How About The Politics - In Clearwater, Paul Gibson, a political newcomer, upset the hand-picked candidate of the so-called "inner elite" of Clearwater politics.
A close race, but nevertheless, a win for the people of Clearwater.
Gibson stated he would ask the tough questions and would not be a "rubber stamp" for things that have clearly gone amuck in Clearwater. He is only one vote, but it shows the people are upset with the current status of Clearwater City Hall. Wait until the next city election.
In Indian Rocks Beach two newcomers ousted two incumbents who regularly supported Mayor Bill Okunizzi. Those days are over. The people of Indian Rocks Beach want change.
Belleair Beach voted to change its police services and elect a mayor not connected with "the old crowd."
How did Gazette endorsements finish in the elections?
They all won. Not bad.
Build It And They Will Come -- Welcome to Clearwater Beach, Florida.
There are people in Clearwater who helped to create the way Clearwater Beach looks today, a small group, but an organized group nevertheless.
A mess.
Yes, those same folks are now saying that it is only a matter of time when things will get better. Of course, they are the same people that thought Clearwater city planner and expensive consultant Charlie Siemen walked on water. Same people.
Ironically, those folks are not currently supporting Charlie Siemen's grandiose plans for a better Clearwater Beach; in fact, they believe he was wrong in his plans for a better Clearwater. "He was wrong," they say.
Nevertheless, Clearwater Beach languishes with beach road construction, a beachwalk project that has lost some hotel support, closed businesses, declining tourism, real estate flat-line values (I'm being kind) tax and insurance problems. And perhaps one of the worst topics for Clearwater Beach is beach parking space.
In five years it is likely that the future of Clearwater Beach will be evident.
A good place to live and raise a family? A good place to own a business? A beach-friendly place for residents and tourists to enjoy?
Let's hope so.
By the way, where is Charlie?
This Day In History - On March 15, in 44BC, Julius Caesar was stabbed to death by Roman senate conspirators.
1493, on March 15th, Christopher Columbus returned to Spain after sailing to the Western Hemisphere.
On this date in 1820, Maine became the 23rd state of the union.
In 1965 President Lyndon Johnson asked the US Congress to pass law guaranteeing voting rights for all citizens.
March 15th.
Largo's City Manager Changes His Mind - Largo City Manager Steve, soon to be Sue, Stanton, has changed his/her mind regarding possible lawsuits against the City of Largo for wrongful termination.
Most everyone knows about the upcoming sex change operation Stanton expects to have where he will become Sue Stanton. The news came as a shock to people who worked with Stanton . . . as well as his 13-year-old son. (Not good!)
Stanton once said he would not use legal means to fight his removal as city manager. However, Stanton has changed his mind about legal action and will likely make the already carnival atmosphere in Largo more contentious.
Citizens in Largo should be outraged that any city elected official will vote to retain Steve/Sue Stanton. Clearly, Mayor Pat Girard and Commissioner Rodney Woods should be removed from Largo office. The opinions of Girard and Woods about this most bizarre sex change matter belong in places like San Francisco and not Largo.
The Politics Of 2008 -- Obama is leading Hillary in recent national polls reflecting who is the leading Democrat contender for the 2008 presidential race. Rudy Guiliani is leading John McCain in polls reflecting who is the leading Republican.
Of course, many people expect to see Hillary Clinton winning the Democrat Primary and perhaps Newt Gingrich for the GOP. Yep, Newt Gingrich.
Rudy will likely lose ground to more conservative GOP candidates, such as Gingrich, due to his recent divorces and family problems (not to say his political stand on gay rights and abortion), Obama will be attacked by Clinton's supporters as a political newcomer who has not been fully reviewed by anxious political pundits in Washington.
Newt Gingrich vs. Hillary Clinton?
Should be interesting days ahead for people who love politics. Democrats and Republicans will begin to focus on winning the 2008 election and the sparks will fly.
Giant Squid - Can you imagine fishing off the coast of New Zealand in deep water and your fishing line is suddenly wrapped around a giant squid.
Just how big is a giant squid?
About 33 feet long and weighing about half a ton (1,000 pounds.)
The squid was eating a six-foot long fish the fishermen were using as bait when it was "snagged."
This is the largest squid on record; however, scientists believe this type of giant squid gets even larger.
Whalers from old told tales of giant squid fighting large sperm whales as the whales feasted on squid in blue water. Now there is evidence of giant squid that grow at least 33 feet long.
Calamari anyone?
