Locals React to the Countdown to a Government Shutdown

As government officials wrangled over approving a budget - which threatens everything from the processing of IRS tax returns to approvals of new FHA loans - those who live and work in Carrollwood and Northdale reacted on Friday to the looming possibility of a government shutdown.

While the effects of the shutdown may not trickle down to Hillsborough County or Carrollwood's population of 35,000, some members of the community felt uneasy about the possibility.

Bill Castens, 65, is a retired executive of a building materials company, and receives Social Security benefits. Castens said he thinks government leaders need to cooperate to come to a conclusion.

"I don't agree with either party completely, but the leadership needs to work together and be serious about cutting debs and getting people back to living within their income," he said.  "I'm aggravated, but if I don't get my Social Security check for a couple of months, it's not going to change my lifestyle."

But, Castens said, some senior citizens may feel the pinch if they aren't able to receive their Social Security checks.

"If I was living hand to mouth every month like some seniors are," he said, "I'd be concerned."

Meanwhile, Fallon Williams, 28, worried on Friday about whether a government shutdown could effect her ability to continue receiving federal funding to attend Hillsborough County Community College.

Williams is also a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who receives a basic housing allowance for veterans.

She made a decision on Thursday to forego summer classes at HCC until government officials make a decision on th shutdown.

"With everything up in the air," she said, "the last thing you want to do is put all your time into something if it isn't worth your while."

For more information on the government shutdown, go to www.huffingtonpost.com.