This was the 2nd annual Sea Oats Planting Event organized by the Beach Stewardship Committee of St. Pete Beach. The sea oats seedlings were donated by Pinellas County and were planted as part of a multi-faceted beach erosion prevention program that utilizes both natural and structural methods to preserve the city's beaches and prevent beach erosion.
As chairman of the Beach Stewardship Committee, I was very pleased with this year's turnout, especially since the vastly popular Hands Across the Sand demonstration was scheduled to occur starting at 11:00 a.m. later that morning. It was wonderful to see folks who had participated in last year's sea oats planting event, as well as many new faces.
It's always great to see our city commissioners lending a hand, including SPB District 1 Commissioner Alan Halpern (on the right)...
...SPB District 3 Commissioner Marvin Shavlan...
...District 4 Commissioner Bev Garnett (on the left, with Gene Halpern on the right)
... and fellow Beach Stewardship Committee member and local businessman Marcus Lehtovirta. 
The St. Pete Beach Fire Department also helped out by providing much-needed water to the freshly-planted sea oats seedlings.
Of course, some of the event organizers couldn't help trying to play with the fire engine controls....(the St. Pete Beach Fire Department personnel were VERY patient!)
Most important, the success of these sea oats planting events could not happen without the skill and dedication of St. Pete Beach Public Works Director Steve Hallock (right) and his staff. These guys are the City's unsung heroes, and they do an amazing job at at time when the City's budget is shrinking with each passing year.
Thanks again to everyone who helped to make this year's event such a success! Photos by Andrea Lypka and Kevin Hing. (You can tell the ones taken by Andrea...they are the ones that are in focus)
