Neighborhood notebook

By EVE LEBERSON, JACKIE RIPLEY and SUSAN THURSTON

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 14, 2001

Small group brings a host of concerns to town hall talks

COUNTRYWAY -- Attendance was sparse at a town hall meeting Thursday night but Hillsborough County officials said they were not surprised considering the mood of the country.

"Right now people are staying close to home," said county spokesman Mike Foerster. "The other thing was that the president had his press conference and we were concerned because it was at the same time" as the county meeting. He also surmised that "by and large, people in the Westchase area and Upper Tampa Bay area are pretty well pleased with the level of county service."

Town hall meetings offer residents an open microphone to talk to county commissioners about roads, drainage, law enforcement, fire protection, parks, land-use regulations, transportation, social services and any other issues in their community.

Topics raised Thursday included traffic lights, road improvements and right-of-way maintenance. One Westchase homeowner complained that the community might eventually be charged for reclaimed water, a situation County Commission Chairwoman Pat Frank said would be discussed next month. Two residents wanted traffic signals at Gretna Green Street and Linebaugh Avenue, and at Hillsborough Avenue and Silver Mill Drive. "We have 200 families who can't exit safely," said Helen Gordillo of Bayport Colony. "If we ever had to evacuate, we would never be able to get out." A future Alonso parent asked for a crosswalk at Hillsborough Avenue.

And Citrus Park Civic Association president Jean Carson wants the county to hold developers to conditions that have been put on their projects. Commissioner Rhonda Storm said such enforcement should be easier now that the county has the computer technology to better keep track of development plans.

Women's groups launch club for teens

LUTZ -- The Lutz-Land O'Lakes and Tampa Lakes woman's clubs are organizing a community service club for teens in Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Girls, ages 12 to 18, who are interested in becoming a member are invited to its first meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday at Lutz Branch Library, 101 W Lutz-Lake Fern Road.

"This is an excellent opportunity to develop leadership and meet girls with the same interests within the community," says Nancy Fisher, membership chairwoman of the Lutz-Land O'Lakes Woman's Club. It's a chance to "get into the community" and "have fun while doing service."

The new club would be the GFWC Florida Federation Women's Club's fifth Juniorette club in Hillsborough County. Ten girls are needed to start the charter. For information, call (813) 949-1919, ext. 2.

Tampa Palms to fix electrical problems

TAMPA PALMS -- The Tampa Palms Community Development District will spend about $29,000 to fix light poles and other electrical units that pose a safety risk.

Supervisors agreed Wednesday to hire Electric Eels to do the work right away rather than waiting a few months, as originally planned. They said they feared a child could get hurt by touching exposed wiring.

In approving the 2002-03 budget in September, supervisors promised to hold off on capital projects until a committee of homeowners reviews the community's priorities.

They said the electrical problems warranted an exception. Committee members strongly agreed and, in fact, scolded them for not making the repairs sooner.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright