Keeping The Neighborhood Tidy

BROOKSVILLE - They were born and raised in the neighborhood.

They won't abandon it. They still live there and they want to do their part to make it better.

On Saturday, they stuffed their hands into a pair of gardening gloves, grabbed a trash bag and started walking. They had help from politicians, police and community leaders, but they were the ones most interested in improving the look of South Brooksville.

"It's my community," said Wanda McCollum-Fagin. "I was born and raised on Twigg Street. I want to keep it up and keep it looking good.

She was walked along Twigg and gestured toward some of the homes along the west side of the street. The group did not wander onto private property, but made sure the roads and right of ways were cleared of bottles, cans and plastic bags.

"We need to clean them up and keep them tidy," McCollum-Fagin said.

There is industry along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, which is closed down during the weekends. There is at least one barbeque stand open during the day, but there is little activity otherwise.

On either end of the road is a major highway, with lots of traffic, restaurants, gas stations and other businesses.

A couple miles down the road at Tom Varn Park, there was a company picnic attended by hundreds of employees at Brooksville and Spring Hill Regional hospitals.

The city might have been bustling elsewhere, but it seemed as if South Brooksville is sealed off from the rest of the city. To those who live there, it regularly feels that way.

They have taken that to heart. They also have taken it upon themselves to improve the neighborhood.

"I've lived on this street for 25 years of my life," said Floyd Moore. "A little help is better than none, you know?"

The group, which was split into seven teams, roamed across South Brooksville throughout the morning. The organized cleanup was part of the annual Fall Harvest, which took place along Twigg.

"We started it last year," said event volunteer Melissa Burnett. "We wanted to give our children another outlet besides Halloween."

The Fall Harvest also is a backdrop to the annual cleanup, which often attracts representatives from both the city and county.

Among the visitors offering a helping hand Saturday were county commissioners Chris Kingsley and Diane Rowden, Parks and Recreations Director Pat Fagan and County Administrator David Hamilton.

Rowden brought her poodle. Both she and her dog were decked out in political memorabilia. The same went for Kingsley, who took part in the cleanup last year.

"Yeah, we've been in the bushes today," he said as he brushed weeds off his shoulder. "I feel like a porcupine."

Both Rowden and Kingsley are running for re-election.

Another familiar face was Mark Drake and his daughter, Patrice. Both of them have been taking part in community cleanups for the past 10 years.

Drake grabbed a bag while his 18-year-old daughter followed the group in the family pickup truck. When the bed got full, she would take it to the trash bin.

Drake was happy to see people from the county take part in the Fall Harvest. He thinks it is a benefit any time they visit the neighborhood.

"I give them a warm welcome," he said. "It gives them a chance to come and see things rather than have someone come to them and say, 'We need this done.' Actions speak louder than words."

Kingsley said Saturday's cleanup was the first step in a new county initiative that aims toward improving the quality of life in South Brooksville.