Rip Current Risk Elevated Along Gulf Coast, Officials Say

State emergency management officials warned beachgoers in Pinellas and much of Florida's Gulf Coast to remain vigilant.

State emergency management officials warned Thursday of an elevated risk of rip currents along much of Florida's Gulf Coast through at least Friday afternoon. “Strong onshore winds and waves will bring a high risk of rip currents and less than ideal boating conditions to much of Florida’s coast today,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management meteorologist Brad Schaaf in a media release. “Beachgoers and boaters should be sure to check forecasts and follow necessary safety precautions while visiting the coast.” Officials warned beachgoers to remain vigilant and offer the following tips: When at the beach: Before you leave for the beach, check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offices issue a …

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Paddle Boards and Sandals are Popular Holiday Gifts at the Island Shop

During the last 12 days before Christmas, Largo Patch will share gift ideas from local businesses each day to help wrap up your holiday shopping.

Enjoy the surf and sand at nearby Indian Rocks Beach?  The Island Shop sells a great selection of paddle boards, skim boards, skate boards, sandals, hats, sunglasses, swim suits and pretty much anything one needs for a relaxing or active day at the beach. During December people often buy stand-up paddle boards as a family Christmas gift, said Island Shop owner, Larry Garrison. Other popular holiday gifts are skateboards, sandals, and gift cards for paddle board rentals or lessons, Garrison said.  Want to read about other local places to shop? Sign up for the Largo Patch email newsletter to get our headlines delivered to your inbox or smartphone, for free! If you go to the Island Shop:

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Taste of IRB Offers Samples of Great Dishes

The Taste of Indian Rocks Beach will be offering food from Indian Rocks Beach Restaurants on Saturday, November 3.

With the huge amount of great restaurants in nearby Indian Rocks Beach, its hard to decide where to eat on the beach sometimes. Well, at the Taste of Indian Rocks Beach, you can have it all. The Taste of Indian Rocks Beach is going on Saturday, November 3 at Chic-A-Si Park from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will feature food from more than 20 restaurants. The Taste of IRB is set up much like the Taste of Pinellas on a smaller scale. Restaurants will bring out a sampling of their menus so visitors at the event can try out multiple restaurants in one area. In addition to the food, there will be live music throughout the day and beer from Crabby Bill's and wine from Slyce pizza bar. The full list of restaurants coming out is: Also, the Pinellas …

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Sunday Sunsets

Sunset at the Long Pier

On Saturday, I took my dog for a walk near the beach off of Gulf Boulevard and made it just in time to see the sunset at the Long Pier in Redington Shores. 

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Aiyana Baida

1:51 pm on Sunday, September 25, 2011

It's the Long Pier in Redington Shores at the intersection of Gulf Boulevard and 175th Terrace. They charge to go on the pier, but there is beach access right beside it.   more ›

Sunday Sunsets

Into the Sunset

I was at the Belleair Bridge fishing area one evening looking for dolphins when I looked up to see a bright pink sky and powerful clouds overhead. It was a majestic moment that took my breathe away. Then while I watched the sun go down these two pelicans swam side by side into the sunset.  It was so beautiful and peaceful I had to share it with you. Have your sunset photo featured on Largo Patch. Contact editor Aiyana Baida at aiyana.baida@patch.com

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Black Skimmer Nesting Season

Beach goers beware as baby birds take first steps on beach.

“The birds have to go somewhere. Look along the beach. Where else they gonna go?”  Volunteer Stephen Dugay was pointing to the pack of trees lining the beach side of the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores.  He was also gesturing to point out the lack of trees nearby. I watched the proof of his statement play out before me.  A baby Black Skimmer was tucked under mama right outside the beach’s designated nesting area.  The baby seemed to be complaining, squawking and walking several steps away, then back again to its little scooped out section of sand, just big enough for baby to hide. Dugay noticed the chick that had my full attention.  “That’s why the sanctuary is so important,” he said. Dugay went on to explain that the black …

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Viewfinder: Spring Break at Indian Rocks Beach

Indian Rocks Beach offers fun in the sun for people young and old.

Whether it be a family outing or some time to yourself, Indian Rocks Beach offers plenty of distractions for people looking to get away from work. Indian Rocks Beach is just one of many beaches close to Largo and can be accessed with just a short drive down the road. Given that this week is the spring break for students in Pinellas county, families were out in force, with little ones building sand castles and teenagers working on their tans. Going to the beach isn't just an activity for the young though, as many people were out and about to relax and read in the sun or collect shells in the sand.

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