Don't Wait! The Time is Now! | | Hurricane season begins on June 1, 2025, and will end on November 30, 2025. See disaster preparedness guide below for helpful information to stay safe. | | |
On January 21, 2025, Hillsborough County received official notification from HUD regarding an allocation of $709,324,000 in CDBG-DR funds for disasters that occurred in 2023 and 2024. These funds are designated for disaster relief, long-term recovery, infrastructure, public service, and housing restoration, economic revitalization, and mitigation efforts in the areas deemed “most impacted and distressed” by Hurricane Helene and Milton.
These funds are allocated by HUD to aid in long-term recovery and mitigation within disaster-affected communities. In March, the County approved an Administrative Action Plan that was approved by HUD and will enable the County to execute its contract with HUD and access initial funding. The initial funds will support costs associated with plan preparation, an assessment of unmet needs, comprehensive community engagement, and staff and other costs to facilitate the implementation process.
The County is working with our consultants on identifying unmet needs in accordance with HUD and has begun the process of developing a draft action plan to submit to the Board of County Commissioners on June 4 and finally to the community immediately afterwards. This plan is a working document and provides the framework to address the unmet needs. The Community Engagement meetings provide residents with the opportunity to engage, be informed, and influence the plan development process. Public Hearings provide a means to submit your comments about the plan and any ideas you believe are a priority in your home or community. Once the full Action Plan is developed and approved by HUD, the County will have up to six years to expend the allocated funds in accordance with the approved recovery and mitigation strategies.
You are welcome to attend any Community Meeting below from 6pm to 8pm.
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President and CEO, Tim Marks Retires
Dr. Sarah Combs Named New CEO
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Metropolitan Ministries has named Dr. Sarah Combs as its next chief executive officer in a historic leadership transition. She becomes just the third person to lead the organization in its 53-year history.
Combs brings nearly two decades of nonprofit experience to the role, most recently as CEO of the University Area Community Development Corporation. She will officially begin her tenure at Metropolitan Ministries on August 11, succeeding longtime leader Tim Marks, who is set to retire at the end of 2025, after 20 years of service.
Congratulations to Tim Marks on your well-deserved retirement and Congratulations to Dr. Combs on your appointment!
| | Sean Shaw Named Chairman of the Board | | |
Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) has announced that Sean Shaw has assumed the role of Chairman of the Board effective May 29, 2025. Shaw succeeds Chris Taylor, who served in the role since 2023 and will continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
A respected attorney and longtime advocate for accountability, opportunity, and public service, Shaw brings a legacy of leadership and legal expertise to the helm of HEF’s Board of Directors.
Congratulations Sean Shaw on your appointment!
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On Saturday, May 31, 2025, I had the pleasure of talking with Otis Kitchen, II at TOBA’s Leadership Institute and was told of his appointment by the Hillsborough County School Board as the new principal of Twin Lakes Elementary School in Town N’ Country.
Congratulations on your appointment Principal Kitchen!!
| | Nominate an Outstanding Young Student for the 2025 YEA! Awards | | |
Each year, Hillsborough County recognizes the many positive contributions made by young people in the community through the Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards). Nominations are being accepted now through Aug. 15, 2025.
YEA! Awards nominations can be submitted for both middle and high school students in each of the following categories:
- Leadership – This award recognizes one middle school student and one high school student who have demonstrated 21st Century skills, including: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity in how they led others academically, in extracurricular programs, or in service to the community.
- Success Despite Difficult Odds – This award recognizes one middle school student and one high school student who have persevered through challenges to make a positive impact on others.
- Volunteer or Community Service – This award recognizes one middle school student and one high school student who have dedicated substantial time to serving their community.
The nomination form is available for submission online at HCFL.gov/YEA. Nominations will be reviewed by the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women.
The YEA! Awards were created in 2010 to recognize Hillsborough County students for making a difference in their community. Students honored show initiative, innovation, and a commitment to themselves and others, while pursuing excellence in a leadership capacity. This can be demonstrated in academics, community service, athletics, performing arts, conservation, or other areas. The YEA! Awards will be presented by the Board of County Commissioners in October.
For additional information on the YEA! Awards, visit HCFL.gov/YEA.
| | Observances and Awareness | | Father's Day was inaugurated in the United States in the early 20th century to complement Mother's Day in celebrating fathers, fathering, and fatherhood. The first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910. | | Hung Mai, A leader of the local Asian American Pacific Islander Community; representing the Philippine community, Jose Omila; representing the Vietnamese Community, Phuong Mai; representing the Chinese Community, Sunny Duane; representing the Taiwanese Community, Ana Lam; and from the Tampa Mayor’s Asian American Pacific Islander Council, Mariben Andersen, and members of the local Asian American Pacific Islander Community | | On behalf of the Board, Commissioner Cameron Cepeda presented a proclamation declaring May 2025 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the County. | | |
1) The Board authorized the County Attorney's Office to advertise and schedule a public hearing on June 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to consider an ordinance repealing the Hillsborough County HOPE Affordable Housing Act, Hillsborough County Code of Laws and Ordinances Part A, Chapter 40, Article IV (Ordinance 19-19).
2) The Board approved the modification to the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Tampa which defines the water and wastewater service boundaries within unincorporated Hillsborough County to extend the term for an additional two-year period to allow both the City and County time to negotiate agreeable terms regarding water and wastewater service charges and boundaries.
3) The Board received the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Draft Action Plan so that it can be published on the County's CDBG-DR webpage. The Action Plan details the ways the grant funds will be used to rebuild disaster-impacted areas. This initiates a 30-day public comment period during which the County will hold a series of community meetings and post an online survey to gather public feedback on how residents were impacted by storms in 2023 and 2024. The schedule for the meetings, as well as the survey and public comment form, are available at HCFL.gov/DisasterRecoveryGrant
4) The Board approved a $79,983 agreement with Gracepoint Inc. to continue Mental Health Court Navigator services through September 2025. Funded by the Fiscal Year 2023 Justice Assistance Grant Program, the initiative supports the 13th Judicial Circuit’s efforts to divert individuals with mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders from the criminal justice system.
5) The Board approved four contracts to provide essential home and community-based services for older adults. These services include case management, in-home care, adult day care, transportation, nutrition, respite care, and telephone reassurance – each designed to help seniors remain independent and delay the need for long-term care.
6) The Board approved a Clinical Affiliation Agreement with the Hillsborough County School Board to offer students real-world experience in EMS-based patient care. The agreement allows students to assist with Fire Rescue operations while under proper training and insurance coverage.
| | Wall of Honor Induction Ceremony | | Boys and Girls Club Members | | On the evening of Friday, May 23, 2025, I gave encouraging remarks to the students of the Boys and Girls Club of Riverview as they celebrated their Wall of Honor induction ceremony. Boys & Girls Club is an after-school club that runs a number of programs for both boys and girls of school age. The organization wants to help children develop and reach their potential by engaging them in various activities offered by the club. The programs available are free of charge and every child can enroll in the activities. Some of the programs offered at Boys & Girls Club include education and career support, leadership programs, arts programs, sports and fitness, health skills and many others suited for different interests. | | |
Chris Hill, President, United Bikerz Jamboree and Spouse, and Sherri Brown,
Vice President of Multicultural Sales and Development, Visit Tampa Bay
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On Saturday, May 24, 2025, I attended the United Bikerz Jamboree at Keel Farms in Plant City. The 2-day event was welcomed the soulful sounds of Jay Da Franchize Watts, The Beat Down Band, Jeter Jones, and DJ Trucker. Attendees had their choice of delicious foods and refreshing beverages.
Congratulations to Chris Hill and Team for another successful Jamboree!
| | Amy Stevens-Cox, Principal, and Van Ayers, Superintendent of Schools | | |
On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, my Aide Wanda West and I attended the graduation ceremony for the East Bay High School Class of 2025 held at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Being present for our youth is vital for their guidance, and direction. The students were happy to have the support of their local District Commissioner.
Congratulations to the 2025 East Bay Indians!
| | Tim Holcomb, CEO, and Evan Erickson, Director of Events & Partnerships | | On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, I had the pleasure to meet Tim Holcomb, Ph.D., CEO of Embarc Collective. Embarc Collective provides office spaces for startup companies who want to start and grow their businesses in Hillsborough County. Most of the businesses are tech companies who work with ReliaQuest. | |
Disaster Debris Management Services
Outreach Event
| | Ken Jones, Director MBE/SBE Programs Division | | On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the County’s office of Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) & Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Programs hosted an outreach event for the County’s current procurement for Disaster Debris Management Services. This procurement was for disaster debris management contractors to assist the County in emergency debris management services during disasters or other emergency events by collecting and transporting debris to final disposal sites. I was delighted to give remarks to the many vendors who made time to participate in this valuable discussion. | | Mental Health Community Hero Award | | Leia Bell, Executive Director, Gracepoint Foundation | | |
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Leia Bell of Gracepoint Foundation came to the office to present me with an award from last week's Mental Health Superheroes Gala. The award was unexpectedly delayed, and she was kind enough to bring it to the office for me.
Thanks again for a wonderful gala and for honoring me with the beautiful Mental Health Champion award!
| | Troy Taylor, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida | | |
On Thursday, May 29, 2025, my Aide, Wanda West and I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Coke Florida Tampa Sales and Distribution Center in Tampa. I gave remarks in support of this expansive operation. The ceremony brought in current and former elected officials including Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Commissioners Cohen and Boles, Florida State Representative Fentrice Driskell, former Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Deputy County Administrator Greg Horwedel and former Commissioner Sandy Murman. The leadership staff of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue were also in attendance. Guests enjoyed guided facility tours and refreshments.
Congratulations to Troy Taylor on this significant accomplishment!
| | TOBA Leadership Institute | | Cindy Sofarelli, Metropolitan Ministries; Celeste Roberts, CEO, The Skills Center, and Ernest Hooper, United Way Suncoast | | On Saturday, May 31, 2025, I gave remarks at the Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA) Leadership Institute, held at the Tampa Housing Authority. I discussed an overview of my work and how it intersects with community engagement and development. Since its humble beginnings, TOBA has been a catalyst for leadership in Tampa Bay. Because of this organization whose objective was always to stay focused on the community and its issues and not organizational personalities, many programs, events and unique ideas have conceptualized and become important parts of the growing Tampa Bay Area community. | | Tampa City Councilwoman, Gwendolyn Henderson | | |
On Saturday, May 31, 2025, I attended the Be Out Tampa Bay Day at Perry Harvey Sr. Park in Tampa. Be Out Day originated in Tallahassee, FL, at Florida A&M University. Since its inception, alumni have kept the tradition going in their respective cities, such as L.A., Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, and Atlanta. Tampa is home to many Rattlers, which is a great opportunity for the legacy to continue in the Bay Area.
Congratulations to Cierra Hall on a successful Be Out Day Tampa Bay. Best wishes to the newest group of Rattlers!
| | Code Enforcement Appreciation Proclamation | | |
Dexter Barge, Assistant County Administrator
and Joe Gross, Director, Code Enforcement
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On Monday, June 2, 2025, I was honored to present a proclamation to Joe Gross recognizing the accomplishments of the Code Enforcement Team. I was joined by Assistant County Administrator, Dexter Barge for the occasion. The Florida Association of Code Enforcement declares the first week of June as a week to honor and recognize Code Enforcement officers and professionals and bring awareness to the community of the valuable service we provide.
Congratulations Joe and staff on Code Enforcement Appreciation Day!
| | Rick Kinsey and Tampa City Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson | | |
On Tuesday June 3, 2025, I attended the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Day Party at the Tampa River Center at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. The event was hosted by Tampa City Councilwoman, Gwendolyn Henderson, District 5 and celebrated 300 of Tampa's incoming HBCU freshmen!
Congratulations to Councilwoman Henderson for hosting a successful HBCU Day Party and Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
| | New Life Village Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | | On the morning of Thursday, June 5, 2025, the Affordable Housing Services team hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the New Life Village residential housing complex. New Life Village (NLV), formed in 2012 is a non-profit organization created to accommodate and support the needs of families raising foster children who have survived abuse, neglect, and trauma. NLV was awarded $944, 990 in CDBG funds to provide facility improvements, which include installation of turf, goals for the multipurpose sports field, installation of a dog park, fencing, benches, and upgrades to the security system. | | Robin Lockett; Ernest Coney, CEO, CDC of Tampa, and the Florida Rising Team | | On the afternoon of Thursday, June 5, 2025, I attended a meeting with Robin Lockett and the Florida Rising team to share the County's program updates and plans I have for District 3. | | Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Community Meeting | | |
Cheryl Howell, Assistant County Administrator and
Affordable Housing Services (AHS) Staff
| | On the evening of Thursday, June 5, 2025, County staff and I held a CDBG-DR informational meeting in my district at the C. Blythe Andrews Public Library in Tampa. Staff is hosting 4 educational meetings and 5 public hearings throughout the County. We encourage the community to attend one of the meetings to share your thoughts, and allow staff to address your questions. | |
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