Concern over cuts to children’s programs

Hundreds of concerned Hillsborough County residents turned out for a public hearing Thursday night on the proposed budget. Community interest in the plan is high because it includes sweeping cuts across county agencies. The county is considering cutting $140 million in programs and laying off 900 employees. The county’s after-school programs are on the line, which 3,000 children attend. A group of after-school kids and their parents brought signs and a clear message to the public hearing at All People’s Life Center in Tampa. “It’s not just going and playing on the playground. It’s team sports, team activities, socialization. They do academics,” said Michelle Imhoff, whose 7-year-old son attends the Brandon Park after-school program. “The children are our future and we need these parks to stay open,” said mother Tabitha Timberlake. Her son attends the program at Timberland Lake in Tampa. Parks and Recreation Spokesman John Brill says the county will have an after-school program of some kind. “There’s going to be one. We’re just not quite sure how it’s going to operate at this point. We’re not going to abandon the program,” Brill said. He says the county might partner up with other agencies or raise fees again. Some programs for the disabled are in danger too. Many came to the meeting to support Bakas Equestrian Center, a place where special needs children and adults can ride horses. The center

could close. “He doesn’t have very many words, but he can say walk on to make the horse go and ‘whoa’ to make the horse stop,” said Janet Atkinson of her son. “I think it makes him feel independent.” Laquita Jennings pleaded with commissioners to spare the Boys and Girls Club. She says because of the program, she received more than $100,000 in scholarships to go to college in the fall. Hillsborough County Regional Parks could also experience cuts in hours. Richard Dixon and his children use several of the parks as family getaway spots. They spent the afternoon at Wilderness Park in Tampa Thursday. “My primary reason for coming out here is fishing. It’s relaxing,” said Dixon. “Sometimes I come out here and I study. Sometimes just to get the kids out of the house and occupied.” The park is one of 10 the county is struggling to afford and keep open as many days a week as possible. A veteran’s memorial at the park attracts visitors every day of the week, but that could change. “The hours of operation would be reduced to five days a week instead of seven. That’s what’s on the table,” Brill said. Two more public hearings will be held in September. Commissioners will vote on the budget that same month.  

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Concern over cuts to children’s programs

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