Noteworthy News

County Administrator

Declares State of Emergency

Banning Outdoor Burning

Fight the Blight Cleanup Set for

April 28 - May 2 in Progress Village Area

How a community looks can impact how residents feel. Illegal dump sites and code violations can affect health, safety, and property values throughout a neighborhood. To help prevent this, Hillsborough County's Rapid Response team will offer curbside pickup next week in the Progress Village area. 

From Monday, April 28, to Friday, May 2, Hillsborough County residents who live in the Progress Village area can put furniture, junk and debris, metal, electronics, and up to five non-commercial tires at their curbside, and the Rapid Response team will haul away the materials. Items must be placed by 5 a.m. on the days of collection; placement the night before is recommended. 

The cleanup is open to residents who live within the following boundaries: 

North: 85th Drive/Ironwood Avenue 

South: Progress Village Middle School 

East: South 86th Street 

West: South 78th Street 

The cleanup opportunity is funded through annual solid waste assessments paid by community property owners. Hillsborough County Code Enforcement encourages residents to take advantage of the disposal and restore their property to avoid code violations. Yard waste, commercial vehicle tires, and hazardous chemicals will not be accepted.

For information, call Code Enforcement at (813) 274-6600. 

The County is hosting a series of public meetings to evaluate and gather public input about the cumulative flooding impacts of seasonal rainfall and Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. 

The public meetings will explore the extent of the impact, potential regional flood mitigation, and resiliency strategies. 

Hillsborough County has engaged an outside engineering firm to conduct a thorough independent assessment of the impacts from 2024's severe rain events on stormwater infrastructure. The next steps involve gathering additional input on how the storms affected the people and businesses of Hillsborough County.

Community input will be obtained during the public meetings. Residents are encouraged to attend these meetings to describe how the storm events affected roads, private property, and businesses. The eight public meetings will occur across the county, strategically placed to be close to residents who were impacted most by the storms. Residents also can learn about the assessment and provide feedback virtually through the Hillsborough County Education & Engagement Hub from April 15 to May 19. 

Public meetings to educate and gather input on stormwater assessment: 

April Meetings

District 4 – Plant City  

5:30 p.m. April 29  

Plant City High School cafeteria, 1 Raider Pl., Plant City 

May Meetings 

District 1 – South Tampa  

6:30 p.m. May 7  

Jan Kaminis Platt Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa

District 3 – University Area  

Date: 6 p.m. May 12  

UACDC, 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa

District 2 – Northdale  

5:30 p.m. May 15  

Jimmie Keel Public Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa

District 4 – South County  

6 p.m. May 19  

Lennard High School, 2342 E. Shell Point Rd., Ruskin

For more information, contact Public Works Customer Service at (813) 635-5400 or PWCustomerResolution@HCFL.gov. 

A small stretch of Boyette Road in Riverview is expected to be closed at the intersection of U.S. 301 for right-of-way reconstruction from Friday night, April 25, through Saturday, May 31. The road will be closed east of U.S. 301 to Sweetwell Place. 

Residents can travel around the closure using McMullen Road, Balm Riverview Road, Rhodine Road, and Gibsonton Road. 

Navigation apps have been updated on the detour and will route residents around the closure. The road is expected to be reopened by May 31. 

For more information, contact Public Works Customer Service at (813) 635-5400 or PWCustomerResolution@HCFL.gov.

On behalf of the Board, Commissioner Miller honored Michael S. “Sid” Flannery of Tampa with the 2025 Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award. 

A graduate of the University of Florida, Flannery is an environmental scientist in water resources management, specializing in ecology, hydrology, and management of water resources. Flannery’s career in aquatic ecology and resource management spanned 35 years, including more than 29 years at the Southwest Florida Water Management District. As chief environmental scientist for the water management district, he supervised crucial ecological research on the region’s rivers and was instrumental in developing the percent-of-flow method for establishing minimum flow regulations for streams and rivers.  

Flannery worked extensively on the application of this method to develop environmentally protective withdrawal schedules for the Alafia and Little Manatee Rivers in Hillsborough County, among other work. He also was instrumental in assessing the effects of water withdrawals from the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bypass Canal. 

On behalf of the Board, Commissioner Hagan presented a commendation recognizing Tampa General Hospital for leading the nation in the number of organ transplants in 2024, an outstanding achievement.

On behalf of the Board, Commissioner Cohen presented a proclamation declaring April 2025, as Donate Life Month, urging residents to consider leaving an infinite legacy through organ or tissue donation.

1) The Board approved the purchase of three parcels totaling just over one acre in Brandon to support the expansion and modernization of Fire Station #11. Two lots on Ridgewood Avenue were acquired for $420,000 to allow for construction while maintaining Fire Rescue services onsite. A third parcel, which includes an existing communications tower, was purchased for $360,000 to support public safety infrastructure and to free up space for the expansion. These acquisitions are part of the County’s Capital Improvement Program and were informed by community outreach conducted in March. 

2) The Board approved an interlocal agreement with the University of Florida Board of Trustees authorizing the creation of a GIS tool to quantify the economic value of ecosystem services provided by conservation lands being considered for County acquisition.

3) The Board approved funding recommendations from the Cultural Assets Commission totaling over $63,000 to strengthen and promote local arts and cultural events. Three organizations, Historic Plant City Main Street Inc., Miss Latina Tampa Corp., and ROC the Block Inc., will be awarded a Special Event Partnership Grant through the Arts Council to enhance cultural programming across the community.

4) The Board approved an agreement for a safety upgrade to the railroad crossing signal on South Wiggins Road, approximately 100 feet south of U.S. 92 (East Baker Street) in Plant City. The Tri-Party Grade Crossing Traffic Control Devices and Railroad Reimbursement agreement is with CSX Transportation and the Florida Department of Transportation. 

5) The Board approved a $20,000 agreement with WestCare GulfCoast-Florida Inc. to support the Project Redirect Women’s Reentry Program. Funded through the Fiscal Year 25 federal Justice Assistance Grant, the program offers reentry services to help previously incarcerated women and those at risk of incarceration avoid recidivism and improve their lives.

In the Community

Game Plan for Wellness

Tina James, Sr. Manager, Florida Blue and Wanda West, Legislative Aide

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, Florida Blue hosted the Game Plan for Wellness - a community health blitz event, held at the Skills Center. My Aide, Wanda West, attended on my behalf.

Residents received free blood pressure/glucose screenings, cooking demonstrations (Feeding Tampa Bay), CPR/AED training, EKGS (for youth athletes), free food, games provided by Florida Blue and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, mobile mammography (Advent Health) and so much more.

A huge thank you to all of the community partners and participants who continue to take steps toward better health!

2025 Caribbean Carnival

Jennifer George and Francis Joseph, Tampa Caribbean Festival

On the afternoon of Saturday, April 12, 2025, I gave greetings at the 2025 Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival at Perry Harvey, Sr. Park in Tampa. I was honored to help celebrate 20 years of the Tampa Caribbean Festival in Tampa. This year, the festival welcomed several liver performers including Alison Hinds, Mical Teja, Lyrickal, I-Land Rebels Band, J'Nelle, Es Synce Star, Krazy K, and As:A. It's always a great time celebrating Caribbean American culture!

Wanda West, Legislative Aide and

Lisa Montelione, Administrative Services Coordinator

On the evening of Saturday, April 12, 2025, New Life Village Community hosted their third annual Decades & Dice, Old School Throwback Party & Casino Night. More than just a night of fun, it was a powerful reminder of what community can accomplish together. Held in support of the families and children who call New Life Village home, this year’s event raised an astounding $35,000.

This unforgettable evening was filled with joy and purpose. Everyone enjoyed casino classics, arcade favorites, a stunning car show hosted by Angry Motor Society, and a moving performance by String Music Program, composed of talented Village youth.

Every dollar raised, every bid placed in the silent auction, every raffle ticket purchased, and every moment shared made a direct impact in helping children and families heal from trauma and build stable, loving futures.

Thank you, Feeding Tampa Bay, for being a gracious host.

Rosalyn Wise and Dorothy Flowers

On the evening of Saturday, April 12, 2025, I gave greetings as one of the Guest Speakers at the 2025 Morris Lee Williams, Sr. Scholarship Gala hosted by the Pi Iota Chapter of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

On Monday, April 14, 2025, my Aides and I hosted a Town Hall at the Victor Crist University Area Community Development Center. We welcomed Victor Crist, Clerk of Court and Comptroller as well as Lisa McLean, Public Defender, who both addressed the audience and met with individuals after the meeting. We host these annual Town Hall meetings to listen to the public and address their concerns.

2025 Bridge Builders Luncheon

Chief Deputy Anthony Collins, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and

Tony March, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Metropolitan Ministries hosted their Bridge Builders luncheon at the JW Marriott in Tampa. The theme this year was The Ripple Effect. Retiring CEO, Tim Marks led an impactful demonstration asking over 1,000 attendees to simultaneously drop a stone into a bowl in the center of each table so that we could all experience The Ripple Effect. My Aides, Wanda West and Robbi Smith, joined me for the occasion.

Riverwalk Paver Unveiling - 4/16/25

Center: Tiffany Moore Russel, Esq. Regional Director, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and members

Chief Deputy Anthony Collins, HCSO and Ret. Colonel Melissa Moore, HCSO

Good Friday Prayer Breakfast - 4/18/25

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Evelyn McFadden and JaNiece Bell

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

On the evening of Thursday, April 17, 2025, I gave greetings at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) 72nd South Atlantic Regional Conference Public Meeting at the Tampa Convention Center. This year, more than 6,500 influential, college-educated women from across South Carolina, Georgia and Florida gathered in Tampa for this landmark event. Then on Saturday, April 19, 2025, members and guests enjoyed a wonderful closing gala experience with a performance by the Tallahassee Nights Live Band and Doug E. Fresh. A great time was had by all!

Chris Hill, CEO, United Bikerz Jamboree and

Lauren Dilger, Director of Ticket Operations, Tennessee Titans

On the morning of Saturday, April 19, 2025, United Bikerz Jamboree hosted a Community Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt featured hundreds of eggs, each filled with treats, toys, and surprises for the children. While the children were searching for eggs, parents and community members were invited to take part in various activities, enjoy the food and entertainment.

Tampa Housing Authority, Affordable Housing and Homeless & Community Services Staff

From April 21, 2025 - April 24, 2025, the Florida Community Development Association (FCDA) Conference was held in Orlando, Florida. The conference featured insightful sessions, expert speakers, and opportunities to connect with fellow district leaders. The FCDA has empowered communities for 49 years to take local action and improve the quality of life in underserved neighborhoods.

Wanda West, Legislative Aide and

Anthony Collins, Chief Deputy, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, my Aide, Wanda West attended the touching Hillsborough County Sheriff Office's Law Enforcement Memorial Service at their headquarters in Ybor City. Deputies who gave their lives protecting our community and their families who carry on their legacy were honored. Our community owes a tremendous debt to those who courageously and unselfishly served and currently serve in law enforcement.

Twanda Bradley, Founder and CEO, Grow My Giving

On the evening of Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the County hosted a public meeting at the Riverview Library in my district to engage community members about the cumulative flooding impacts of seasonal rainfall and Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.

You're Invited!

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3  

Where: Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Station 44, 13601 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia 

It’s a win-win-win at the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and Foundation Open House and Toy Drive. The Open House and Toy Drive is an opportunity for residents and families to meet firefighters, see and learn about firefighting gear and equipment, and donate a new, unwrapped toy to support pediatric patients at the Muma Children’s Hospital at Tampa General Hospital. In addition, the event is packed with numerous special programs and fun activities, including: 

• Station tours with opportunities to meet local firefighters 
• Street hockey with the Tampa Bay Lightning Community Team 
• Fire safety scavenger hunt and interactive learning activities 
• See historic exhibits and lifesaving education from the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue & Emergency Medical Services Museum. Guests can cool down with shaved ice, and the first 300 attendees can enjoy a free hot dog, courtesy of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Local 2294.

In the Know

Notice of Recruitment for CareerSource

Hillsborough Pinellas Workforce Development

Hillsborough County is seeking for residents to serve on the CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas Workforce Development Board. If you, or anyone you know is interested in being considered for appointment, the following must be submitted:

1. a complete Application/Questionnaire for CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas Workforce Development Board;
2. and a Standards of Conduct Form

The deadline to apply is by close of business on May 9, 2025. All questions must be answered, and forms must be properly signed and dated to be considered eligible. Please refer to page four of the Questionnaire for submission instructions.

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