Sand Key Florida Blog

Apparently, you can build a 54 room hotel with guests, a restaurant for 175 people and employ dozens of people and need only 54 parking spots on Sand Key. At least that is the approximate impact of the court’s decision to allow the project to move forward after a lengthy court battle.

The City of Clearwater had approved the project, but the residents had sued to make the City stick to existing parking requirements, rather than grant variances to the hotel project. If the project is built as planned, it will be interesting to see where all the traffic and cars will be shuffled to make this work without constant congestion in the area. The Biltmore has said they will have valet parking - but valet to where?

Once again, this is a call for the residents of Sand Key to meet with the City to agree upon future development issues. A plan needs to be developed now, rather than after the fact. Precedent for building limitations was evident in the Beach by Design plan for Clearwater Beach. We may not agree with the results, but there was a general plan to limit certain types of structures, heights and density. There is no plan for Sand Key. Now is the time to reach an agreement - not after plans are approved for another project in the future.

The SKCA Board will meet at the Community Sailing Center at 7 PM on Wednesday, March 3, 2010. The agenda includes discussion of a possible website and newsletter. Other matters for review is the current year’s operating budget and committee protocol in the future.

The committee planning the Sand Key Festival, tentatively planned for April 17th, will also give an update.

The public is welcomed and encouraged at these Board meetings.

Sand Key events that have been confirmed and events planned by Backwaters on Sand Key have been posted on this blog. Just follow this link to the entire schedule.

As the year progresses and events are confirmed they will be added to the schedule. Check back frequently or sign up for Backwaters Eclub Newsletter.

Clearwater Sea Blues festival will highlight the weekend’s activities at Coachman Park. Beginning on Friday, February 19th the sound of blues will start at 5:30 PM on the grassy slopes of the park. The weather is supposed to cooperate and top name entertainment has been booked for this FREE event.

For a complete schedule and the headliner acts performing visit www.clearwaterseablues.com.

A special board meeting of the Sand Key Civic Association has been called for 7 PM Wednesday, February 17, 2010. The subject is the budget for the planned Spring Festival.

NOTE the different location: 1430 Gulf Blvd, South Beach 11, Club Room.

All residents and interested parties are welcome.

In an effort to raise awareness about the plans to allow oil drilling along Florida’s coast, organizers of Hands Across the Sand plan a beach rally that includes people joining hands at 1:30 PM on beaches throughout the state. This union will reflect the group’s opposition to the risk of environmental disaster from oil spills and other effects that could spoil the natural beauty we share.

Hands Across the Sand also recognizes the significance of beaches as a draw for the largest industry in the state - tourism. A single oil spill could destroy the states economy for years to come.

For more information about this event, click here for the website.

Chili Cookoff Winners

Backwater’s on Sand Key held their 5th Annual Chili Cookoff on Sunday, January 31, 2010. While Bill Runyan (center in picture) won first place and Alex Zak (pictured on left), resident of Sand Key, captured second place, drama ensued in the battle for third.

The smell of chili powder, peppers and and spices will be in the air on Sand Key this Sunday, January 31, 2010. Backwaters will host the 5th Annual Chili Cookoff for the best chili makers in the area. The judging begins at 3 PM and the top three finishers are announced between 4 PM and 5 PM. You still have time to enter. It’s free - just stop by Backwaters and pick up the entry form and rules.

It’s a fun event and spectators get to taste the chilis after judging is complete. Join your friends and neighbors at Backwaters on Sand Key!

The Sand Key Civic Association has scheduled the February Board meeting on February 3rd at 6 PM. Note the earlier starting time. Immediately following the business meeting will be a Clearwater City Council candidate forum that will address views on matters directly relating to Sand Key.

Agenda items for the business meeting will include discussion of the Spring Festival being planned and website implementation.

To keep up to date on the Spring Festival you can visit the Sand Key Blog for details as they are posted. The steering committee is meeting again on Thursday, January 28th at Backwaters.

Gene Gillespie of the Sand Key Civic Association is heading up a steering committee to explore the possibility of of an annual event to bring the residents of Sand Key together at a festival type party to be held potentially at The Shoppes of Sand Key. The goal is for people in the area to get more acquainted in an informal atmosphere and to support the retailers in the Shoppes.

The first meeting was held at Backwaters on Tuesday, January 19th and everyone was given tasks to explore the ideas further. Stay tuned for more, since the Sand Key Blog will be a focal point for communication to the area.

Send you thoughts, comments and suggestions by commenting here. Of course, volunteers to help would be appreciated.