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Chamber Contemplates Maintaining S.R. 60 Medians

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By TOM BRENNAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 9, 2008

BRANDON The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce is considering rescuing the median landscapes along State Road 60.

If the local business community doesn't agree to assume financial responsibility for maintaining the landscaping that adorns eight medians between Interstate 75 and Valrico Road, it will be dug up and replaced with sod.

The county had been doing the upkeep on all state roads. But because of the recent budge crunch and property tax cuts, the county can't afford to continue maintaining the medians.

So the county has turned over responsibility to the Florida Department of Transportation, which mows grass in medians but doesn't care for landscaping.

So the Government Advisory Council of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce recently agreed to study taking over maintenance of the eight S.R. 60 medians in Brandon.

"We would be most grateful to any business sponsor to do whatever they can," said Julie Johanboeke, who is overseeing the transfer for the county Public Works Department.

Johanboeke and FDOT officials presented the proposal to the council this week. Council members agreed to study adopting the medians but want more information how much it would cost and how long they would have to commit to maintaining the medians..
Johanboeke said the county is spending about $15,000 annually to maintain the Brandon medians.

Some council members expressed cautious support.

"If the chamber doesn't succeed in getting sponsors, Highway 60 is going to pot," said Earl Haugabook, a retired executive and former chamber chairman. "But I am worried that this is the first step in many to come. More budget cuts are inevitable."

Laura Simpson, a chamber vice president, said the chamber would have to hire a landscaping company to do the work and then find business to pick up the bill.

A similar approach worked when the Riverview Chamber of Commerce saved the flowering crape myrtle trees and other landscaping along a 2.5-mile stretch of U.S. 301.

But the Ruskin Community Development Foundation opted not to step and take over the care of medians along U.S. 41.

Johanboecke said the county would like the Brandon chamber's decision within three months.

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

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