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Digest

Don't fall for plots to 'fix' your water

By TIMES WIRES
Published June 2, 2007

COUNTYWIDE

Pinellas County and city of Clearwater officials say they have received complaints that at least one local water treatment company claims to represent the county to gain entrance to homes and inspect faucets or hot water heaters in an effort to sell expensive water treatment systems.

The companies are not endorsed by or affiliated with any government agency, and county utility employees would never try to sell an "upgrade" to a home's plumbing.

Consumers should be wary of unexpected visits or gifts from water companies, sales people who add thickening agents to water to solidify harmless minerals, high prices and scare tactics, officials say.

To learn more about Pinellas County water quality, call 727 464-4000. To learn more about Clearwater's water, call (727) 562-4600.

To investigate a company's business history, call the Department of Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/consumer and click on "Check a business."

Clearwater officials say residents who feel they have been misled should call the state Attorney General's Economic Crimes unit, 3507 Frontage Road, Suite 325, Tampa, FL 33607 or call the office at (813) 287-7900.

CLEARWATER

Donate paperback books to library

The Friends of the Library Book & Gift Store in Clearwater's Main Library is seeking donations of paperback books in good condition for resale in the store.

Bring your donations to the Main Library or call Judy Bazata at 461-6272 if pickup is needed.

Proceeds from the Friends of the Clearwater Library bookstores are used to enhance the Clearwater Public Library system.

The store also needs volunteers to work certain days and hours. A short training session is required. The Friends Book & Gift Store is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Work hours are variable, generally two hours a week. To volunteer call Rosalie Murray at 531-0667.

COUNTYWIDE

Help homes be ready for storm with loan

Through its Home Repair Loan Program, Pinellas County continues to offer low-cost loans up to $45, 000 to help some residents make their homes hurricane ready for the 2007 season.

Improvements can include roof bracing or replacement, impact resistant windows and doors, and storm shutters.

The home must be the applicant's primary residence and located within Pinellas County, excluding Belleair Shore, Clearwater, Largo and St. Petersburg, which have similar programs.

To qualify for the county program, household income must be less than 120 percent of Area Median Income and the value of the single-family detached home, townhouse, villa, cooperative or condominium cannot exceed $151, 000.

For information, contact Pinellas County Community Development at (727) 464-8210 or visit www.pinellascounty.org.

COUNTYWIDE

Put on dancing shoes and audition

Auditions for one of Tampa Bay's largest community dance productions, The Chocolate Nutcracker, will be held June 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at John Hopkins Middle School, 701 16th St. S, St. Petersburg.

Life Force Cultural Arts Academy is based at 1606 N Highland Ave., Clearwater. Call (727) 481-8091 or visit www.lifeforceculturalarts.com.

BELLEAIR

Events to benefit Cooley's campaign

The American Hellenic Education and Progressive Association has two events coming up to support its screening and awareness campaign to fight Cooley's anemia, a blood disorder that affects many people of Mediterranean descent:

- On June 15, the Millie Puente Band will play the Tiffany Ballroom at the Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa. Advance tickets are $50 for the buffet and dance, $35 for the dance only and $25 for dance-only tickets for those under 21. To learn more, e-mail MillieP Tickets@tampabay.rr.com or call (727) 860-4938.

The order deadline is June 10.

- On June 16, AHEPA will host a lunch in the Biltmore's ballroom with entertainment by Carole Cook, who is known for the song Life Upon the Wicked Stage, actor Tom Troupe, and Greek-American opera soprano Stella Zambalis.

Tickets are $70.

Call (727) 595-0255 or visit www.ahepa.citymax.com.

[Last modified June 1, 2007, 23:20:48]