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Man Shows Dogged Determination

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By PAUL CATALA The Sun

Published: October 22, 2008

David Brown said he has not pursued what he considers a problem for either the recognition or the notice. He said he has done it out of principle.

For his dogged determination in challenging the accuracy of flood zone maps in his Sun City Center neighborhood and for getting the Hillsborough County Water Resource Services staff to redraft a water backflow ordinance, Brown received the county's 2008 Moral Courage Award Oct. 15.

During the Hillsborough County Commission meeting in Tampa, commissioners presented Brown with a plaque acknowledging the award and his efforts in the Sun City Center community.

At his Burlington Circle home, Brown said he was "quite pleased" to receive the award and hoped it would allow him to bring to light some of the issues he has been fighting.

Primarily, Brown, a Sun City Center resident for 15 years, has spent time and effort trying to prevent residents in the area from being forced to buy backflow prevention mechanisms if homeowners water their yards with water from a well, pond or lake.

The backflow devices help protect public water supplies by keeping toxins and contaminants from getting into water lines. The devices can cost up to $600 to install and they're meant to stop untreated water from getting into the public drinking water system.

Brown, 70, questioned Hillsborough County's Water Resource Services' practice of requiring residents to install expensive parts on water pipes, causing the commission to redraft the backflow ordinance. County personnel are in the process to set a low-bid cap on costs to homeowners if the county buys and puts in above-ground valves, with the county taking over ownership, providing testing and maintenance for them.

"I'm glad to be recognized," said the retired data processing manager. "One of the reasons I'm glad is this draws attention to the backflow valve controversy. That's important to me. By getting the award, I'm able to bring the issue to more people's attention."

Besides the backflow valve controversy, Brown, who lives with his wife, Jean, was also recognized for challenging the accuracy of flood zone maps drawn by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Hillsborough County. The result was the county re-surveyed the Sun City Center area and resubmitted the new maps to FEMA, helping save homeowners thousands of dollars on property insurance.
Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan said Brown is persistent in his endeavors and praised his drive.

"Dave Brown's dedication and selfless actions on behalf of his fellow citizens exemplify those qualities truly deserving of the Moral Courage Award," Hagan said.

The afternoon following the presentation of the award, Joyce Nodland, president of the Sun City Center North Lake Homeowners Association, said Brown has been active with the issues for at least two years and was happy to hear of his acknowledgement.

"When you need him, he has so much energy; it beams out of him," she said. "I can't say enough about what an asset he is not only Sun City Center, but to the entire county."

Reporter Paul Catala may be reached at (813) 865-1554 or pcatala@mediageneral.com

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