with my foreign peers, we can clear 

away the prejudice among different nations. I think 

mutual understanding between me and my prospective 

foreign friends will lead to better international 

communication." 

Pretty heady stuff from a high school senior! These are 

the types of kids that are chosen for a chance to be an 

ambassador for their home country. 

We are offering an invitation to any family who may be 

interested in hosting Cansu for a minimum of two 

months during the 2009-2010 school year. Host families 

will have the chance to be an ambassador in their own 

right. You do not have to be a Rotarian to be a host 

family. 

This article cannot begin to answer the questions that a 

host families may have regarding this opportunity. We 

encourage anyone interested in hosting Cansu, contact 

me or Walt Johnson 397-9022 or Dan OrRico 410- 

3636. We will discuss the details with you. Walt and 

Dan have firsthand knowledge, as their children have 

been outbound representatives and both hosted Baptiste. 

Cansu said it perfectly. 'International peace can be 

provided with little steps.' Little steps provided by 

programs like Rotary Youth Exchange. 

Respectfully, David Kline, Past President IRB Rotary Club 

727-593-2605, kline21@tampabay.rr.com.


Business Briefs.... 

WAL-MART OPENING SOON 

Neighborhood Market is 

scheduled to open Wed., July 

22. This is different from a 

normal Wal-Mart. It will 

primarily sell food, and have a 

pharmacy. Jim Nelson (pictured 

here) is the new manager. He 

says shoppers will find prices in 

his store to be approximately 

30% lower than Publix. The 

store be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

_________________________________________________ 

NEW PLACE FOR BREAKFAST The Red Lion Pub is 

now offering breakfast seven days a week 

_________________________________________________ 

SMOOTHIES GONE 

WILD is a new 

business in IRB. Greg 

Blaine (left) and Jeremy 

Beacham have opened 

Smoothies Gone Wild 

at the corner of Gulf 

Blvd. and Walsingham 

Rd. in the Sand Dollar 

Plaza. Drop by for a 

cool one, made from 

scratch. 

____________________ 

NEED A BIKE? The Island Surf Shop is now offering 

beach bike rentals. If you need a bike for a day, or 

know someone who does, call Larry at 596-2244. 

_________________________________________________ 

LAUGHING LIZARD BED & BREAKFAST hosted its 

first wedding on May 1, 

as JoAnn Purdy and 

Dennis Bacon, both of 

Davis Island, exchanged 

vows in the Lizard Hall 

gathering room. "We 

chose the Laughing 

Lizard for our wedding 

because we wanted a 

small, intimate setting, 

somewhere with a casual 

atmosphere where we could relax and be ourselves," 

says Mrs. Bacon. Contact Laughing Lizard at 595-7006. 

Photo by Jenny Brockwell-Frank, Jenny B. Photography 

_________________________________________________ 

CRABBY BILL’S was recently voted the St. Pete Time's 

Reader's Choice as one of 25 iconic restaurants that 

have been in business 25 years or longer. They 

celebrated by serving $4.99 Grouper sandwiches the 

day the article was printed, as their way of saying thank 

you to everyone voting for them. 

_________________________________________________ 

BAR LUNA CAFE should be open by the time you read 

this. Next to Cafe Soleil at 1511 Gulf Blvd., they will 

serve beer and wine, light food, and have music. The 

hours are tentatively 4 to 10pm week days, and 4 

to11pm Fridays and Saturdays. 

_________________________________________________ 

CLOSED / OUT OF BUSINESS: 

LA CACHETTE closed in June 

AL & STELLA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT, Moved in June to 

a new location in Clearwater Beach. Sign on the door 

says a new restaurant is coming soon.


Mo r e P h o t o s o f B r a n d o n s P a vi lio n 

Thank you to Shera Bie and Bill Brandon, who 

supplied photos and information for our article.


ACTION 

2000 NEWS 

Business Enhancement 

Program Businesses are 

encouraged to take 

advantage of $1,000 in 

matching funds A2K is offering to assist businesses 

conform to the new signage ordinance. Contact Bert 

Valery 727-0517 to see if your business qualifies. 

Cinco De Mayo Mixer at My Place Restaurant was a 

celebration of Action 2000’s 10th Anniversary. The 

original founders were honored and given Anniversary 

Founder Shirts. The honored guests present were Ralph 

Montgomery, Larry Torgeson, Michael Davis, Patti 

Munio, Bert Valery, Sigal 

Dory and Ed Starr. Thanks 

to these dedicated 

individuals. Our town has 

benefited greatly. 

2009 Preservation Awards 

were given to business 

and residence owners on 

Gulf Blvd who preserve 

the small town 

atmosphere of Indian Rocks Beach. Action 2000, and 

the Plein Aire Cottage Artists honored: 

Crabby Bills - Matt Lounder & Family 

Indian Rocks Tackle - Donna & Bill Greenway 

Residence, 16 Gulf Blvd - Seal/Garcia & Family 

Residence, 18 Gulf Blvd - Zubrod & Family 

Bronze plaques awarded will be proudly displayed at 

their homes and businesses. 

Yacht Basin Beautification Project Eric Meyer made a 

presentation for an Observation Deck/Trolley Stop on 

the east side of Gulf Blvd across from 6th Ave. This 

area will provide a break in the existing concrete 

barrier, and provide a glimpse of the Yacht Basin for 

everyone to enjoy. A2K has allocated $ 25,000 for 

this project. Preliminary plans are pending final review 

and approval by the City. Contact Eric Meyer 

findericmeyer@tampabay.rr.com or 744-0123 for info. 

Oktoberfest Planning Underway We are in need of 

sponsors, vendors and volunteers. Silent Auction items 

are now being solicited. This is a popular event and 

enjoyed by all. For info, contact Diane Flagg 612-9454, 

or flaggmeyer@yahoo.com. Visit irbaction2000.com to 

see the pictures from last year’s event! 

Monthly meetings are held the second Monday of each 

month at 6:30 pm in the Beach Art Center.


IRB BUDGET REVENUES 

Everyone in City Hall is busy putting together the 2010 

budget. Presentations have already been made to your 

City Commission by the City Manager and the Finance 

Director. In reality, there are four separate budgets: 

The General Fund, Capital Improvements, Solid Waste 

Enterprise Fund, and the Sewer Enterprise Fund. Did 

you ever wonder where all the money comes from? 

The Capital Improvements Budget includes our Local 

Options Sales Tax, called Penny for Pinellas, our share 

of the gasoline sales tax, and any grants we may 

receive. Depending on the source, this money is 

required by law to only be spent on certain projects, not 

the daily running of the city. For example, gasoline tax 

must be spent on street resurfacing and repair. Grant 

money must only be spent on the project it applies to. 

We have two Enterprise Funds, Sewer and Solid Waste. 

Their money comes from user fees, meaning you and 

me. All the money collected by an enterprise fund, must 

only be used for that fund's operation. Any surplus can 

not be transferred into another fund, and as we learned 

last year, another fund can not be used to cover an 

Enterprise fund’s shortfalls. They are designed to pay 

their expenses, including maintenance and equipment. 

The General Fund is what runs our city. During the 

budget process, this is where most of the planning and 

hair splitting occurs. Last year's General Fund budget 

was $ 3.1 million. 54% of the General Fund money 

($1.7 million) came from our property taxes. The 

Commission determines the amount of that money by 

setting the city mileage rate. The county includes it on 

your tax bill, with other taxes, such as Pinellas County, 

Education and others. Indian Rocks Beach's share of 

your total property tax bill, 10-11%, a the small part. 

General Fund money 

comes from other 

sources as well. About 

12% of the fund's 

income comes from 

Franchise Taxes (Progress 

Energy, Verizon, etc.). 

Revenue Sharing from 

the State (Half-Cent 

Sales Tax) makes up 

10%, and others such as 

Communications Taxes, 

Licenses & Permits, and 

Sanderson working on the budget 

User Fees make up the rest. In the last budget, it added 

up to $3,131,559. 

This year, property tax revenue is expected to be down 

15% or $300,000. This is due to the decrease in IRB's 

appraised property values. We will get a final estimate 

from the County on July 1st. "We either have to replace 

that revenue, cut expenses or do a little of both," says 

Sandy Sanders, IRB Finance Director. "All departments 

have been asked to submit their plans to the City 

Manager." Due to the economy, and reduced spending, 

gasoline and sales tax revenues may be lower. 

Budget Workshops are scheduled in the City Hall 

Auditorium on July 9th and 23rd at 7pm. Our "millage" 

estimate must be sent to the County by August 4, so that 

you can receive your TRIM notice by August 10. There 

will be two public hearings on the budget, September 

10th and 24th, also at 7pm in the City Hall Auditorium. 

It will take effect on October 1st.

Brandon's Pavilion - Beach Neighborhood Newsletter

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