Hillsborough County surveys homeless population
Over 600 volunteers around Hillsborough County gathered data for the annual Point-In-Time count, which aims to collect information on the county’s homeless population.
The volunteers deployed from eight sites throughout the county, giving surveys to homeless individuals. The goal of these surveys is to create a snapshot of the homeless community. This information will better help community planners understand who the homeless are, why they’re homeless and how long they’ve been experiencing it.
While last year’s data showed that Hillsborough’s homeless population was down, volunteers are afraid that unaccompanied homeless youth are underrepresented.
Unaccompanied homeless youths are children and young adults under the age of 25 who are living without a parent or guardian.
These unaccompanied youths are more transient and hidden, said Hillsborough Homeless Initiative’s Chief Executive Officer Antoinette D. Hayes-Triplett. They’re also more likely to live unsheltered, said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
However, overall trends in the Hillsborough homeless community have been positive. Since 2014, the number of homeless individuals sleeping on the streets went down by 15%, and the homeless population was down by 8%.
Information gathered from the survey will be sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD will then allocate funds to the county to be used on homeless shelters and affordable housing options.
New College students protest against proposed merger with FSU
Students of the New College of Florida in Sarasota held an on-campus rally Thursday to protest Florida lawmakers’ push to merge the college with Florida State University.
The rally came just one day after New College President Donal O’Shea traveled to Tallahassee to urge legislators to drop the merger proposal.
The proposed bill would place New College under the control of Florida State University, thus taking away the Sarasota college’s independent accreditation. Lawmakers say that the reason behind the bill is to cut costs on education, citing the higher cost of degrees at the smaller college.
Students and faculty strongly disagree.
“It’s terrible for the community,” said O’Shea. “That’s basically it.”
“We are New College, and we are united against this bill,” said senior Alexandra Barbat.
Safe sidewalk plans
Following reports confirming Tampa Bay as one of the most dangerous areas for cyclists and pedestrians, city leaders introduced new plans to make it safer.
Tampa Transportation and Stormwater Services Department officials appeared before the city council today to unveil their plan to make sidewalks safer. The plan places a priority on Tampa’s busiest areas, including high-traffic school zones and locations near transit facilities.
The 2020 budget for Tampa sidewalks is $870,000, which mainly covers repairs and sidewalk maintenance.
The budget would allow one mile of new sidewalks to be built. Although the new safety plan is focused on school zones and busy areas, Tampa city leaders are still accepting Sidewalk Petition applications.
You can submit an application for a new sidewalk or sidewalk repair by calling the City’s Call Center at (813) 274- 3101.
Ax throwers and glassblowers perform at Ren Faire in Tampa
Take a trip back to Medieval Times with the Bay Area Renaissance Festival, now through Mar. 29 near the Museum of Science and Industry.
Patrons can explore the Renaissance Village and enjoy themed shows, shops and food.
Visit the Renaissance Festival website at https://www.bayarearenfest.com/
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