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.

…. The recent record cold temperatures were rough on us, but wildlife suffered even more. As the water warms  from the sun you will see what many are predicting a record fish kill. Snook, redfish and many other gamefish will be floating soon.

…. Sand Key will again get a substantial amount for a re-nourishment project scheduled for late 2010 or early 2011.

…. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is asking that you keep your eyes open for distressed sea turtles. You may see them along the water’s edge struggling to stay along the warm sandy edges. Call 727-449-0980 if you observe a turtle in need of help.

…. Don’t forget Backwater’s 5th Annual Chili Cookoff scheduled for 3 PM Sunday, January 31st. You can enter this free event by stopping by the restaurant for the rules and entry form. Judging will take place between 3 and 4 PM. It’s one of our biggest events of the year.

If you are out and about on Saturday, January 9th or Sunday, January 10th stop by the Belleair Bluffs location of Maggie Mae’s. We are toasting the first year’s operation with FREE mimosas (Champagne and orange juice). This is our way of saying THANK YOU to all of our loyal customers.

Visit us for breakfast or lunch. We’ll have some treats for the kids (from 2 to 82) too!

The SKCA will hold its monthly Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday evening  at 7 PM. The Community Sailing Center across from the Sheraton is the Board’s meeting location.

In addition to the regular meeting, the Board is encouraging the residents and owners on Sand Key to join them for refreshments following the business meeting to consider future subjects concerning the area as topics for the SKCA to tackle.

If you haven’t noticed, the barricades to the boat ramp on the Belleair Causeway quietly came down a couple of days ago and the new boat ramp and park is open. It is worth the drive to see the improvements. There is plenty of parking for cars and boats. A pier and access to both the north and south shoreline is provided. Plan a drive across the bridge and a stroll around the area under the bridge. It is worth the view the new park area provides.

Travel to and from Sand Key during tourist season this year will be easier, quicker and safer. Walkers, bicyclists and cars now have their own pathways and construction delays should be eliminated.

It’s unusual that there is no announcement, publicity or fanfare - the boat ramp just opened by removing the blockade. Pinellas County should be commended for the project.

All of us at Backwaters and Maggie Mae’s, the sponsor’s of this blog, send our best wishes to all of the friends, neighbors and customers who cross our paths. We also decided to take a look ahead for the coming months and year(s) for the issues, events and trends that will affect Sand Key. In no particular order here are some of our thoughts;

• Perhaps environmentally the most important issue to face the residents of Sand Key and beach communities will be the fate of proposed oil drilling along Florida’s coastline. The pros and cons are enormous. Sand Key will have to take a stand.
• Real estate will surely rebound in the coming year if the economy improves. It may take some time for the buyers to equal the number of units for sale on Sand Key as waterfront properties will be the last to see sales growth.
• The move to secede from the City of Clearwater spawned by some well intentioned activists in the area will see some headlines, but the poorly thought out plan will ultimately go nowhere.
• The old Cabana Club property will sit vacant and the lawsuit to halt construction will be a blessing in disguise for the developers until the economy rebounds. The Cabana Club was a money losing operation that closure and subsequent delay of construction was a welcome relief to negative cash flow.
• The Sand Key Civic Association may become more actively involved in legislation, the City of Clearwater and island needs, since some of the seats on the Board of Directors are now in the hands of people and residents who have pushed for a more active community organization.

Finally, our predictions for Sand Key in 2010 includes brighter sunshine, whiter beaches, more swaying palm trees, more sightings of dolphin playing and birds feeding on the richness of the Gulf! That’s how we see it!