Here is a picture (courtesy of “Paradise News”) of the new recreation complex for the city of St. Pete Beach, which was dedicated on July 6-7.  An 11,000-square-foot two-story Center is built with an open breezeway and has many classrooms, meeting rooms, and a large room which holds up to 200 people.  There is an aquatic center with a public swimming pool and new playground, for all ages and abilities. Rates for resident membership recreation cards are: Youth/senior (55+), $64.20; adult, $80.25; adult +1, $107; Senior +1 $85.60; family, $160.50.  Non-resident fees are approximately double.  This new jewel in the paradise crown is one to be worn proudly.  

Now for some news about our own bit of Paradise.   Things here at Starlight are continuing to go on much as always, at least to the casual observer.  The building and grounds are all well-cared for, thanks to Christy and Tim along with board member Stan Bryk.    Calls to Liberte are answered, and matters attended to within reasonable times.  However, we have been informed that Liberte will no longer be managing Starlight Tower as of September 15.  The Board has solicited bids from other property management companies and are reviewing them now. The Board will then interview the final two or three applicants and make a decision shortly thereafter.  A special meeting of the Board will take place in the first week of September, depending on availability of the members either in person or by telephone conference call. 

Lynn Dopp, our Board Vice President has prepared a comprehensive status report of the restoration project dated 7/16/2007, which can be viewed in the “For Your Eyes Only” secured section on our website. If you are a shareholder and you do not have a user name and password, please email Louisa Simos at  webmaster@starlight-tower.com  and she will assign you such.  Also from Lynn:  An "Emergency Response/Operations" packet has been prepared for our owners with hurricane prep and evacuation info.  I made enough for each unit plus some additional ones which were placed on the counter in the lobby --  all were taken, so I'm assuming everyone here got one -- but I'm going to put some more out just in case.  The remainder are in the office till we decide the best way to distribute them.”

Representatives of Karins Engineering were present at the last Board meeting and answered questions of owners present.  From Lynn’s report:  “Karins is updating the projected Cost Document and contracts.  They should be ready to present to the Board and our attorney, Ben Rabin, by September 1.  The Board will then have 30 days to sign.  If this occurs, the pre-construction meeting (including “before” pictures) would be in October, with projected on-site mobilization and project start in November-December.  The project is still projected to be 12-13 months in duration.  Karins has verified that both contractors will honor their previous bids, even though there has been a delay.  The final project cost has not been finalized, based on the Board’s decision whether to utilize the CPT or conventional repair of open balconies.”   

Three diseased palm trees have been removed.  They were of a type that did not require mandatory replanting, but possible replacement will be considered after the restoration is completed.  All the remaining palm trees have been trimmed. The pool fence has been moved to stabilize it in the concrete pool deck, so there is no more interference with the sprinkler heads.  The Gulf temperature right now is 88 degrees, and the pool is about the same.  Pretty nice for those of us who suffer with achy arthritis. 

Nice to see these people here on vacation:  Louisa and Evangelos Simos.  As you know, Louisa is the webmaster of the Starlight Tower web site.  Again that address is www.starlight-tower.com.  Louisa does a great job and we thank her for the time she spends updating the site.  Incidentally, don’t forget to add to the site’s list of reliable service people, if you know someone who is particularly good at what they do.  

Also here from London, Gerlinde Eaves, with James and her son Stephen and family.  We’re sorry they can’t stay longer, but Gerlinde says she and James will return in the fall for about two months. 

A reminder about the parking lot:  If you do not have the permission of the parking spot rightful owner, DO NOT PARK there.  There has been an on-going problem with this, and is very inconvenient to try to park when your spot is occupied by a usurper.  On-street parking is available with a St. Pete Beach hang-tag permit. 

September Birthday celebrants:

Ed Gibson – the 1^st; Kevin Curran – the 4^th; Gerlinde Eaves – the 5^th; Bill Palmer – the 9^th; Stan Bryk – the 12^th; Donna Bray  - the 18^th; Bill Wales – the 22^nd; Lois Christman – the 27^th;And Jack Christman – the 29^th.