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So who should open shop in downtown?

By Times Staff Writer
Published October 21, 2007

CLEARWATER

The Clearwater Downtown Partnership wants you to tell them. The partnership, which works with a number of local leaders and civic organizations to promote and market the downtown, is asking residents to fill out a short survey online indicating what retailers they'd like to see in downtown Clearwater.

The request comes as construction crews begin to wrap up work on the streetscape project on Cleveland Street. The next step will be filling the empty storefronts with new businesses.

To take the survey, go to www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=vQ7NK_2fyn82JYk6y_2fXUicUw_3d_3d.

COUNTYWIDE

Group petitioning Congress to help pets

Defend Our Pets is seeking pet owners to sign a petition that will be presented to Congress before the summer session is over in hopes of passing a bill to protect pets through tougher laws and regulations concerning the quality of pet food sold in the United States. For information, visit www.defendourpets.org or e-mail attorney Jay Edelson at jay@blimlaw.com

COUNTYWIDE

Volunteers needed in mentoring program

Gulf Coast Community Care needs volunteers age 30 and older for its mentoring program. Volunteers are matched with children who need a positive adult role model. There is a need for volunteers for children of all ages. No experience necessary, no costs. Volunteers spend a few hours a week in activities like reading, fishing, baking, teaching a craft or visiting a park. Call 479-1841 or 479-1825.

COUNTYWIDE

Arbor Day group offers pocket guide to trees

Can you spot the difference between a poplar and pine? What Tree is That?, a 72-page pocket guide to distinguishing trees is available from the National Arbor Day Foundation. For a copy send you name, address and $3 for each book to 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, Neb., 68410 or online at www.arborday.org

DUNEDIN

Join the Walking Club for exercise and fun

Exercise your legs with walking and your mouth with laughter with the Walking Club at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the Hale Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave. The group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays to walk the Pinellas Trail. Call 727 298-3299.

COUNTYWIDE

Print out checklist for disaster survival items

Pinellas County Emergency Management has created a printable disaster survival kit that can make shopping for essential items to have on hand easier.

For information on hurricane preparedness, call 464-3800 or go to www.pinellascounty.org/emergency.

CLEARWATER

Residents pay once, park all year at beach

Clearwater residents can buy annual beach parking permits valid at five lots for only $40 a year. Permits can be bought from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday though Friday at the Municipal Services Building, 100 S Myrtle Ave., Suite 220. Proof of residency and vehicle registration required. Call (727) 562-4704.

EAST LAKE

Brooker educational center needs help

Looking to help out? Friendly, outgoing volunteers are needed at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center as exhibit hall docents and summer camp assistants. Call 453-6800.

COUNTYWIDE

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

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.

[Last modified October 20, 2007, 21:38:10]