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Chamber Considers Median Sponsorships

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By TOM BRENNAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 11, 2008

BRANDON - Drivers may continue to enjoy seeing lush plantings as they drive along Brandon's main artery now that the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce has inched closer to taking responsibility for the landscaping in the medians along State Road 60.

The chamber's Government Advisory Council vote unanimously today to recommend the organization spearhead a sponsorship program. Chamber officials will seek sponsors to pay for maintenance of the greenery in the medians along S.R. 60 between Interstate 75 and Valrico Road.

The county was picking up the maintenance tab for the Florida Department of Transportation until recent county budgets cuts made it impossible. If the state resumes responsibility, all the flowers, bushes and shrubs would have to be dug up and replaced with sod because DOT crews mow highway medians, they don't maintain plantings.

The chamber is looking for businesses or civic groups willing to make a two-year commitment to pay for the upkeep of one or parts of 14 median sections. Chamber officials aren't yet certain how much it would cost.

The businesses or groups would pay the chamber for the cost of hiring and overseeing a landscaping contractor.

Laura Simpson, the chamber's marketing vice president, said some sections of median will cost less to maintain because they have grass or fewer plantings.

"That way smaller businesses and civic groups could still participate," she said.

So far, three businesses, all members of the chamber, have made proposals to do the maintenance. Estimates range from $13,800 to $39,990 - depending on frequency of upkeep.

The chamber's board of directors is expected to vote on the sponsorship proposal Aug. 23.

For information call Simpson at (813) 689-1221.

Reporter Tom Brennan can be reached at (813) 657-4528 or tbrennan@tampatrib.com.

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