Pinellas County: Beware of water scams

Submitted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 19th, 3:01 pm

Pinellas County Utilities is cautioning customers to beware of companies recommending that a water test be conducted in your home. Such companies often use scare tactics and misrepresentation to sell a water treatment product and Utilities has learned that customers are again being approached about having their water tested.

At least one company is calling it a “public awareness program.” It is important to remember that Utilities performed over 50,000 analyses in the past year to assure that our water meets or exceeds all federal and state standards for safe drinking water.

Companies offering to test your water are not endorsed by, or affiliated with, any government agency. In addition, employees of Pinellas County Utilities will never attempt to sell an “upgrade” to your home’s plumbing system. Utilities employees concentrate their efforts on maintaining our infrastructure, not inspecting or selling home fixtures.

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Don't miss: Clearwater Celebrates America

Submitted by Kip Michalak, Associate Producer

Sunday, June 19th, 2011, 12:04pm

Don't miss: Clearwater Celebrates America

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Bright House Networks Clearwater Celebrates America, the city's annual Independence Day celebration, will take place Monday, July 4 in Coachman Park, 301 Drew St.

The event is free and will feature the Mostly Pops Orchestra with John, Mary K. and Paul Wilson; fireworks; children's activities; food and drink concessions. Gates will open at 4 p.m. There will be a variety of family activities from 4 to 7 p.m. The Mostly Pops Orchestra will begin at 7:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Want to listen to the music and watch the fireworks from your boat? Reserve a transient boat slip at the Clearwater Harbor Marina for the event by calling (727) 462-6954.

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See Winter in Dolphin Tale's Official Featurette

Submitted by Anonymous on Saturday, June 18th, 11:08 am

Most local residents know by now that Clearwater Marine Aquarium's famous amputee dolphin, Winter, is starring in a major motion picture, due out September 23, 2011. Now the official featurette is also available, for all the Winter fans out there who want to stay up to date! You can view the featurette above.

The film, Dolphin Tale (Alcon Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures) is inspired by the amazing true story of the brave dolphin and the compassionate strangers who banded together to save her life.

Much of Dolphin Tale was filmed on location here in Florida, including Winter’s home at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, whose motto is “Rescue, Rehabilitate and Return.”

Here is the rest of the synopsis from the movie's official website:

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Restaurant worker charged in deputy hit and run

Submitted by Jim Peppard, Assignment Editor

Friday, June 17th, 2011, 7:58pm

Clearwater, Florida - Deputies have charged a woman with the hit and run injury of a bailiff in downtown Clearwater Friday morning.

Alejandra Manzo, 32, allegedly hit Deputy Randy Atchison, 47, as he was walking in the crosswalk at Court Street and Osceola Avenue.

A witness told the driver she had just struck the man and needed to stop, but she continued on, investigators said.

The vehicle was located later in the day parked at 23 Rockaway Street on north Clearwater Beach, and Manzo was found working at a nearby restaurant.

She was charged with leaving the scene of a crash with injuries, driving with a suspended or revoked license and cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Deputy Atchison, who is assigned to the bailiff section at the downtown courthouse, was released from Morton Plant Hospital after treatment for a knee injury.

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Clearwater Main Library Summer Gallery Exhibits

Submitted by Kip Michalak, Associate Producer

Friday, June 17th, 2011, 12:37pm

Clearwater Main Library Summer Gallery Exhibits

CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Clearwater Main Library recently installed artwork by the Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild in the Osceola and Carnegie galleries. The exhibits will be on display through the Aug. 28.

Surface Design is the coloring, patterning, structuring and transformation of fabric, fiber and other materials. The purpose of the Guild is to increase community awareness of surface design and its value in our lives.

As a group, they exchange information on such creative processes as dyeing, painting, printing, stitching, embellishing, quilting, weaving, knitting, felting, beading, basket making, polymer clay, crochet and papermaking. For more information about the design guild, visit www.surfacedesignguild.com.

The exhibits are open Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Friday - Sunday, noon - 5 p.m. The Clearwater Main Library is located at 100 N. Osceola Ave. For more information, call (727) 562-4970.

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2 yachts destroyed in Clearwater marina fire

Submitted by WTSP Web Staff

Friday, June 17th, 2011, 11:35am

CLEARWATER, Florida -- Two yachts worth an estimated $1 million have been destroyed in a fire at a Clearwater marina.

It happened just after midnight at Marine Max, off U.S. 19. Smoke billowed high into the air as firefighters tried to fight the blaze.

Officials say it took 40 minutes to get the fire under control.

It's not clear how the two 30-foot yachts caught fire, but witnesses report hearing an explosion. Investigators have not confirmed that, however.

The owner of one of the burned yachts reportedly was going to trade it for the other yacht that burned.

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Dad's Eat Free at Beef O'Brady's!

Submitted by Chrissy McLarty, Channel 10 News Reporter Intern

Friday, June 17th, 2011, 10:00am

Father's Day is this Sunday, and Beef 'O' Brady's is celebrating with your family by giving dad something he truly loves...free food!

"Dad's Eat Free is our way of thanking dads for all they do, and this day-long promotion will give our guests the opportunity to acknowledge dad in an environment that the entire family can enjoy," Chris Elliot, Beef 'O' Brady's CEO, said in release.

The stores are running the promotion various ways.

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