Pinellas News
Window on Pinellas, Nov. 8
TBO.com
Published: November 8, 2012
TARPON SPRINGS - Fatal bike crash investigatedPublished: November 8, 2012
The Major Accident Investigation Team of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office continued to look into a non-vehicle-related crash that killed a bicyclist Sunday afternoon on the Dunedin Causeway.
Henry J. Ellowitz, 69, of Clearwater was struck by a motorist while traveling eastbound on his bike, beginning his descent from the top of the drawbridge. Deputies responded at about 4:17 p.m. and reported that Ellowitz appeared to have hit a tree branch that then became lodged between the spokes of his front tire and vaulted him over the handlebars.
Jill Kurtzke, 53, and David Rogers, 41, were driving separately in the same eastbound direction and both stopped to assist Ellowitz. Kurtzke is a Certified Nursing Assistant and Rogers is an EMT. They found Ellowitz unresponsive, began performing CPR and continued until Dunedin Fire Rescue paramedics arrived.
Ellowitz, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was transported by ambulance to Mease Dunedin Hospital and pronounced dead at 5:16 p.m.
Both directions of the Dunedin Causeway were shut down for approximately 20 minutes and MAIT detectives continued investigating as of Monday.
Tarpon Springs sends 2013 election notices
The city of Tarpon Springs sent out notices for next spring's municipal elections.
On the March 12, 2013, municipal election ballot will be candidates for mayor, and commissioners for Seats 3 and 4.
Candidate filing begins Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 8 a.m. and ends Nov. 27 at 5 p.m.
Announcing candidacy can be done prior to the qualifying dates.
For more information or to announce candidacy and receive necessary forms, contact the Tarpon Springs city clerk at (727) 942-5614 or CityClerk1@ctsfl.us.
CAP intergenerational Luncheon planned
Citizens Alliance for Progress will present its Intergenerational Luncheon beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 20.
With representatives from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs in attendance, attendees can learn about all the new issues facing seniors who live independently at home and how to combat related concerns.
The luncheon will be held at the Union Academy Family Center, 401 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Reservations are urged to be made no later than Friday, Nov. 19 by calling (727) 934-5881, ext. 12. Information can also be found by going to www.citizensallianceforprogress.org.
Tickets on sale for Wine Walk
The latest Tarpon Springs Wine Walk will take place 4-8 p.m. this Saturday.
Tickets for the event can be purchased for $20 in advance or $25 on the day of.
Wine walkers can opt to start at either downtown's Tarpon Tavern at 21 N. Safford Ave. or the Sponge Docks' Wine at the Docks at 828 Dodecanese Blvd.
Tickets include a souvenir wine glass, wine tastings at more than 25 shops and a variety of appetizers.
To buy tickets, go to www.SpongeDocks.net or call (727) 942-9463.
Open house set for cancer center
Florida Hospital North Pinellas is inviting the public to join its open house celebration for the new Breast Care Center 5-7 p.m. Wednesday.
The Breast Cancer Center is on the second floor of the hospital, at 1395 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs.
Attendees can tour the new center and learn about the comprehensive services available. Other hospital services will be accessible and vendors will have booths set up to advertise services.
Refreshments will be free.
Go to www.fhnorthpinellas.com or call (727) 942-5035.
Painting contest seeking entrants
The Tarpon Springs Art Association is seeking artists to participate in a Quick Draw contest.
Set for 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, painters will have two hours to complete a painting in Craig Park. The works will then be judged and ribbons and cash will be awarded.
The contest is part of a four-day Paint and Photo Tarpon Springs plein air event throughout the city.
Painters must pay a $10 entry fee for the Quick Draw contest and the public is invited to watch and purchase completed works.
Call (727) 937-7125 or go to www.tarponspringspleinair.com.
Suncoast News staff report