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Restrictions for reclaimed water implemented

Restrictions for reclaimed water implemented

Pinellas County, Florida -- The season reclaimed water restrictions for Pinellas County reclaimed water customers will begin on Monday, April 1.

These reductions help avoid reclaimed water shortages during Florida’s traditional dry seasons which is April to June and October to November.

From April 1 to June 30, irrigation with reclaimed water supplied by Pinellas County is limited to three days per week, based on the resident's home address. The mandatory seasonal restrictions state:

Bald Eagle nests spotted in Palm Harbor area

Bald Eagle nests spotted in Palm Harbor area

Palm Harbor, Florida -- Florida EagleWatch says Bald Eagles are calling the Palm Harbor area home. there are four nests in the East Lake area, the most visible is in John Chestnut Park in Palm Harbor. You can actually even see it from East Lake Road.

If you're going north, take a look to your left when you pass by the fire station and Montessori school. Look for the tallest tree and you'll see the nest. The tree is dead because it was hit by lightning a while ago.

Tired of deer eating those new plants?

Tired of deer eating those new plants?

Palm Harbor, Florida -- Those who live in Palm Harbor near the Brooker Creek Preserve know the hassle of trying to keep plants growing with all the wildlife around that think you're just providing them with snacks. 

On Aug. 20, Dr. Craig Huegel will tell you how to landscape with plants that aren't on Bambi's list of munchies.  You'll also learn about the preserve and programs offered by the staff. 

The meeting will be at the East Lake Library from 7 - 8 p.m.  The library is located at 4125 East Lake Road in Palm Harbor.

Get into "birding" at Booker Creek Preserve

Get into "birding" at Booker Creek Preserve

Tarpon Springs, Florida -- Have you ever wondered what that bird singing in your backyard is?

If you've ever seen or heard wild birds and wondered what they are, you can learn to identify some of them at Booker Creek Preserve.

The nature preserve is offering a Beginning Bird Hike on Saturday, Aug. 11, from 8:00 - 10:30 a.m. Guides will help new birders learn how to identify common birds while they're meandering along a one-mile trail.

Bring binoculars for a better view and bottled water to stay hydrated. The hike is free, but reservations are recommended. 

Learn about Florida's birds of prey at Booker Creek Preserve

Learn about Florida's birds of prey at Booker Creek Preserve

Tarpon Springs, Florida -- You've probably seen them flying overhead, but now you can get a close-up look at some of Florida's birds of prey and learn why they're so important.

Booker Creek Preserve is offering a special presentation entitled "Birds of Prey: Adaptations for Success and Roles in the Ecosystem." 

The lesson is free and will be held on Saturday, June 23 from 1 - 2 p.m.

Staff will use several live birds of prey to illustrate aspects of predator-prey relationships and their role in maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems.

No holiday for wildlife on Memorial Day

No holiday for wildlife on Memorial Day

The beautiful shores, islands and parks of Pinellas County beckon both residents and visitors for a fun-filled Memorial Day weekend, but this can be a dangerous period for the wildlife that make this habitat their home. Residents and visitors are urged to follow posted rules, regulations and boating speed zones to keep wildlife safe.

Four additional sentinel chickens test positive for St. Louis encephalitis

Four additional sentinel chickens test positive for St. Louis encephalitis

Pinellas County Mosquito Control received confirmation of positive results for St. Louis encephalitis in four additional sentinel chickens. There is now a total of nine sentinel chickens that tested positive for the virus.

Sentinel chickens serve as an early-warning detection system for mosquito-borne arboviral diseases and can signal the fact that mosquitoes carrying the diseases are present in the area. There are eight locations in the county where chickens are kept and tested weekly.

The sentinel chickens that were confirmed positive were kept at the North County Maintenance Yard in Palm Harbor (2), Sawgrass Lake Park in St. Petersburg (1), Walsingham Park in Seminole (3), the Oldsmar Sewage Treatment Center in Oldsmar (2) and the Keller Water Treatment Facility in Tarpon Springs (1).