Doug Kelly

The first time I met Jimmy Buffett occurred on a spring day in 1973. I didn’t know anything about him – not his name, not his music. At the time I lived in a condo in Homestead, a community south...

Clearwater's marinas resemble a beehive throughout the year, particularly the boat ramps. But some busy ramps make the conclusion of a gorgeous day on the water a challenge to one’s patience. Case in point: After launching our boat at a...

When world travelers reflect on the most memorable city parks they’ve ever enjoyed, several come to mind: Hyde Park in London, Stanley Park in Vancouver, National Park in Athens, Central Park in New York City. Comes now the unveiling of...

My wife Kelly has a new t-shirt that says, “I like animals more than people.” At first I laughed when seeing it, then wondered if others might think that means she doesn’t like people. But it doesn’t – she likes...

Is Santa real? Of course. It doesn’t hurt to have a fantasy while knowing full well the actual truth. It reminds me of one of my favorite sayings: For those who THINK, the world is a tragedy; for those who...

I admit it, I’m in love. Head over heels. Heels over head. Totally, 100% and fully committed. Worse yet, I’m addicted. The object of my affection? Here are clues: the body is crusty; its eyes stay soaked in salt water;...

Kelly and I are massage hounds. After spending hours each day behind a laptop or desktop monitor, the shoulders tighten like steel knots. Eyes get blurry, muscles ache, and we know it’s time to call Amy.    Amy is the...

The world of professional golf is in upheaval. It has nothing to do with a gizmo that propels a ball 500 yards or a laser-guided putter that never misses. Nope, of all things it’s about competition. I’ll unwind it for...

It’s 2:30 a.m. I can’t sleep. I’m hungry, but there’s nothing I crave at home and nothing’s open around town, not even the fast-food joints. Oh wait, what about that diner I’ve passed on Gulf to Bay Blvd. a hundred...

A unique event promises to bring a much-needed injection of fun and levity to our community. “The Roast of Frank Hibbard” will take place May 20th at Ruth Eckerd Hall. It's the Hottest Event of the Year and the public is...

By Doug Kelly Running for political office requires a person with a thick neck and sometimes the ability to survive a few arrows to the back. it’s therefore quite a relief that it’s all over for Lina Teixeira, who came...

By Doug Kelly The dictionary should put a picture of Lina Teixeira (pronounced Tay-SHARE-UH) next to the words energy, enthusiastic, affable, charisma and character. She's like the Energizer Bunny on two legs. Lina loves Clearwater, simple and pure. She's a...