Beware of Home Solicitation Sales

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Published: Friday, 25 August 2017 00:09

Public Information, Pinellas County Government AGENCY

Beware of home solicitation sales

Pinellas County is warning residents about engaging in home solicitation sales as the office of Consumer Protection has received an increased number of complaints resulting from these type of sales. It is most frequently reported that the product or service sold was not delivered or that the work was of poor quality.

Door-to-door solicitation has become a more frequent occurrence among salespeople and scammers alike, offering everything from home repair services and alarm systems to the sale of meat.

“These types of sales can cause financial harm to consumers and could result in identity theft,” said Pinellas County Consumer Protection Operations Manager Doug Templeton. “A home solicitation sale does not give the buyer time to research the product or company, therefore consumers are not aware of who they are conducting business with. This poses safety concerns, as well as possible damage to the home in cases of home repair services.”

Pursuant to Chapter 501.021 of the Florida Statutes, individuals who engage in (or who supervise minors engaged in) certain door-to-door solicitation activities that sell, lease or rent consumer goods or services with a purchase price in excess of $25 are required to obtain a home solicitation permit issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Conducting home solicitation sales without the required permit can result in criminal penalties. A home solicitation occurs at a place other than the sellers fixed location, such as your home and must be unsolicited.

• In order to obtain a permit, individuals must pay a fee and pass a criminal background check.

• All home solicitation sellers must provide the buyer with a written contract.

• The contract must include the buyer’s signature, date and buyer’s right to cancel clause.

• Home solicitation laws allow buyers a three-day right to cancel from the date the contract is signed.

Please call Pinellas County Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 if you suspect a violation of home solicitation sales.

Pinellas County Consumer Protection provides assistance in the resolution of consumer-business disputes, investigates allegations of criminal violations, educates and informs consumer and business communities regarding existing consumer protection laws and regulates high-prescribing health clinics, bingo, and adult use ordinances. For more information, visit: www.pinellascounty.org/consumer.

The very best advice is to NOT OPEN YOUR DOOR TO STRANGERS. Instead, consider talking through your door enabling the caller to know that there IS someone home but that you are not interested in their product or service.

ADDITIONAL REMINDERS - Lock it or Lose it :

And just a reminder to always keep those doors, windows and cars locked up with no valuables in sight. You don’t even have to walk outside to ensure your car doors are locked, simply stand inside your house at your front window or door and use your cars FOB (clicker) to make certain your car doors are locked. Please never leave keys in your car or any other valuables. We are certain our neighborhoods are being cased each night, with thugs attempting to open unlocked doors. At the very least, your unlocked car will be rifled through in an attempt to find valuables or valet keys but expect to feel violated and have your planned day RUINED with police reports, insurance claims, etc. And don’t think for one minute that your insurance rates won’t be adjusted upwards… The safe answer…LOCK UP and avoid the theft/hassle! And please watch out for one another - especially our elderly neighbors who certainly appreciate a little helping hand.

Special Meeting Regarding Flood Insurance

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Published: Thursday, 17 August 2017 20:02

SPECIAL MEETING REGARDING FLOOD INSURANCE

Tuesday, August 22, 2017 – 6PM

St. Petersburg Woman’s Club – 40 Snell Isle Blvd NE

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) & the benefits of staying put

• Potential impact on premiums

• Cancellation provisions

• Private market flood insurance options

Please mark your calendar and plan to come to the St. Petersburg Woman’s Club for this informative meeting at 6PM next Tuesday, August 22nd, to learn more and get your questions

DO NOT Swim or Fish in this area

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Published: Tuesday, 17 January 2017 17:03

You might have noticed signs on and around Coffee Pot Bayou with a warning about Potential Health Risks…

City of St. Petersburg Assisting With Discovery of Dead And Sick Pelicans; Testing Water for Cause

After more than one dozen pelicans have been found dead or sick in or near local waterways, the City of St. Petersburg Public Works Administration, which includes Water Resources and Stormwater departments, are working alongside the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other local partners to remove the birds and identify the cause of the illness.

“We are testing the water for biological indicators and dissolved oxygen content and expect results on Tuesday. Per Mayor Rick Kriseman’s direction, we are also pursuing more extensive testing in order to better determine a cause prior to Florida Fish and Wildlife’s necropsy results,” said Interim Director of Water Resources John Palenchar.

A cold-weather fish kill near Riviera Bay Lake last week was also accompanied by reports of sick pelicans. John Norris, Director for Stormwater, Pavement and Traffic Operations for the city said that more than one ton of fish were removed from the lake by his crew. “We have not yet determined if there is a connection between the fish kill in Riviera Bay and the pelicans found sick or dead in other parts of the city,” said Norris.

The Department of Environmental Protection has also been notified, although there are no reports of a recent spill or discharge into our waterways.

In an abundance of caution, signs with the following message have been posted along waterways from St. Petersburg’s downtown to Weedon Island.

Holiday Garbage Pickup Schedule

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Published: Sunday, 15 January 2017 20:26

MLK Holiday Garbage Schedule

No pickup on Monday for recycling – Blue recycle cans will be picked up Tuesday and Black cans will be picked up Wednesday.

Due to the MLK federal holiday observed Monday, January 16th, St Pete’s city government offices are closed. Regular recycling pickup normally made on Monday will be collected on Tuesday, while Tuesday black can collections will be made on Wednesday.