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Northeast Ranks High For Post-Disaster Help

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By LENORA LAKE

llake@tampatrib.com

Published: March 11, 2009

UNIVERSITY AREA - Much of Northeast Hillsborough is among areas recommended for a high priority of rebuilding if the county should experience a major disaster.

The recommendations from a countywide task force put emphasis on those high-activity areas away from the coast. Areas also include Egypt Lake, Citrus Park and Brandon.

The plans were unveiled last week at the first in a series of public hearings on the county's Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan. Six residents met at the University Area Community Center with about 15 representatives from the countywide task force, which wrote the recommendations.

Eugene Henry, manager of the county's Hazard Mitigation Section, was the meeting's facilitator. The plan looks at recovery beginning about six months after a disaster and carrying through for five years or more.

Officials explained recommendations in areas such as economic redevelopment, land use, health and social services, housing and the administration of federal or state assistance funds. Attendees were able to ask questions of the task force members and give input as to what they thought should be priorities for rebuilding.

The residents said interstates and bridges need to be repaired as soon as possible to help businesses get supplies and get people back to work. They also supported hospitals.

Temple Terrace Fire Chief Keith Chapman, a task force member, said health and social services raises a lot of questions and requires immediate attention.

"If we can't provide these things to the people who can come in to help, you won't have them available to help others," Chapman said.

Jerry Mastrogioranni, who owns South Florida Auto Repair Shop, told Henry he feared flooding in the University Area, a community hit hard in 2004 when a nursing home had to be evacuated.

Henry said that although drainage has been improved and more improvements are coming, he would ask his staff to review the situation.

Remaining meetings are at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Bay Crest Elementary School cafeteria, 4925 Webb Drive; and at 6:30 p.m. March 19 at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City.

The proposals also can be viewed at www.hillsborough county.org. Click on the A to Z Index link and then the Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan link. For information, call (813) 272-5600.

Tribune correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851.

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