The issue of panhandling isn't going away in Tampa/Hillsborough County apparently until there's a complete ban throughout the region. Since Tampa has no limitations on the practice, that means it will continue to be a story. So while yesterday Hillsborough County Commissioners were toughening up their laws, it will only go so far, since it's biggest municipality refuses to adopt such a measure. And speaking of that, it's interesting to note that the only 3 candidates who won outright in City Council races Tuesday night – Mary Mulhern, Frank Reddick and Charlie Miranda, either supported only a partial ban (Mulhern) or no ban at all.
Speaking of Miranda, we're curious if he'll revive discussions about having the city seriously adopt a system of treating wastewater for citizens consumption, as USA Today brings the story back into the news.
Ed Turanchik has written a letter to his supporters in the wake of his unsuccessful bid for mayor. Turanchik apparently is keeping his options open in terms of an endorsement.
There's a major protest against Rick Scott and his policies set up for next week in Tampa,
And Hillsborough County activist and occasional CL blogger George Niemann is back with a post on Jim Norman's very interesting piece of legislation on farm animals.
the report here.
This article appears in Mar 3-9, 2011.