By BILL COATS, RODNEY THRASH
Published January 9, 2004
KEYSTONE - Should a healthy lake be clear, or peppered with lily pads? What's best for fish and birds? How can people help?
Such questions will be among the topics in "Living at the Lake," a free two-part class being offered the next two Saturdays at the Austin Davis Library.
"Lakes are as different as you and I," said instructor John Brenneman, extension agent for Hillsborough and Polk counties.
Brenneman said new Florida residents often expect the kinds of lakes they saw up north, with rocky bottoms and clear water. That's less likely in Florida, where the sandy lake bottoms often contain natural fertilizers.
"They want lots of fish, and they also want a clear lake," Brenneman said. "Often those two things don't go together."
The classes are multi-media presentations from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Registration is required. Call 744-5519, ext. 128, or e-mail jbrenneman@mail.ifas.ufl.edu
Billboard discussion on hold
NEW TAMPA - A report to county commissioners on the relocation of a billboard has been rescheduled.
In November, commissioners voted to spend $276,082 to remove the 50-foot-tall billboard that Viacom Outdoor Advertising built in August. Homeowners, many of whom thought New Tampa was protected from billboards, didn't want the double-sided sign. It has since been removed.
Commissioners will now discuss the billboard at 9 a.m. Jan. 21 on the second floor of the County Center.
CDD Meetings ahead
TAMPA PALMS - The Board of Supervisors of the Tampa Palms Community Development District will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Compton Park Recreation Building, 16101 Compton Drive, Tampa.
The board will discuss the CDD's financial situation and provide updates on upcoming projects in the area.
Thursday, the Board of Supervisors of the Tampa Palms Open Space and Transportation Community Development District will meet at 1:30 p.m. at the New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Boulevard.
Anyone requiring special accommodations for either meeting should call (954)-753-0380.
