Tuscaloosa cracks down on post tornado clutter

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Tuscaloosa is trying to make property owners clean up land left vacant after the 2011 tornado that ravaged the city. WBRC-TV reports the city is cracking down on overgrown lots left by the April 27 twister. The tornado destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses that haven't been rebuilt, and weedy, vacant lots are scattered all over town. City workers are placing notices on lots to warn owners they'll face a penalty if they don't clean up the area. More than 500 violations have been handed out so far. Resident Shirley Kittrell says she's glad the city is taking action because some areas are unsightly. Recovery director Robin Edgeworth says the city is reminding people to work together.