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She's a bridge defender

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By KATHY STEELE

ksteele@tampatrib.com

Published: October 21, 2009

RIVERSIDE HEIGHTS - It was the casual way an engineer spoke about replacing the historical Columbus Drive bridge that got to Sharon Keene five years ago.

"It was appalling to me they were going to take it down with no concern about the history of the area," said Keene, who then was president of Riverside Heights Neighborhood Association and Crimewatch.
Keene moved to Riverside Heights when she was in high school. Many second- and third-generation families grew up there and knew the bridge tender who manned the tender house.

The initial proposal to replace the bridge was for a modern expanse of as many as six lanes - potentially leading to the demolition of some homes.
Keene began a grassroots campaign to save the bridge. The effort ultimately brought together several neighborhood associations and area developers.

On learning the bridge will be preserved, Keene said, "That's wonderful. I was so worried they would put it on the back burner and that the economy would prevent that."

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 259-7652.

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