Topic: Budget cuts and regional parks

[slowfatguy]

Thanks for posting up the info Barb, you are right that it is important to many of us. Even though I don't live in Hillsborough I still don't like to see things like this happen.

[ClintonRH]

*retracted* - wap version of forum won't let me delete.

[firebiker]

Thanks for posting up the info Barb, you are right that it is important to many of us. Even though I don't live in Hillsborough I still don't like to see things like this happen.

Yep. Public input and support is what is needed in times like this.

[Daniel]

I say get rid of more teachers and cops and firefighters so we can keep the trails open

It figures that you would come up with something stupid to say about this serious subject. Somethings are not joking matters.....I love ya like a brother, but......

stupid?  how do you think the general public feels about spending how much money to repave the pinellas trail when how many teachers and first responders are being let go?

I'm with you, that is stupid. Your statement while attempting to be funny was saying that is exactly what they should do in Hillsborough County.

I don't want this to get overly political and you know my politics, there is money wasted everyday on crap that no one needs. These parks add value to the communities. Police, Teachers , Firefighters, and other first responders add value to the community. Not only should they not be being cut, they deserve more. I guarantee that there are things that could be trimmed or cut completely that most people would not miss.

Did you know that you can get a cell phone for free if you are on welfare? That is appalling when we are talking about cutting things like heavily used parks.

I work for the DCF. I have to advertise these free phones all day. Bummer.
The subject is too vast and our society too complacent. There was a discussion last year about bringing back the tax on pool cleaning and other assorted services that are not currently taxed. Millions in tax revenue every year. No one did anything about it. So, nothing changes.

[Slowjenfizz]

Hello all,
You might have noted in the paper that Pat Bean's budget proposal was leaked.  Consideration is being given to only operating regioinal parks (including Flatwoods, Morris Bridge, Trout Creek) five days a week.  It will save some money. The County Commission will hold at least one public meeting before it decides what to do. I think the final budget is slated to be approved in September.

 
I've been turning this around in my head since I talked to Eddie on Friday.  I could bawl, really, but that won't do any good.  I'm not one to take an activist stand, but I've decided I will attend my first County Commissioner's meeting.  The first one is scheduled for this Tuesday evening at 6pm.  the schedule is:
 
Tues. June 9
Thur. July 16
Wed Sept. 9
Thur Sept 17.
 
6pm
BOCC Boardroom
601 E Kennedy Blvd, County Center, 2nd Floor
 
Our voices must be heard.  Yes, I understand that cutbacks are necessary in these hard economic times but there has got to be another way to do it. 
 
I'm trying to slog through the budget and see if I can come up w/ some reasonable alternatives. 
 
Got tons of people who need community hours.  Have them man the entrances to our parks and have them collect the $1 entry fee.  (Well, they shouldn't collect it themselves, but have a dollar deposited into the slot before the gate goes up.)  So many people use the parks who don't pay. (I'm guilty, too.) (Just one brilliant idea I've come up with.)
 
I'm pretty sure Beckner would be sympathetic to the cause, but not sure of the rest of the BOCC.  Here's a link if you want to start contacting them and giving them your feedback:
 
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/bocc/
 
Get busy people.  We've got parks and jobs to save.
 
Jennifer

[firebiker]

Jennifer is right. Some of the state parks use volunteers at the gates and for other things around the park. I'm not sure if there is a program there for volunteers (Myakka State Park has 'Friends of Myakka' and Sarasota has "friends of Sarasota County parks etc.) They raise $$$ and do a significant load of work to help these places. I'm not sure if Hills. and Pasco County has that but it would be worth looking at.

[Slowy]

I say get rid of more teachers and cops and firefighters so we can keep the trails open

had to scroll quickly pas this one... my wife is a teacher, lol.

no teachers = more ignorance
no cops = nobody to arrest the ignorant
no firefighters = nobody to give medical aid to the ignorant who are running from cops and get injured (which i guess we can do without, but they still help law abiding folks too)

I had the sarcasm button on

i was aware

[Darrinw2001]

Jennifer is right. Some of the state parks use volunteers at the gates and for other things around the park. I'm not sure if there is a program there for volunteers (Myakka State Park has 'Friends of Myakka' and Sarasota has "friends of Sarasota County parks etc.) They raise $$$ and do a significant load of work to help these places. I'm not sure if Hills. and Pasco County has that but it would be worth looking at.

Hillsborough does have a "Friends of the park" that the $1 doantation and the proceeds from the Squiggy race go to. i do not know how that money is distributed though. Gregg may have a better idea sine he is the Presidentr of the WTA.

[karcher]

FYI- I WANT TO UPDATE EVERYONE ON THE UPCOMING BOCC BUDGET MEETING SET TO DISCUSS THE CLOSING OF SOME OF OUR LOCAL PARKS(FLATWOODS/WILDERNESS PARKS--REDUCING OPERATING DAYS TO 5) THE MEETING LOCATION HAS CHANGED-  THE MEETING WAS INTIALLY SCHEDULED FOR 601 E. KENNEDY, COUNTY CENTER BLDG.  NEW LOCATION:
 
ALL PEOPLES LIFE CENTER
6105 E. SLIGH AVE
JULY 16TH --6PM
 
COME SPEAK YOUR MINDS!!!
 
 

[SandPine]

Any joining the SWAMP and SWFBUD bike ride over to the meeting place to show our support?

They are meeting at 5pm on Central Avenue in front of the garden center (5800 Central Avenue).

SWAMP President (Garry) will watch your bike while you go into the meeting.  Wear your SWAMP colors.   

(sorry if there is another post on this already)  More details here:  http://alansnel.blogspot.com/2009/07/swfbud-bike-ride-to-budget-hearing-july.html

[Barb S]

Hello all, I came across the on-line petition drive as well. I know the Reduction In Force notices already went out to the rangers so the 2 day closing seems likely but I do think mobilizing now will be critical for next year, when the next round of cuts comes. I think tons of people would purchase an annual pass to regional parks they can place on their dash board in addition to the daily parking fees for day users recommended in the petition below. I guess the other idea is to see if the state would take over the regional parks the county does not own--but the state budget situation is not much better. I think finding ways to generate revenue is the way to go.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/help-keep-hillsborough-county-parks-open

[Darrinw2001]

Here is Some Video from the SWFBUD ride and Budget Meeting last Night.. 
 
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/video/video.php?v=1160987235091&oid=52322552948