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Panel to tackle restrictions on sensitive lands

By TIMES STAFF
Published August 7, 2007

COUNTYWIDE

It shouldn't take long for county commissioners to open their public hearing today on a proposed ordinance that would establish restrictions on the sale or transfer of county-owned parks and environmental lands. The ordinance, initiated by Commissioner Susan Latvala, is the second item on the commission's agenda for today's meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the commission assembly room on the fifth floor of the County Courthouse, 315 Court St. While county officials say the rule will offer new protections for the county's parks and environmental lands, critics said it contains too many loopholes to protect environmental land sufficiently.

PALM HARBOR

Authorities search for home burglar

Pinellas County sheriff's officials said Monday they are looking for a man who burglarized a home Saturday. A homeowner in the 700 block of Sandy Hook Road reported being awakened by a popping sound coming from a closet between 6:30 and 7 a.m. After the homeowner discovered a burglar behind the door, the man fled, said Pinellas County sheriff's Sgt. Jim Bordner. It is unclear how the man - who got away with some small electronics - got inside the house, Bordner said. The suspect is described as a 6-foot, 4-inch, 200-pound white male between 18 and 20. He had long dark hair and sideburns, and was last seen wearing jeans and a black T-shirt. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Ken Sokolowski at (727) 582-6200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477.

Learn more about growing veggies

A master gardener will talk about how to grow vegetables at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave. The program is free but space is limited. Call the Pinellas County Extension office at (727) 784-3332, ext. 211 to reserve as seat.

TARPON SPRINGS

Transit Authority opens new outlet

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority has opened a new ticket outlet in the Metro Plus store at 9 East Tarpon Ave. Along with tickets, schedules, system maps and PSTA brochures will be available. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Call (727) 945-9789.

OLDSMAR

Have lunch with your legislators

The Upper Tampa Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce is having its annual legislative luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday in the clubhouse at Tampa Bay Downs, 11225 Race Track Road. Representatives of Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough will attend. Cost is $20. Make reservations at www.utbchamber.com or call (813) 855-4233.

[Last modified August 7, 2007, 07:25:52]