Anti-Walmart Bus Could Help Pack Commission Meeting

The anti-Walmart group 813CARe is offering free transportation to a number of people interested in attending the Hillsborough County Commission meeting where commissioners will be voting on a proposed Walmart.

Their mode of transportation - a chartered bus.

First Citrus Bank, located in Carrollwood, donated funds for the bus, Wooten said. The bus is a way to ensure those who are against the proposed Walmart have their voices heard at the meeting.

The proposed Walmart development would mean rezoning a 10-acre space at the northwest corner of Floyd Road and North Dale Mabry Highway. It would consist of an approximately 48,000-square-foot Walmart neighborhood grocery store and a 6,000-square-foot WaWa convenience store with gas pumps.

Those in opposition cite depreciating property values, traffic woes and environmental risks associated with the proposed development.

In November, Hillsborough Zoning Master Steve Luce recommended approval of the rezoning. County Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the issue at their Jan. 15 meeting.

The meeting takes place at 9:00 a.m. at the County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. 

"We are planning for a packed auditorium that morning with our opposition attendees wearing red," said Leah Wooten, 813CARe organizer.

The chartered bus seats 45 people and reservations are on a first come, first served basis. To reserve a spot, e-mail 813CARe@gmail.com with the name(s) of who you would like to reserve a seat for and a contact phone number. A confirmation will be e-mailed back.

See Also:

• Walmart Rezoning Moved To January 15
• Anti-Walmart Group Packs Monday Night's Zoning Meeting
• Residents Turn Out for Road Rally Against Floyd Road Development
• Residents Oppose Floyd Road Rezoning With Road Rallies

What's your opinion of the Walmart rezoning? For or against? Tell us in the comments.