Safety classes offered for boaters old and new
CLEARWATER — As thousands of recreational boaters head onto Tampa Bay, Clearwater Harbor, and the Gulf this summer, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is encouraging both new and experienced operators to sharpen their boating skills before leaving the dock.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, nearly two-thirds of operators involved in Florida’s fatal boating accidents had more than 100 hours of boating experience. Yet approximately 65% had never completed a formal boating safety course.
To help reduce accidents and promote safe boating, Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-1 Clearwater is offering its Boat America boating safety course on July 25-26 via Zoom and Aug. 15-16 at the Flotilla headquarters, 510 N. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater. Classes meet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. The registration fee is $50 per person.
The course satisfies Florida’s boating education requirement and qualifies graduates for the Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card, recognized in all 50 states. The course is taught by experienced Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors, and each participant receives the Boat America course textbook.
Participants will learn navigation rules, boating laws, emergency preparedness, docking and anchoring techniques, weather awareness, trailering, and other essential skills that make boating safer and more enjoyable. Graduates may also qualify for insurance discounts through some providers.
Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.
For more information or to register, email clwtr.auxboating@gmail.com or visit https://clwboatingsafety.com/boater-class-registration/
Student achievement
• Alicia McDonald of Clearwater Beach was named to the Dean’s List at Saint Michael’s College for the spring 2026 semester.
TelyRx expands online pharmacy operations
CLEARWATER — TelyRx Holdings Inc., a digital healthcare and online pharmacy platform, has announced a major expansion of its Clearwater headquarters and pharmacy operations, following the milestone of 1 million prescriptions filled and first-quarter revenue growth of 180% year-over-year. The move more than triples TelyRx’s overall footprint.
TelyRx is a cash-pay pharmacy platform that provides access to more than 450 FDA-approved medications.
“Filling 1 million prescriptions is a milestone worth celebrating, but what matters most is how many customers come back for a second, third or tenth order,” said Vanessa Slowey, president and chief executive officer of TelyRx. “Their repeat orders tell us that fast, affordable access to everyday medications is exactly what they’ve been waiting for. This added capacity helps us keep that promise as more people find us.”
City officials to talk ‘dollars to donuts’
CLEARWATER — Grab a donut, enjoy a cup of coffee and join the conversation about Clearwater’s future at the city’s Dollars to Donuts community budget workshop.
The free event will take place Saturday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m. at the Morningside Recreation Center, 2400 Harn Blvd. Residents can learn about the city’s preliminary fiscal year 2027 budget, ask questions and provide input on community priorities.
The gathering is designed to encourage open conversation and help residents better understand how Clearwater invests taxpayer dollars to provide essential services. Participants will receive an overview of the city’s budget, including revenue sources, major expenditures and capital improvement needs, while learning how changes in revenue could affect city services.
The workshop also gives residents an opportunity to share which services and programs they value most. Feedback gathered during the event will help inform future budget decisions, in the event that revenue reductions require difficult choices.
The event is free and open to the public. Coffee and donuts will be provided, while supplies last. The event sponsor is Rockstar Donuts of Largo.