In the know
By Times Staff Writer
Published January 6, 2008
OLDSMAR
Council agrees to buy land for $320,000
The City Council last week voted to pay $320,000 to John Nighland of Safety Harbor for 512 St. Petersburg Drive E, where the vacant red BMX Barn now stands. The property is across the street from the Galleria retail, office and residential center and near the new Oldsmar Public Library. It is also next to other city-owned property. "It's prime development property," City Manager Bruce Haddock said. "The two properties on either side are multiple lots under the same ownership. They are for sale and eventually will be redeveloped. The thought is that we can offer the land and have greater say-so about what happens to those properties."
Learn to respond in an emergency
Oldsmar Fire Rescue has opened registration for Oldsmar residents to participate in a Citizens Emergency Response Team. Team members would be trained to help themselves and their neighbors after a major disaster such as a hurricane. Volunteers are trained in first aid, search-and-rescue and use of fire extinguishers, preparing them to perform temporary actions until professional help arrives. An orientation is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at 225 Pine Ave. N. Free training will begin in February. For information or to volunteer, call Oldsmar fire code administrator Marty Forster at 813 749-1212 or e-mail mforster@ci.oldsmar.fl.us
Lunch is lesson on tax amendment
Learn more about the proposed state amendment to lower property taxes at an Upper Tampa Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Tampa Bay Downs, 11225 Race Track Road. Doug Wheeler, vice president of Grass Roots Advocacy and Political Action Development for the Florida Chamber of Commerce, will speak. The cost is $20 including lunch, $25 at the door. Register online at www.UTBCHAMBER.com under calendar of events or call (813) 855-4233.
PALM HARBOR
Psychic readers return after hiatus
If you had a feeling the psychic fairs were back at Oak Trail Books, 1219 Florida Ave., you were right. After a seven-year hiatus, psychic readers of many methodologies will give readings from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Jan. 13. The readings will be at the same times Saturday and Sunday on the second weekend of each month after that. Fifteen-minute sessions cost $1 a minute. Call (727) 785-1960.
EAST LAKE
Gardeners present fashions, plants
All are welcome at the Palm Harbor Garden Club fashion show and plant sale at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 1555 Windmill Pointe Road. The cost at the door is $5. Call (727) 942-3028.
OZONA
Hike Saturday at nature preserve
Explore the Ozona Nature Preserve at 5 p.m. Saturday. Meet at the North Street entrance to the park. The free hike is recommended for adults and children 10 and older (with a parent). Birders should bring binoculars and cameras. Wear long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes. The preserve also needs volunteers. Call Reggie Hall at (727) 784-2131.