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West Tampa
CRA Community Advisory Committee Applications Available
Career In Air Conditioning Proves Successful
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Donald Dunlap was de- termined to not wind up like other young men, wandering around with no career, no in- terest in starting a career, and no future plans.
Prior to 2007, Dunlap had worked an array of jobs, most of them in the construc- tion industry.
“I was approached by a friend who suggested I attend a technical school and learn some kind of trade.
“After looking at the courses being offered, I de- cided to try the air condition- ing industry. It was something I was familiar with having done some of that work when I was involved in construction, so I just figured it would be a great career.”
Dunlap founded Dunlap Heating and Air Conditioning Services (License #CAC1818210), and said when he first started, it was tough.
“I love what I do and I enjoy providing a service to others. You’re not going to lease everyone, but I thank God for His wisdom and my patience.
“I handle residential and commercial projects, and I currently have three people working with me.”
Donald Dunlap (standing, left) and his staff, Desten Duncan, Emmanuel Watson, and Ronnie Richardson.
Dunlap said the upside of operating an air conditioning in Florida is that your services are always in demand.
“We serve the immediate Tampa area, but I’ve also been successful in finding work in the surrounding counties. I also expect to expand in the near future.”
Dunlap said he’d love to get a big sub-contracting proj- ect, but he understands how difficult that can be.
“It’s difficult to get on as a sub-contractor on a project, because the contractors tend to carry the same subs from project to project.
“Anyone out there inter- ested in doing this kind of
work as a career, I advise them to make sure this is what they want to do.”
Dunlap said he appreci- ates the help he’s gotten from the community, and he tries hard to make his services af- fordable for everyone.
“I’ve also tried mentoring young men to look at this as a career and that the course is only two years. After they get licensed, they will begin to see all the rewards that come with being successful.”
Dunlap’s Heating and Air Conditioning Services are lo- cated at 1246 East Hillsbor- ough Avenue in the Speaker Exchange Plaza. His number is (813) 323-2899.
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
In July, the Community Re- development Agency (CRA) for the City of Tampa was pre- sented an outline of the groups in West Tampa that were to be a part of the Community Advi- sory Committee (CAC). The CAC is the governing group for the West Tampa CRA, and Drew Park and West Tampa Development Manager, Jeanette LaRussa Fenton, held several public hearings be- fore the makeup of the CAC was given a stamp of approval by the community.
Ms. Fenton presented an outline that included 8 West Tampa organizations who would apply as ex-officio groups, and 3 at-large seats.
In September, the CRA Board approved the selection of who would occupy the 3 at- large seats, but the selection of the 8 groups who would send representatives to sit on the CAC was rescinded. That meant the application process would have to be reinitiated to include more than just the 8 initial groups.
Ms. Fenton said on Octo- ber 8th, the CRA will get an up- date report on the process, and they are finalizing the organiza- tion recruitment process.
“The applications will be ready today (Friday), and are due to be submitted by October 20th. The appointments to the CAC will be made at the No- vember 12th CRA meeting.”
Ms. Fenton said the appli-
JEANETTE LARUSSA FENTON Drew Park/West Tampa Development Manager
cations will only be for organi- zations as the individual seats have been filled.
“For any group to be con- sidered, they must have been around for at least two years, and the application process will be in two parts.
“First, the organizations will submit their applications listing their representative to serve on the CAC. Second, that designee will complete the ex- officio form. Also, each organi- zation must be incorporated or neighborhood associations within the West Tampa CRA registered with the City of Tampa. They also must have met regularly and actively en- gaging in activities to improve the West Tampa CRA.”
For more information, or for an application package, call (813) 274-8325.
Application packages are also available online at tam- pagov.net/CRA.
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