June is a significant month for Floridians since it marks the beginning of hurricane season. There are a number of things you can do now to prepare, so you aren’t scrambling when the threat of a hurricane is just miles away. Here are a few tips to get your emergency planning started.

First and foremost, it’s important to know your evacuation zone in the case of a mandatory evacuation order. This is different than your flood zone. Visit http://kyz.pinellascounty.org/, or download the free Ready Pinellas app on your mobile device to find out which zone you are in.

Mandatory evacuations are issued when the probability of storm surge is high, and loss of life could occur if residents don’t leave. These evacuations will be ordered up to a certain letter zone and will always include mobile homes. If your evacuation level is ordered to go, it is imperative that you move quickly but safely outside of the evacuation area. The Pinellas County Interactive Hurricane Evacuation Level Inquiry resource is also available to answer any emergency-related questions: 727-453-3150.

Make a plan in case you must evacuate. Stay with trusted family members or friends, if possible. As a last resort, you can go to an emergency shelter. A few of them are specifically designated for citizens with special needs and some are pet friendly. If you need transportation assistance to any Pinellas County shelter, register in advance online at www.pinellascounty.org/specialneeds.

If you live in a barrier island community, make sure you are registered for an emergency access permit. When a mandatory evacuation order is lifted, law enforcement officials will scan emergency access permits at designated re-entry points. Barrier island residents may register directly with their city government during its general office hours year round, so don’t wait until an evacuation order has been issued to secure yours. If you registered for and still possess your emergency access permit from a prior year, you DO NOT need to register again. To determine if your city is included in the barrier islands, visit www.pcsoweb.com/emergency-access-permit, or call the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 727-582-6200.

Lastly, create a shelter-in-place hurricane survival kit by purchasing essential items now. The list below can serve as a guide as you prepare. Follow the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook @PinellasSheriff and Twitter @SheriffPinellas for timely information regarding preparedness tips and important safety alerts. You can also follow the #getreadypinellas hashtag to instantly view posts related to emergency preparedness. We are all in this together.

Hurricane Survival Kit Items:

1. Battery-operated radio
2. Extra batteries
3. Flashlights/lanterns
4. Candles
5. Matches/lighter
6. One gallon of water per person per day
7. First-aid kit: bandages, antibiotic ointment, hand sanitizer, soap, sunscreen, pain reliever
8. Non-perishable food: peanut butter, bread, dry cereal, rice, pasta, granola bars, canned goods
9. Rain gear
10. Mosquito repellant
11. At least one fully-charged cell phone
12. Sanitation products: toilet paper, wipes, plastic garbage bags, paper towels

On December 21, 2014, Officer Charles Kondek Jr. responded to a noise complaint at an apartment complex in Tarpon Springs. Residents of the complex called the police because a man was fervently knocking on apartment doors at 2 a.m. When Officer Kondek arrived on the scene, the subject shot and killed him with a stolen gun. This 17-year veteran of the Tarpon Springs Police Department was a father of six children and was described by friends and family as a hero, coach, and best friend.

Though Officer Kondek’s name is the most recent one to be added to the Fallen Officer Memorial at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, 24 names precede his with similar stories of heroism and dedication. It is their legacy and sacrifice that causes many members of law enforcement, close friends, and family to take time to remember them.

Every May, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office brings special attention to the first responders throughout our county who have died in the line of duty. National Police Week, May 10-16, and Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15th, are times to show gratitude for the hard work law enforcement officers put into protecting citizens, and to remember the lives that have been lost in service.

Our Fallen Officer Memorial at the Sheriff’s Administration Building gives the families, friends, and colleagues of those who have died a place to remember their legacy and honor their sacrifice.

Thousands of men and women put on their uniforms every day to serve and protect civilians knowing it could be their last day. Whether they are responding to a dangerous shooting, conducting a routine house check for a suspicious neighbor, or like our current public health crisis, interacting with people potentially infected with a deadly virus, law enforcement officers risk their lives for the safety of our citizens. It is their courage and bravery in the face of extreme risk that defines our great nation and gives us the freedom to pursue our dreams.

It is incumbent on us to keep their memory alive. We will always keep them close to our hearts and use their stories to inspire others to serve for the greater good and help make our communities safe.

This May, consider praying for our deputies, taking a moment of silence for those who have died in the line of duty, or showing appreciation for a law enforcement officer you know in the community.

The following names are the fallen officers of Pinellas County who sacrificed their lives for the safety and protection of our citizens.

James Mitchell – 1905

Edward George – 1908

Rueben Jones – 1921

Everett Blewfield – 1926

Wayne Barry – 1929

Eugene Minor – 1929

Frank Pike – 1933

James Thornton – 1937

William Newberry – 1937

James Goodson – 1947

Gene Bessette – 1961

James Krupp – 1964

Harry Conyers, Jr. – 1967

Charles Eustes – 1967

Peter Price – 1969

Lanny Langford – 1969

John Passer – 1970

Ronald Mahony – 1977

Herbert Sullivan – 1980

Margaret Park – 1984

Jeffery Tackett – 1993

Jeffrey Yaslowitz – 2011

Thomas Baitinger – 2011

David Crawford – 2011

Charles Kondek, Jr. – 2014

Child abuse is an unfortunate reality here in Pinellas County. In 2019, our Child Protection Investigation Division handled approximately 11,000 cases involving physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and child neglect. Child abuse and the general maltreatment of children have consequences that reach far beyond those directly affected and into our community.

As an agency, we are committed to protecting our children and building strong families within our community, but we cannot do it without your support. April is “National Child Abuse Prevention” month and everyone can contribute by educating themselves on how to identify and prevent child abuse.

How to identify child abuse and neglect:

• Emotional abuse can result in a child who is withdrawn, fearful, or anxious. The child can also show extreme behavior such as being aggressive, demanding, or even extremely compliant.
• Not all physical abuse can be recognized by a mark, bruise, or injury. A child may show signs of physical abuse by shying away from touch, flinching at sudden movements, and being afraid to go home.
• A child who is sexually abused may have trouble walking or sitting, may not want to change clothes in front of others, may display knowledge of sexual acts, or exhibit seductive behavior.
• Child neglect may manifest in a child wearing clothes that are too small, big, or are dirty; missing or arriving late to school; sustaining illnesses or injuries that are left untreated; and enduring poor hygiene.

How to respond to child abuse and neglect:

If you witness any of these signs and feel that something is wrong, it is better to put the child’s safety as a priority and report the suspected abuse as opposed to ignoring it and allowing it to continue or get worse. Use the resources below to learn more or report child abuse and neglect:

Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873

Report online: https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Non-emergency: 727-582-6200

Tax season can be a stressful time for many people, especially if you owe money to the IRS. However, make sure you use the proper channels to make your payments. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office sees an increase in these scams during tax season.

The IRS scam is when a caller pretends to be the IRS and demands payment over the phone. The scammer tells their potential victim that they owe taxes to the IRS and that there is an active warrant out for their arrest. They instruct citizens to purchase pre-paid cards and provide the numbers on them.

Here are some common ways to decipher if you are being scammed:

• The IRS always contacts taxpayers by mail initially, not via phone or email. If you get an email asking for personal information, do not reply to it, open any attachments, or click on any links. The IRS’s official website is IRS.gov, so beware of other versions of it, like IRS.org or IRS.net.
• The IRS does not leave pre-recorded voicemails that are threatening or urgent. If they say you will be arrested, deported, or that your driver’s license will be revoked unless you pay them money immediately, this is a good sign it is a scam.
• The IRS will never contact you through text messages or social media.
• If they ask you for a credit card, gift card, pre-paid debit card, iTunes card, or wire transfer, do not give it to them. The IRS does not use these payment methods; they mail paper bills to you.

A good rule of thumb is to never give out personal information over the phone unless you know exactly who they are, like a family member, spouse, or close friend. If you think you owe money to the IRS, you can visit: http://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account.

If you determine the communication is a scam, you can report them to the sheriff’s office by calling us at 727-582-6200.  

The month of February is commonly associated with love and romance. On Valentine’s Day, couples spend quality time together, family and friends exchange valentines, and lastly, many singles continue their search for the right partner.

According to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, couples are more likely to meet a romantic partner online than through personal contacts or connections. Furthermore, the publication noted that a 2017 survey revealed that meeting online has become the most popular way couples meet, eclipsing meeting through friends for the first time in 2013. The dating app, Tinder, reported as of September 2019 that it had approximately 7.86 million active users in the United States.

However, online dating has its dangers. Predators can create fake identities to lure in victims to gain access to their finances or instigate sexually or physically abusive relationships. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit works to prevent fraudulent scams, like the common “Romance Scam.” Once a relationship has been established online, the out-of-town suspect convinces the victim to wire money so the person can travel to visit them or help them with a dire personal emergency.

Fraud is a preventable crime if you know what to look for. Here’s how you can keep yourself from becoming a victim:

• Never send money.
• Carefully examine their profiles.
• Use reverse image search on their pictures.
• End the relationship if they refuse to meet you face to face.
• If you do meet the person, pick a public place and let a friend or family member know where you are.

If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. A loving relationship would never ask you to step beyond your personal boundaries financially or otherwise. If you are the victim of the Romance Scam, or any type of fraudulent scam, contact the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office at (727) 582-6200.

One of the best ways to increase the safety of our county is to engage with and actively listen to the communities we protect. As our community policing deputies work hard to establish relationships with families in need, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is always seeking new ways to garner connections with individuals who are genuinely interested in learning more about law enforcement.

In 2020, there are many ways you can connect with us. Our newest opportunity is a program called Sheriff’s Community Connection (SCC), which occurs on the second Thursday of every month between January and November at the Sheriff’s Administration Building, located at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo.

SCC provides Pinellas County residents and business leaders an opportunity to meet for lunch with Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office personnel. Attendees receive area-specific crime updates, crime prevention information, an agency update, and are given the chance to ask questions and participate in discussions afterwards.

Annual memberships for individuals cost $25 and allow members to bring one guest with them. Annual memberships for businesses are $100.00 per year and allow two individuals to attend luncheons each month and each one bring a guest.

All of the proceeds from the membership dues benefit the SCC’s programs, including the Community Grant Program and the Bright Star Award Program for sheriff’s office members.

Beyond this monthly event, the sheriff’s office has many other opportunities for adults and children to participate in. They include: Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, Sheriff’s Teen Citizens Academy, Discovery Day, Explorer Post #900 Program, and Sheriff’s Volunteer Patrol. There is something for everyone. Visit our website, pcsoweb.com, for more details and to register for any of these opportunities.

Every December, members of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office wake up in the early morning hours on a weekday, go to the Target on Park Street and Tyrone Boulevard, and fill carts with toys and household necessities for families in need throughout Pinellas County. Men and women in uniform scour the aisles for the perfect gifts for these families.

Their personal touch in selecting these unique gifts--like a firetruck for a child who dreams of being a first responder, or a notepad and pencils for a child who desperately needs school supplies--shines on Christmas Day when families that are going through hardship open them with joy. Instead of seeing a bare Christmas tree, or no tree at all, they are able to enjoy the holidays with their loved ones.

These joyous moments are only made possible through the support of the community during our annual Ride & Run With The Stars fundraising event, which funds the Christmas Sharing Project and covers the cost of the holiday shopping event at Target. For more than 25 years, the sheriff’s office has organized this 5K, 25-mile bike ride, 10K family bike ride, and 1-mile family run, walk, or skate. Not only can families and individuals participate in these athletic challenges, but they can also enjoy a full day of fun, including watching a fly-in visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus on the sheriff’s office helicopter; bidding in a silent auction filled with amazing prizes; making arts and crafts in the kids zone; seeing our Canine Unit up close and personal; and enjoying delicious food from our sponsors—just to name a few.

Ride & Run With The Stars, which lands on December 7^th this year, is the largest law enforcement-organized holiday charity fundraiser in the Tampa Bay Area. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has raised more than $500,000 in donations and proceeds since its inception over 25 years ago.

Although several organizations coordinate holiday fundraisers and charity events, the sheriff’s office has the unique opportunity to give back to children and families with whom they have met and interacted with, sometimes on multiple occasions. Putting names and faces to the recipients of our holiday giving is added incentive to the men and women in uniform who dedicate additional time and effort to benefitting the less fortunate during the season.

If you are interested in getting involved with Ride & Run With The Stars, whether by registering for a race, ordering a t-shirt, sponsoring the event, or making a donation, please contact Sergeant Brady at 727-582-6287, and visit www.rideandrunwiththestars.com for more information.

In the meantime, let the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office be the first to wish you Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Holidays, and happy giving!

Halloween is no longer a holiday celebrated only by children; teenagers and adults get excited this time of year as well and attend parties, travel to haunted houses, and wear costumes for fun. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office will be on alert for any suspicious activity or hazardous environments in order to keep all Pinellas County citizens safe—both young and old.

Although your top priority may be getting costumes ready, we advise you to prepare for the spookiest night of the year by taking time to plan your evening and staying alert. According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween. Whether you have children and anticipate a night of trick-or-treating, plan to stay at home, or go out for a night of adult fun, follow these important guidelines to stay safe.

Safety Tips for Children

1. 1. Ensure young children are always accompanied by an adult. Travel in groups, and cross the street at intersections being careful not to leave anyone behind. Walk on sidewalks to stay visible to drivers and other trick-or-treaters.
2. 2. If older children or teenagers walk without supervision, designate a time they must return home and know exactly what route they take.
3. 3. Only visit lit houses and never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle while trick-or-treating.
4. 4. Carry a light source, like a glow stick, or wear reflective clothing to avoid getting lost or hit by a car.
5. 5. Test out costumes before wearing them on Halloween to make sure they are practical for walking long distances and preventing falls and injuries.

Home Safety Tips

1. 1. Instead of placing a lit candle in a pumpkin, light your jack-o’-lantern with a battery-powered light to prevent a fire.
2. 2. If you plan to pass out candy, remove hazards from your yard so the walkway is visible and free of items that could cause injury, like garden hoses, toys, and bikes.
3. 3. Always inspect the candy you receive before eating it. Throw away anything that is expired, open, or questionable. Don’t eat fruit or home-baked goods; stick to wrapped candy.
4. 4. Restrain pets properly as visitors come to your door.
5. 5. Be careful using sharp tools to carve pumpkins, and offer children to draw the design on the pumpkin instead of helping carve it with a sharp object.

Safety Tips for Adults

1. 1. If you plan to drink alcohol, always have a designated driver or use a taxi service, like Uber, so that you never drive intoxicated.
2. 2. Stay with friends or family members you trust; avoid strangers especially if they are showing suspicious behavior.
3. 3. If you see any violent activities, report them immediately.
4. 4. If someone you know becomes severely injured, looks like they might overdose on drugs, or is suicidal, call 9-1-1.
5. 5. If you are driving, watch for children walking on roadways, medians, or curbs.
6. 6. Last but not least: don’t eat too much candy – you’ll thank us later!

According to detectives in the Crimes Against Children Unit at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, drowning was the number-one cause of child deaths in Pinellas County in 2018. Nationwide, drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury, and every day about 10 people die from drowning—two of which are children 14 or younger. Due to the pervasive threat of drowning, families need to take extra care of kids whenever they are near water and always have the proper size life jackets on board while boating.

Florida law requires that one personal flotation device (PFD) per passenger be readily accessible on the vessel at all times, and children under age six must wear one while underway.

In an effort to ensure kids always wear a PDF while taking a trip out on a boat, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to support Operation Kid Float—a  boating safety education program that provides youth life jackets at no cost at various locations throughout Pinellas County. Families can borrow one or more for their kids for the day and then return it after the trip.

Operation Kid Float kiosks can be found at the following parks and boat ramps:

• Philippe Park: 2525 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor
• Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp: 541S Belleair Causeway, Largo
• Lake Seminole Park: 10015 Park Boulevard North, Seminole
• Bay Pines Boat Ramp: 9600 Bay Pines Boulevard, Bay Pines
• County of Pinellas: Park Boulevard Boat Ramp: 18651 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Rocks Beach
• Dunedin Marina: 51 Main Street #1, Dunedin
• Fort De Soto Boat Ramp: 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde
• John Chestnut Senior Park: 2200 East Lake Road South, Palm Harbor

When deputies are patrolling Pinellas County’s nearly 588 coastal miles on busy weekends, they keep an eye out for children who are already sporting their life jackets and reward them with Operation Kid Float t-shirts. If you are stopped by Marine Unit deputies without appropriately sized life jackets for the children aboard your boat, you may receive a citation and be asked to end your trip early and return home.

The loaner life jacket program may not only save your day and your wallet, but also the life of a child on board.

The school season is a busy, but exciting, time of year for everyone. Our goal at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is to make sure children stay safe as they make the trip back to school.

One way of ensuring that happens is staying aware of the increased traffic, pedestrians, and school buses on the road. Also, anticipate slower commutes to work if you must travel through school zones. Always follow the rules of the road when you approach a school or school bus.

Keep these guidelines in mind:

--Pay attention to the road and keep an eye out for children, especially in crosswalks.

--Watch out for school crossing guards and obey their signals.

--Slow down in school zones. Never go above the posted speed limit, and obey all traffic signs. The fines are doubled for speeding in a school zone or designated school crossing.

--Stop for school buses displaying stop signs. You do not have to stop when the roadway is divided by an unpaved median or raised barrier of at least five feet wide. You must remain stopped until all children are clear of the roadway and the bus signal has been withdrawn.

--Never text and drive, especially in a school zone. Deputies will issue warnings to offenders until December 31st of this year. Afterwards, they may issue citations.

If you have children, ensure they stay safe on their routes to school by following these tips:

--If your child walks to and from school, instruct him or her to use the same route every day and not deviate from their path or go elsewhere without notifying you first. Encourage them to walk with friends and use public sidewalks and crosswalks.

--Ensure your child always wears a helmet if they ride his or her bike. Check with the school to see if your child is allowed to ride a bike to class. Some schools do not allow students to do this until they reach a certain grade.

--Unless licensed to do so, never use handicap or emergency vehicle lanes or spaces to drop off or pick up children at school.

--Teach your child to avoid strangers and never get into a vehicle with one without your permission.

--Instruct your child on what to do if there is an active shooter at school using the mantra, “Run, Hide, Fight.” Also encourage them to report suspicious behavior among their classmates using the Fortify Florida app, telling you, or talking to their teachers and principal at school.

This school year, help us keep our kids safe. Know the rules, stay alert, be patient, and teach others to do the same.