Digest

It's official: Ikea can build store in Ybor

By TIMES WIRES
Published July 27, 2007

TAMPA

In a final vote Thursday, the City Council approved a plan to build a 350,000-square-foot Ikea furniture store just south of Ybor City at 1103 N 22nd St.

Six council members supported the popular Swedish store's plan, but council member Linda Saul-Sena voted against it, still questioning the environmental impact of Ikea's proposed 1,615-space parking lot, which she called a "sea of asphalt" at the first hearing in June.

There was no discussion at the Thursday hearing.

The Tampa Ikea is scheduled for a summer 2009 opening.

WESTCHASE

Truck driver survives shock from power line

A truck driver, 35, received an electrical shock about 1 p.m. Thursday while setting a concrete pole on a Countryway Boulevard median.

The driver accidentally touched a 230,000-volt overhead power line with a piece of equipment, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. He was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where he talked with emergency works and appeared to be all right, said Hillsborough Fire Rescue spokesman Ray Yeakley.

The incident did not cause anyone in the area to lose power, said Tampa Electric spokesman Rick Morera. Countryway Boulevard was temporarily closed.

TAMPA

Council sets hearing on liquor at Busch

The City Council set a Sept. 20 public hearing to discuss whether Busch Gardens and Adventure Island can sell beer, liquor and wine throughout the entertainment complex.

The adventure parks are currently limited in where they can sell alcohol, and they've applied for expanded liquor licenses.

PORT RICHEY

Labor official sides with Pasco firefighters

Pasco County firefighters could get nearly $500,000 in retroactive raises under a recommendation by a state labor official that accuses the county of breaking the law.

A hearing officer for the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission has recommended that Pasco County give firefighters a 2.5 percent pay raise.

BROOKSVILLE

Founders Day, Christmas to lose out

The ax is swinging at City Hall, and two of the first budget victims have been identified: the city's participation in both the Founders Day celebration and the Christmas Festival.

City Manager Jennene Norman-Vacha declined to give other budget details until the council members had been informed.

[Last modified July 27, 2007, 00:38:58]