Caution urged as Pinellas sees spike on mosquito-borne illness
Pinellas County Mosquito Control is urging residents to take several measures to protect them from mosquitos as reports of mosquito-borne illnesses continues to rise.
The recent rainfall created plentiful habitat for mosquitoes to breed, including around parks, natural areas, homes and businesses, the agency says. Mosquito-borne viruses have been detected in Pinellas County, and standing water increases risks of transmission. Mosquito Control has initiated enhanced mosquito treatments such as increased truck fogging, aerial larviciding and localized ground inspections for breeding locations.
Mosquito Control has ramped up efforts to reduce mosquitos after the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County confirmed two cases of locally-acquired Dengue Fever.
Mosquito control crews increased ground inspections and initiated dawn truck-mounted fogging, but residents are urged to take action as well.
Officials say the best way to prevent mosquito bites is to follow the “three Ds:”
• Dress in light-colored, long-sleeved clothing with closed-toed shoes.
• Defend using an insect repellent with a CDC-recommended ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
• Dump or cover standing water, which can include debris from recent rains holding water.
Dengue Fever is transmitted by the infected bite of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes – two types of mosquitoes that are active during the daytime and breed in containers, making them prevalent on private property during peak activity times. Traditional adulticide treatments and aerial larviciding treatments are not effective in targeting these species.
Mosquito control staff have also observed an uptick in West Nile virus in sentinel chickens, which serve as an early warning indicator for West Nile, St. Louis and Eastern Equine Encephalitis around the county.
Anyone who believes they have a mosquito-borne illness should immediately contact the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County at 727-824-6932.
Tax office to shut down for system upgrades
Pinellas Tax Collector locations will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 29, through Friday, Oct. 2, as the office installs a new tax management and cashiering system
The tax collector’s office advises residents to plan ahead by completing any time-sensitive transactions prior to the scheduled closure dates. Here is some additional important information for customers:
• All Tax Collector services will be unavailable in person and over the phone during the closure.
• Customers may visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) MyDMV Portal for online driver license and motor vehicle services.
• Drop boxes outside Pinellas Tax Collector locations will still be available, but work will not be completed until the new system is completed.
• Vehicle registration renewal kiosks located in select Publix stores allow for on-demand renewal processing.
• Customers on the property tax installment payment plan will have the September discount honored for payments made by Friday, October 9.