The Buzz

Hagan has competition
After years of involvement and listening to everyone’s mounting frustration with our Board of County Commissioners, Tom decided to kick it up a notch.  In the 2008 elections the driving force across District 2, from New Tampa to WestChase, is the feeling that our current District 2 Commissioner did not uphold his half of the bargain.  “Go Tom Go”, is the cheer for the 2008 election year.
Tampa Tribune    Published: September 12, 2007         read the article

MPO – CAC, for Transportation
In 2001, Tom was recruited for the Citizens Advisory Committee of our Metropolitan Planning Commission for Transportation.  His goals: improve the MPO’s brand as a “transportation” group, transform the CAC from “rubber-stamp” to “pro-active”, engage regional planning, and promote “new” solutions instead of institutional ones. Meetings like the one pictured here gather invaluable community feedback.  

Dinosaur Chronicles and Community Based Plans
For many years, our communities fought to preserve their character and lifestyle.  Some now have Community Based Plans and others are still designing theirs.   But, along the way there were certain builders who always argued against us so Tom began to refer to them as Dinosaurs.  Of course we hug the other builders who are pro-community.     
St. Petersburg Times          Published Nov 12, 2000    read the article

Fall Festival – Keystone Family Fun Day
Children and their parents enjoyed making scare crows, face painting, antique farm equipment and cars, live music, food, a plant sale, and lots more.  Thanks to our civic association, historical society, American legion, garden club, fire fighters, Sheriff, Parks and Recreation, and friends of the library we had an excellent turnout.  The theme was based on our local community history and character.  Tom, Terry Schoenborn (Keystone Odessa Citrus Park Historical Society), and Mike Eden (Keystone Recreation Center Director) are pictured. 
Tampa Trine                         published Oct, 6, 2007       read the article                  

Protecting the beauty of our lakes
Interestingly, there is not a technical manual for Planning and Growth Management nor a lake property owners manual that offers guidance for good lake management.  So, Tom approached the Planning Commission and participated in a task force to fill the void.     
Tampa Tribune    published April 8, 2001                      read the article 

Cell Phone Towers
We could not just watch as these towers began to pop up in our neighborhoods.  So a plan was put into play that produced a good ending for everyone (home owners, developers, County).  If only our Board of County Commissioners would use the same approach to resolve our other issues.
Tampa Tribune                    published Feb 21, 1998     read the article                   

Developers Help Fight Drug Abuse
Tom actively promotes the partnering of private business and our County Anti-Drug Alliance to provide stable funding and opportunities to reach employees and their families.  Ron Weaver’s community orientation, spirit of fellowship, and business prominence set the perfect stage for our first annual roast.  Families, neighborhoods, and workplaces will reap the benefits as the Alliance extends its reach throughout our business community.  
St. Petersburg Times          Published April 13, 2007                   read the article

Metropolitan Ministries
The tons of donated food are a testament to the compassion for those in our community who are down on their luck.  Metropolitan Ministries can always use volunteers so call 209-1000 or go to 2002 N. Florida Ave, Tampa.  It was my honor to work along side the Volunteer of the Year, Stan Reynolds.  

Rein in Growth
When some developers buy land in an area designated for urban development, they will also buy adjacent land designated for rural growth. Then they ask to move the dividing line.  Tom asked the Board not to allow this domino effect that erodes our Community Based Plans and the character of our communities.  "We've got to start saying ‘No' to some things". Roads can't handle the traffic, the sheriff's office is overburdened and water supplies are dwindling.  "You've got to slow this down," said to rousing applause.     
Tampa Tribune    Published Oct 30, 1999                      read the article 

Progress Energy
Clean non-polluting energy is the goal of the new nuclear power plant in Levy County.  It will require transmission lines into Hillsborough County.  So, Tom joined others from its multi-county region to flush out community issues.                        

Community Deputy Force In Jeopardy
The Sheriff’s Community Resource Deputy program is just one example of how communities and government can work together.  In exchange for the many benefits from our CRDs' presence, involvement, and close proximity to our lives, Tom offered the Sherriff a partnership with our community.
The Tampa Tribune            Published: June 23, 2007                  read the article

Community and Business Partnerships
Tom believes that our County needs a better relationship between our communities and developers than what our Board of County Commissioners has established.  He welcomed Fifth Third Bank to the Keystone community as an example of what is possible when the parties share community spirit and design standards.  Karina Thompson is our local branch manager.         

Noise an Issue
Roads are a major component of the complex Transportation system that our County needs.  However, we must design them for minimal impact on our neighborhoods and quality of life.
Tampa Tribune    published  Nov 16, 2006                                    read the article

Let development depend on water
We all know that water can be a scarce commodity in the Bay Area so Tom proposed a fair and balanced solution in 2001 that would have helped in our current shortage. 
St. Petersburg Times          published Feb 11, 2001                     read the article