Easy, informative tropical storm tracker
       Gulf beach barrier island residents might discover that the most reliable source for where tropical storms and hurricanes are headed is just an internet click away.
      The Weather Underground is a website that combines its own unique features with some of those of the National Weather Service. It's highly informative and easy to navigate.
       Once users get to the site's tropical weather section, they can  view the progress of a storm, view its probable course up to five days in advance if its current location, examine wind force probabilities for specific towns and coastal areas, check out computer model forecasts, and read the latest official public storm advisories and unofficial observations of weather experts.
       To get to the site, go to the following internet link and from there click on the feature (which changes several times daily) that interests you: http://www.weatherunderground.com/tropical

Old concrete bolsters island town reefs
     MADEIRA BEACH--Concrete from the demolition of the John's Pass bridge has been used to enhance the Indian Shores and South County Reef sites.
    More than 1,000 tons of concrete taken from the bridge demolition have been placed at the two sites. Flat Iron Constructors contributed a tug, crew, barge and hydraulic hoe to the reef enhancement project.
      Two World War II Navy landing ships and a salt hopper mark the site of the Indian Shores reef. The South County reef is 10 miles from the John's Pass entrance and one mile north of the "Betty Rose" wreck. It was built in 2001 with concrete culvert, junction boxes, light poles, slabs and an old tugboat.
     The ongoing project of Pinellas County Utilities features 13 artificial reefs, including two off Treasure Island and one at St. Pete Beach. Each is individually designed, encourages coral growth and has different openings to attract fish of varying sizes.
      For a free brochure on the PCU artificial reef sites, telephone (727) 464-4000.