Chief’s Beat
Chief of Police Richard "Rick" Swann

Corona Virus Update

We continue to receive calls from citizens asking if they can go to the beach, play tennis or pickleball. We receive calls asking why it is necessary to close the parks and restrict people from engaging in activities around their pools and on the beach. We also continue to receive complaints that people have been observed on the beach and around their pools, and they ask why some people are allowed and others are being restricted?

Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to gain voluntary compliance, there are some segments of our population who refuse to grasp the seriousness of this situation and continue to believe that the restrictions do not apply to them. I cannot tell you how much this saddens me. Each of us must be personally responsible for our own actions, especially during this time of crisis. The selfish actions of a these few people pose a serious threat to the health and safety of the rest of our community.

The short answer is that the Beaches and Public Areas are closed, not just for some, but for all! It is important that all Pinellas County Citizens including our local population understand that this is a public health emergency!

The restrictive measures are intended to gain compliance and are necessary to ensure the health and safety of all.  Indian Shores and Redington Shores communities have a large “at risk” population. Social Distancing and compliance with the CDC guidelines are the key to reducing the spread and impact, including minimizing potential deaths, resulting from the COVID-19 virus.

Please know that to date, the restrictions implemented were done with emphasis being placed on seeking full compliance from everyone. However, if voluntary compliance cannot be accomplished, more restrictive measures may become necessary.  

While our goal continues to be to gain full voluntary compliance, I remind everyone that the restrictions implemented have the Full Force of Law and may be enforced by any available legal process up to and including being punishable as a crime by incarceration and/or a fine. Law Enforcement and Regulatory Agencies throughout Pinellas County and across the state are fully prepared to take all steps deemed necessary to enforce all “Orders” and “Restrictions.” 

A “TIP” line 727-582-TIPS (8477) to report violations has been established and you are encouraged to report violations when observed. 

Irresponsible behavior can result in a family member, neighbor or ourselves becoming infected with the virus. The good news is that “we” have the ability to prevent this from occurring. Indian Shores and Redington Shores are great places to live and work. By and large our citizens are responsible and genuinely respect and care for each other. As your Police Chief and fellow Indian Shores citizen, I want to believe that we are all willing to do whatever we can to protect our families, friends and neighbors, even if we are temporarily inconvenienced!

We are all in this together and I urge all of you to be good citizens. Take personal responsibility and follow the advice and recommendations of the experts and comply with Social Distancing Restrictions and Guidelines, and we can and will get through this!

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Pinellas County has a clear warning for consumers - Do not give out personal or financial information and do not send money.

Stimulus Check Scam 

Scammers are calling, emailing and texting consumers pretending to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In one scam, they are sending fake emails that appear to be from the IRS advising that direct deposit is the fastest and easiest way to receive the stimulus check. Consumers are then instructed to click on a link to provide bank account and other personal information. Scammers are also claiming that – for a fee – they can expedite stimulus payments or secure a personal loan.

Stimulus Check Facts

Economic impact payments from the federal coronavirus stimulus package are expected to be sent out in the next three weeks, although it could take longer for some people to receive the money. Those who provided bank account information when filing taxes last year will receive payment via direct deposit. For all others, a check will be mailed. The payments are part of $2 trillion recovery package to help Americans and the economy during this pandemic.

The U.S. Attorney’s office has formed the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force to combat fraud, scams and criminal activity related to COVID-19. They’re asking citizens to report suspected fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline (1-866-720-4721) or disaster@leo.gov.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant for the following types of consumer fraud:

• Anyone selling fake testing kits, treatments or cures for COVID-19
• Websites seeking donations for illegitimate or nonexistent COVID-19 charities
• Phishing emails from entities posing as the CDC or WHO, which may contain malware
• Robocalls offering medical supplies with no intent to deliver
• Websites claiming to provide stimulus funds when consumers input their bank information
• Fraudulent medical billing for procedures related to COVID-19
• Hoarding or price-gouging of necessary supplies

Click here for more information from the U.S. Department of Justice about COVID-19 fraud. For more information about local scams, visit www.pinellascounty.org/consumer.

Respectfully,

                                                                         Chief Richard "Rick" Swann

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