For anyone with children moving to Tampa, schools are an important consideration. The Hillsborough County School District has an excellent website loaded with information that should answer just about any question a parent may have.

Hillsborough County School District Website

The Florida Department of Education has a school accountability program that grades all public schools in the state. The state also has a program that gives parents options when their child is attending a school that receives a failing grade. No parent wants their child stuck in a failing school.

School Choice Information

The “school locator” is a helpful tool that will identify the school district of a particular home. So if you are home hunting and find a home you like, you can find the respective school district and begin your research. Alternatively, you can use the school grades as a guide in helping you to find which school districts to target.

Hillsborough County School Locator

Florida School Report Cards (Grades)

Hillsborough County schools follow a fall/spring, 2 session schedule that allows for a summer vacation for students.

Hillsborough County Schools Calendar

The Hillsborough County School Board recently approved the 2007-2008 school calendar that has some changes, including a later start in August and fewer religious holidays.

2007-2008 Hillsborough County Schools Calendar

Let’s face it: Tampa is in a geographic region of the USA that experiences a high level of humidity for much of the year. Add to that the fact that we receive about 43 inches of rain, on average, every year, and you can understand why mold can be a problem. Most of the mold that I see in homes is caused by water intrusion from the exterior of the home. If these problems are not resolved in a timely manner, mold can, and does become an issue. The way to keep mold from becoming a problem is to control moisture.

Here are 10 things to consider regarding mold:

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and dehumidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dish washing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

When purchasing a home in Tampa, the best course of action is to include a “mold inspection” addendum that gives you the right to inspect for mold in the home. If mold is found, you will have the right to cancel your agreement if the cost to remove the mold is greater than a pre-determined dollar amount set by you.

Seller’s are required to disclose any known presence of mold, but mold often grows in areas that are not easily observed by the homeowner. If you are concerned about mold, it is best to have samples taken in and around the home to see what kinds of mold exist and in what concentrations.

For more information on mold, visit the EPA’s mold site.

After canceling the 2006 air show due to other military commitments, MacDill AFB is hosting Airfest 2007, scheduled for March 31st and April 1st.

Gates will be open from 8am to 5pm and the show is highlighted each day from 3-5pm by a Blue Angels demonstration.

Approximately 750,000 visitors are expected during the 2 day show and admission is free of charge.

Get details and see a promotional video at MyAirFest.com.

The MacDill Thunderbolt is a weekly newspaper published by Sunbelt Newspapers, the publisher of The Tampa Tribune. The Thunderbolt offers weekly news stories regarding MacDill AFB, as well as information on  events happening on and around the base. The Thunderbolt also features a special pullout section called “Primetime”, that contains a calendar of base events and ads for various services offered on base.

View the Thunderbolt online.

The 6th Services Squadron has a website, MacDillServices.com, that offers information on dining, lodging and other services on the base. The 6th Services Squadron also publishes a monthly magazine, Base, Bay & Beyond for members.