WHATS UP?(LOCAL) - The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, VA)

Norfolk

Has the Norfolk health department discontinued its fall flu shot clinics? They used to be held at churches and assisted-living compounds. The locations were listed in the Compass, lists which I've not seen in the last two years.

- Bob Daniel, Norfolk

Like last year, the clinic has been delayed because the department has yet to receive the bulk of its flu vaccine shipment. The department only has 10 percent of the order on hand, which is being administered to the sick and elderly. Another 30 percent to 40 percent of the shipment is expected this week, and the remainder should arrive in early December. The department will begin scheduling the clinics as soon as the next shipment arrives and will print the lists in the Compass, as usual.

I was wondering when building will start on the Home Depot near Sandbridge Road, near the new Wal-Mart Supercenter. Before building started on the new shopping center, there was a sign naming the stores going in and Home Depot was one of them. Did it fall through?

- Tracy F., Virginia Beach

According to Home Depot spokesman Don Harrison, Home Depot owns land near the Red Mill Commons development you are referring to, but there are no immediate plans to build a store there. Harrison said it isn't unusual for a company to buy property and hold it until the right time to build or sell. Home Depot has owned the land for about two years and may build a store there in the future, but there are no construction plans for the site through 2002.

Virginia Beach

I was peacefully canoeing on a shallow, narrow creek of North Landing River between Princess Anne Road and Shipps Corner Road only to be annoyed by four noisy personal watercraft coming at us full-speed around the bend. There are no signs posted, but aren't these types of areas reserved for only nonmotorized activities?

- J.D. Fritto, Virginia Beach

The city's Marine Patrol department says that motorized boats and personal watercraft are allowed on that creek because it is connected to bodies of water where they can launch. But they are not allowed to cruise at high speeds or disrupt the paths of canoes and kayaks, which use the creek much more often. Such activity should be reported to marine patrol. If there are enough complaints, motorized activities could be prohibited at that site.

What do you wonder about in your city? Send What's Up questions and comments to: Veronica Butts, Metro Desk, The Virginian-Pilot, 150 W. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, VA 23510. Fax: 446-2414. E-mail: vbutts@pilotonline.com