This morning in downtown Tampa, Hillsborough County Commissioners will discuss a proposal brought forth by Commissioners Kevin White and Al Higgenbotham that the County seriously look at using the space in the former Floriland Mall at Florida Avenue and Busch Boulevard to be used as space for the homeless.

Both Commissioners were part of the Gang of 4 (along with Ken Hagen and Mark Sharpe) who last week voted down the proposal by Catholic Charities to build a "Tent City" like structure for the homeless, stunning many in the community, and leading to calls that they should at least have other ideas to deal with the problem.

We'll see how the debate plays out today. But on the surface, this seems like a stretch. I wasn't stunned to read the St. Pete Times quoting a member of the real estate company that owns the land:

We don't think that would be appropriate at all," said George Heaton, manager of Centermall. "This is an office center. We've leased to other tenants based on it being an office center. That wouldn't be fair to our other tenants."

The Board had surprised some observers regarding the tent city proposal by initially showing support on a 5-2 vote. Later the Zoning Hearing Master, who initially did not support the proposal, changed his mind as well, augering well for the possibility of the homeless shelter that would temporarily house 250 people would be built.

But neighborhood opposition was powerful, and the majority of the Board wilted under that pressure last week.

Also today, Commissioner Jim Norman is scheduled to propose consolidating the water systems of Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace, and the County. Norman says he wants to do it to save money and improve efficiencies.

Heavens knows that more consolidation between Tampa and Hillsborough should occur, to save money. But Tampa officials have always seem rather protective of their water – or don't you recall John Dingfelder's discussion last year to cut off the County from the city's water supply in the future? ( I can't find a link, but trust me, he's discussed it).

This article appears in Oct 15-21, 2009.