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Neighborhood notebook
Residents set to oppose borrow pit
By Times staff writers
Published September 2, 2005
SEFFNER - Residents are scheduled to appeal on Sept. 9 to county officials to keep a borrow pit out of a working-class neighborhood behind Interstate 4.
For two years, Lorton Industries has sought permission to dig a 39-acre borrow pit at the southwest corner of Pruett and Kingsway roads. In April, a land use hearing officer approved the request to excavate 700,000 cubic yards of sandy dirt.
Seffner activists are opposing the borrow pit. In an appeal, they are asking the Land Use Appeals Board to reconsider the hearing officer's decision. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in the second-floor boardroom at the County Center, 601 E Kennedy Blvd., in downtown Tampa.
The borrow pit request has a long history. A land use hearing officer originally denied the request, citing concerns over the effect of another borrow pit in a community that already has eight ditches and landfills within a mile.
After losing an appeal, Lorton sued Hillsborough County. Last September, a Circuit Court judge sent the matter back for another hearing.
The Seffner Community Alliance and Taylor Road Civic Association both have filed appeals in the case. (PETITION 03-0087)
- LETITIA STEIN
Program helps kids of migrant workers
More than 100 students from migrant-worker families are starting the school year with new supplies and a haircut, thanks to the generosity of local merchants and the Lightning Foundation.
Christine Tortorella, wife of Tampa Bay Lightning coach John Tortorella, started the Haircuts & Backpacks program last year with the help of the foundation, Office Depot and Spirit of Beauty Hair Salon.
Migrant advocate Jim Courtney and school officials invited financially needy students, ages 4 to 17, to a Plant City salon for quality cuts.
"They were treated just like any other customer," said salon owner Juan Antonio Diaz, who with wife, Diana, cut the children's hair.
The youths came from Durant High School, Turkey Creek Middle Middle, and Dover, Trapnell, Pinecrest and Robinson elementary schools.
Students also receive new backpacks containing pencils, pens and notebooks.
- ANDREW MEACHAM
[Last modified September 2, 2005, 02:15:35]
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