Crime report Sept. 17 to 23

View Crime report Sept. 17 to 23 in a larger map

This report contains incidents called in to the Tampa Police Department for ZIP code 33647 from Sept. 17-23. Please contact Tampa police for more information on individual reports. Addresses may reflect where the incident happened or who reported it.

• ARBOR GREENE DR & CROSS CREEK, Drug Law Violation, Saturday, 9/19, 3:23 AM
• BIRDWATER DR, 18200 BLK, Theft, Sunday, 9/20, 4:02 PM
• CROSS CREEK BL & KINNAN ST, Drug Law Violation, Saturday, 9/19, 11:34 PM
• IMPERIAL OAK BL, 9000 BLK, Drug Law Violation, Friday, 9/18, 12:02 PM
• LARKBUNTING DR, 9400 BLK, Burglary-Residence, Monday, 9/21, 5:06 PM
• STONEHURST RD, 5100 BLK, Burglary, Thursday, 9/17, 6:40 PM
• TAMPA PALMS BL, 5200 BLK, Burglary-Auto, Thursday, 9/17, 6:10 PM
• AMBERLY DR, 15300 BLK, Burglary, Friday, 9/18, 2:21 AM
• FENTRESS CT, 15500 BLK, Burglary, Friday, 9/18, 8:59 AM
• PLANTATION OAKS DR, 15400 BLK, Stolen Vehicle, Saturday, 9/19, 5:18 AM
• BRUCE B DOWNS BL, 15500 BLK, Burglary, Saturday, 9/19, 5:12 PM
• PLANTATION OAKS DR, 15400 BLK, Domestic Violence, Saturday, 9/19, 10:47 PM
• AMBERLY DR, 15300 BLK, Domestic Violence, Tuesday, 9/22, 10:18 PM
• ANCROFT CT, 16100 BLK, Burglary-Auto, Tuesday, 9/22, 4:46 PM

Note to readers: Because of confidentiality laws, police agencies cannot report the addresses of sexual assaults, and this report does not contain those incidents.

EPA to review Cypress Creek Town Center

By Lisa Buie

WESLEY CHAPEL — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, who raised concerns about Cypress Creek Town Center when she was a Hillsborough County commissioner, has called upon the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a further review of the Cypress Creek Town Center development.

The EPA has agreed to look into the matter.

This is the latest snag to hit the proposed 1-million-square-foot outdoor mall to be located at Interstate 75 and State Road 56. Plans were put on hold for 18 months when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers suspended the mall's permit after muddy water was allowed to flow into Cypress Creek. The corps reinstated the permit on Sept. 4 after the developers agreed to a $297,000 fine for violating the Clean Water Act.

In opposing the mall, Castor has cited concerns about protecting Tampa's water supply from the development's environmental effects. Castor also has been wary of the development's impact on the surrounding wetlands.

"I ask you to give every due consideration to suspending this permit and examining the very serious environmental issues at stake," Castor wrote to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. "The land in question is also important to the drinking water supply in Tampa, as Cypress Creek is a tributary of the Hillsborough River, one of our main sources of drinking water."

In 2005, Castor led the Hillsborough County Commission to join the state Department of Community Affairs in objecting to the project on environmental grounds.

Today, Castor received a letter from the EPA:

"Based on information received since the original public notices were issued, including your letter and input, EPA is currently reviewing the history and status of the project, and we are conducting an independent assessment to determine whether restricting the permit … is warranted," the EPA wrote.

Mall officials have said they plan to resume work on the mall but are starting from square one, given the sour economy. Two possible tenants, Linens N Things and Circuit City, went out of business. Another retailer, Justice for Girls, opened a shop at nearby rival the Shops at Wiregrass.

Wharton runner conquers 5Ks, blood pressure condition

The symptoms always seemed to nip at her heels. Erin Bailey could hold them off for most of a 5-kilometer race, but not all of it.

As sure as Boston hosts marathons, the symptoms would overtake the Wharton High standout at some point down the stretch.

"I know when it's coming," she said.

The stomach cramps would be followed by drooping eyes. Then her hands would contort into a claw shape. In the worst episodes, her legs would become rubbery and her world would darken.

For the longest time, such was Bailey's distance-running modus operandi: pass the finish line, pass out.

"It was like tipping a cow," veteran Wharton cross country/track coach Wes Newton said.

Today, Bailey's low blood-pressure condition — neurocardiogenic syncope — is under control. So far, the early stage of her senior cross country season has been uneventful; she even placed third Saturday in a race at North Port High. But before receiving the proper diagnosis and medication, Bailey would enter a race knowing the nauseating scenario awaiting her in the final meters.

She kept running anyway.

USF to host Campus & Community Sustainability Conference, Going Green Tampa Bay Expo

The University of South Florida will host the fourth annual Campus & Community Sustainability Conference on Oct. 8-9 and the Going Green Tampa Bay Expo on Oct. 9-10, drawing hundreds of advocates, students, and industry and government  leaders interested in exploring new policies, programs and practices for creating sustainable communities.

The conferences are among Florida’s most significant annual gatherings for those interested in alternative energy, green building practices, and sustainable development, farming and transportation. Both events will be held at the Marshall Student Center on USF’s Tampa campus.

The Campus & Community Sustainability Conference agenda will be highlighted by a Friday lunchtime address by actor and environmentalist Ed Begley Jr., star of the HGTV series Living with Ed and author of a series of books on eco-conscious living.

Chamber network gathering tonight

The New Tampa Chamber of Commerce will hold its after-hours networking gathering from 5:30 to 7 p.m. tonight.

The event is hosted by Stonewood Grill & Tavern located at 17050 Palm Pointe Drive. Come out and meet fellow business members that live and work in New Tampa.

Everyone is welcome. Drinks and appetizers are compliments of Stonewood Grill.

Charity Golf Tournament to benefit troops

The third Annual "Tee Up For Our Troops" Charity Golf Tournament will take place at the MacDill Air Force Base golf course Oct. 9. Sponsoship opportunities are still available.

The objective is to raise money and awareness to support the Fisher House, a 'home away from home' temporary lodging facility for families of wounded military members and veterans being treated at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital.

YMCA finalizing 5th annual Saturday Night Lights fundraising event; sponsorships still available

The New Tampa Family YMCA will host its 5th annual “Saturday Night Lights” party on Saturday, October 3 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the New Tampa Family YMCA.

This casual, football-themed event will raise funds to benefit the YMCA’s Building Strong Kids Campaign, which provides scholarships for children and families with special physical and financial needs who cannot otherwise afford the benefits of the YMCA.

“Last year's event was such a hit, that we've decided to continue with that theme,” said Ginger Bean, event chairperson. “Attendees will enjoy supporting their favorite teams while sampling local restaurants' favorite dishes and bidding on unique auction items.  And the best part is, the proceeds will provide opportunities for less fortunate families to participate in the programs and benefits of the YMCA.”

Crime report Sept. 10 to 16

View Crime report Sept. 10 to 16 in a larger map

This report contains incidents called in to the Tampa Police Department for ZIP code 33647 from Sept. 10-16. Please contact Tampa police for more information on individual reports. Addresses may reflect where the incident happened or who reported it.

• BLUEBIRD DR, 9400 BLK, Assault/Battery, Friday, 9/11, 4:52 PM
• BRUCE B DOWNS BL, 20100 BLK, Robbery-Person, Monday, 9/14, 10:41 AM
• MORRIS BRIDGE RD & CROSS CREE, Drug Law Violation, Thursday, 9/10, 9:28 AM
• TAMPA PALMS BL, 5800 BLK, Theft, Friday, 9/11, 5:12 PM
• BRUCE B DOWNS BL, 15500 BLK, Robbery, Monday, 9/14, 11:56 PM
• TAMPA PALMS BL, 5800 BLK, Burglary-Auto, Tuesday, 9/15, 4:43 PM
• AMBERLY DR, 15300 BLK, Burglary-Auto, Tuesday, 9/15, 4:44 PM
• PLANTATION OAKS DR, 15200 BLK, Stolen Vehicle, Wednesday, 9/16, 2:30 AM
• CHAUNCY ST, 6300 BLK, Burglary-Auto, Wednesday, 9/16, 9:22 AM
• BRUCE B DOWNS BL, 15500 BLK, Domestic Violence, Monday, 9/14, 12:10 AM

Note to readers: Because of confidentiality laws, police agencies cannot report the addresses of sexual assaults, and this report does not contain those incidents.

Little Amici moves to Lutz

Little Amici Children's Boutique and Consignment has moved.

The store, formerly in the Pebble Creek Shopping Plaza, has opened up a new space at 1904 Oak Grove Blvd. Click here for more information.

Hillsborough investigates deaths of gerbils left in Freedom High classroom over summer break

A Freedom High School science teacher told investigators she had talked to a custodian about feeding the gerbils in her classroom over the summer, according to Hillsborough County Animal Services.

But the rodents didn't get fed — and some turned to cannibalism as the animals starved to death, said Pam Perry, the investigative manager for animal services.

Perry cited Margaret Barthel with 10 counts of animal cruelty. But the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says that doesn't go far enough.

The animal advocacy group launched a blistering attack on the veteran science teacher, sending letters to the school's principal, the district superintendent and the School Board chairman asking that Barthel be prosecuted by law enforcement and disciplined by the school district.

"The only way that Freedom High can ensure that animals will stop suffering and dying at the school is to adopt a strict policy prohibiting the use of all animals in classrooms," PETA executive Kathy Guillermo said in a statement. Perry said the State Attorney's Office declined to prosecute and referred the matter to the school district.

The district's investigation is ongoing, said Steve Hegarty, a spokesman for Hillsborough County Schools.

"She's a veteran teacher," he said. "She's been with us about 10 years, and we've never had a complaint against her before."

A teacher called authorities on July 16 to report that she saw dead animals in the classroom, Perry said. "The teacher indicated that this had happened before," Perry said.

"When we got there, there was an individual trying to clean up the scene and at that point we ordered him to stop because it had become a crime scene," she said.

She photographed the animals' remains in a cramped cage, and saw a ball python without a heat lamp.

"It was horrible," Perry said.

Perry said she found that Barthel left for the summer and sent an e-mail to a custodian promising a tip if the animals were fed over the break.

"Ultimately, it was her responsibility. The custodians are not responsible for taking care of animals," Perry said.

Barthel could not be reached for comment and did not respond to telephone messages.

Hegarty said Barthel did make arrangements, and he's not sure whether the district or Freedom can comply with PETA's request.

"I'm not sure that (removing animals from all classrooms) is a reasonable request," Hegarty said.

Robbyn Mitchell can be reached at rmitchell@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3373.

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