Ernest Hooper: Flooding highlights need for drainage investment

To be honest, I'm afraid to drive in South Tampa when it rains. And I don't have that much courage about driving in other parts of the city during a thunderstorm.

But are taxpayers willing to pony up what it would take to help alleviate the problem on a rain-averse, flat peninsula where water can easily pool?

If you look at the $35 million combined price tag of two of the latest pumping stations — Alline Avenue and Duck Pond-Doughnut Pond — it's clear there's no easy fix.

But public works spending — which pays for drainage — remains a low priority in city and county budgets.

If we were voting on it today, I bet that priority would rise like the waters on Kennedy and Bayshore boulevards. …

I'm not sure if criticism that Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn drew at a Saturday town hall meeting represents the broader African-American community view. But it was significant, and I wonder if Buckhorn can continue without offering a strategic response, particularly with the City Council voting on a civil review board for the Police Department on Thursday. …

Seen on a bumper sticker: I Just Want To Be Inspired. …

People tout beach bars up and down the coast, but Billy the bartender at Joe's Crab Shack on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard in Clearwater makes as good a hurricane as you can find on the beach. …

I grew weary when my daughter seemed driven to make me listen to a certain blond-haired singer every day.

Now, she's listening to Fetty Wap and Big Sean. Not familiar with those hip-hop artists? Just know this: I never realized how much I would miss Taylor Swift.

That's all I'm saying.