Pinellas County schools raise grades

Submitted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 30th, 10:05 am

Pinellas County, Florida -- Results of this year’s A+ School Grades and AYP scores released today by the Florida Department of Education show Pinellas County Schools with an overall improvement compared to last year. Six more elementary and one more middle school received an ‘A’ this year. The overall district grade was a B.

“We knew there would be challenges this year because of changes in the way the school grade is calculated – the new FCAT 2.0 test, increased standards for writing and changes in the rubric,” said Dr. Julie M. Janssen, superintendent.

Watch Superintendent Janssen discuss the results on video

“In Pinellas, we had significant improvements, especially in our struggling schools. There’s always room for improvement, but overall, I am pleased that our focus on teacher professional development and targeting our resources to meet specific school needs has resulted in improved student performance. Our teachers and our students deserve to be recognized for their achievements.”

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Road closure along Union Street

Submitted by Kip Michalak, Associate Producer

Thursday, June 30th, 2011, 9:31am

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Union Street from Highland Avenue to Keene Road will be closed to traffic on Wednesday, June 29 and Thursday, June 30, due to milling and paving that will take place. Sunset Point Road can be used as a detour route.

For more information on this road closure, call the Traffic Engineering Division at (727) 562-4776.

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10 News and friends bring All American Blood Drive to Clearwater

Submitted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 29th, 11:38 am

Clearwater, Florida -- 10 News -WTSP has teamed up with WQYK 99.5 FM, Florida Blood Services, and Sweetbay Supermarkets to sponsor "Ten News All American Blood Drive" on Thursday, June 30 and Friday, July 1, 2011, to help build our community's blood supply as we prepare for the long Independence Day Holiday weekend ahead.

Florida Blood Services will have bloodmobiles onsite from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., at the following location in Clearwater this week:

Sweetbay Supermarket, 1861 N. Highland Ave., Clearwater (July 1 only)

All lifesaving donors will receive

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Pinellas County Schools launches newsroom as part of new website

Submitted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 29th, 10:11 am

Pinellas County Schools launched a new interactive website recently at www.pcsb.org. The new format and cutting-edge design features expanded navigation bars and drop-down menus that provide quick and easy access to all district information.

The scrolling upcoming events bar, photo gallery and quick links on the homepage give users up-to-date information, news and instant access to student assignment, school board meetings and significant district initiatives. Social Media tools such as Facebook and Twitter are just one click away.
PCS Portal, the district’s innovative, secure gateway to information, communication and learning for teachers, parents, students, volunteers and staff is conveniently located on every page.

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Causeway bridge to close Monday night

Submitted by Jim Peppard, Assignment Editor

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011, 10:29pm

Clearwater Beach, Florida -- The Memorial Causeway Bridge will be closed from about 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday night, during the fireworks show near Coachman Park.

The city recommends motorists use the Belleair Bridge as a detour during that time.

The Drew Street extension from Cleveland Street to Osceola Avenue will be closed to traffic from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, to let crews prepare for the Independence Day celebrations.

The city reminds residents that alcoholic beverages, glass containers or bottles, canopies, pets and personal fireworks are not allowed in Coachman Park.

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Woman walking dog finds man's body

Submitted by Tammie Fields, Weekend Anchor/Reporter

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011, 5:25pm

Clearwater, Florida - Clearwater police say a woman walking her dog on Monday evening near the area of Countryside Boulevard in Clearwater discovered the body of 40-year-old Casey Steven Garber.

Police say it appears Garber suffered trauma to his upper body.

The area where Garber was found is in a wooded area behind what used to be Dogwater Cafe at 2506 Countryside Boulevard.

Click here for a photo gallery of the area.

Tuesday afternoon police tape remained crisscrossed around trees, bushes and a paved pathway to mark the area which was once the Clearwater Executive Golf Course. The Village on the Green condos overlook portions of the field where Garber's body was found.

Garber was arrested in May of 1999 in Tampa on a charge of trafficking cocaine.

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New pTEC Tech to Open in August

Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 28th, 7:36 am

Pinellas County -- The Pinellas Technical Education Center is expanding its career technical education to select district juniors and seniors. The newly formed pTEC Technical Institute (pTEC Tech) is scheduled to open in August for students from Boca Ciega, Dixie Hollins, Gibbs and Lakewood high schools. It will be located at the pTEC St. Petersburg campus, 901 34th Street South.

These select students will have the opportunity to pursue workforce education while continuing to earn credits toward their high school diploma. Students will take academic classes for half of their day and, for the other half, they will be able to choose from either automotive or health care profession classes.

The program will emphasize academic rigor and relevance leading to industry certification. Approximately 40 students have expressed interest in becoming members of the inaugural class of pTEC Tech. Students who have signed up for the program will shadow pTEC adult students this summer to ensure a smooth transition from their traditional high schools.

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