Media Central

General:

Exciting New Location for Old Electronics

Pinellas County residents can now enjoy a sparkling new Household Electronics and Chemical Collection Center (HEC3) which has replaced the outdated, open-air facility. With the growth in volume from 25,000 pounds in 1992 to last year’s almost 2.5 million pounds, the capacity of the old facility was overwhelmed.  The new center has more storage and is easier for residents to navigate.

The facility allows residents to:

• Drop off household hazardous waste (such as TVs, computers, cell phones, paint, fertilizers and pesticides).
• Pick up reusable household products (such as paint, gardening products and cleaners) at the expanded HEC3 Swap Shop.
• Drop off additional items like: vehicle batteries, cooking oil, used motor oil, and smoke detectors.
• Utilize expanded hours of operation: now open six days a week (Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

The new HEC3 facility is located at: 2855 109th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 33716 (off 28th Street North, one driveway south of the old facility).

While visiting the HEC3, residents can also drop off their regular recycling, because the drop-off recycling bins have been moved to a convenient spot adjacent to the new building. Another popular item that’s been moved to the new HEC3 area is a free landscaping mulch pile, so residents can bring a shovel and help themselves.

All of the services in and around the HEC3 are offered at no charge to county residents. For more information about the recycling and disposal of household hazardous waste, visit www.pinellascounty.org/utilities or call (727) 464-7500.

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Hurricane Season 2009 Draws to a Close - play now

Now that Hurricane Season 2009 is entering its last half-month, it’s time to breathe a big sigh of relief for a less-than-average season, and look ahead to potential weather threats we may experience during the coming months. Pinellas County Emergency Management has some advice for residents as we enter the “off season.”

• Believe it or not, nonperishable food does have an expiration date. If your food is nearing its expiration date, consider adding it to your family’s normal food pantry or donating it to a local food bank. Look for sales during the winter and spring to restock your supply kit with fresh items.
• Use the batteries currently in your survival kit for battery-operated toys and gadgets you will be giving this holiday season. Replace your survival kit batteries with fresh ones you can buy during seasonal sales.
• Be a multi-tasker. Check your emergency contact list while contacting friends and relatives to ensure you have the most up-to-date phone numbers and e-mail information.

It’s also important to note that the same phenomena that kept our hurricane season quiet – El Niño – can also bring hazardous weather during the winter. Florida’s two deadliest tornado outbreaks – the Kissimmee Tornado Outbreak of 1998 which killed 42 people and the North Central Florida Tornado Outbreak of 2007 which killed 20 – both took place during strong El Niño years.

If you don’t already own one, now is an excellent time to purchase a weather alert radio. This device gives immediate warning when the National Weather Service office in Ruskin detects hazardous weather. Look for a model that has Specific Area Message Encoding, also called SAME, which will allow you to receive only Pinellas County warnings. These radios give maximum warning time, allowing residents the most advanced warning to get to shelter should weather threaten.

Pinellas County’s Emergency Management website offers valuable preparedness information for hurricanes, tornadoes, pandemic influenza and other natural and man-made hazards. Visit Emergency Management for more information.

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Protecting Your Credit During the Holiday Season

Many of us "pick up the plastic" all too often, especially during the holiday season. Using credit may make the holidays merrier, but abusing credit can create headaches after the New Year.

Join the experts at Pinellas County Extension for another in their series of Solutions in 30 webinars. Protecting your Credit During the Holidays is a 30-minute session that will provide tips on how to help control of credit card expenses and minimize credit mistakes. The webinar takes place Wednesday, Nov 18, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.

Solutions in 30 is an audio and visual seminar transmitted over the Internet, so internal or external computer speakers are necessary to get the full benefit. This media platform lets visitors interact with the presenter and the content. The format eliminates travel, looking for parking spaces and scheduling hassles. Participation is fast, convenient, easy and ideal for multiple listeners.

To register for Solutions in 30 webinars, visit www.pinellascountyextension.org, click on the Online Class Registration button and then click on the Solutions in 30 tab, or call (727) 582-2100.

Pinellas County Extension is a partnership between Pinellas County government and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science as part of a nationwide network of land grant universities. The University of Florida is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

The mission of Pinellas County Extension is to provide research-based knowledge and education programs enabling people to make practical decisions to improve their quality of life and the world around them. Education focuses on sustainable living, lawn and garden, families and consumers, and 4-H youth development.

Pinellas County Extension is located at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo. For more information, visit Pinellas County Extension or call (727) 582-2100.

Pinellas County Extension programs are open to all persons regardless of gender, race, nationality, ethnicity, age, creed or disability. Persons with disabilities should contact the main office at (727) 582-2100 at least 10 working days before the event so that proper consideration can be given to the request.

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Heritage Village Celebrates Farm-City Week

Heritage Village will host a Farm-City celebration on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event is the kickoff for Farm-City Week, celebrated nationally each year during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. It was created to educate citizens about agriculture and to enhance links between rural and urban dwellers. The activities incorporate the past, present and future of Pinellas County agriculture and are designed to enlighten and amuse visitors of all ages.

“We want people to come and understand that agriculture is more than fruits and vegetables. It’s aquaculture, timber, horses, cattle and plants,” said Debby Laramee, of the Pinellas County Farm Bureau. “There will be hands-on activities for children to understand what agriculture is about, in our state and our country.”

Participants will include a beekeeper; experts demonstrating knot-tying and fence-building; and instructors on rain barrels and cisterns. There will be complimentary samples of hand-squeezed orange juice and homemade ice cream, created by using dairy ingredients, rock salt and zip lock bags. Visitors will also get a glimpse into the future of agriculture through demonstrations on hydroponics and algae biofuels. They will learn about how farms may become more prevalent in Pinellas County. There will be agriculturally-inspired arts and crafts, and “olde-time” games to play, such as dominoes, checkers, jacks and marbles.

The Pinellas County Market in the Park will be open throughout the day on the grounds of Heritage Village. The market features the sale of fresh, locally grown produce, homemade items and arts and crafts.

Farm-City Week is sponsored by the Pinellas County Farm Bureau, Pinellas County government, Heritage Village, the UF/IFAS Pinellas County Extension, the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association, and the Largo Historical Society.

Heritage Village, operated by Pinellas County government, is located in the heart of Pinellas County at 11909 125th St. N., in Largo. Additional parking is available during special events at the 12211 Walsingham Road parking lot. Heritage Village is adjacent to Pinellas County Extension and the Florida Botanical Gardens. The village is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. It is closed on major holidays. For more information about Farm-City Week, or about Heritage Village, visit Heritage Village or call (727) 582-2123.

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Radio Show Features Consumer Scams, Foreclosure Prevention
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Consumer scams and foreclosure prevention tips are the focus of the Housing Finance Authority’s November radio show, There’s No Place Like Home. The show can be watched on Pinellas County Connection. This month’s guests are Deborah Berry, operations manager of Pinellas County Consumer Protection, and Bill Sanchez, vice president of the Homebuyers Club, Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation. The program, sponsored by the Housing Finance Authority, airs the first Thursday of each month from 10 to 10:30 a.m. on WRXB 1590 AM.

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Florida Cowboys Lasso Attention at Brooker Creek Preserve

The public is invited to the opening of an exhibit by Carlton Ward Jr. from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15, at Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center. See beautiful landscapes and read the stories of the hard-working ranch hands that inhabit the Sunshine State. The exhibit is free and open to guests of all ages. Preregistration is appreciated for this event.

While it may seem difficult to believe, one-fifth of Florida is covered by ranchlands and the cowboys who work them. Come and learn more about this colorful and important part of the state’s history. The exhibit runs through Saturday, Jan. 2.

Managed by the Pinellas County Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Lands Division, Brooker Creek Preserve protects more than 8,000 acres of natural ecosystems. It is located at 3940 Keystone Road in Tarpon Springs. The horse trails and Friends Trail are open daily and holidays. Boardwalks and trails next to the Environmental Education Center are open Thursday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to one hour before sunset. The preserve is closed Monday through Wednesday and holidays.

Located in the preserve, the Environmental Education Center welcomes visitors Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center closes Sunday through Wednesday and holidays. The center features interactive exhibits and 22 discovery-oriented experiences that are fun for the entire family. It offers a wide range of programs and events for people of all ages. To register for programs, call (727) 453-6800.

To learn more about Brooker Creek Preserve, visit www.brookercreekpreserve.org or call (727) 453-6800. For more information visit Pinellas County’s Environmental Lands Division or call (727) 453-6900.

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Pinellas County Animal Services Participates in “Pooches for the Planet”
Pet Adoption Promotion Has Environmental Message

Throughout November, anyone who adopts a dog at the Pinellas County Animal Services shelter or the Humane Society of Pinellas shelter will receive a free Pooches for the Planet adoption kit filled with valuable information and free goodies.

The program is part of a campaign to promote proper disposal of dog waste to prevent water pollution. Major sponsors are the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Pinellas-Anclote Basin Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Pinellas County Animal Services, and the Humane Society of Pinellas.

Additionally, dozens of area pet-related businesses have contributed toys, treats and discount coupons for pet products or services for the adoption kits. A special $25 gift certificate for PETCO is included in the kit, offered to the first five people who adopt a dog during the event kick-off on Saturday, Nov. 7, at either of the two participating animal shelters. The promotional offers are focused on bringing attention to Tampa Bay Estuary’s “Scoop the Poop” campaign, which promotes responsible pet ownership.

Every day in Pinellas County, an estimated 12 to 28 tons of dog waste is left on the ground. Pet waste contains disease-causing bacteria, viruses and lots of nutrients. This waste is washed down storm drains and delivered untreated to the closest waterway during rain events.

Pet waste poses a threat to both public health and water quality. It contributes harmful bacteria that can make people ill, as well as excessive nutrients that cause algae blooms that in turn rob the water of oxygen needed to support fish and other marine life.

Pooches for the Planet partners hope to encourage responsible pet ownership through a three-month promotion with the two animal shelters. From November through January, anyone who adopts a dog from Pinellas County Animal Services adoption center or the Humane Society shelter will receive an adoption kit containing an eco-friendly Pooches for the Planet reusable shopping bag filled with valuable goodies, including:

• A Bags-on-Board, pet-waste bag dispenser that clips to a leash
• A listing of county dog parks
• An immunization schedule card
• Discount coupons for a variety of pet services, such as grooming and pet sitting
• Treats, toys and other items donated by generous local and national pet care companies

“I am excited about our partnership with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program,” said Dr. Welch Agnew, director of Pinellas County Animal Services. “I believe that it will further our combined goals of adoptions to responsible pet owners and environmental awareness. After all, responsible owners always pick up after their pets.”

• For more information visit Pooches for the Planet.
• For more information and hours visit Pinellas County Animal Services located at 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774.
• For more information and hours visit Humane Society of Pinellas located at 3040 State Road 590, Clearwater, FL 33759.
  

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H1N1 Vaccinations to Begin In Schools

A nationwide lag in the production of H1N1 (swine) flu vaccines has postponed public vaccinations in Pinellas County. As soon as supplies catch up with demand, the Pinellas County Health Department will begin offering the vaccines free at its five center locations. For updates, please call the Pinellas H1N1 Information Line at (727) 824-6964 or go to the Pinellas County Health Department, H1N1 website.

H1N1 (swine) flu vaccinations are beginning in all county schools this month. Consent forms were sent home with students in October and are also available online at Pinellas County Health Department, H1N1 website.

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Flashing Yellow Arrow now at North Pinellas Intersection - play now

North county motorists are seeing a new type of traffic signal at the intersection of Belcher Road and Nebraska Avenue in Palm Harbor.

Pinellas County Public Works has installed a flashing yellow arrow as part of the overhead signal controlling left turns at that intersection.

Flashing yellow arrows allow motorists to turn left with caution, after yielding the right of way to oncoming traffic. A recent study by the Federal Highway Administration reported that the flashing yellow arrow helps move traffic through an intersection faster and more safely than solid green signals alone, while allowing additional traffic management flexibility for road agencies. The study concluded that drivers are less likely to make left-turn mistakes when guided by the flashing yellow arrows. The new signal was shown to work better at warning motorists to turn left carefully, traffic permitting.

The new signal at Belcher Road and Nebraska Avenue will serve as a test site for Pinellas County.  Accumulated traffic data will be compared to data collected from a similar control intersection at Belcher and Tampa roads.  If the data prove the flashing yellow arrow is beneficial to traffic flow and safety, the signals will be installed at other locations throughout Pinellas County. 

Pinellas County is among the first areas in the United States to implement flashing yellow arrow left-turn signals at intersections where circular green signal lights were previously used.  This distinction is shared by markets in Michigan, Oregon, Maryland, California and Colorado.

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Businesses Can Drop Off Hazardous Waste

The November EnviroBusiness hazardous waste collection day is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Household Electronics and Chemical Collection Center (HEC3), 2855 109th Ave. N. (off 28th Street North), St. Petersburg. The entrance for business customers is on 110th Avenue, which is on the north side of the new building.

The EnviroBusiness hazardous waste collection days are just for businesses and are scheduled for the second Wednesday of every month. Businesses pay the contractors directly, at the county’s reduced contract prices. Any business may drop off their hazardous electronics. To drop off chemicals, businesses need to qualify as small waste generators (producing less than 25 gallons, or 220 pounds, of chemical waste per month). For more information, call (727) 464-7500 or visit Business Hazardous Waste Disposal.

Hazardous waste can harm the environment and should not be thrown out with ordinary garbage, or poured into the sewer system, down storm drains, or onto the ground. Improper disposal of business wastes is a violation of Florida law. Proper hazardous waste management makes good sense for businesses because it can reduce economic liability for cleanups, lower insurance costs, and minimize employee exposure.

Hazardous business waste includes electronics such as TV’s, computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, cell phones, and telephones. It also includes chemicals such as batteries (rechargeable or button cell), fluorescent light bulbs, cleaners, toner cartridges, pesticides, laboratory vials, paints, paint thinners and solvents, pool and spa chemicals, printing and photo chemicals, and much more. Businesses should find an alternate means of disposal for explosives and medical waste.

The contracted prices for businesses include “no charge” for many electronic items such as printers, AV equipment, or phones. For other electronic items, the charge is minimal. A licensed hazardous waste contractor must be on-site to handle business hazardous waste. To discuss payment, businesses should call EQ Florida at (813) 319-3400 (chemicals), or Creative Recycling Systems at (813) 621-2319 (electronics).

The next scheduled EnviroBusiness Day is Wednesday, Dec. 9.

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HFA Holds Key to Homeownership - play video

A new mortgage program from the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County could hold the key to homeownership for first-time homebuyers. The First-Time Homebuyers Program is for individuals who have never owned a home, have not owned a home in the last three years or who are veterans.

Now is a great time to buy and take advantage of additional savings with the federal first-time homebuyer credit of up to $8,000. Homes must close before Dec. 1, 2009 to receive this additional credit.

Down payment and closing cost assistance is also available. This program is available for a limited time.

For more information, call (727) 464-8210 or visit the Housing Finance Authority.

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Past Meets Present at Market in the Park at Heritage Village

A new, free Pathways Adventure Series is set to add more fun and excitement to Pinellas County Market in the Park at Heritage Village beginning in November. Workshops will be offered one Saturday each month through April. They will begin at 11 a.m. and last about one and a half hours starting in the Pinellas Room. Please note that workshops are best for individuals or families with school-aged children 5 years and older.

Pinellas County Extension and Heritage Village formed an educational partnership to develop this family series on history, horticulture, health and other topics of common interest. Registration is required by the Friday before the workshop. To learn more and register, visit www.pinellascountyextension.org, click on the Online Class Registration button and then click on the Pathways Adventure Series tab. Citizens may also call (727) 582-2100.

Here’s a look at the planned workshops:

• Saturday, Nov. 7, Going Native - Take a stroll down the Shirley McPherson Native Plant Trail. Citizens roll up their sleeves and make a palmetto fan. Keep cool the old fashioned way and learn about how native plants make good sense in the landscape. Registration required by Friday, Nov. 6.
• Saturday, Dec. 5, Nature’s Holiday Ornaments - Learn tips and techniques about how simple yet intriguing items found in nature can make beautiful ornaments. Enjoy making holiday ornaments from natural materials found at Heritage Village. Registration required by Friday, Dec. 4.
• Saturday, Jan. 23, Vegetable Gardening Fun - Discover the best way to tackle vegetable gardening in Pinellas County and how it can save money and get families planting together. Visit the historical Moore House and learn how to prepare the ground for a spring garden. Registration required by Friday, Jan. 22.
• Saturday, Feb. 6, Herbal Essence Experience - Explore how herbs can spice up meals and learn tips for starting a home herb garden. Put ideas into action with a hands-on redesign of an herb garden. Registration required by Friday, Feb. 5.
• Saturday, March 6, Simple Eating Makes a Healthier Planet - Look back at the interesting history of food and learn how it was prepared in simpler times. Discover how eating like our ancestors can promote a more sustainable planet and create a low carbon lifestyle. Registration required by Friday, March 5.
• Saturday, April 10, Building Green–Yesterday and Today - Explore green building practices that help us move toward a more sustainable planet. Take an architectural tour of Heritage Village and see how pioneers used “sustainable” features on historic homes. Registration required by Friday, April 9.

This Pathways Adventure Series offers a unique, fun touch to Pinellas County Market in the Park at its new location at Heritage Village, which is located off 125th Street between Walsingham and Ulmerton roads. It will open every Saturday from Nov. 7 to April 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free admission, on-site restrooms and plenty of room to roam makes this Market convenient and accessible. Parking is available in the Pinellas County Extension parking lot next to Heritage Village. This is the third year for the popular Market.

The Pinellas County Historical Society proudly sponsors the Pinellas County Market at Heritage Village. Be sure to save time to enjoy all of Heritage Village. The Village brings to life more than 150 years of rich and colorful local history in a cool, picturesque landscape of palmettos and pine trees. A new EnterAction adventure welcomes families. Operated by Pinellas County government, Heritage Village is a 21-acre living history museum located at 11909 125th St. N. in Largo.

To learn more about Heritage Village or Pinellas County Market in the Park, visit www.pinellascounty.org/heritage or call (727) 582-2123.

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Pinellas County Lands Stimulus Dollars - play video

Pinellas County has applied for 10 grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, referred to informally as the Economic Stimulus Program. As of Oct. 19, Pinellas has received six grants.

• Health and Human Services – Replace Mobile Medical Unit with a more capable vehicle. The Mobile Medical Unit provides preventative health care to indigent residents. This grant allows the department of Health and Human Services the opportunity to purchase a larger vehicle equipped with more advanced medical equipment.
  • $327,150 received June 25, 2009 (the county matched $30,000)
• Health and Human Services – Increased services offered by Mobile Medical Unit. This grant will allow the Mobile Medical Unit to increase its outreach and provide more preventative health care for indigent residents. This grant allowed for the creation of one paid position.
  • $155,125 received March 27, 2009, and an additional $1,000 on Sept. 21, 2009
• Airport – Terminal improvements and renovations. This grant allows the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport to conduct renovations and upgrades at the terminal. This grant estimates the creation of 44 paid positions.
  • $5,357,400 received April 8, 2009
• Community Development – Short-term rental assistance for at-risk residents. This grant, combined with money awarded to the city of St. Petersburg, will provide emergency short-term rental assistance for families and individuals who are homeless or are facing homelessness. The program was launched on Oct. 12, and is administered through the department of Health and Human Services.
  • $1,237,464 received June 19, 2009
• Community Development – Community Development Block Grant Recovery Act Funding. This grant will be used for the creation of the Homeless Emergency Project's Community Service Center. It is anticipated a total of 32 jobs will be created: 22 construction jobs and 10 others once the service center is completed.
  • $809,226 received July 22, 2009
• Office of Management and Budget – Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. This grant allows the county to provide a comprehensive energy efficiency plan for county owned facilities, reducing operations costs and the organization’s carbon footprint. In addition, this grant includes public education programs. The current award allows for the development of the strategy, benchmarks and goals. Supplementary awards are anticipated.
  o $55,000 received Aug. 31, 2009 for strategy development.
  

Overall, Pinellas County applied for 10 grants from the fund, totaling $64,980,142. Grants still under consideration include a program to target mortgage fraud by the department of Justice and Consumer Services.

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has brought the county great benefits,” said Elithia Stanfield, assistant county administrator. “Providing services in a climate of tight budgets is a challenge. By being proactive in pursuing these funds, Pinellas County government was able to bring our community some badly needed services and projects, along with the jobs that came with them.”

For more detailed information about the grants Pinellas County has applied for and received, visit Pinellas County’s Recovery and Reinvestment Act website. There you will find information on the grant processes, eligibility requirements and federal timelines.

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Consumer Tips:

Avoid Falling for a Business Opportunity Scam

It’s the American dream to own your business, especially during tough economic times. Although many achieve this dream, others run into financial ruin by falling prey to scams claiming that substantial profits can be attained. A business opportunity is an offer to assist a person in starting his or her own business by providing products, equipment, supplies or training needed to maintain the business.

Business opportunity scams can range from advertising a medical billing service to work-at-home schemes or establishing a vending machine route. Many times, promoters of the schemes require an initial investment fee payable before you receive anything in return.

To protect citizens, Florida law requires the seller of a business opportunity to be registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and provide a disclosure document that includes the information necessary for the investor to make an informed decision. If you are looking to start your own business by investing in a business opportunity, here are a few tips to consider:

• Don’t believe claims that you can make money with little or no effort. It takes hard work to run your own business, and no one can guarantee how much profit you’ll make.
  
• Be cautious about e-mails offering business opportunities. Many unsolicited e-mails are fraudulent.
  
• Get information in writing before you decide. Florida law requires that disclosure documents be given to you three days before you sign. Federal law requires franchise and business opportunity sellers to give you detailed written information at least 10 days before you pay any money or agree to purchase.
  
• Talk to current owners. Ask them if their experiences and profit match what the company promised.
  
• Do some research. Visit a small business administration center for information and programs about how to run a business. For more information about franchises and business opportunity scams go to www.pinellascounty.org/consumer and view the video Fraud: An Inside Look. If you would like to speak with someone regarding a consumer complaint, please call (727) 464-6200.
  

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Communications Department
333 Chestnut Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-4600  FAX (727) 464-4432