Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Digest

Hotel's smoke caused by dust on heating unit

By TIMES WIRES
Published February 17, 2007

The Sheraton Sand Key at 1160 Gulf Blvd. was evacuated just after 2 p.m Friday while firefighters tried to find the source of smoke in the building. Firefighters found no flames, the smoke was clear by 3 p.m. and everyone was allowed back in the building, according to Clearwater Fire & Rescue spokeswoman Elizabeth Daly. (See photo, Page 6). The source of the smoke turned out to be a heating unit, Daly said. When the unit was turned on, dust and buildup ignited, sending smoke into the building's air ducts. Because of this weekend's cold weather, Clearwater officials said heating units should be professionally checked and serviced every year. Also, they said, filters in furnaces and smoke alarms should be checked regularly and space heaters should be kept off extension cords and away from children's play areas and combustibles such as drapes.

Free program's topic is citizenship

Mayra L. Calo , a lawyer with the immigration law firm of Ovink & Calo in Tampa, will talk about citizenship requirements and answer questions in a free program from 4 to 6 p.m. today at United Methodist Cooperative Ministries, 1625 Union St. Calo is listed on the Board of Immigration Appeals' list of low-cost legal service providers and is on the national registry of Refugee Immigrant Children program. Call the ministries at 442-6881.

Train show, swap to be held today

A train show and swap is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Knights of Columbus Hall, 512 S Lincoln Ave. There will be displays, vendors and refreshments. Admission is $3 adults, children 12 and younger free. Call 441-2159.

Some businesses closed for holiday

Pinellas County offices will close to the public Monday for Washington's Birthday. Employees, however, will report to work to take part in inservice activities. Courts will remain open. In Clearwater, most city operations, including recreation centers and libraries, will be closed Monday, but the police and fire departments will still be open and garbage will be picked up on its normal schedule. Safety Harbor and Dunedin city offices will be open Monday.

Learn to improve mobile home life

Pinellas County's Mobile Home Expo 2007 is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive. The free event will include information about the products, services and resources available to enhance the safety and quality of life of residents in mobile home communities.

Heritage Village volunteers sought

Heritage Village is looking for people who enjoy learning and sharing the history of this area to serve as volunteers at its 21-acre living history museum. An open house for prospective volunteers is from 10 a.m. to noon today at Heritage Village, 11909 125th St. N. Call 582-2427 or visit the village at www.pinellascounty.org/Heritage.

Clarification

The art for sale at this weekend's Peter Max exhibition at Syd Entel Galleries costs $1,995 to $22,000.

[Last modified February 17, 2007, 00:00:40]