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Tent City Plan Is Under Fire

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 8, 2009

TAMPA - Catholic Charities is revising a proposal to set up a tent city and later build temporary shelters, or casitas, for homeless clients looking for jobs and independence.

But East Lake Park residents are gearing up to block the project at a Hillsborough County rezoning hearing Feb. 17. The charity initially proposed a tent city for about 500 people who would share dining, bathroom, laundry and recreational facilities on about 12 acres at 6401 E. Hillsborough Ave.

"It's too close to our neighborhood," said Joanne O'Brien, vice president of the homeowner's association. "I will not go down without a fight."

She has distributed about 350 fliers and e-mailed out-of-state property owners about the project.
Kathy Steele
Attorney: Don't Fight State

DADE CITY - Pasco County's chief attorney advised county commissioners this week to avoid directly challenging a controversial landfill proposed for agricultural land south of Dade City.

On Monday, the state Department of Environmental Protection plans to release a tentative approval for a household garbage facility proposed by Largo-based Angelo's Aggregate Materials.

Jeffrey Steinsnyder told commissioners that based on his conversations with an attorney who specializes in landfill issues, challenging the DEP permit in court could cost Pasco $300,000 or more.

Steinsnyder advised commissioners to tackle the landfill in their own arena. The landfill will need a change to the county's land-use map and a county-issued conditional-use permit to operate. Both of those changes require public hearings.

Kevin Wiatrowski Junior Royalty To Be Crowned

PLANT CITY - The Florida Strawberry Festival's Junior Royalty Pageant will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at Tomlin Middle School, 501 N. Woodrow Wilson St.

The contest is for girls ages 5 to 15 who will compete in four age groups. They will be judged on personality, overall appearance, natural beauty and smile.

Admission to the pageant is $10.
Dave Nicholson
Water Is Focus Of History Center

Visitors to the new Tampa Bay History Center will be able to manipulate models of ships and trains to learn about the city's seaport and transportation system, the facility's president said Wednesday.

"Water is at the heart of nearly every story being told in the new history center," said C.J. Roberts, who is also chief executive officer. "It was natural that we gave the story of our ports a prominent place within the new museum."

Roberts provided details about the center's exhibits to more than 30 local business people at the Port of Tampa's headquarters on Channelside Drive, not far from the 60,000-square-foot museum along the Garrison Channel.

The museum is scheduled to open Jan. 17.

Ted Jackovics

Vet To Share Shark's Tale

Here's a free lecture of gigantic proportion.

Tonya Clauss, chief veterinarian of the Georgia Aquarium, will present a program on "Gentle Giants: Care of Whale Sharks at the Georgia Aquarium," on Tuesday at The Florida Aquarium, 700 Channelside Drive.

A reception is at 5:45 p.m. and the program is at 6:15. Reservations are requested by calling (813) 273-4568.

Lenora Lake

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