City and County Vote to Approve
Rays Ballpark Proposal
| On Thursday, August 27, 2026, Tampa City Council voted in favor of the Tampa Bay Rays Proposal ultimately approving moving forward with a historic agreement tied to securing the Tampa Bay Rays' future in the city, a decision Mayor Jane Castor called a pivotal step toward jobs, investment, and long-term community benefit. On Friday, August 28, 2026, the County also voted in favor of moving forward. In a 5-2 vote, the Board of County Commissioners voted to move forward with funding for the Rays Stadium. In a statement from Board Chair Ken Hagan, "A Change is Gonna Come". Huge Thank you to Bonnie Wise, Julia Mandell and entire County Staff for their hard work on the negotiations and for delivering the final board agreements. |
Let's Do It Again!
November 3, 2026
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Labor Day, observed on the first Monday of September in the United States, is a tribute to the dedication, achievements, and contributions of American workers. It originated in the late 19th century during the labor movement, a time when workers fought for fair wages, reasonable hours, and safer working conditions. The holiday became a federal observance in 1894, symbolizing both progress in workers’ rights and the ongoing value of labor in building the nation.
Today, Labor Day is celebrated in many ways, from parades and community events to family gatherings and barbecues. It’s also seen as the unofficial end of summer, marking a seasonal shift. Beyond the festivities, the day serves as a reminder to honor the dignity of work and the people whose efforts keep communities thriving.
It’s not just a day off, it’s a moment to reflect on the importance of fairness, opportunity, and respect in the workplace, and to appreciate the everyday contributions that shape our society.
Most County offices will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 7, 2026. Offices will re-open on Tuesday.
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Ovarian cancer is often called the “silent killer” because its early symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for common conditions. Yet, early detection can make a life-saving difference. Raising awareness is not just about sharing facts, it’s about empowering people to recognize the signs, advocate for their health, and support those affected. When found early, ovarian cancer is more treatable, with significantly higher survival rates. The teal ribbon represents ovarian cancer awareness and is a reminder of the strength, resilience, and hope of those fighting the disease and the loved ones standing beside them.
Together, through awareness, education, and compassion, we can shine a light on ovarian cancer and move closer to a future where no life is lost to it.
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County Celebrates
First Mobile Home Replacement Through
Rebuilding for Tomorrow Program
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Hillsborough County is celebrating the first mobile home replacement through the Rebuilding for Tomorrow program that assists residents whose homes were damaged by Hurricanes Helene or Milton.
Kristina Stamm’s Thonotosassa mobile home was battered by both hurricanes, which caused roof, siding, and other damage that ultimately left the home beyond repair. Stamm, who has two children, is one of about 1,600 residents who have applied for assistance through the Rebuilding for Tomorrow program. Applications for assistance are still being accepted.
Hillsborough County was awarded $709 million by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist with recovery and mitigation efforts related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which struck in 2024. About $211 million of that amount will be dedicated to the Homeowner Repair and Reconstruction Program. Qualified homeowners may get funding and support to repair or rebuild their homes. For those who have already repaired home damages from Hurricanes Helene or Milton, reimbursement programs are available for qualified homeowners.
The Rebuilding for Tomorrow Service Center at 1029 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33604, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hillsborough County also has a call center to help with the application process. Residents can call (813) 540-7767 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Rebuilding for Tomorrow program will remain open until all funding is obligated. In addition to funding for homeowner assistance, some of the grant money will go toward projects to repair damage the storms caused to roads, canals, culverts, pump stations, wastewater lift stations, and other infrastructure, and for projects that will improve the area’s resilience for future storms.
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County to Host Patriot Day Event on 9/11 | |
A quarter century has passed since the attacks of 9/11 instigated our nation’s longest war and challenged conventions of global security.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR), Veteran Community Services, and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County will host Patriot Day 9/11: Remembering the Fallen 25 Years Later at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 N. U.S. Hwy. 301, Tampa.
The 25th Anniversary Patriot Day 9/11 event is free and open to the public at Veterans Memorial Park’s outdoor amphitheater. Attendees are invited to enjoy the park’s many memorials.
For more information about Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, call Veteran Community Services at (813) 635-8316 or visit HCFL.gov/Veterans.
| | Kawanna Brown, Major, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office | | |
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, my staff and I hosted a 509 Community meeting at my church, Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. We welcomed first-time attendees, approved past meeting minutes, received updates from the Gun Violence Committee and discussed the importance of voter participation in the 2026 General Election in November.
The 509 Committee is proud to present the Safe Summit in October in partnership with the County, the State Attorney's Office, Safe and Sound Hillsborough, the Public Defender's Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Men of Vision, Hillsborough County Public Schools, and The Skills Center. The Safe Summit is a youth-centered experience focused on safety, justice, and legal processes for youth and young adults.
| | Honoring Commissioner Harry Cohen | | |
Jane Castor, Mayor, City of Tampa; Commissioner Harry Cohen,
and Congresswoman Kathy Castor
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On Thursday, September 20, 2026, the Centre for Women honored Commissioner Harry Cohen. It was my honor to give remarks and support my colleague. The event was a heartfelt tribute to Commissioner Cohen's commitment to our community and to the vital services provided by the Centre.
The Helen Gordon Davis Sentre for Women plays a critical role in our community by offering compassionate professional counseling services to individuals and families who might otherwise go without the care they desperately need.
| | Cheryl Howell, Assistant County Administrator, Office of Community Impact | | The annual Florida Housing Coalition Conference was held from August 24-26, 2026, in Orlando. The event is Florida’s largest statewide affordable housing conference. It was great to engage in meaningful discussions about innovative strategies for enhancing affordable housing access. One of the key takeaways was the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including local governments, non-profit organizations, and private developers. | |
BOCC Quarterly Awards
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
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Department Recognition
Presented by Commissioner Harry Cohen
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue's Office of Emergency Management for the Emergency Management Accreditation Program Commission's Accreditation Award.
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Employee Recognition
Presented by Commissioner Chris Boles
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Chief Jason Dougherty for the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association's State Fire Chief of the Year Award.
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Department Recognition
Presented by Commissioner Christine Miller
Pet Resources for the National Association of Counties' 2026 Achievement Award for Volunteerism.
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Department Recognition
Presented by Commissioner Christine Miller
Pet Resources for the National Association of Counties' 2026 Achievement Award for Civic Education, Public Information, and Volunteers.
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Employee Recognition
Presented by Commissioner Chris Boles
Anthony Halcyon of Environmental Services for his introduction into the University of Florida's 40 Gators Under 40 - Class of 2026.
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Department Recognition
Presented by Commissioner Gwen Myers
Communication & Digital Media for the 2026 Ragan PR Daily Content Marketing Award in the Long-Form Video Category.
| | Robbi Smith, Legislative Aide to Commissioner Gwen Myers, District 3; Orlando Pryor, Government Affairs, Humana, and Paola Rivera-Figueroa, District Aide to FL House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell | | |
On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, my Aide, Robbi Smith represented my office at the Humana Community Day volunteer event at Feeding Tampa Bay on Causeway Blvd. She joined Humana associates and community partners for a volunteer project supporting local families.
Feeding Tampa Bay is dedicated to alleviating food insecurity by providing nutritious food to families in need across a 10-county area in West Central Florida.
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Board Meeting
Thursday, August 27, 2026
| | Green Star Program Recognitions | | Hillsborough County Fleet Management | | During the August 27, 2026, EPC Board Meeting, Janet Dougherty, Executive Director, EPC and staff awarded three Green Star Program Certifications. The Green Star Initiative is a certification program created by EPC in 2005 used to recognize auto repair facilities in Hillsborough County that go above and beyond with environmental compliance. Recent revamping of the initiative has led the EPC to certify 20 new Green Star facilities, including the entities recognized above. | | |
Wanda West, Legislative Aide to Commissioner Gwen Myers, District 3, and
Ella Coffee, District Legislative Assistant for Senator Darryl Rouson
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The afternoon of Friday, August 28, 2026, my Aide, Wanda West had the privilege to participate in the RSA Legislative Staff Volunteer Day at Feeding Tampa Bay, which was designed exclusively for legislative staff. It was not only a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow colleagues, but also a chance to learn more about the important mission of Feeding Tampa Bay and to give back to our community. During the volunteer shift, everyone worked together to sort food in the warehouse. Experiences like this highlight the value of service and collaboration, and it was inspiring to see so many dedicated staff come together in support of such a vital cause.
Thank you to RSA for extending the invitation, and a special thanks to Feeding Tampa Bay for the incredible work you do every day for the citizens of our County. Your commitment truly makes a difference.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Doug Tobin
Marketing / Public Relations
TobinD@CareerSourceTB.com
(813) 397-2054
Staff Contact:
Leondra Foster
Director of Youth Programs
FosterLe@CareerSourceTB.com
865 Tampa Bay Youth Explore Future Careers
Through Summer P.A.Y.S.
~CareerSource Tampa Bay connected low-income and underserved youth across Hillsborough and Pinellas counties with paid work experience, leadership training, and career exploration through Summer P.A.Y.S. ~
CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) connected 865 low-income and underserved youth ages 15 to 24 throughout Hillsborough and Pinellas counties with paid work experience, leadership training, and career exploration through its Summer P.A.Y.S. (Preparing Area Youth for Success) program, equipping participants with the skills, experiences, and career awareness needed for future success.
Through partnerships with employers, educators, and community organizations, Summer P.A.Y.S. provides hands-on learning opportunities that build workplace skills, expand career awareness, and prepare participants for high-demand careers.
Summer P.A.Y.S. included:
Paid Work Experience (PWE): 418 youth completed six-week paid internships with local employers, earning $15 per hour while developing workplace skills and exploring career pathways.
Career Exploration Training (CXP): 365 youth completed a four-week online curriculum focused on career exploration, networking, and engagement with business leaders.
Youth Leadership Training (YLT): 44 youth participated in leadership and entrepreneurship training, culminating in a community service project.
University of South Florida (USF) Immersive Learning: 11 youth attended USF Youth Experiences camps, gaining exposure to college life and career pathways.
St. Petersburg College (SPC) Immersive Learning: 27 youth attended SPC Career Exploration Camps, gaining hands-on skills and exposure to high-demand careers.
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Applications Now Open for
Annual Neighborhood Awards
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Calling all healthy, safe, and engaged neighborhoods: Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Hillsborough County Neighborhood Awards.
The Neighborhood Awards celebrate exceptional neighborhood projects, programs, and events that took place in unincorporated Hillsborough County between July 2025 and June 2026.
Nominations are accepted in three categories:
- Healthy – Promoting conservation, environmental stewardship, or healthy living
- Safe – Enhancing safety or boosting disaster preparedness
- Engaged – Building community spirit through volunteerism or communication
Each neighborhood may submit one application and select any or all categories that apply by 5 p.m. September 11.
For questions about the application process or registration in the Neighborhood Listing, contact Hillsborough County Neighborhood Relations at neighborhood-relations@HCFL.gov or (813) 272-5860.
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