U.S. 41 Trees: Progress Being Made?

The fate of trees planted in the U.S. 41 median through Lutz remains unclear, but officials from Hillsborough County say progress is being made.

On a webpage dedicated to the U.S. 41 median maintenance issue, county staff said it’s working with State Sen. John Legg, R-Lutz, to find a solution that would keep the crepe myrtles and other plantings in the 7-mile stretch.

“We are jointly exploring solutions through corporate sponsors, non-profits, volunteer groups, and local civic associations to identify a long-term, sustainable solution,” a statement on the website says.

Concern over the fate of the trees erupted in Lutz early this year when it was announced the county was going to remove them in order to turn median maintenance back over to the Florida Department of Transportation. Since that agency does not have landscape maintenance funding in its budget, the trees were going to have to be removed.

That news caused an outcry in Lutz that almost led to a protest and did prompt a packed public meeting with county and state officials. During that January meeting, the county vowed to seek out a solution that would keep healthy plantings in the medians.

While a solution hasn’t been agreed upon yet, the county says it will schedule another public meeting soon to give residents an update. Spokeswoman Willie Puz said the webpage is the place to look for any new developments.

To stay up with what's happening on the issue, check back with Lutz Patch or visit the county's webpage.

What do you think should happen with the U.S. 41 trees? Share your thoughts by commenting below.

See Also:

• County: ‘Give Us Some Time’ on Lutz Trees
• Lutz Residents Tell County: 'We Don't Trust You'
• U.S. 41 Tree Meeting Takes Place Tonight
• Protest Over U.S. 41 Trees Called Off
• Public Meeting Set to Discuss U.S. 41 Tree Removal
• County ‘Goofed’ on Lutz Tree Removal Handling