Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

As of the latest forecasts, Tampa Bay is still within Tropical Storm Fay’s cone of uncertainty.

To be on the safe side, local governments have closed the schools and government offices for tomorrow, and other government-related services will not run, such as trash pickup, and early voting.

• In Pinellas, A mandatory evacuation will go into effect on Tuesday at 6 a.m. for Level A evacuation areas and all mobile home residents.  Shelters are slated to open at 6 a.m.
• A recommendation was made that Hillsborough also evacuate mobile homes and Level A, but County Administrator wants to wait until after the 5pm advisory to make her decision.
• Polk County government is closing Tuesday also, and they encourage you to watch TV for further announcements.
• Pasco asks their residents to be ready to evacuate, but will make another announcement at 6pm.
• For Manatee County, voluntary evacuations for residents living in level A areas, and mandatory evacuations for all Manufactured Home residents began at noon today.

So even if Fay takes a hard left, fizzles out and disappears, things are going to be a bit screwy around here with some mandatory evacuations, kids & staff missing school, and government workers clogging up the Wal-Marts free to take care of their families.

Of course, the Business World continues unabated, and you will likely be notified on what to expect about five minutes before you leave.

According to the latest, Tropical Storm Fay is on track to hit the Florida Keys on Monday afternoon, on her way to Tampa Bay.  No need to freak out, since the storm is only expected to strengthen to a Category 1.

However, none of the calculations, predictions, forecast models, maps in various colors, ideas, or guesses are guaranteed.  In other words, no one really knows what’s gonna happen.

Again, it’s expected to be a level 1, which is not too terribly damaging, but Fay did already kill four in Haiti.

Just make sure you keep an eye on what’s going on, and BE PREPARED for anything.

TBO.com has a hurricane page, and tampabay.com started a storm watch blog, but check out the Florida Emergency Managment page to make sure your plan is ready, and keep an eye on this thing.

Kids in Hillsborough County head back to school on Monday, and lots of those students are going to have to walk further to get to the bus stop:

The goal, he said, is to have two to 20 students per bus stop. Some elementary students will have to walk up to a mile and middle and high school students up to 1.5 miles.

Obviously, many of the bus routes have changed from years’ past.  But the School District of Hillsborough County had some trouble getting letters to the mailbox, and parents and students are not certain exactly how the kids are going to get to school, and where to catch the bus.

The Transportation Department is blaming lightning.  Wow - who could see that coming?

The Calusa Indian word “Tampa” means “sticks of fire,” a reference to lightning.  The local Arena League team is called the “Storm,” while the NHL team is called the “Lightning.”  Every day, all summer long, our meteorologists give us a look at the red splotches of thunderstorm activity, interspersed with flashing white flashes that indicate lightning.  You might recall that all of this leads to the Tampa Bay area being called the lightning capital of the United States.

All right, so lightning struck School Bus Central in Thonotosassa, delaying letters to bus riders and their parents.  They set up a hot line so you can find out the details of your kids’ trip to school.  To find out where and when your children catch the bus, call 813.982.5500.  But you may have to try that number more than once.  District officials say the line is often busy because of the lightning strike.

Oh, and for those of you who now have to walk to school or walk further to catch the bus, you may want to keep an eye out for any lightning strikes.

For good.

This past year in Colorado Springs has been quite a challenge. I worked at Academy 20’s Expulsion Program and my fellow teachers seemed to like me until they realized that the Christian books and subtle intimidation tactics weren’t working. I am going to stay Jewish and liberal. That’s when they decided I was too “East Coast” for their liking.

My children didn’t fare any better. They attended Freedom Elementary in District 11. This is a school district NONE of my Springs friends would send their kids to, but I swore it’d be different for us. ‘Cause my boys are smart and delightful. Turns out, too smart and delightful. Principal’s exact words were:

“I wouldn’t say they’re cocky. But they are confident. They communicate well. They don’t hesitate to say they’re great basketball players These aren’t bad things. Your children are also sensitive and sweet. Kind to everyone and very polite. It’s just that their more mature qualities make them a bit of a target with the other kids who don’t excel as much.”

What to do with such a town? Some might say to stick it out and fight for change. Why should I? I’m not a fan of dry skin, wild animals, or snowstorms in May. Why should I settle for second best, headaches, and intolerance?

Family counts for a lot. Not only do we have my parents in Tampa, but relatives from up north - the dreaded East Coast - visit Florida all the time. Three cousins arrived yesterday. Those with tight-knit families understand my point. I want my kids to experience the love that can only come from family.

Few months back, Husband green-lighted a job search in the Tampa Bay area. And I got *two* positions. A freelance writing job and a full-time gig going back to corporate training where I also get to dip my well-manicured toe into sales. I will wear suits, heels, and work from home whenever I want. Beat that.

Then my boys were accepted at a private school in Tampa. As a former public school teacher, I am supposed to hate private schools. But I don’t. The people I know who have attended them are the most tolerant, intelligent folks around. My kids will not be a social experiment. They will feel safe. They will feel secure. And they will receive a superior education no matter what neighborhood we live in.

Despite everything, I can’t tell you how happy I am for this past year.

I got to experience life away from everything I’ve ever taken for granted. I learned to appreciate. I got to join a great synagogue, a writer’s group, political activities, and the PTA. I got to meet some wonderful people I will never let go of and reconnect with others I’ve come to cherish even more. I got to stand up for my beliefs amid hostility and intolerance, which only made me stronger. I got to further appreciate a man who supports anything that is best for his children.

And then I got to come home.

With all its charm and challenges, Tampa is home.

For good.

Rumor says we are already into the 2008 hurricane season, so it’s probably a good time to pick your favorite panic site:

Hillsborough County Emergency Management
City of Tampa Emergency Management
Tampa Bay Regional Council Emergency Management

National Weather Service - Tampa Bay

ABC Action News Hurricane Center
Fox 13’s My Fox Hurricane.com
Weather - Hurricane Information - Bay News 9
Hurricane Guide - from TBO.com
Hurricane Guide 2008 from tampabay.com
Tampa Bay’s 10 Hurricane News - yes, just news.

Know your Evacuation Level:

• Hillsborough County
• Pinellas County
• Pasco County
• Sarasota County
• Hernando County

Like most of my friends and co-workers, my family and I are feeling the pain of rising gas prices, higher grocery bills and not to forget the utilities constantly going up. I have always been one to clip coupons, sign up for contests, and I shop at the local consignment shops; but now that is not always enough.

We have cut back on going out to dinner, we try to run all the errands we have in the best route possible and we stay in more than we used to. I have mentioned before that if it’s FREE it’s for ME.  Well Tampa Bay area offers a lot of FREE events.

Take a look at the following list I pulled from TBO.com.  Remember, these are just the events that piqued my interest; you may find several more that pique yours!

Remember to stay happy and healthy - we need to get out and have fun, so don’t stay indoors just to save money.  I encourage you to utilize what our city offers and enjoy.

Friday April 25, 2008 will be a good night, there are FREE concerts to go to, one on each side of the bay:

• Q-Fest Classic Rock Concert in Coachman Park, Clearwater. This concert is part of the 55th Annual Clearwater Fun ‘N Sun Festival This part of the event is from 4pm-11pm on Friday and is for all ages. Featuring: Starship starring Mickey Thomas, Rare Earth and Invasion. Admission is free but you can buy reserved seating for $20. You can go to www.myclearwater.com for the entire weekend line up!
• Friday Extra Concert Series in Lowry Park, Tampa. Sun City Swing Band with The Smokers Band will play in the bandshell outside of the Zoo grounds and they begin jamming at 7pm.  Admission is FREE!   I have been to this event when the JGLB has played and what fun! People take blankets, chairs, coolers, food and just have a blast. Make sure to have some bug spray though, summer time in Florida gets a little “creepy.”

Saturday, April 26, 2008 has a lot to offer. I have found FREE events all across the bay:

• Children’s Board 20^th Birthday Party, 1002 E. Palm Ave., Ybor City. My family and I have been to this facility several times working with the foster families of Hillsborough County and have seen some of the work they have done for our community. If you don’t know much about them you should head out for this FREE party. The event runs from 10am until 1pm. There will be a brief program at 10:15am and then the fun begins!   This is all for the children, with face painting, moon walking, balloons, arts & craft activities, and ongoing student performances. You can go to www.childrensboard.org for more information. Don’t forget to visit the Ybor City Fresh Market on your way home.  It will be open until 3pm!
• The Biggest Beach Party Ever, 1507 Bay Palm Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach. Normally you can not truly “party” on the beach, but Indian Rocks has a night set aside for just that! This event runs from 6pm until 11pm.  It’s an evening of beer, wine, and food (cash bar and no coolers allowed). Music will be supplied by DJ Terry Newman and they also plan on having a big bonfire (if weather permits). Sounds like something I would really enjoy! This is a sponsored event and all the proceeds go back to the community through the Rotary Club of Indian Rocks.
• Pops in the Park with the Florida Orchestra, Al Lopez Park, Tampa. The Florida Orchestra will begin at 7:30pm, and there is no listed ending time - it may go all night long!  You can bring coolers, chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets!  Here in Tampa Bay, springtime is the best time to sit outdoors.  Go enjoy the fact that you live in a beautiful community!
• Tampa Theatre’s Traveling Picture Show, River Tower Park in Sulphur Springs. We learned of this event when we visited the Tampa Theatre for the History of Seminole Heights movie debut. The movie will begin at 8pm and will end well, when it’s over! The movie this Saturday is “The Princess Bride” Gates will open at 6pm and you may bring coolers, chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets! They have another movie scheduled for May 17 at Cotanchobee Park in Downtown Tampa, for all the info go to www.tampatheatre.org

After all this you will need to rest on Sunday, or like my house will be… More Spring Cleaning!

Get out and have fun!

On the heels of the St. Pete Times attempt to blame the Florida Highway Patrol and the state Division of Forestry for the massive 70 car pileup on I-4, the Tribune also suggests that More Troopers And Better Lights Can Save Lives On Foggy Highways.

I-4 already is scheduled to be equipped with overhead message signs and traffic-monitoring cameras, but these improvements seem inadequate to prevent another zero-visibility smash-up. Streetlights would help, especially in low, fog-prone areas. Urban interstates typically are brightly illuminated. The high volume of traffic between Tampa and Orlando qualifies this highway for similar lighting. And had there been available troopers, they could have set up rolling roadblocks, driving slowly side-by-side to cause an intentional slowdown until brake lights could be seen.

Good grief! They want to spend millions of dollars so troopers can hold drivers’ hands through a typical weather pattern? Where is the personal responsibility? If any condition makes it unsafe to drive, you are supposed to stop the vehicle. But the Tribune makes excuses for all of you:

Imagine driving the highway that morning. Before you could think about stopping, you and other commuters, tourists and truckers were in utter blackness. You couldn’t see your own headlights.

What to do? Slowing down earlier would have made the crashes less violent, but to go slow on the interstate carries a risk of being rear-ended.

Nonsense! When it is too foggy to see in front of you, you pull over - immediately. If you think that you might get rear-ended, you pull FAR off the road. It’s not rocket science. It’s responsibility. But no, people just don’t think for themselves. And on Wednesday, just like any other day, they kept going to their oh, so VERY important appointments. And five of them died.

Every day, people drive unsafely along I-4 (and Hwy. 60, and I-75, and I-275). Minutes after the FHP was on hand at the wreck site, westbound drivers were driving in the fog on the shoulders of the road, and speeding through the fog running into others who had slowed down. Just days after the pileup, FHP had to close the Interstate again - not because of the fog, but because of how commuters were driving in the fog. If the Highway Patrol is to blame for this mess, it’s only because they are not out there every day giving out tickets left and right. Until people re-learn that the road is not theirs to use in whichever manner they choose, we will continue to expect the possibility of a horrible fantastic wreck.

The Tribune and Times need to stop enabling and justifying your carelessness. Hooray for the Lakeland Ledger placing the blame squarely where it belongs - on drivers.

You knew it would happen. But you probably didn’t think it would be so soon. This came out Friday:

Attorney Speaks For 8 Relatives Injured In I-4 Crashes

[Orlando lawyer William] McBride describes his practice as catering to the Hispanic community. He referred to himself in a news release as “Abogado William,” and he made it clear that he is exploring legal action on behalf of his clients.

He translated for the men he brought to the news conference, describing how they blamed smoke from a nearby controlled burn that went awry for the lack of visibility that led to the crash. McBride called for witnesses to the crash to come forward to help his investigation.

He also said he wants to ensure other people involved in the crash know they have legal rights.

McBride said the Gomez men live in Lakeland but would not say where. They are Honduran immigrants working in the United States, McBride said. Asked repeatedly about the immigration status of the men, McBride refused to answer, saying only that he is a personal injury lawyer, not an immigration lawyer.

To point fingers and just start looking for a lawsuit so soon after such a horrible tragedy is well, typical of lawyers, I guess. Of course, the St. Pete Times wants a scapegoat too.

And Yes. You’ve heard of William McBride before; the Tampa born attorney unsuccessfully ran for Senate in 2006. But he has since apparently changed the focus of his practice, along with his apodo:

McBride, a Tampa native who is the son of a one-time migrant worker, said he deals largely with families petitioning to get other family members to the United State legally. He also works with clients who have lost their work permits and are trying to regain that legal status.

He said he helps people who have “questions about their legal status” but never uses the word “illegal” when describing his clients.

“The reason they are coming to me is because they want to make it legal,” McBride said.

McBride downplays his immigration work, saying it is a small piece of his business, although he brags that he is well-known in the Orlando Latino community as “apoderado William,” which means “attorney William.”

Whether McBride does or does not have experience with immigration issues, and regardless of his preference of being called a lawyer, an attorney, or an advocate, to me he is nothing more than an ambulance chaser. Latinos might call him abagodo de pacotilla William.