Arrival of sea lions to open new Aquarium habitat
CLEARWATER — Two new residents will soon arrive at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
The Aquarium announced June 25 that two California sea lions, Tuna and Wahoo, will join its other water-loving creatures in July. Their arrival will also open up the latest habitat at CMA: Pinniped Pier. They will be met by three harbor seals welcomed earlier this year.
Overlooking Clearwater Bay, Pinniped Pier was designed to support the natural behaviors, and welfare needs of both harbor seals and California sea lions. The habitat features areas for swimming, resting and sunning, along with updated thematic elements and specialized sound-mitigation technology.
Together with interactive educational experiences and animal care programs, guests will learn about the challenges sea lions face in the wild, including marine debris entanglement, harmful algal blooms, pollution and changing ocean conditions.
The new habitat was funded with a $6 million grant last year from the Pinellas County Tourism Development Council.
“This project represents a significant step in strengthening our animal care capabilities and enhancing the guest experience, while continuing to invest in the long‑term future of our facility,” said Joe Handy, CEO of CMA. “We are extremely grateful for this grant that gives us an incredible opportunity to welcome these sea lions and seals,” said Handy.
Student achievements
• Cullen Leclair of Clearwater has been named to the Kennesaw State University spring president’s list.
• Brant Simmons of Clearwater graduated from Belmont University in May’s commencement ceremonies.
Open house to explore future of historic North Ward School
CLEARWATER — The city of Clearwater will host an open house at the historic North Ward School Thursday, July 30, 5:30-8 p.m., for a community discussion about the future development and adaptive reuse of the facility.
The city has partnered with the Clearwater Historical Society to showcase historic memorabilia, photographs and artifacts that tell the story of North Ward School and its lasting impact on the community.
The event is sponsored by CGS Energy.
Community members are encouraged to share photographs, stories and memories of North Ward School at MyClearwater.com/NorthWardIdeas. Selected submissions may be featured during the event to help celebrate the school’s legacy and significance to the community.
Visit MyClearwater.com/NightAtNorthWard to register.
Limited parking will be available onsite. Overflow parking is available at the Seminole Boat Ramp, 198 Seminole St., Clearwater.
North Ward School is not currently ADA accessible.
Habitat celebrates eight families achieving homeownership
CLEARWATER — Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside celebrated the home dedications of eight families and the completion of the fifth phase of Longlake Preserve on June 22 in Largo.
Habitat homeowners were joined by family and friends, elected officials, community supporters, Habitat staff, and home sponsors as they opened their front doors for the first time. Home sponsors for the fifth phase of Longlake Preserve include Lokey Charities, Inc., Everbank, Hooters, MarineMax, 1905 Family of Restaurants, and KAM Roofing, as well as G2Design, Longlake Preserve Development Architecture Partner, and Verizon.
Ashley Spiegel, an office manager at VIPcare, delivered remarks on behalf of all the new homeowners. “I want to say thank you so much to Habitat for making our dreams come true,” said Spiegel. “Thank you to every one of our sponsors and volunteers for partnering with us. We couldn’t have done it without all of you.”
Longlake Preserve will feature 52 townhomes and two single-family homes when the community is complete. Longlake Preserve is being built in six phases, with the first five phases now finished and ready for families to move in. Phase six is already under construction and expected to be completed in the coming months. Each home will be purchased with a 0% interest mortgage by families that complete the Habitat program.