Identifying Local Opportunities

5A – Identifying Local Opportunities

Hamilton County to spray for mosquitoes following EEE horse death

http://www.suwanneedemocrat.com/news/hamilton-county-to-spray-for-mosquitoes-following-eee-horse-death/article_41c74670-6019-11e8-960a-43dc58438646.html

This article is about a pony that died after contracting Eastern Equine Encephalitis from a mosquito bite. This can be transferred to humans by a mosquito bite, which is why the need to spray for mosquitoes was so important. This article was to raise the awareness of the issue because even though the Health Department released the health advisory the day after receiving the positive test results many of the county residents still didn’t know there was a confirmed case.

The Problem:
There is a large amount of mosquitos in Hamilton County, FL. Trapping of mosquitos confirmed there is a high population in the area.

Who:
The people in Hamilton county are affected by the mosquito population. Since there was the confirmed death of the pony the commissioners need to act to protect the people who live in the area.

About 70 dogs rescued from hoarding situation

http://www.suwanneedemocrat.com/news/ga_fl_news/about-dogs-rescued-from-hoarding-situation/article_04e84e0a-2e46-5b7e-9fa1-df5509341a5e.html

This article is about dogs rescued from a hoarding home. There was about 70 dogs, mostly small breeds that were removed from a home last week. According to the chief deputy, this was the largest number of dogs he had seen removed from one property. All of the dogs were being fed, but some did suffer from heat exhaustion and had matted fur. The number of dogs was so large that the local shelter had to ask Atlanta Humane Society to come help relocate the dogs.  

The Problem:
There were about 70 dogs being kept in less than favorable pens. They were not properly being taken care of and the owners were reported to authorities.

Who:
The dogs had the problem of being forced to live in these conditions. Even though they were fed, they still were not being taken care of by being provided enough water or baths and combings. The combings would have allowed for longer haired dogs coat to not become matted.

City, county looking for common ground on fire services, redevelopment, annexation

http://www.gainesville.com/news/20180529/city-county-looking-for-common-ground-on-fire-services-redevelopment-annexation

This article is about the county and city needing to come to an agreement on the fire services offered. The current agreement is set to expire on Friday, but 2 of the commissions are having a hard time coming to an agreement. City officials are saying they will no longer respond to county calls if the agreement expires, and they want the county to do the same. The county said they will still respond to call though if they are the closest unit.

The Problem:
County and city commissioners can’t come to an agreement on a new fire agreement. The current agreement is set to expire Friday. This potentially could cause a delay in services if the city stops responding to calls that they normally would if the agreement expires.

Who:
The county and city have the problem. If there isn’t a new agreement made or the current one extended then the problem might also be the residents of the county and city. If a call is made and they are needed the call might take longer to respond to.

Alachua County opposes Coastal Connector plan

http://www.gainesville.com/news/20180529/alachua-county-opposes-coastal-connector-plan

This article is about the letter opposition Alachua and Marion counties are sending to Governor Scott opposing the Coastal Connector. The Coastal Connector is only  in the planning stages right now, but could become a way to travel from I-75 to the Suncoast Parkway towards Tampa. The county commissioners oppose the proposed road project because it would cut through horse farms in northwest Marion County and through important environmental areas. The commissioners also approved for a managed lane study that hasn’t been completed yet so the proposed reduction in evacuation time hasn’t been validated to them.

The Problem:
The proposed roadway doesn’t provided enough evidence that it will truly reduce the amount of traffic on I-75. It will run through important environmental areas to the county. Horse farmers would lose land that they raise their horses on.

Who:
The horse farmers seemingly have the most to lose here. They would lose land that has been used to breed and raise horses on. The county and state might also loose money if the environmental areas the commissioners are talking about bring any income into the state.

Alberto bringing heavy rainfall to area this Memorial Day

http://www.gainesville.com/news/20180527/alberto-bringing-heavy-rainfall-to-area-this-memorial-day

This article addresses the rainfall expected on Memorial Day. Meteorologist said that it was a small risk of storm in our area on Monday. We would be more than likely getting scattered showers with the chance of thunderstorms too. He went on to say that we should expect rain for the remaining of the week.

The Problem:
The potential for bad weather on a holiday.

Who:
Anyone who is in the area will be affected by this. The rain could delay or postpone plans for some.