Noteworthy News

Community Residents:

You're invited to attend any one of the scheduled meetings above.

The Middleton High School Robotics Team is participating in the World Championship April 15-19, 2025. Middleton's robot, Daedalus, will head to Houston to take on 600 robotics teams from around the world in the FIRST Robotics Competition.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global nonprofit organization that prepares PreK-12 students for STEM education through team-based robotics programs that build skill, confidence and resilience.

Congratulations to the Middleton High School Robotics Team!

Lynn Holzman, NCAA, Vice President of Women's Basketball; Rob Higgins, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Sports Commission, and the Final Four Mascots

On behalf of the board of county commissioners, I presented a proclamation declaring April 3 through April 6, 2025, as NCAA Women's Final Four Championship Days in the County.

Amber Smith, Senior Government Affairs Regional Manager,

Southwest Florida Water Management District

On behalf of the Board, Commissioner Cohen presented a Proclamation, declaring April 2025, as Water Conservation Month and May 18 through May 24, 2025, as Florida Water Reuse Week in the County.

1.) The Board approved and executed the agreement with the State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Hillsborough County for State Financial Assistance in the amount of $208,591,836. This agreement returns a portion of the previously collected Transportation Surtax funds derived from a 2018 citizen-initiated referendum and will be utilized in resurfacing roads selected by the State as listed in the background. Resurfacing of these roads will provide a safer traveling environment for citizens.

2.) The Board approved and executed two tri-party agreements with the State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the County, and additional recipients (City of Tampa and Temple Terrace) for the State Financial Assistance in the aggregate amount of $30,679,255. The agreements return a portion of the previously collected Transportation Surtax funds and will be utilized in resurfacing projects selected by the State as listed in the background.

3.) Commissioner Hagan led a discussion regarding iHeartMedia's donation of a public service campaign focused on Hillsborough County Services.

The Board directed the County Administrator to work with iHeartMedia regarding the donation of a public service campaign focused on Hillsborough County Services.

4.) The Board approved the ELAPP Subcommittee selection for the 2025 Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award. The Subcommittee also requests that the presentation of this award take place at the April 16, 2025, BOCC meeting and scheduled for 9:00 a.m. time certain.

5.) The Board authorized the Chair to sign the letter in the form presented to the Governor on behalf of the Board committing the County to fully and transparently participate in the EOG DOGE Team process as created by Executive Order #25-44, or any amended or related executive order which hereafter may be issued, and any state law which may be passed by the Florida Legislature and enacted by the Governor; and direct the County Administrator to transmit the letter to the Governor and appropriate carbon copies.

In the Community

Tom Fletcher, Former Director of Hillsborough County Veterans Affairs and

Wanda West, Legislative Aide

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Consumer & Veterans Services, Vietnam Veterans of America/Chapter 787, and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County hosted their annual remembrance event. at the Veterans Memorial Park & Museum. My Aide, Wanda West attended on my behalf. This annual event is open to the public and featured a 10 a.m. ceremony with patriotic elements and the "pinning" of Vietnam Veterans and surviving spouses. Commissioners and County leaders were invited to attend and speak. Additional tributes honored the 50-year legacy of the Vietnam Veteran and local inductees into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. This year, the remembrance fell on National Vietnam War Veterans Day honoring those who served during the Vietnam conflict and their families. The event also paid tribute to the service of K9 soldiers and their bonded military handlers who saved countless lives. 

Public Works Department

3rd Annual Public Service Day

Commissioner Chris Boles; Kim Byer, Assistant County Administrator: Robbi Smith, Legislative Aide, and Public Works staff

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the County hosted its third annual Public Service Day Event to honor the hard work and dedication of Public Works and Water Resources employees. My Aide, Robbi Smith attended on my behalf. This year, children were able touch and climb on trucks and some heavy equipment, while adults learned about the essential services that keep Hillsborough County running smoothly. Attendees explored displays, met the dedicated teams behind roadway maintenance and water services, and enjoyed hands-on activities that showcased how the County ensures clean, reliable water and safe roads. 

From interactive demonstrations to educational exhibits, Public Service Day is designed to highlight the critical role Public Works and Water Resources play in the everyday lives of County residents.  

Mosquito Management was on hand to distribute free mosquitofish, which will help reduce the mosquito population. The mosquito team also had their fleet helicopter on site for photos.

In addition, the County's Human Resources team attended to discuss the hiring process. Parks & Recreation provided fun games and entertainment for kids. There was a bounce house, free hot dogs, and snow cones available to attendees.

NCAA Women's Final Four Events

NCAA Legends Honorees: Derrick Brooks, Commissioner Gwen Myers,

Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy and Thaddeus Bullard

City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Henry "Shake" Washington, Schoolboard

Women's Semifinals 4/4/25

Felicia Martin, NCAA and Jordan Jones, NCAA

Women's Finals 4/6/25

Dorothy Flowers, Rosalyn Wise, and Pam Ravenel

From April 2nd through April 6th, Tampa was home to four amazing college basketball teams, their fans, family and friends for the NCAAW Final Four Championship games at Amalie Arena. Additionally, the NCAA Executive Team hosted several events honoring 5 local recipients of the NCAA Legends and Legacy Community Awards. The 2025 honorees are:

• Derrick Brooks, Executive Vice President of Corporate and Community Development, Vinik Sports Group
• Jane Castor, Mayor, City of Tampa
• Gwen Myers, Hillsborough County Commissioner
• Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy, Interim Director of Athletics, USF
• Thaddeus Bullard, President and Chair, Bullard Family Foundation

Congratulations to the University of Connecticut Huskies Women's Basketball Team on winning their 12th National Championship, and congratulations to this year's Legends.

Justin Fox, Senior Manager, Tampa Bay Water; Chuck Carden, General Manager, Tampa Bay Water; Brant Bartlett, Tampa Bay Water, and Jeff Hawes, Senior Government Consultant, Corcoran Partners

On Friday, April 4, 2025, my Aide Robbi Smith and I were treated to a tour of the Tampa Bay Water Operations Site. We followed the process of water treatment and received insight into the process of delivering clean, drinkable water to our county and surrounding counties. Southern Hillsborough County is experiencing unprecedented population growth that is driving the demand for additional drinking water. By 2045, the number of homes in the Boyette area is expected to grow by one-third, the number in Wimauma is expected to more than double, and the number in the Balm area is expected to nearly triple. To meet the long-term needs of this area, Tampa Bay Water is building the South Hillsborough Pipeline.

Expansion Groundbreaking Ceremony

Greg Holland, President and CEO, Straz Center

On Monday, April 7, 2025, my Aide Robbi Smith attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Straz Center Master Plan Expansion Project. Local dignitaries and community leaders gave remarks in support of the expansion.

Congratulations to Greg Holland and Team on this significant project groundbreaking!

Betty Castor, Retired President, USF

and Tampa City Councilwoman Gwen Henderson

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Helios Educational Foundation hosted a scholarship reception for 20 high school students at the Tampa Museum of Art. Congratulations to all recipients.

Tampa City Councilman Alan Clendenin;

Mike Schnaare, President, Lawrence Group; Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera;

Legislative Aide Wanda West; Legislative Aide Robbi Smith

and Ray Wong, Managing Principal, Lawrence Group

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, my Aides Wanda West, Robbi Smith and I supported the Lawrence Group at their official ribbon cutting ceremony at their new Tampa office. The Lawrence Group is an integrated planning, design, architecture and construction firm, using the power of people with great ideas to bring clients' dreams to life. The credit their long-term client relationships to their focus on enriching the region both socially and culturally.

Congratulations to Ray Wong and team on opening your newest office in Tampa!

Yvonne Fry, Chief Executive Officer, Workforce Development Partners

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, Workforce Development Partners invited me to attend the 2025 Future Career Academy Future Fair Hiring Event at the Tampa Convention Center. This event focused on inner city schools and South Tampa schools.

On the evening of Thursday, April 10, 2025, My Aide Robbi Smith presented a commendation celebrating 25 years in business to Jose Garcia of Rebuilding Together Greater Florida, formerly known as Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay. The event was hosted at the Motor Enclave and welcomed community leaders, staff, volunteers, family and friends to celebrate the occasion. The rebranding comes at a time where the organization has grown to serve more than just the Tampa Bay area.

Congratulations to the Rebuilding Together Greater Florida Team on 25 years!

April Observance

April recognizes all those who give their time and energy during National Volunteer Month. In the U.S., volunteerism is instilled at a young age. In many parts of the country, volunteerism is the cornerstone of summer vacation, holiday togetherness or woven into after school programs. While we aim to make Volunteering a regular practice, we want to encourage new volunteers and support returning volunteers throughout the County. Reach out to your local non-profit to see how you can help.

You're Invited!

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