TAMPA – It’s simple, Tampa Bay Water board members say, $30 million just isn’t enough.

It will take much more to fix the broken and cracked Bill Young Reservoir in Hillsborough County that’s had problems from the beginning. And Tampa Bay Water rejected a settlement offer Monday from the firm they say caused all the issues.

“30 million dollars just didn’t cut it.” said Sandra Murman, Tampa Bay Water Board Member.

Huge cracks opened up in the walls of the reservoir soon after it opened in 2005. Some were up to 400 feet long and more than a foot deep. Workers patched them, but the patches didn’t hold, so Tampa Bay Water sued.

Last month, board members voted 4-3 in favor of a $30 million settlement with the firm that designed and inspected the reservoir.

But Tampa Bay Water’s rules require at least five board members to vote in agreement. They did not do that. In fact, they voted unanimously against the settlement, continuing the legal process.

Board members say $30 million is just too low. They’re hoping to get three times that amount if they win in court, and they’ll need it. Fixing the reservoir will cost about $121 million.

“From the beginning, I voted not to take that settlement because I felt that the public deserves us to take a closer look and do a better job for them and demand more from the people who created the problem to begin with.” Murman said.

It’s not clear when the case could finally go to trial. Of course, if or when it does, there’s no guarantee of the outcome.

“Yes, you could come out with zero. It’s a very complicated case.” Murman says. “You always take that risk, but I think we have a good case.”

Tampa bay water has a new contract with another firm now to fix the reservoir. They’re also planning to expand it by three billion gallons.

 

Hillsborough County News
Oct. 17, 2011
Contact: Luann Finley, Director of Board Services, 813-272-5826

Commissioners Seek Applications For Citizen Boards And Councils

Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking residents to serve on several County citizen advisory boards and councils. Residents interested in seeking appointment must be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions, and members serve without compensation. Applicants may apply to more than one board, but may only serve on one board at a time.

The deadline for applying is November 3. Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners in December.

An application is available in the Commissioners’ reception area on the second floor of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa; by calling the Boards and Councils Coordinator at 813-272-5826; or on the County’s Web site at: www.hillsboroughcounty.org. Click on the “County Commission” link on the left-hand side of the page, then the “Advisory Boards and Committees” sublink. The “Questionnaire For County Appointment” is in the middle of the page. The form can be filled out, and then scanned and emailed, faxed, hand-delivered or mailed. Additional directions for submission are listed on the form.
If you apply to a Board that requires a background check, you must also submit a Background Investigation Disclosure and Authorization Form, which also is available on the website.
The Boards and Councils that have openings are:

AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD–advises and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners and Affordable Housing Officer on issues affecting affordable housing development, and to assist the County in developing new programs and policies in order to foster the development and preservation of attainable housing for those County residents who desire to live in safe, decent, and affordable housing.

Five positions are vacant. Two terms are for three years. Three positions are for the remainder of terms which expire June 30, 2012 and two on Aug. 1, 2012. After two full consecutive terms, a member shall not be eligible for reappointment until three calendar years have elapsed from date of termination of the second term.

Positions are specified as: 1) citizen representing employers in the jurisdiction, 2) citizen actively engaged in the residential home building industry in connection with affordable housing, 3) citizen representing essential services personnel as defined in the Local Housing Assistance Plan, 4) an at-large representative not actively engaged in affordable housing, and 5) a mortgage lending industry representative. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 1st Monday, 9 a.m.

BUILDING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for building certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Building Code.

Two terms are expiring. Member term is for four years and alternate term is for two years. Positions are specified as: 1) a swimming pool contractor and 2) an alternate. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 3rd Tuesday, 9 a.m.

CHILD CARE FACILITIES ADVISORY BOARD–advises the Board of County Commissioners on recommended amendments to the Child Care Facilities Ordinance; proposes additional rules and regulations to the Board of County Commissioners which effectuate the intent and purpose of the Ordinance; recommends and assists the Hillsborough County Office of Child Care Licensing in the development and implementation of training materials for child care personnel. It also advises the Hillsborough County Office of Child Care Licensing on all matters pertaining to child care facilities.

Eight terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as: 1) parent of a child in a child care facility, 2 & 3) licensed private for-profit child care center operator, 4) local non-profit or governmental agency serving the needs of young children and their parents, 5) licensed religiously affiliated child care facility operator, 6) member of an accrediting organization of a religiously exempt facility, 7) president of an association whose purpose is to promote professionalism in early childhood, and 8) a representative of a non-profit licensed child care facility or organization. Appointment to this board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 1st Thursday, 1 p.m.

CHILD CARE LICENSING HEARING OFFICER—conducts hearings and makes recommendations, at the request of an applicant for a child care license or a current licensee, whenever an application for a license is denied, or whenever a license has been placed on probation, suspended, revoked, or an administrative fine has been imposed, pursuant to the Hillsborough County Child Care Homes Licensing Ordinance 05-9 and the Hillsborough County Child Care Facilities Ordinance 03-25, as amended by Hillsborough County Ordinance 04-25,

One term has expired. Term is for three years. Hearing Officers must be members in good standing of the Florida Bar and may not be employees of the County Attorney’s Office. Appointment as a Hearing Officer is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: When requested.

CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD–hears violations of all codes and ordinances of Hillsborough County with most cases arising out of violations of the County’s housing, building, zoning, and sign codes and ordinances to maintain minimum health and safety standards.

Two member terms and one alternate term are expiring. Terms are for three years. After two consecutive terms, a member shall not be eligible for reappointment until one calendar year has elapsed from date of termination of the second term. Consideration for membership shall be given to representatives from the following fields: a businessperson, an architect, a general contractor, a subcontractor, a realtor, and an alternate. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Citizens appointed to this board must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally 2nd or 3rd Friday, 9 a.m.

CODE ENFORCEMENT SPECIAL MAGISTRATE—hears violations of all codes and ordinances of Hillsborough County with most cases arising out of violations of the County’s housing, building, zoning, and sign codes and ordinances to maintain minimum health and safety standards; burglar false alarm ordinances and natural resources regulations; and the water restriction ordinance.

One term is expiring. Term is for three years. Citizen appointed as a Special Magistrate will be required to file an annual financial disclosure, and must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County.

Meeting schedule: Monthly, 9 a.m., Burglar False Alarms – generally 1st or 2nd Monday, Water Resources – generally 1st or 2nd Friday, and Community Codes – generally 1st or 2nd Thursday.

CROSS CONNECTION, BACKFLOW AND BACK-SIPHONAGE CONTROL BOARD–assists the plumbing official, the water purveyor, and the health officer in the enforcement of Hillsborough County regulations; hears citizen complaints concerning the Ordinance and associated regulations, and when appropriate, makes recommendations to the County Commission regarding changes to the regulations; and serves as an appeals board from any decision, ruling, or determination of the inspection agency involved in the enforcement of the Ordinance and associated regulations.

Three terms are expiring. Terms are for four years. Positions are specified as: 1) an industry representative, 2) a private attorney licensed in the State of Florida, and 3) an industry representative, a private attorney licensed in the State of Florida, or a citizen representative. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 4th Monday, 1 p.m.

ELECTRICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for electrical certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Electrical Code.

One term is expiring. Term is for four years. Position is specified as an electrical utility company representative. Citizen appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure.
Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 3rd Thursday, 8:30 a.m.

FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME ADVISORY BOARD–reviews and advises the Board of County Commissioners on recommended amendments to the Family Child Care Homes Licensing Ordinance or the Rules and Regulations Handbook including recommending and assisting the local licensing agency in the development and implementation of training materials for child care personnel; advising the local licensing agency on matters of licensing policy, procedure, and priorities; and proposes additional rules and regulations regarding the intent and purpose of the ordinance.

One term is expiring and two positions are vacant. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as: 1) a licensed family child care home operator and 2 & 3) a parent who has a child enrolled in a licensed family day care home. Appointment to this board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 3rd Thursday, 7 p.m.

HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC.–works in collaboration with community-based organizations to identify, address, and resolve health care issues of local concern. The Council collects and analyzes health care data, prepares special reports and publications, and educates the community about special health issues.

One term has expired. Term is for two years. Position is specified as a health care provider. Meeting schedule: Alternating Wednesdays, 8 a.m. in St. Petersburg.

HISTORICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL—supports and facilitates a uniform historical marker program throughout the County, including the cities of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace as well as organizations and other agencies who request assistance. It also provides the County Commission with support that complements the goals of historical preservation and education in Hillsborough County.

One term is expiring. Term is for three years. No members shall serve for more than two full terms. More that one half of a term is deemed to be service for a full term. A member who has served two full consecutive terms shall be eligible for reappointment after at least three years of non-membership. All members shall possess expertise in significant and relevant historical matters. In making appointments, due consideration shall be given to achieving a demographic balance among the appointed. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 4:30 p.m.

HISTORIC RESOURCES REVIEW BOARD–serves as an architectural review board for the protection of historic resources in unincorporated Hillsborough County. It recommends archaeological and historical sites to the Board of County Commissioners for landmarks designation and reviews alterations and new construction on landmark sites or districts.

One term is expiring and three positions are vacant, one due to resignation. Three terms are for three years. One position is for the remainder of term which expires June 30, 2013. After two consecutive terms, a member shall not be eligible for reappointment until one calendar year has elapsed from date of termination of the second term. Positions are specified as: 1) an alternate, 2) an architectural historian, 3) an architect, and 4) a licensed real estate broker. Members must have a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in historic preservation. Citizens appointed to this board must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 3rd Tuesday, 3 p.m.

HUMAN RELATIONS BOARD–encourages equality among all people by reviewing complaints filed under Hillsborough County’s Human Rights Ordinance which promotes fair treatment and equal opportunity for people regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or marital status.

Five terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. Members may not be appointed to serve more than two full consecutive terms. Consideration for membership shall be given to representatives from the following fields: retail merchandising management, industrial management, real estate sales, property leasing, mortgage financing, law enforcement, labor council, person with a disability, a person representing persons with disabilities, or other profession. Citizen appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 2nd Tuesday, Noon.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY–with the consent of the Board of County Commissioners, provides financing of industrial projects that are beneficial to the community, including manufacturing plants and pollution and waste control facilities.

Two terms are expiring. Terms are for four years. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 1st Thursday, 8:30 a.m.

MECHANICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for mechanical certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Mechanical Code.

Three positions are vacant. Member terms are for four years and alternate terms are for two years. Positions are specified as: 1) a mechanical trade representative and 2 & 3) alternates. Alternate members must be knowledgeable and experienced in the technical codes of this board. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 3rd Thursday, 10 a.m.

PLUMBING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for plumbing certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Plumbing Code.

Two terms are expiring. Member terms are for four years and alternate terms are for two years. Positions are specified as: 1) registered engineer in Florida qualified to work in the area of sanitary or mechanical engineering and 2) an alternate. Alternate members must be knowledgeable and experienced in the technical codes of this board. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: February, May, August, & September, 1 p.m.

PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE–acts in the public interest on all matters relating to the Public Art Ordinance including the selection, placement, and maintenance of works of public art throughout the County. The Committee and its staff are responsible for the administration and planning of the Public Art Program, and the curatorship of the countywide liaisons to the public art community.

Two terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. No member shall serve for more than two full three year terms. Positions are specified as private citizens with a demonstrated knowledge and appreciation for visual art. Meeting schedule: Quarterly.

TAMPA BAY AREA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE–provides region-oriented advice to the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority regarding the development and implementation of a multi modal transportation master plan; promotion of public awareness and participation in the master planning process; and dissemination of information to local citizens groups.

Two terms are expiring. Terms are for two years. Positions are specified as one member and one alternate. Members should be leaders of a recognized group or organization, but may not be a transportation agency staff member. Consideration for membership shall be given to the following criteria: membership in business, civic, and environmental organizations; member of senior, low-income, minority and/or disabled populations; demonstrated interest in transportation or other public policy advocacy; experience in working with local jurisdictions on regional issues; and previous community service. Meeting schedule: Monthly.

WATER CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE–makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding water conservation issues.

Nine terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as: 1) hospitality representative, 2) small business representative, 3) landscape installation and maintenance representative, 4) agriculture (not public water supply) representative, 5) landscape plant grower, 6) commercial real estate representative, 7) homeowner association representative, 8) environmental organization representative, and 9) a major water use representative. Meeting schedule: Quarterly.

For more information, contact Luann Finley, Director of Board Services, at 813-272-5826.

Kids Fest 2011

Slideshow

 

Demorris A. Lee, St. Petersburg Times
Thursday, October 6, 2011

http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/hillsborough-sheriff-warns-internet-sweepstakes-cafes-to-fly-right/1195463

In joining a crackdown already under way in neighboring counties, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is warning owners of Internet sweepstakes cafes to stop any illegal gambling or risk prosecution.

In a letter dated Oct. 3, the Sheriff’s Office writes to owners that it is “obligated to investigate all illegal activities occurring within our jurisdiction, including illegal gambling activities.”

The letter states that “according to our understanding of your operation, you are conducting business activities in violation” of state gambling laws.

The letters come as Hillsborough County commissioners are set to meet next week to take their own steps to regulate the cafes.

Sweepstakes cafes have been allowed to operate freely in Hillsborough, while in Pinellas and Pasco counties, Sheriffs Jim Coats and Chris Nocco have shut down such cafes and arrested owners.

In both Pinellas and Pasco, the sheriffs began their enforcement campaigns against the cafes with similar letters of warning. Coats and Nocco contend that the cafes foster illegal gambling.

Larry McKinnon, a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office spokesman, said Wednesday that the letters sent this week give owners the opportunity to make sure their businesses operate legally.

“If they are unclear about what the law says, then they should consult an attorney or the State Attorney’s Office for clarification,” McKinnon said.

The number of Internet sweepstakes cafes has soared in the Tampa Bay area recently.

Sweepstakes cafe customers purchase Internet time that they use to access casino-style games on cafe computers. Points won in the games can be redeemed for cash in the cafes.

Last month, Hillsborough County commissioners voted unanimously to direct staffers to draft an ordinance banning simulated gambling devices. The ban could exempt nonprofit groups.

Commissioners have scheduled a workshop for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday to discuss regulating the cafes. If they can agree on language for an ordinance, a public hearing will be held Oct. 19.

Commissioner Sandy Murman, who wants the establishments banned, said there are at least 25 Internet sweepstakes cafes operating in unincorporated Hillsborough.

“The Sheriff’s Office is doing the right thing,” Murman said of the letters. “They are supposed to stop crime and illegal activity.”

The letters are arriving at cafes days before commissioners discuss local regulations, but Murman said the two events are not related.

“I don’t think anyone is operating on a timeline because of the ordinance we are proposing,” Murman said. “The workshop will allow both sides to present their case.”

Nancee Laursen, owner of the Enless II sweepstakes cafe on W Hillsborough Avenue, received one of the letters. She said she is running a legal business.

“I’m going to wait and see what happens,” Laursen said. “The fact is, it’s not gambling. If they are going to investigate, they should come into my store and let us know they are here so I can explain it to them. It’s completely black and white. It’s not gambling.”

But area law enforcement agencies point to Florida gambling statute 849.16, which states in part that any device is considered a slot machine — illegal in Florida except where specifically allowed — if it operates “as a result of the insertion of any piece of money, coin or other object” and if the user, because of “any element of chance,” receives anything of value.

Sweepstakes cafe proponents point to a different state statute on game promotions when they argue their cafes are legal. They say they are merely using sweepstakes games to promote their businesses.

A Pinellas cafe owner is challenging Coats’ decision to raid and close her Palm Harbor business. A federal court hearing in Tampa is scheduled for Oct. 14.

Regent may face state review
By From staff reports
Published: October 05, 2011

http://www2.tbo.com/news/news/2011/oct/05/menewso5-regent-may-face-state-review-ar-262848/

TAMPA — Hillsborough County commissioners have asked the state Joint Legislative Auditing Committee to review funding and operations at The Regent, a controversial community center near Brandon.

Commission Chairman Al Higginbotham sent a letter last week to state Sen. Jim Norman, chairman of the audit committee and a former Hillsborough commissioner, asking for the review of the center. Built with county, state and federal money, The Regent was sold to government officials as a community center and hurricane shelter. After the building was finished in January, however, it was criticized because of its lavish decor and lack of accessibility for ordinary residents.

Commissioner Victor Crist, a former state senator, suggested at the Sept. 21 commission meeting that the audit committee look at the center. Crist made the suggestion after a county auditor reported that $35,000 in county money had been spent on consultants and other inappropriate uses during construction. Commissioners asked the board running The Regent to return the money.

“From the holistic perspective, we really need to have the full bird’s-eye view of what this deal is and what has really taken place,” Crist said at the meeting, “and the best way to do that is to send a formal request from this board to the state Legislature and ask that the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee look into this matter.”

Commissioner Sandy Murman is also scheduling meetings with The Regent’s board to discuss the future management of the center. Murman has suggested that Hillsborough Community College, which owns the building, also operate it.

National Recovery Month

Commissioner Murman, on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners,
presents a Proclamation recognizing September 2011, as National Recovery Month.

 

Workforce Development Month

Commissioner Murman, on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, proclaims September 2011, as Workforce Development Month, supporting the efforts of the Workforce Alliance in Hillsborough County.

 

Bucs and Bowling

Out Bowling with Friends!

 

Platt St. Bridge Closing Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As your Traffic and Safety representative, on behalf of the Davis Islands Civic Association board of directors, I want to keep you informed on the upcoming Platt Street bridge closure and its impact on Davis Islands. The Platt Street Bridge is closing this MONDAY, October 3rd, 2011. Yes, it will be hard to get used to, and it will be an inconvenience for over 3 months.

A public meeting took place September 27, 2011 at the Sandra Freeman Tennis Court facility with City and County representatives including Commissioner Sandy Murman and City Councilman Harry Cohen. Most comments and concerns voiced at the prior Hyde Park meeting were incorporated into the plan. The City and County agencies along with Tampa Police are working together and pledged to respond quickly to unforeseen conditions as a result of this event.

We were assured that Digital Traffic Display Boards will be installed at points ahead leading to the bridge to inform drivers. Sandy Murman will further contact the School Board to make sure that schools are aware of potential delays.  Be assured that the City and County staffs are communicating with MacDill Air Force Base and TGH to let them know of plans, detours and latest updates. We have asked that additional police officers, automatic telephone calls and possibly web cams be used to lessen the impact and speed police response during this period.

This event will not be easy for everyone, including Davis Islands, South Tampa, Harbour Island residents and TGH, but we are told every effort is being made and coordinated to minimize inconveniences and provide for safety during this event.

As we have stressed before, kindly factor time delays as you schedule your travels in and out of Davis Islands during this period. Please let your friends and neighbors know and think safety first as you travel in and out of our great neighborhood.

Being informed about this event will help lessen the inconvenience and prepare us for any eventuality. Traffic Diagrams and Maps along with more specific information can be accessed at;

http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/publicworks/traffic/platt/routes.cfm

 

Sincerely,

Antonio J. Amadeo, AIA

DICA Traffic & Safety Chair

TAMPA — Get ready for Tampa’s own mini Carmageddon, the closing of the Platt Street Bridge.

When the 85-year-old drawbridge leading downtown closes for repairs in the wee hours Monday, the disruption will spare no one.

Not commuters, nor hockey fans, nor Tampa General Hospital employees nor Davis Islands residents, including the mayor.

“I’m sure I’ll have my opportunity to sit in traffic, like everyone else,” Mayor Bob Buckhorn said.

But unlike the original Carmageddon, which shut down a major Los Angeles freeway for one weekend this summer, the Platt Street Bridge will stay closed for more than three months, until mid-January.

The one-way bridge carries 34,000 cars and trucks a day from Bayshore Boulevard directly into downtown Tampa.

It’s a major commuter route not only for South Tampa residents, but for many Pinellas County commuters who come over the Gandy Bridge and drive up through South Tampa. It carries more traffic than can be detoured onto any one other road.

It was built in 1926 and is showing its age. Its concrete is crumbling, its gears are rusty and its electronics are out of date.

Designed by the same firm that created the Golden Gate Bridge, the 518-foot bridge was designated a historic structure in 2006.

Because of its age, many gears and motors had to be custom-made or machined. So county officials did not set the date of the closing until every replacement part had been fabricated, delivered and tested.

When finished, it will look just like the original, down to the color of the paint.

The rehabilitation job will cost $13.8 million, but the county has given the contractor incentives to finish early. It will receive $10,000 a day for every day it finishes before Jan. 16. Every day that it is late, the contractor will be penalized $10,000.

“It’s such a critical artery,” Hillsborough County Public Works Department spokesman Steve Valdez said. “We wanted to make darn sure we lessened the amount of adverse impact as much as we possibly could.”

The work is being done now partly to be completed before next year’s Republican National Convention, scheduled Aug. 27 to 30.

In the meantime, officials plan to post police officers to direct traffic at three choke points. They are encouraging motorists to plan ahead. Take another route. Come in a little earlier or a little later.

Coming from South Pinellas? If you drive over on the Gandy Bridge, consider taking the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway instead of Bayshore Boulevard. (You’ll still have to pay the tolls. All expressway revenue is pledged to repay bonds, and the only time tolls are waived is in an emergency evacuation.)

Otherwise, officials say, skip the Gandy and consider the Howard Frankland Bridge.

That’s right: the Howard Frankland. When that’s considered a preferred commuting alternative, “you know that pickings are slim,” Tampa transportation manager Jean Dorzback said. But she said there are “only so many ways to go.”

Perhaps no one will be more inconvenienced than the 5,500 residents of Davis Islands, a 1,700-home suburb connected to Bayshore Boulevard by a single bridge, and the largest employer on the islands —Tampa General Hospital.

“We are very concerned about it,” said architect Antonio Amadeo, the traffic and safety chairman of the Davis Islands Civic Association. He estimates that the tie-ups could add 10 to 30 minutes to trips residents make to and from the islands.

Then there’s Tampa General, with nearly 7,000 employees and more than a thousand beds. Still more patients come for out-patient procedures. Shuttles carry hospital employees to and from remote parking lots across the bridge.

“We think it’ll have a major impact on us,” hospital spokesman John Dunn said. While there might be delays in the morning, “I think our bigger concern is leaving the hospital at the end of the day.”

The day shift at Tampa General runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. From 3 to 5 p.m., 1,500 cars typically leave the hospital, and a traffic delay in downtown Tampa can ripple back onto the islands.

In May, for example, the St. Pete Times Forum hosted a weekday graduation ceremony for the University of South Florida.

“We had people stuck in our garage who couldn’t even move for 45 minutes to an hour,” Dunn said.

Officials expect ambulances to hit fewer delays going to the hospital than leaving to return to service. If that happens, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue plans to shift other ambulances around to make sure that the county is covered, Fire Rescue spokesman Ray Yeakley said.

At the St. Pete Times Forum, the Tampa Bay Lightning hired its own traffic engineer to help design traffic and parking plans for the arena’s home games. It will post travel tips for fans on its website and call or send e-mails to season ticketholders.

City and county officials generally say they expect several rough days, maybe even a couple of difficult weeks, but eventually drivers should find their way and things will settle down.

At a community meeting on Davis Islands Tuesday night, residents said local officials had improved the traffic management plan and praised plans to close northbound Bayshore at Swann Avenue. (Southbound traffic, like from the Publix at Bayshore and Platt, will continue to flow.)

But while school district officials have been involved in planning meetings, several Davis Islands residents said their school administrators didn’t seem to know enough about the closure. Kids delayed by traffic, they worried, might be penalized for being late.

In response, Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandra Murman said she would talk to school administrators and ask them to be lenient with tardiness during the first days after the bridge closes.

But she also encouraged residents to spread the word, so that fewer drivers are caught by surprise on Monday.

“We will defuse as much chaos as we can,” she said. “Tell your neighbor. I think people are not tuned into this at all yet.”

To learn more Visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/publicworks/traffic/platt or call (813) 635-5400 for information about the construction project or (813) 274-8333 for information on alternate routes.

 
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