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Most Hillsborough County offices and facilities will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.
There will be no regular solid waste collection on Friday, June 19, (including garbage, recyclables, and yard waste) in the unincorporated Hillsborough County Service Area, which also includes Tampa Palms, Hunter’s Green, and New Tampa.
For customers whose collection day falls on Friday, normal service will resume on the next scheduled day for pickup.
The Southeast County Landfill, Northwest and South County transfer stations, Resource Recovery Facility, community collection centers, and yard waste processing facilities will also be closed.
In addition, the following Hillsborough County facilities and services will be CLOSED on the Juneteenth holiday:
- The administrative offices of County government
- Hillsborough County's main Customer Service Center at (813) 272-5900
- All Aging Services facilities, including adult day care, dining, and senior centers
- All County recreation centers
- SouthShore Sportsplex, 6110 Waterset Blvd., Apollo Beach, FL 33572
- Skyway Sports Complex, 3901 George Rd., Tampa, FL 33634
- All libraries in the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, except Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., Plant City, FL 33563
- Water Resources customer service centers. Emergency calls regarding County water and wastewater service may be made to (813) 307-1000.
- Development Services
- Sunshine Line transportation service
- Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center
- The Entrepreneur Collaborative Center
- New Tampa Performing Arts Center
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Father's Day is an annual holiday celebrated globally to honor fathers, fatherhood, and the influence of father figures. In the United States, it is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. The nation’s first statewide Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Washington State.
After decades of promotion by presidents and retail associations, it was finally signed into law as a U.S. national holiday by President Richard Nixon in 1972.
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The summer solstice is the day of the year when one of Earth's poles is tilted closest to the Sun, resulting in the longest period of daylight and the shortest night in that hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, this happens around June 20 or 21, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it occurs around December 21 or 22. At the poles, this results in continuous daylight during the solstice.
The summer solstice is a key astronomical event that defines the longest day of the year, influences seasonal weather patterns, and has been culturally significant across civilizations. Its timing and effects differ between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, but it universally marks a peak in solar exposure and daylight.
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1) The Board received the report regarding stormwater impact fees and updated rate options, and schedule a Public Hearing for 10:00 a.m. on September 2, 2026, to adopt the annual Stormwater Rate Resolution which establishes the Stormwater Management Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for Calendar Year 2026.
2) The Board authorized the Tampa Sports Authority (TSA) to negotiate the final Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR) Contract with Suffolk Construction for the Indoor Fieldhouse Project for a $70,000,000 Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and an 18-month construction schedule.
3) The Board approved and executed the ninth modification to an agreement with Ashbritt, Inc., and the tenth modification to the agreement with Phillips Heavy, Inc., for continued as-needed disaster debris management services (RFP 7355) for the Solid Waste Management Department.
4) The Board approved $45,000 in funds for the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc. to support the 2026 Safe & Sound Hillsborough Summertime Violence Prevention Services "Safe Summer Series 2026".
5) The Board received a report regarding the Board's legal authority to remove a Hillsborough County appointed Tampa Sports Authority board member mid-term.
6) The Board received a report regarding the State of Florida Proposed Constitutional Amendment Regarding Property Tax Reform and Related Legislation.
| | Commissioners Approve Relocation of McCloud Head Start to Just Elementary School | | The County is excited to announce a significant advancement in early childhood education, stemming from the vision of Commissioner Gwen Myers. Through her initiative, we are establishing a pioneering partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools. The Board of County Commissioners has approved a lease agreement that will relocate the County's McCloud Head Start center to Just Elementary School. This collaboration represents a historic first, as it brings together Hillsborough County Government and Hillsborough County Public Schools to house a County-operated Head Start program on a district school campus. We look forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on our community's youngest learners. | |
Tax Collector Nancy Millan Named
2026 Recipient of the Pohn A. Pieno, Jr.
Sterling Leadership Award
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The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office (HCTC) is proud to announce that Tax Collector Nancy Millan has been named the 2026 recipient of the John A. Pieno, Jr. Sterling Leadership Award by The Sterling Council. The award was presented at the Governor’s Sterling Award Banquet during the 34th Sterling Leadership Conference.
Tax Collector Nancy Millan’s selection reflects a career defined by service, innovation, and a commitment to the people of Hillsborough County. Beginning as an accounting clerk and rising to the position of elected Tax Collector during her career of 37 years, Millan has built an organization that consistently exceeds the expectations of the more than one million customers it serves annually. Her “Golden Thread” leadership framework connects every team member’s daily work to the office’s broader mission and contributed to HCTC earning Florida’s Governor’s Sterling Award in 2025 for the second time in the office’s history.
The office’s ongoing engagement with the Sterling performance excellence framework has been a cornerstone of its culture of continuous improvement and its commitment to delivering trusted, customer-centered service to the residents of Hillsborough County.
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Tampa Electric to Lower Rates 12% on
August 1 - One Month Earlier than Expected
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Tampa Electric will lower rates this summer – a month ahead of schedule – as it removes the storm surcharge from bills earlier than originally planned.
In August, residential and small business customers can expect to see a reduction of about $20 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours of use, which is an 11% to 12% drop.
"This relief reflects Tampa Electric's ongoing commitment to help our customers on their payments whenever we can," said Archie Collins, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. “We understand everyone is feeling the pressure of higher prices, from the grocery store to the gas pump, and we heard you. It’s important to us that you receive this benefit as soon as possible.”
The Florida Public Service Commission approved a storm surcharge in March 2025 to recover more than $400 million in costs to restore power after the record-breaking 2024 hurricane season. The fee was spread over 18 months to reduce the impact on customers. The surcharge was originally expected to drop off bills in September.
The costs will be fully covered sooner than expected, so the fee will end a month early, dropping off bills Aug. 1. Because the Budget Billing program is designed to keep bills stable and predictable, customers who participate in that program will see a more gradual change.
The 2024 hurricane season was one of the most destructive in more than a century. Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented flooding to West Central Florida, and several days later, Hurricane Milton caused significant devastation from downed trees. Over the course of the two hurricanes, the company brought in 9,500 workers from out-of-state utilities, which allowed speedy restoration.
For customers having difficulty paying their bills, please contact Tampa Electric. The company can help with flexible payment arrangements and can connect qualifying customers with financial support. Learn more about the support options available by visiting TampaElectric.com/PayAssist.
Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 870,000 customers in West Central Florida. Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc. (NYSE: EMA)
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Two Hillsborough Students Earn National Recognition at RTX Invention Convention
U.S. Nationals
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Hillsborough County Public Schools is celebrating two outstanding student innovators who earned national honors at the RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, hosted by The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
The RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals brings together top K–12 student innovators from across the country. It is the culminating experience of Invention Convention Worldwide, a K–12 program designed to foster creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking through hands-on invention education.
Ishanvi Sabniveesu, a 10th-grade student at Steinbrenner High School, and Daniel Park, a 2026 graduate of King High School, were recognized among the nation’s top young inventors after advancing through competitive regional and state-level competitions to reach the national stage.
2nd Place Nationally in the 10th Grade Category
Ishanvi Sabniveesu, Steinbrenner High School (District 2)
Project: “AI Enabled Smart Cane for the Visually Impaired: CareCane”
Patent Application Winner – Presented by WilmerHale
Daniel Park, King High School (District 3)
Project: “Psamacross: A Venom-Derived Anxiety Depression Medication”
“These students represent the very best of Hillsborough County Public Schools—creative thinkers who are identifying real-world challenges and developing innovative solutions,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “Their success on a national stage reflects the strength of our STEM programs and the incredible talent of our students.”
To learn more about STEM at HCPS visit hillsboroughschools.org.
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Carla Hills, Community Relations Coordinator,
Hillsborough County Tax Collector's Office
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On the morning of Saturday, June 6, 2026, I attended the Tampa CRA Strengthening Communities Housing Fair at Fair Oaks Park Community Center in Tampa. The housing fair brought together local organizations, housing specialists, and government agencies dedicated to addressing the diverse housing needs of our constituents. Attendees were able to explore various housing options, learn about affordable housing programs, and receive guidance on financing and homeownership.
Congratulations to the Tampa CRA and volunteers on a successful housing fair!
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14th Annual Tampa Bay
Caribbean Heritage Festival
| Francis Joseph, President, Caribbean American National Development Organization (CANDO) | | |
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, I presented a proclamation at the 14th annual Tampa Bay Caribbean Heritage Festival at the Victor Crist Community Center Complex. This celebration of Caribbean culture brought together our community to honor and appreciate the traditions, music, and culinary delights of the Caribbean Islands.
The festival showcased entertaining performances, including live music and dance, which truly captured the essence of Caribbean heritage.
Thank you to Francis Joseph of CANDO Inc. and his team who worked tirelessly to make this event a success! Your dedication to promoting cultural awareness is commendable.
| | Muhammad Mosque 47 Banquet | | |
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, I was honored to attend the Muhammad Mosque 47 Annual Banquet Fundraiser in Riverview. The evening was filled with inspiring stories and presentations that highlighted the positive impact of local initiatives. Events like the Mohammad Mosque 47 banquet serve as a powerful reminder of our shared goals and aspirations for a vibrant and thriving community.
Congratulations to all honorees who were recognized during the banquet.
| | Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda | | |
On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, I had the pleasure of attending the Operation: Veteran Connect Community Lunch at Veterans Memorial Park in Tampa, an event dedicated to honoring the sacrifices our veterans have made and the importance of supporting them as they transition back to civilian life.
The lunch provided an excellent opportunity for veterans to connect with one another, share their stories, and access vital resources available to them. It was uplifting to see so many local organizations come together to offer support and services that can make a real difference in the lives of those who have served our country.
I want to extend my gratitude to Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay for their dedication to our veteran community and for organizing such a successful event!
| | Jose "Pep" Prado, Deputy Chief, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue | | |
On Thursday, June 11, 2026, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted the Cut & Color Funds the Cure event in collaboration with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) to support pediatric cancer research and honor children battling cancer. Participants, including players, staff, and legends, undergo haircuts, shave their heads or beards, or color their hair in creative ways. The event allows fans and the public to engage by donating and sometimes participating in the hair transformations.
Thank you to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for hosting this inspiring community event!
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Luis Viera, Councilman, City of Tampa (Tampa); Fentrice Driskell, Minority Leader, FL House of Representatives; Naya Young, Councilwoman, Tampa, Benjamin Haith, Designer of Juneteenth Flag and
Charlie Miranda, Councilman, Tampa
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On Friday, June 12, 2026, I attended the City of Tampa's Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony at the City Center. We were fortunate to have Benjamin Haith join the festivities. Mr. Haith designed the Juneteenth flag in 1997. Juneteenth is a time for reflection and education. It serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the struggles and contributions of African Americans throughout our history. I encourage all residents to engage in conversations about our past, support local events celebrating African American culture, and advocate for policies that uplift marginalized voices.
Congratulations to Tampa Mayor Jane Castor on a beautiful Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony!
| | Leadership Institute Final Presentations | | Robert "Pete" Edwards; Fentrice Driskell, Minority Leader, FL House of Representatives, and James Ransom, Board Chair, Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA) | | |
On Saturday, June 13, 2026, I had the pleasure of attending the final presentations of the TOBA Leadership Institute at the HCC Ybor Campus. The event showcased the hard work and dedication of our emerging leaders within the community, and I was truly impressed and inspired by the innovative ideas and collaborative spirit displayed by the participants.
The TOBA Leadership Institute is an immersive, multi-month program designed to cultivate local Black leaders. The curriculum focuses heavily on community and economic development, health and wellness, strategic corporate and civic partnerships, political action and advocacy.
Congratulations to this cohort's successful participants on completing your final presentations!
| | Disaster and Recovery Expo and Media Day | | Jerry Stickney, Director, Sunshine Line; Commissioner Chris Boles, and Jason Dougherty, Chief, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue | | |
On Saturday, June 13, 2026, I attended the County's 2026 Disaster and Recovery Community Expo at Feeding Tampa Bay. In the face of increasing natural disasters, it is extremely important that we work together to ensure our County is equipped to handle any crisis including community leaders, emergency responders, and residents. The Expo featured informative sessions on emergency preparedness, recovery resources, and the critical role of local organizations in supporting our residents during times of need.
Thank you to all who participated and work hard to keep our County safe during natural disasters.
| | Town Hall for Riverview/Balm Communities | | Rebecca Bacon, CEO, The Children's Board and Melvin Dickson, Manager, Conservation and Environmental Lands Management | | |
On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, my aides and I hosted a Town Hall in Riverview at the Love First Christian Center on Balm Riverview Rd. We welcomed over 30 departments and partner agencies bringing County resources to the community. South County residents are among the furthest from County Center so it's important that we make resources more accessible.
Thank you to Pastor Jomo Cousins and his amazing team, particularly Tiffanie Javier for graciously opening your worship center to us!
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Commissioner Chris Boles; Jane Castor, Mayor, Tampa;
Susan "Suzy" Lopez, State Attorney, FL 13th Judicial Circuit;
Bonnie Wise, County Administrator; Christine Beck, Ret. County Attorney;
Julia Mandell, County Attorney; Kathy Castor, Congresswoman;
Commissioner Harry Cohen, and Andy Ross, Mayor, Temple Terrace
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On Thursday, June 18, 2026, Community Leaders, County staff, and my aides joined me in hosting the County's 5th Annual Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony at County Center. In 2021, the BOCC approved my motion unanimously for Juneteenth to become a County Holiday for all employees to be off and enjoy. Subsequently, Hillsborough County became the first County in the State of Florida to honor Juneteenth as a holiday.
Juneteenth National Independence Day is a day to celebrate the Black community’s distinct expression of our freedom: Black people’s freedom from enslavement, and our collective vision of a freedom that White America could not see for us. Juneteenth is not a victory celebration, but a knowing in Black people, and now in multi-ethnic and multi-cultural communities all around the country, that a person can see, believe in, and hope for a better life. When America only saw Black people as slaves, Black people made unseen things come true. This is what Juneteenth represents. A day of delayed emancipation a full two years after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had freed all slaves.
Thank you to everyone who made this event a success!
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Youth Entrepreneur Innovative Academy | | |
The Annual Nasr Youth Entrepreneur Innovative Academy Workshop takes place every SATURDAY from 11am-1pm and was established in April 2024.
Students ages 12 -15 have the opportunity to earn stipend of $200 and an Apple Laptop if they complete the required criteria of attending at least 10 of the 11 workshops, completing all surveys and quizzes with a score of at least 80% and participate in the Showcase and Networking event on July 18.
Wishing much success to this summer's participants!
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