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Crews Will Have 33618's Number

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 16, 2008

CARROLLWOOD - In an effort to rid the area of litter that could harm wildlife and affect water quality, a call has gone out for volunteers to help clean up neighborhoods in the 33618 ZIP code area of Carrollwood on Saturday.

Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful is working with Hillsborough County Code Enforcement to coordinate a cleanup of the neighborhoods. Volunteers will receive T-shirts, while supplies last, and cleanup supplies.

Those who want to help should check in at the North Lakes Park and Recreation Center, 2640 N. Lakeview Drive. Volunteers will then take to streets in the Carrollwood, Northdale, North Lake View, Health Lakes, Old Carrollwood, Brentwood and Lake Magdalene areas. The cleanup is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. until noon.

"People live in Florida for its quality of life and its natural beauty," said Christine Commerce, executive director of Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful. "Participating in this event helps to maintain that quality of life."

Studies have shown that a clean and well-maintained neighborhood serves as a deterrent for crime as well, according to a news release from the group.

But litter can invite more than just crime to an area, the group asserts, citing a survey that shows litter can be hazardous in several ways:

•Safety hazard: Motorists are injured or killed every year when they swerve to avoid litter on roadways.

•Fire hazard: Fires started in litter and rubbish burn houses every day, and a third of forest fires are attributed to burning of trash.

•Health hazard: Litter spreads disease and can create areas where rats, roaches and mosquitoes breed.

•Hazard to animals: Litter causes injury and death to local wildlife.

Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful works with volunteers on a continuing basis to clean up neighborhoods and spruce up communities. To participate in this or other community cleanups, call (813) 960-5121.

A staff report

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