Garbage trucks protest at County Center

Garbage trucks lined the streets around Hillsborough County's government center today in anticipation of an afternoon showdown over hauling rights.

County Commissioners are scheduled to vote whether to enforce a deal that reserves large scale commercial garbage hauling to the three companies that also collect the county's residential garbage. Competitors to those companies say the move could put them out of business.

Dozens of protesters, wearing yellow T-shirts, were encamped in the commission's meeting room by midday to wait for the 3 p.m. public hearing.

Jason Hill, 26, who hauls for The Dumpster Co. of Lakeland, parked his truck outside the County Center at 5:30 a.m., he said. Hill said he typically replaces 12 trash containers a day at construction sites.

"I've got to save my job," Hill said. His company is not one of the three given exclusive rights by the county. If commissioners adopt the proposed ordinance, enforcing exclusivity,  "They'll put me out of work," said Hill, who is raising six children.

--Bill Coats, Times staff writer

[Times photo by Ken Helle]

Comments

[mark ferguson]

* $40 Million County tax dollars left over from a budget back in August 2007.

* A Public Access TV station denied funding because Commissioners want to abolish Freedom of Speech once and for all.

* A former WWF Pro Wrestler, and current County Commissioner who used tax payers money to build a retaining wall around his home, and the same person who also believes all Muslims should go back to their own country if they do not believe in Christianity.

* 138 County Park, and Library workers laid off so Commissioners will have more money to pay for their Christmas Vacations.

* A Commissioners proposal to build a Stadium in the middle of no where at tax payers expense.

= a fantastic movie script idea.

"How the Hillsborough County Commission stole Christmas!"

Coming this Year whether we like it or not......Proving that drama is not just limited to the Gay Community.
Watch, and see how the Hillsborough County Commissioners dish out the not so fragrant smelling Yuletide at tax payers expense. Gas masks not included.