Eagle Eyes (Forest Hills Grid 18)

JULY, 2010 Happy 4th of JULY

July, 2010       HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY 4^th of JULY

 

Our apologies for not presenting a newsletter for the month of June. The web site administrator was out of state on family business and for another funeral. Is anyone out there interested in helping maintain the web site?

 

During June, there were reports of a suspicious person frequenting our grid, appearing to be casing. Toward the end of the month, an arrest was made in the 400 block of Floriland of a person matching the description of the suspicious person. This arrest involved a man breaking into a backyard shed and attempting to steal a lawn mower. No suspicious person reports have been received since this arrest, to our knowledge.

 

The above paragraph demonstrates that NHW works: the word got out about the suspicious person, folks kept vigilant, and the suspicious person was caught – PLUS a theft was prevented. GOOD JOB EAGLE EYES  ! ! ! !

 

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT  is an evening-time annual nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the concept of crime watch. This year it is August 3^rd (except in Texas, where it will take place in October). This usually involves an evening gathering of residents – frequently for a block party, and some even have small street festivals (taking place in a local park) which are visited by local dignitaries and police. We do not have such an event planned for our grid, but many NHW groups in Tampa DO have festivities planned. Keep an ear out for an event in our area, and take advantage of the festivities and comraderie. Here’s an idea: how about getting together with the folks on your block and holding a block party of your own? Use National Night Out as a reason to hold one, and maybe you can start a new tradition, renew some old acquaintances, and make some new ones.

 

On our web site’s calendar there are listings of various events taking place during the 4^th of July Holiday Weekend. There are also official instructions for flying the US Flag at half-staff through July 6^th during the official mourning period in honor of the late US Senator Robert Byrd, who crossed over this past week at the age of 92. There are also instructions for flying the Flag of the State of Florida at half-staff on July 3^rd, in honor of TPD Officers Jeff Kocab and Dave Curtis, who were killed in the line of duty this past week. Their accused killer remains at-large; please check the TPD web site for photos and description of their alleged killer. Beware that he is considered armed and extremely dangerous, and that he is a suspect in at least 3 other slayings that have taken place over the past 2 months. There are various NHW groups who are coordinating a food day for the District 3 staff who will be working their regular shift and unable to attend the funeral services for these officers on Saturday, July 3^rd. If you’d like to help out, please contact 932-7860, and I will place you in contact with the coordinator of this endeavor.

 

Also be aware that the City of Tampa Parks & Recreational Department has established some fees for use of the city parks and swimming pools. If you decide to make use of these facilities, be aware of the admission fees. There are some hardship waivers available to use these facilities, so don’t be discouraged – contact the city facilities for information.

 

 

NHW leaders received the e-mail full of useful tips below from Lisa Timmer of TPD in regard to the “State of Summertime” activities:

 

 

 

Hello All, 

 

Just wanted to send out a quick e-mail & helpful phone numbers.   (please feel free to send to your trees).

 

1.  I'm sure you all have noticed the amount of children of all ages enjoying their time away from school responsibilities.  Please

be careful driving to and fro.  Children on bikes, on foot, scooters, etc are everywhere.  With that being said, if you find that

some children are being placed in dangerous situation due to lack of supervision - please call the Florida Department of Children

and Families at 1-800-96-ABUSE.   (You can remain anonymous)  If a child is in immediate danger - intervene if necessary and call 9-1-1.  There is no "age" that the 

law recognizes as unsafe to be left alone, it is pretty much left up to the skills & knowledge of the child in question.  But if you have any

doubts, please don't hesitate to call TPD and have the situation checked out. 

 

2.  Loud Parties & Open containers....comes with the summer time territory it seems.  Rule of thumb, if your peace is being disturbed, call TPD non-emergency.

231-6130.  Officers will go and ask them to turn down the volume.  It is against City Ordinance to have an open container of alcohol

on City streets/sidewalks.  This does not apply to porches (private property).

 

3.  Firecrackers & 4th of July.   Rule of thumb again, if you feel that a youngster is at risk of physical danger due to the caliber of fireworks being used

    or the lack of adequate adult supervision...call TPD.   If the noise persists after a reasonable hour, Call TPD.  Undoubtedly, zone units will be

very busy that night dealing with all sorts of issues.  Please consider the amount of police calls for service, it is very possible that

an officer will not arrive as soon as you would expect them to....Priority calls always come first.   (Let me know if you would like

to sit with a dispatcher, or call taker that evening....I am sure you will be surprised at the reasons people call the police

and the volume.)

 

4.  Code Enforcement..... If a home has overgrown grass/shrubbery...debris,...etc.  Please have your neighbors contact Code Enforcement

at 274-5545, or a more convenient method is on the internet.  Have them visit.... www.tampagov.net   Every city department is available

on this site.  Locate the customer service link, there are many ways to enter complaints and concerns.

 

5.  Animal Control......To report nuisance dogs (continuous barking)  call 744-5660, so a letter can be sent to the owner.   Dogs & cats that look

like they are being neglected (underfed, not licensed, chained without proper shelter or food) also call 744-5660.  Call the same number for

animals that are allowed to run loose.

 

I think that covers most of the common concerns,  please let me know if you need info on anything else.  We appreciate what you

do for us....have a safe evening.  Thanks :)

 

 

Lisa Timmer
Neighborhood Affairs Liaison
Tampa Police Department
Uniform District Two
9330 N. 30th St
Tampa, Fl.  33612

 

Phone 813-931-6541
Fax 813-931-6576

 

Lisa.Timmer@ci.tampa.fl.us

 

 

 

See you on the sidewalk!