Mall developers fined for runoff into creek

By Times Staff Writer
Published March 7, 2008

WESLEY CHAPEL

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is fining the developers of Cypress Creek Town Center $41,456 for violations at the mall's construction site.

On Jan. 23, the builders had allowed construction runoff to taint Cypress Creek, which broke the terms of Swiftmud's permit for the development.

Swiftmud also is demanding that the builders submit a plan to restore wetlands affected by the discharge.

The mall developers voluntarily agreed to Swiftmud's findings, conclusions and corrective actions, according to the agency's consent order released Thursday.

TAMPA

Officials: Man found in truck killed himself

Authorities believe a man found dead in a truck Wednesday took his own life.

Fred Sanchez, 48, was identified Thursday, a day after his body was discovered at the Sabal Park Business Complex, a Hillsborough sheriff's spokeswoman said.

Deputies found Sanchez in a gray Ford F-150 truck that was parked at the back of a lot at the complex at 3915 Riga Blvd., south of Interstate 4 and west of Interstate 75.

Deputies, who were alerted about 10:30 a.m., said his body had decomposed.

The medical examiner determined Sanchez's cause of death was suicide.

TAMPA

Ethics complaint filed against commissioner

A community activist has filed an ethics complaint against Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair, claiming he improperly interfered in an environmental regulatory issue.

George Niemann of Dover claims Blair improperly inserted himself into a dispute between the county's Environmental Protection Commission and a Thonotosassa mulching company.

He has filed his complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics, which has notified Blair of the claim.

The St. Petersburg Times reported in January that Blair showed up at an EPC staff meeting late last year as the commission considered sanctions against Mother's Organics Inc. The yard-waste processing company had fallen under scrutiny for operating without required approval.

Blair complained during the meeting of heavy-handed treatment by EPC staffers.

At one point, Blair said he understands why people refer to the agency as the Gestapo.

Mother's Organics was facing more than $60,000 in penalties from the EPC. As a result of the meeting, the company agreed to a settlement, in which it is paying $18,000 in what was called a "benevolent donation."

[Last modified March 7, 2008, 00:28:19]