Since moving to Belleair in July of 2021, George and Carolyn Cretekos have embraced the charm, convenience, and strong sense of community that make this area so special. While they may be relatively new to the neighborhood, their roots in the Tampa Bay area run deep—and their impact on the community has been felt for decades.

George, a Pinellas County native from Tarpon Springs, and Carolyn, who grew up in Tampa, share a long history in the region. Together, they bring a lifetime of experience, service, and connection to everything they do. George earned his undergraduate degree from Davidson College and later received his Master of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. Carolyn is a graduate of Florida State University, and throughout her career, she has worked in retail and the airline industry, including time with Continental and United Airlines.

George’s professional journey is one of dedication to public service. He spent 36 years working for Congressman C.W. Bill Young and later served on the Clearwater City Council from 2007 to 2020. Many in the area may also recognize him as the former Mayor of Clearwater. Even in retirement, George continues to stay active and engaged in the community.

Carolyn’s career reflects a similar work ethic and adaptability, with roles spanning from Robinson’s of Florida to Silk Greenhouse. Together, they’ve built a life grounded in hard work, shared values, and meaningful relationships.

The couple, who jokingly describe themselves as a “match,” have created a home filled with warmth and tradition. While they don’t have children or pets, their home is often full of family and friends, especially during the holidays. They host Thanksgiving and Orthodox Easter gatherings each year—occasions that bring loved ones together and reflect their strong commitment to family and faith.

Their connection to the area extends beyond Belleair. The Sheraton Sand Key holds a special place in their hearts as the site of their wedding reception, and they still enjoy visiting favorite local spots like the Columbia Restaurant, Frenchy’s, and Clear Sky. For a more relaxed day, you might find them walking through Moccasin Lake Park or enjoying the scenery at Crest Lake Park.

Since moving to Belleair, George and Carolyn have become active participants in the community, particularly through events at the Belleair Country Club. They also remain deeply committed to giving back, supporting a number of local organizations, including the Community Dental Clinic, Clearwater Free Clinic, Clearwater for Youth, the Chi Chi Rodriguez Foundation, HEP, and Habitat for Humanity Gulfside. Talking about giving back, George has donated over 80 gallons of blood!

George’s dedication to his faith is another meaningful part of his life. He proudly shares that he is the “oldest altar boy” at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater—a role he embraces with both humor and humility.

While they fondly remember their years living on Sand Key and the beautiful sunsets they enjoyed there, George and Carolyn appreciate the convenience and accessibility of life on the mainland. For them, Belleair offers the perfect balance of tranquility and connection.

At the heart of their story is a shared belief in community, service, and staying connected to the people and places that matter most. And in Belleair, they’ve found the perfect place to continue that journey.