Star the dolphin passes at CMA
CLEARWATER — Star, a bottlenose dolphin who came to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in December 2025, has died, the Aquarium says.
The dolphin, who was 27 years old, died May 8.
“Our hearts are heavy,” CMA said in a statement.
“On May 1, Star appeared to show signs of discomfort requiring supportive care,” the aquarium said. “CMA’s veterinary team, animal care specialists, and independent outside experts evaluated and monitored her health around the clock. CMA’s experts immediately provided Star with veterinary intervention and care to keep her comfortable. Despite our best efforts, Star’s condition took a turn for the worse early this morning. A necropsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death.”
The statement continued, in part: “Her passing leaves a profound impact on each of us. Star held a special place in our hearts, forging a bond with our team as a member of our CMA family. Her passing leaves a profound impact on each of us.”
Trinity Church to host forum for candidates
CLEARWATER — A forum for candidates for the Clearwater city council will be presented Monday, June 1, 6-9 pm.at Trinity Church, 2001 Rainbow Drive.
The forum is sponsored by the Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition. Two candidates have filed for two open seats n the council.
Questions in advance can be sent to raftery.patrick@gmail.com. Please note the subject as Candidate’s Forum for easy identification. Questions will also be taken on index cards from the audience at the event. All questions will be screened for content and duplication.
County, Clearwater to host Hurricane Preparedness Day
With hurricane season nearly here, Pinellas County and the city of Clearwater will host a free Hurricane Preparedness Day expo on Saturday, May 30, offering hands‑on tools, expert guidance and family‑friendly activities to help the community get storm‑ready.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Greenwood Recreation Center, 900 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Clearwater. Attendees will be able to meet with preparedness and disaster recovery specialists and access resources to make it easier to plan ahead before a storm is on the radar.
Event highlights will include:
• Free hurricane kit supplies
• Evacuation zone lookup
• Special Needs Evacuation Program registration
• Emergency shelter demonstration
• Sandbag demonstration
• Recovery resources and services
• Free disaster legal aid
• Business Resource Center
• Free pet services (with purchase of a county license): Exams, rabies shots and microchips
• Blood drive with OneBlood (Donors receive a $20 gift card)
• Opportunity to see emergency response vehicles up close
• Kids hurricane education zone
• Free hot dogs and chips provided by The Salvation Army
Pinellas County individuals and business owners can find additional preparedness tools, evacuation information and an emergency kit checklist at disaster.pinellas.gov.
Aquarium, Keep Pinellas Beautiful event to mark World Oceans Day
CLEARWATER — Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Keep Pinellas Beautiful, in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tampa Bay Roots & Shoots Alliance, will host a World Oceans Day celebration on Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 2.pm. at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
This free event will feature 50 exhibitors from around Tampa Bay and the nation that are committed to protecting our oceans and our environment.
“World Oceans Day reminds us of the critical importance that the oceans and the environment play in our everyday lives, and how important it is for us to protect the ecosystem services they provide for our future generations,” said Patricia DePlasco, executive director of Keep Pinellas Beautiful. “This celebratory event is the perfect opportunity for families and individuals to learn what they can do to make a difference, be inspired, and connect with environmental organizations that share their visions and goals.”
Event highlights:
• Interactive exhibits and activities from organizations such as the Ocean Conservancy, Tampa Bay Watch, Sharks4Kids, Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, Sea Turtle Trackers, and many more.
• 20% discount on general admission to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for all World Oceans Day attendees.
• A Virtual Reality booth experience available on the fourth floor to enhance your aquarium visit.
For more information and full list of exhibitors, please visit www.cmaquarium.org/events/ or www.kpbcares.org/upcoming-events.
The event is sponsored by Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Pinellas County, Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation.
Inaugural “Seas the Day” luncheon raises $160K for marine life rescue, care
CLEARWATER — Clearwater Marine Aquarium hosted its first-ever Seas the Day luncheon fundraiser on April 30, bringing together community leaders, partners and supporters for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to marine life rescue, rehabilitation and conservation.
Jamison Uhler of WTSP Channel 10 emceed the inaugural event, which welcomed nearly 250 attendees against the backdrop of CMA’s resident dolphins. Uhler shared a personal connection to CMA’s mission through his wife Amber, who has experience as an animal trainer. “This mission is close to our hearts,” Uhler said, standing before CMA’s dolphin population—now 11, up from five just one year ago. “Every one of these animals is here because someone chose to care.”
Thanks to the generosity of the luncheon’s in-kind sponsors, nearly all luncheon expenses were covered, allowing more than $160,000 in net proceeds to directly support animal welfare and care.
CMA CEO Joe Handy addressed attendees and outlined the organization’s expanding role as a trusted home for marine animals in need. “As other facilities across the country face increasing challenges, more animals are being entrusted to our care,” Handy said. “That trust is both an honor and a responsibility.”
He also highlighted upcoming expansions, including a new sea lion habitat and the “Wings and Wildlife” exhibit, which will soon house birds and tortoises.
A special highlight of the luncheon came when CMA presented the inaugural Seas the Day Award to longtime supporters John and Jan Draheim. Through nearly two decades of board service and 15 years of volunteer dedication, respectively, the Draheims have played a vital role in shaping CMA’s mission and impact.
Japanese ‘izakaya’ restaurant opening on Cleveland Street
CLEARWATER — A new restaurant operating in the Japanese izakaya concept is coming to the 600 block of Cleveland Street, as restaurateur Sheng Long Yu prepares to open Hanami at 635 Cleveland St. within the city’s redevelopment corridor.
Located adjacent to the future $50 million EVO Family Entertainment Center, the restaurant will occupy a location between the Pinellas Trail and the evolving Cleveland Street district within a corridor now undergoing large-scale restoration and redevelopment.
Hanami is designed as a modern Japanese izakaya — a high-energy social dining concept centered around gathering, shared experience and extended evening activity, much like a Spanish tapas bar.
The name Hanami references the Japanese tradition of gathering beneath blooming cherry blossoms — a concept that will be reflected throughout the restaurant’s atmosphere and overall experience, according to a press release.
The restaurant will feature sushi, ramen and yakitori within a contemporary street-facing environment designed to create an energetic and immersive dining experience in the heart of downtown Clearwater.
“I’ve been looking for the right location to introduce a concept like Hanami, and what’s happening along Cleveland Street immediately stood out to me,” said Yu. “This district is evolving into something modern, energetic and experience-driven, and Hanami is designed to be part of that momentum. We want this to be a place where people come together, stay awhile and create memorable experiences through incredible food, atmosphere and hospitality.”
Yu has operated multiple restaurant concepts across the United States, including Japanese steakhouses, ramen restaurants and sushi concepts, with more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry.
Student achievements
• Several Clearwater students at Southern New Hampshire University have been named to the university’s President’s List for the spring 2026 semester.
The students are: Aubrey Berard, Peter Vasquez, Craig McGann, Austin Swisher, Carina Decker, Demi Grimley, Leonard Thomas, Jordon Miller, Karen Shramo, Tahtiana Dowdell and Gavin Koepke.
• Cody Dawson of Clearwater has been named to the spring 2026 Dean’s List at Berry College.
Bombers to host golf fundraiser
CLEARWATER — The Clearwater Bombers Men’s Fastpitch Softball Team will host a charity golf tournament Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Clearwater Country Club, 525 N. Betty Lane.
Cost for a foursome is $500. The team will be provided two carts, a loaded goodie bag, and the awards dinner. An individual golfer is $125 for a cart, a loaded goodie bag, and the awards dinner
Dinner for non-golfers is $40. They will receive two raffle tickets and one drink ticket.
All skill levels are welcome in the four-person scramble. Awards will be presented to the top three teams. First time golfers are welcome.
Golfers can compete in contests for the longest drive, closest to the pin, a hole-in-one prize and putting challenge
To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/55d3v3rd or mail a check to CBLEP, Inc., 3122 S. Canal St. Palm Harbor, FL 34684.