Officials discuss terror alert on TV

The sheriff and others want to calm people's fears and answer questions. ''We are very safe,'' says the sheriff's spokeswoman.

By SUZANNAH GONZALES
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 15, 2003

Since last week's "orange" national terror alert upgrade and government officials' direction to buy duct tape and other emergency supplies, county offices have been bombarded with callers.

They ask questions like: What should I buy? What should I do?

Tuesday night, residents will have the opportunity to ask questions during a special, live edition of the local TV program called Sheriff's 10-43.

From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Sheriff Jeff Dawsy and officials from Progress Energy, the county's emergency management team and the Citrus County Health Department will be on the program to provide safety information, explain what preparedness plans are in place, hear concerns and answer questions.

"The sheriff wants to alleviate any fears people may have," sheriff's spokeswoman Ronda Hemminger Evan. said. "We are very safe."

The program can be seen on Channel 49, Channel 16 on Time Warner cable systems and Channel 97 for Adelphia systems.

The public can call 795-4919 to ask questions during the show. Calls will be taken after the first 15 or 20 minutes.

-- Suzannah Gonzales can be reached at 860-7312 sgonzales@sptimes.com.

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