Should East Lake be annexed by Oldsmar

and what is the real reason Oldsmar wants it? Is it to improve the quality of life for those the area it annex’s or is it to put the Shoppes of Boot Ranch, East Lake Woodlands shopping centers and ultimately Lockheed Martin on its tax roles. The mayor does not mention Lockheed Martin, but they will be surrounded if the deal goes through and may not have a choice. This is a big prize for the Mayor and Oldsmar if the residents agree.

Is there a need for Oldsmar to extend its reach to the Lake Tarpon Canal? What will happen to the taxes of the properties involved and if they are raised by Oldsmar will they impact our prices at the checkout counters. Most, if not all of us living in Woodland Hills shop at the stores that would be annexed and costs get passed on.  Also, if annexed, what would the impact be to local real estate prices be. What would the impact be to residents if Oldsmar’s industrial tax base shrinks?

Are they worried that Nielsen is outsourcing and they need a way to replace the revenue? The Times ran this not too long ago and it was before the annexation announcement.

Layoffs at Nielsen concern Oldsmar residents

There are may questions to be answered and hopefully the residents impacted will ask them. This has failed 4 times now according to the Times and why do they keep trying? There must be a reason and I would imagine it is the almighty tax dollar.

There is an important meeting tomorrow night and if you know anyone that should attend please pass it on. If you are a local Realtor please tell your associates and stay informed. It is at 7:00 PM at the East Lake Country Club. From the ELW website it is described as:

The link is here.

One of the proposed benefits of annexation by Oldsmar is brought up in attachment A in documents given to the Fire District. Nothing like having a say in government.

The attachment can be downloaded Attachment A

That all sounds good, but then there is this comment raised at the Oldsmar City Council meeting.

From the Oldsmar City meeting on August 5th 2008 this was brought up on page 1 of the minutes.

The East Lake Fire District has its concerns and they are the ones that come to our neighborhood. Here is a link to their site which has more information on this story.vClick for the Fire District

The St. Pete Times broke this story in July when Oldsmar announced its land grab attempt.

Oldsmar itches to grow

By Theresa Blackwell, Times Staff Writer
In print: Tuesday, July 22, 200

Undeterred by four failed attempts to annex unincorporated West Oldsmar, Oldsmar is looking westward once again.

This time Oldsmar hopes to bring the East Lake Woodlands, Brookers Landing and El Pasado subdivisions into the city limits, as well as the Shoppes of Boot Ranch and East Lake Woodlands shopping centers.

“The city of Oldsmar has changed,” said Mayor Jim Ronecker. “It’s a great, progressive city that has a lot to offer its residents.”

For the full story visit