Ruth Eckerd Hall, HEP to host food drive
CLEARWATER — Ruth Eckerd Hall is again partnering with the Homeless Empowerment Project during this holiday season to help collect food for homeless individuals and families in Pinellas County.
Through Tuesday, Dec. 30, anyone attending a performance at the Hall or the Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre can leave nonperishable food in one of the HEP containers located in the lobby of each theatre. Food donations can also be left at Ruth Eckerd Hall during business hours.
“The need for food donations is more pressing than ever, especially with the anticipated ending of SNAP benefits, which will impact thousands of households throughout our community,” said Ashley Lowery, HEP President and CEO. “Every donation, no matter the size, truly makes a difference.”
Each year HEP serves approximately 40,000 meals in their dining hall.
The Ruth Eckerd Hall Administrative Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Raymond James Central Ticket Office at Ruth Eckerd Hall is open Tuesday through Thursday, from noon to 6 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
For more information, please visit www.RuthEckerdHall.com.
Bikes For Christ sets fundraiser
CLEARWATER — Bikes For Christ will host its second annual “Bicycles and Holiday Bells” fundraised on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 1-3 p.m. at Belleair Towers, 1100 Ponce De Leon Blvd.
Bikes For Christ’s main focus is on veterans working to re-establish themselves, underprivileged children, and individuals seeking a fresh start.
The event will feature photos with Santa, food, drinks, raffles, silent auctions, and a family fun ride on the Pinellas Trail at 2 p.m.
All proceeds go directly to Bikes For Christ’s ongoing programs.
Each year, Bikes For Christ provides approximately 100 bicycles to veterans who are working to rebuild their lives and regain independence.
It also has provided bicycles to underprivileged children at Bailey Elementary School. Since the program’s start seven years ago, the organization has provided about 150 bikes to children at the school.
CMA reports record turtle nest season
CLEARWATER – Clearwater Marine Aquarium is celebrating a historic milestone following its most successful sea turtle nesting season on record, running from May through October.
“We’ve never seen this much activity in a single season,” said Carly Oakley, manager of the Sea Turtle Conservation Program at CMA. “This year, we documented 405 nests and 613 false crawls — a clear sign that more sea turtles are returning to our beaches.”
Compared to 2024, when biologists observed 227 nests and 240 false crawls, this year’s increase marks a significant rebound for local turtle populations.
Despite challenges from last year’s hurricanes, which altered beach topography and created ravines, nesting numbers soared well beyond previous records, CMA said. Favorable weather conditions — with fewer storms and no major hurricanes — contributed to this year’s success.
Beach renourishment projects may also play a role. “By restoring and expanding our beaches, we’re providing more space for sea turtles to nest,” Oakley explained. “This could lead to even higher numbers in the coming years — though it may take decades to fully see the results.”
“While this record-breaking season is a reason to celebrate, it’s not a reason to relax,” Oakley said. “Protecting sea turtles is an ongoing effort — and every person who visits our beaches plays a part.”
Clearwater Community Band sets concert
The Clearwater Community Band will present a small ensemble recital Saturday, Nov. 15, 2 p.m., at North Bay Community Church, 3170 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater.
The concert will showcase several of the band’s accomplished musicians.
The concert is free. Donations are appreciated.