Family Reources

Relocating to your new home is stressful enough, without worrying about throwing kids and pets into the muddle. Fortunately, several local communities support agencies are dedicated to finding resources to ease your family's transition.

INFORMATIONAL PHONE NUMBERS
These offices serve as a point of contact for neighborhood and civic associations.

Brandon and Tampa Neighborhood
and Community Relations Office
102 E. Seventh Ave.
Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 274-7835
http://www.tampagov.net/dept_neighborhood _and_community_relations

Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services
608 N. Garden Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33755 (727) 442-4155
http://www.cnhs.biz/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx   

St. Petersburg Neighborhood
Partnership Office
P.O. Box 2842
St. Petersburg, FL 33731 (727) 892-5141
http://www.stpete.org/neighborhoods

Hillsborough County
Hillsborough Information Line
(813) 272-5900

Community Relations 24-Hour Hotline
(813) 272-5275
The 24-hour hotline provides information about Bay Area construction projects and programs.

Neighborhood Help Line (813) 272-5860
The Neighborhood Relations Program helps Bay Area residents and groups create neighborhood associations and obtain mini-grants.

Elder Help Line (813) 273-3779
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/aging  

Pinellas County
Elder Help Line (727) 217-8111
http://www.pinellascounty.org/MPO/PDFs/SeniorHelpline.pdf

PUBLIC SAFETY
Police Departments
Clearwater
645 Pierce St.
Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 562-4242
http://www.clearwaterpolice.org/cp/cp_history.asp

Plant City
1 Police Place
P.O. Box 4709
Plant City, FL 33566 (813) 757-9200
http://www.plantcitygov.com/index.aspx?nid=117

St. Petersburg
1300 First Ave. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33705 (727) 893-7780
http://www.stpete.org/police

Tampa and Brandon
One Police Center
411 N. Franklin Center
Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 231-6130
(non-emergency)
http://www.tampagov.net/dept_Police

Temple Terrace
11250 N. 56th St.
Temple Terrace, FL 33617 (813) 989-7110
(non-emergency)
http://www.templeterrace.com/police

Hillsborough County Sheriff
2008 E. Eighth Ave.
Tampa, FL 33605 (813) 247-8200
(non-emergency)
http://www.hcso.tampa.fl.us

Pinellas County Sheriff
10750 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33778 (727) 582-6200
http://www.pcsoweb.com/pages/contact_us.html

Crime Stoppers
(800) 873-8477

Fire and Rescue
Brandon
5602 Providence Road
Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 272-6600
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/firerescue

Clearwater
610 Franklin St.
Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 562-4334
http://www.clearwater-fl.com/gov/depts/fire/index.asp

Plant City
604 E. Alexander St.
Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 757-9131
(non-emergency)
http://www.plantcitygov.com/index.aspx?nid=471

St. Petersburg
400 Dr. M.L.King Blvd. South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 893-7694
http://www.stpete.org/fire/rescue.html
 
Tampa
808 Zack St.
Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 274-7011
(non-emergency)
http://www.tampagov.net/dept_Fire_rescue

Temple Terrace
124 Bullard Parkway
Tampa, FL 33617 (813) 274-7011
http://www.templeterrace.com/fire

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue
2709 E. Hanna Ave.
Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 272-6600
(non-emergency)
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/firerescue

Pinellas County Fire Rescue
12490 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33774 (727) 582-2000
http://www.pinellascounty.org/publicsafety/ems_overview.htm

These agencies plan and coordinate the evacuation and sheltering of residents in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. Visit their websites for the latest hurricane shelter and evacuation zones map.

Hillsborough County Emergency Management
(813) 236-3800
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/emergency

Pinellas County Emergency Management
(727) 464-3800
http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/default.htm

Animal Control
Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
Wild animal issues (888) 404-3922
Alligator nuisance (866) 392-4286
http://myfwc.com
The FWC manages and ensures the long-term well-being of fish and wildlife, especially as humans continue to encroach on wildlife habitats. The website offers tips about living with many of the 575 species across the state.

PETS
Pets are often overlooked in the relocation process. Many animals don't respond well to drastic changes in their routines and surroundings. To alleviate or limit the trauma, here are a few tips:
• Before moving, collect all records from your veterinarian.
• On moving day, alert the movers about your pets, which you have secured in a safe place, such as a bathroom.
• Bring your pet's bowls, food, any medications and favorite toys with you.
• Keep your pet safe and secure in a suitable pet carrier.
• Make sure pet tags include your cell phone number and new address.
• Review your route and reserve pet-friendly accommodations.
• Upon arrival in your new home, quickly set up your pet's bed and food area.
• Find a new veterinarian in this guide's yellow pages.

Animal Services
Pinellas County
12450 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33774 (727) 582-2600
http://www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices
 
Hillsborough County
440 N. Falkenburg Road
Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 744-5660
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices

Count on local animal services departments to enforce ordinances and state animal laws, provide animal adoption services, pick up stray, lost and sick/injured animals, issue rabies registration tags and other services. Also plan to register and obtain tags for all dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months or older. All dogs must wear the tag and all cats are required to either wear the tag or be micro-chipped, tattooed or have an ear tag when outside. Visit the website in your area for tag costs and a complete list of such services as obedience training and dog parks, as well as volunteer opportunities.

Pet Safety
Your pet faces many new outside dangers, like the Bufo Toad, the state's largest amphibian— nine inches long and two pounds in weight. When threatened they secrete a milky toxin from glands behind their heads which can cause foaming at the mouth, seizures and irregular heartbeat in your pet. Six species of venomous snakes— rattlesnakes, cottonmouth, coral snake and the copperhead—pose another danger. So keep your dog on a short leash in wooded areas, especially if it starts sniffing or pawing the ground. Alligators pose the biggest threat. They live wherever there is water so avoid allowing your dog to walk around or swim in unknown waters.

FAMILY, CHILDREN AND CHILD CARE
Hillsborough County Children's Services
3191 Clay Mangum Lane
Tampa, FL 33618 (813) 264-3821
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/childrensservices

Children's Board of Hillsborough County
1002 E. Palm Ave.
Tampa, FL 33605 (813) 229-2884
http://www.childrensboard.org

Children's Services Council
of Pinellas County
14155 58th St. North
Clearwater, FL 33760 (727) 547-5600
http://www.jwbpinellas.org