POISONED
A Tampa Bay Times investigation
Part 1: The Factory
Toxic dust built up inside this Tampa factory for years. The consequences have been profound.
Part 2: The Failings
Gopher Resource moved slowly to fix mechanical problems. As violations mounted, regulators have been missing in action.
The story
The Tampa Bay Times spent 18 months investigating chemical exposure at a Tampa factory, the only lead smelter in Florida. Hundreds of factory workers have been exposed to extreme amounts of lead. They’ve inhaled it, been burned by it, been covered in it. And no one has stopped it.
About the reporters
Corey G. Johnson
is an investigative reporter for the Tampa Bay Times’…Read more
Rebecca Woolington
is an investigative reporter for the Tampa Bay Times’…Read more
Eli Murray
is a journalist who codes for the Tampa Bay Times…Read more
The team
- Reporters: Corey G. Johnson, Rebecca Woolington and Eli Murray
- Editors: Mark Katches, Adam Playford, Kathleen McGrory and Maria Carrillo
- Photographers: Martha Asencio-Rhine, Luis Santana, James Borchuck, Yalonda M. James and Octavio Jones
- Photo editor: Boyzell Hosey
- Graphics: Paul Alexander and Scott Brown
- Print design: Sean Kristoff-Jones
- Digital design: Martin Frobisher and Eli Murray
- Copy Editors: Dennis Peck and Greg Joyce
- Engagement: Ashley Dye, Josh Gillin and Carolyn Fox
- Video: Jennifer Glenfield and James Borchuck
- Consultants: Sarah Childress and Phil Bennett
- Legal: Carol LoCicero and Mark Caramanica
- Project Managers: Mark Katches and Adam Playford
We want to talk with you
Do you live in the neighborhoods of Grant Park, Oak Park, Florence Villa, Dixie Farms or Uceta Gardens in Hillsborough County? And do you suffer from these health issues?
- Heart ailments
- Kidney disease
- Infertility
- Hypertension
- Muscle weakness
- Behavioral problems
- Reduced attention span
- Cognitive disabilities
- Debilitating headaches
These are among the factors associated with high levels of lead exposure. Please contact us if you are interested in talking.