Issue #169: Dade City Manager Update, Tampa's Pothole Repairs, Hillsborough Principal's DUI, and Swifties' Dinner Cruise

07/30/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
30 Jul

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— Dade City Moves Forward with Plans to Replace City Manager

— Tampa’s 'Fix it Fast' Program Repairs Thousands of Potholes, Residents Seek Reimbursements

Crime

— Hillsborough Elementary Principal Arrested for DUI and Evading Deputies

Of Interest

— Taylor Swift Fans Set Sail on Themed Dinner Cruise from Tampa


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Dade City Moves Forward with Plans to Replace Controversial City Manager

Dade City commissioners have decided to replace City Manager Leslie Porter after six years in the position. Following months of criticism from community members and former employees regarding her management style, the commission tasked their attorney with drafting a separation agreement. Discussions had considered moving Porter back to her previous role in city finance, but this option failed to gain majority support.

Mayor Scott Black and Mayor Pro Tem Normita Woodard emphasized the need for a new direction to avoid further distractions. Commissioner Kristin Church stressed the importance of a thorough search to attract qualified candidates who align with the city’s vision. Woodard added that requiring the new manager to reside in Dade City would be beneficial for understanding local issues.

Porter has previously defended her record, inviting public inspection of personnel records and dismissing claims of widespread morale issues among city staff.

Tampa’s 'Fix it Fast' Program Repairs Thousands of Potholes, Residents

Seek Reimbursements

Tampa's "Fix it Fast" program has repaired over 12,000 potholes in three years, but vehicle damage remains an issue. More than 500 potholes have been fixed in July alone, with repairs delayed by heavy rains.

Despite the program's efforts, residents like Phyllis Bridges and Jeremy Louis face costly vehicle repairs due to potholes. The city has reimbursed 433 claims, totaling $170,445, averaging $393 per claim. Many residents are unaware of the claims process, which involves reporting damages through both the Fix it Fast program and the claims department. Prompt reporting can help mitigate the impact of potholes on Tampa's roads.

Read More: abcactionnews.com — for more information

Hillsborough Elementary Principal Arrested for DUI and Evading Deputies

Otis Kitchen II, principal of Town and Country Elementary School in Hillsborough County, was arrested for DUI and evading deputies on Friday night. Around 10 p.m.,

Kitchen, driving a black Chevy sedan, nearly side-swiped a deputy near West Linebaugh Avenue and North Dale Mabry, driving erratically and almost entering oncoming traffic. He ran a red light at Gunn Highway and West Linebaugh Avenue, leading deputies on a chase until he parked in his garage. Showing signs of impairment, including slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, Kitchen failed sobriety tests with a blood alcohol level of .142.

Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned his actions, highlighting the danger of drunk driving. The investigation is ongoing.

A particularly striking and little-known fact about DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is that you can be charged with a DUI even if you're not actually driving the vehicle.

In many jurisdictions, being in physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated can lead to a DUI charge. This means that if you're found sitting in the driver's seat with the keys in the ignition or even just in your possession, you can be arrested for DUI.

The rationale behind this law is to prevent potential harm by stopping impaired individuals from driving before they actually start the vehicle.

Taylor Swift Fans Set Sail on Themed Dinner Cruise from Tampa

The first-ever Taylor Swift-themed cruise set sail from Tampa's Channelside on Sunday, drawing over 300 enthusiastic fans aboard the Yacht StarShip.

The event, organized by Yacht StarShip’s VP of Marketing Jennifer Richardson, featured a dinner buffet, dance party, costume contest, and friendship bracelet exchange. Fans of all ages donned Taylor Swift-inspired costumes, enjoying themed dining rooms, a photo booth with props, and a dance floor with disco balls.

Ainsley Baird and Ellie Thomas, who previously attended Swift's Eras Tour, joined in the festivities, celebrating their love for the pop star. Kate Thomas and her daughter decided to celebrate a birthday on the cruise after seeing it advertised on social media.

Due to the event’s popularity and sold-out tickets, another cruise is planned for November 10, promising an equally immersive Taylor Swift experience.

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