[dawn53]

Though the city and county governments are often at odds, Bean dismissed suggestions that she is locked in a power struggle with Iorio.

Same in Pinellas...the county calls the shots, and mayors/city governments follow.

Has to be that way because of many municipalities in one county, each municipality with it's own mayor and city council...it would be a nightmare if the county EOC was not in charge.

County EOC sets down the orders, cities follow and it worked very well last year.

[Ruth A.]

Iorio said Tuesday that some emergency responsibility still rests in her hands. She said Tampa residents could blame her if an emergency response didn't run smoothly.

Why would anyone want to know who to blame? This sounds like a failure mindset.

[libertylover]

"If a major hurricane were to hit, it would be viewed locally and nationwide as a disaster for the city of Tampa," Iorio said. "I take my responsibility of keeping the citizens of Tampa safe very seriously. It's my responsibility as the mayor."

Except by Democrats, who would see it as an opportunity to blame Bush.

[mewzilla]

Maybe the pecking order should be codified at the state level in all states.

[G.Mason]

"Hillsborough County officials exerted their authority Tuesday, declaring they would be in charge if a hurricane or other disaster strikes."

I am a county official, hear me roar. Simply pap for local public consumption.

With Jeb Bush as governor, and as past experience has shown, the governor will lead those "officials" through these storms.

[I_dmc]

Almost sounds like Bean is Republican and Iorio is Democrat.

[Old Grumpy]

It's fairly obvious that when the "big one" hits here in Tampa, the downtown area will be swamped, as it's right on the water, but they just keep right on building down there.