CLEARWATER, Fla. — Greater than three dozen unlicensed contractors have been arrested and charged after a two-day undercover operation by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Workplace, Clearwater Police Division, and different businesses.
In line with Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, the arrests had been made to guard individuals from being ripped off and from the hazards of shoddy, unlicensed work.
“Nearly all of ‘em — they’re not even from right here,” he stated. “They’re coming in from exterior the world to use our residents and our companies.”
It’s not even the primary time he’s locked up unlicensed contractors because the storms. His crew arrested dozens extra in Madeira Seashore two weeks in the past.
“As they might say, sadly, it’s taking pictures fish in a barrel. There’s a lot of it on the market, it’s not arduous,” the sheriff stated.
In line with Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy, one of many unlicensed staff arrested in the latest bust was getting ready to do a $200,000 job.
Gualtieri stated one other was promoting demolition work however really doing electrical work too.
The sheriff stated the variety of arrests within the Clearwater bust will possible exceed 40. He stated six of the 38 arrested to this point are undocumented immigrants, and one of many six was within the technique of being deported on the time of his arrest.
You’ll be able to confirm a license by visiting www.pinellas.gov/contractor. You may also name the county’s Shopper Safety division at 727-464-6200.