Gulf Beach Masons deliver Christmas baskets
MADEIRA BEACH — Some 15 members of Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge here helped delivered holiday cheer — and food baskets — to 10 local families this Christmas.
Each basket included a large ham, and all the traditional side dishes needed to prepare a full and festive Christmas dinner.
This annual effort is a long-standing tradition for the Lodge. Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge has been providing holiday food baskets to the community for more than 45 years.
Those interested in learning more about Freemasonry or Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge may visit www.gulfbeachlodge.org or email the Lodge Secretary at secretary@gulfbeachlodge.org
St. Pete Beach Public Library News
ST. PETE BEACH — The St. Pete Beach Public Library has set its upcoming schedule.
• Tuesdays, 10 a.m. — Story Time! This lively story time is perfect for children ages 5 and under and their caregivers. Explore stories, songs and movement that build early literacy skills and support motor development.
• Thursday, January 1 Library Closed:
• Friday, Jan. 2, noon — Feature Film: with light refreshments. See spblibrary.com for movie details.
• Saturday, Jan. 3 11 a.m.-noon — Game On! Come try the all-ages interactive projector game system, interactive lightboard, our interactive game table!
• Monday, Jan.5, 11 a.m.-noon — Tech Help: Get help with technology basics for phones, computers, and library-related applications. Monday Tech help is on a walk-in-only basis.
• Tuesday, Jan. 6, 3:30-5 p.m. — Topics in American History: From Empire to Independence: David Busch examines the beginning of Colonization in the New World. The early neglect of the Colonies by England fostered the development of independence. This discussion will analyze the role that British action fueled the desire for independence.
• Wednesday, Jan. 7, 11 a.m. – Donut Happy Hour: Socialize with other adults while enjoying donuts and coffee.
• Thursday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — AARP Smart Driver Course (must register in advance). Visit https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/locator-detail.C43870.html create an account to register for the course. AARP members $20 and non-AARP members $25. You must be registered in advance to take this 6-hour course.
• Friday, Jan. 9, noon — Feature Film: With light refreshments. See spblibrary.com for movie details.
• Saturday, Jan. 3, 11 a.m.-noon. — Game On! Come try out the all-ages interactive projector game system, our interactive lightboard, and our interactive game table!
• Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. — Tech Help Saturdays: Get help with technology basics for phones, computers, and library-related applications. (no repairs). For Saturday Tech Help walk-ins are welcome, or sign up for a 30-minute appointment: https://calendly.com/stpbeachlibrary/30min or call 727-363-9238. Because this program will be occurring after regular library hours, all other library services will be suspended during this time.
Visit SPBLibrary.com for details about other programs.
New hours for Indian Shores Library
Effective Monday, Jan 5, the town of Indian Shores Library has new hours:
• Monday and Wednesday: 1-4 p.m.
• Friday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
In addition to offering a wide selection of titles, the library holds monthly Read & Feed book discussions and book sales at the Indian Shores Sunday Morning Market. The library is not a member of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative but everyone is welcome.
Cost of a library card is $5 annually.
Beaches open for business, fun during holidays
Pinellas County’s beach nourishment project is wrapping up with sand placement and construction taking place on the final beach, Sunset Beach in Treasure Island, county officials say. Construction equipment may be seen on Sunset Beach.
The eight other beaches nourished as part of the project are fully open and ready for residents and visitors to enjoy this holiday season.
Sand Key Beach (Clearwater), Belleair Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, North Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Sunshine Beach and Upham Beach are finished. Tilling and grading, final touches that smooth and fluff the sand, are now complete on all Sand Key beaches.
Dune planting is scheduled to start early next year for all beaches. The vegetation will help hold any newly constructed sand dunes in place, once established.
The $125.7 million project is primarily funded by the Tourist Development Tax, also known as the hotel bed tax, paid by visitors. The project was also funded with more than $13 million of state grant funding. Previous projects benefitted from a 65 percent federal cost-share through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but without Army Corps compliant easements from all property owners, the county was not eligible for federal funding.