Fairgrounds to shelter horses in emergencies

By CHRISTINA K. COSDON
Published July 14, 2005

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TAMPA - As Hurricane Dennis threatened the Gulf Coast last week, many Pinellas County horse owners in low-lying areas panicked when they were denied access to the state fairgrounds in Tampa, which has long been an evacuation spot for horses statewide.

Last week's situation won't happen again.

After reviewing its policies Wednesday, a State Fair Authority official said it has the power to open the stables during emergencies such as hurricanes, and will do so in the future.

"We've been asked by the equine industry to continue providing space for horses vulnerable during storms," said Chuck Pesano, authority executive director.

"Our policy in the future will be that we will be attempting to accommodate both the equine industry in stabling their horses in our facilities and the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations plan in their use of the facilities."

Several Pinellas horse owners and caretakers had been worried when they were turned away from the fairgrounds, saying there were few alternatives for emergency horse shelters.

Steve Porter, a Hillsborough County Emergency Management planner, said Wednesday the equestrian center was closed last week because his agency had not issued a mandatory evacuation order, although Pinellas did issue a recommended evacuation of mobile homes and low-lying areas.

The Department of Agriculture would okay opening the stables. It was not requested, Porter said, because Hillsborough was not in danger from Dennis.

"If any surrounding county has evacuation orders and horse owners have concerns, we encourage them to give us a call and we will try to accommodate them," Pesano said. Access will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, he said.