BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
On Wednesday, June 5th, the City of Tampa Neighborhood Enhancement Team will gather at the Al Barnes Park (corner of 18th Street and E. 21st Avenue to meet members of the community. The purpose of the meeting is two-fold.
Sal Ruggiero, Manager of the Neighborhood Enhancement Department, said the team be available to meet the community so they will be familiar faces in the area. “We want the public to be comfortable seeing people in the area. This will help build a better working relationship and help residents to take pride in their neighborhoods.”
The Neighborhood Enhancement Division came into existence after Mayor Bob Buckhorn recently combined the Code Enforcement and Clean City Departments as part of his reorganization plan.
In addition to the meet and greet, the Neighborhood Enhancement Team will also trim trees and pick up debris in the area. They will concentrate on the area within the area bound by N. 40th Street, N. 50th Street, E. Columbus Drive, and E. 21st Avenue.
Ruggiero said this program is not to be confused with the yearly cleanup conducted by the Clean Streets Department, where residents are encouraged to place unwanted items to the curb for pickup.
“What we are trying to do is clean up items that are already there, such as dumped furniture. Each month, we will visit a different neighborhood and will provide attention where it is needed.”
He also stated that in addition to coming out to meet the team, anyone wishing to volunteer is welcome to join in.
