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'Phenomenal programs' receive a helping hand
Nearly $2-million will be divided among 15 of them, including the Largo Therapeutic Theatre, thanks to a Pinellas grant program.
By NICOLE JOHNSON
Published March 4, 2005
The Largo Therapeutic Theatre will take its show on the road with the help of Pinellas County.
The eight-week drama program, designed for children with disabilities, will buy mobile stage equipment and backdrops with an $8,885 grant the county awarded it this week.
"This will give them a chance to take their shows to schools and other places," said Jennifer McMahon, recreation manager at Largo's Southwest Recreation Complex. "It helps them with coordination and self-esteem."
In its third year, the Pinellas County Recreational Grant Program will divide almost $2-million among 15 programs across the county, such as the Largo Therapeutic Theatre.
"This year we're going beyond swing sets and sandboxes," Commissioner Ronnie Duncan said. "We have a need for programs for the handicapped and senior citizens. . . . This will fund some phenomenal programs."
After transportation and emergency services, providing recreation programs is among the biggest priorities for the county, Duncan said.
The grant program is aimed at providing recreational opportunities for residents of unincorporated Pinellas. To do so, grant applicants must identify how much of their program will serve unincorporated residents, said Kathy Swain, operations manager for parks and recreation.
A panel of representatives from the county's real estate, planning, youth services and parks and recreation advisory boards judges the applications. Jurisdictions and nonprofit programs are encouraged to apply.
This year, Clearwater will receive $50,000 to build a boundless playground that will, among other aspects, make it easier for children in wheelchairs to use swing sets.
The Clearwater Community Sailing Center will receive $225,000 to fund scholarships so about 850 people will get to take sailing lessons.
About $350,000 of the Pinellas grant money is earmarked for the county's recreational fees reimbursement program.
Residents of unincorporated Pinellas can apply to be reimbursed for the difference of parks and recreation fees they pay to join incorporated programs.
For example, Clearwater's annual parks and recreation membership fee is $5 for residents and $80 for nonresidents.
The county's reimbursement program makes it possible for residents of unincorporated Pinellas to be refunded the $75 difference.
In the past three years, about 32,000 residents of unincorporated Pinellas have been served through the grant program, Swain said.
Nicole Johnson can be reached at 727 771-4303 or njohnson@sptimes.com
HELP FROM GRANT
Largo Therapeutic Theatre, mobile equipment - $8,885
Largo for Youth Jr. Packers, scholarships for football and cheerleading - $24,300
[Last modified March 4, 2005, 00:31:15]
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