When you drive through a town or community and observe trash and litter along the roads and vacant lots, what is your impression of this community? Do you look upon it as a reflection of the residents lack of pride in their community? Have you observed people dumping this trash and litter? If you have, do you feel they should be reported to the proper authorities and punished? Or, are you one of the litterbugs in SouthShore?

Webster’s definition of a litterbug is: a person who litters public thoroughfares, buildings and roads with wastepaper and other refuse. Over the past few months I’ve observed the work of SouthShore litterbugs. The condition of our SouthShore thoroughfares in some areas of our community is deplorable.

In addition to my own observations, I’ve received phone calls e-mails and letters from readers complaining of this problem and asking me what I could do. Unfortunately, there is a limit as to what one person can do.

It may be time for SouthShore residents to unite to rid our community of litterbugs. The community has its share of litterbugs, those who discard things along the roadway rather than properly disposing of them. It has always puzzled me why some people behave in this manner.

I’ve never met a person who didn’t agree that being a litterbug was wrong. Now I ask you, if this is the case, who is the litterbug? Is it other persons driving through SouthShore? Is it you, your neighbor or other members of your family? How should the community deal with litterbugs? Are stiff fines the answer? Should the whistle be blown on litterbugs?

If each of the six recognized communities in SouthShore would erect signs to discourage litterbugs by reminding them that it is an unlawful activity, would this help? If such an effort was made, I believe the funds to construct and erect the signs could be secured from Hillsborough County.

If the citizens of SouthShore are concerned about litterbugs and show a high level of civic involvement, I believe we could get assistance from the law enforcement agencies to help in this effort. Each community has a Community Resource Officer provided by the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Department who could provide support and assistance. At any rate, is it worth further investigation? What are your views on the subject?

Send letters to: THE VOICE of SouthShore, P.O. Box 476, Ruskin, FL 33575-0476. Phone: 813-273-8976.