County Seeks Public Input on Post-Hurricane Stormwater (Flooding Impact) Assessment | |
The County is hosting a series of eight 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.
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District 1 - South Tampa
6:30 p.m. May 7
Jan Kaminis Platt Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa
District 3 - Victor Crist Community Center Complex
Date: 6 p.m. May 12
14013 N. 22nd St. Tampa, FL 33613
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.
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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 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, informed, and influential in 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.
| | The BOCC presented the 2025 Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award posthumously to Louis G. Betz Jr., a Hillsborough County native whose public service enhanced the lives of residents across the county and state in numerous ways. His achievements included improvements in public safety, organ donation, sexual assault victims' rights, and the political arena. Mr. Betz died in January, and his family accepted the award on his behalf. | Commissioners recognized Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., one of the nation's most distinguished organizations, and its local chapters for decades of exemplary community service. The two alumnae chapters include, Tampa Alumnae and Tampa Metropolitan Alumnae, along with the two collegiate chapters, Kappa Iota at the University of South Florida and Tau Iota at the University of Tampa. The Delta's primary focus is its Five-Point Programmatic Thrusts: Economic Development, Education Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement. | |
1) The Board approved and executed a Land Use Restriction Termination Agreement for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program funding provided by the County for the construction of Bristol Bay Apartments, a 300-unit multifamily rental housing property located at 4821 Bristol Bay Way, Tampa.
2) The Board adopted a Resolution for a land exchange between Hillsborough County and Ybor City Holdings, LLC to exchange five Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Operations Center parcels located in Ybor City for the 9927 Delaney Lake Drive.
3) The Board approved an Interlocal Agreement between the County and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office HCSO, in substantially the form as presented, to fund $48,784,000 in property modifications, capital improvements, and relocation costs, including a new 32,000 sf Communications Center and Communications Tower.
4) The Board conducted a Public Hearing to receive citizens' input and discussed whether to arbitrate a Tampa Bay Water (TBW) Water Use Permit Application.
| | Greater Tampa Chapter of Jack and Jill America Inc. Children's Regional Cluster | | Ocea Wynn, City of Tampa and Tammie Pickett McFarland, President | | On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Greater Tampa Chapter hosted children from across the state of Florida for a Regional Cluster. The purpose of this event was to host children from various Florida chapters of Jack and Jill of America Inc. in Tampa for a weekend full of enrichment activities aimed at enhancing their knowledge of their history and culture while embracing their strength and determination for the future. The Theme for the cluster this year is The Crown We Carry, Legacy We Leave. I was thrilled to give encouraging remarks to the many students and parents who made time to attend this year's regional cluster. | |
Southeastern Conference
Women's Ministries Retreat
| | Ladies of the Southeastern Conference | | On Saturday, April 26, 2025, I attended the Southeastern Women’s Ministries Retreat and gave remarks to 300 plus women who traveled within the state of Florida to attend this conference. While there at the conference I was recognized for my work in the community. This conference truly had a spiritual flare with the women in celebration of their many accomplishments. This event was held at the Embassy Suites, USF Campus. | | |
Front Row: Rosalyn and Reeche Wise
Second Row: Dorothy Flowers, Donnell Hemingway and Metrius Wesley
| | On Saturday, April 26, 2025, The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival celebrated its 25th Anniversary at Cutis Hixon Park with a show stopping of entertainers who brought excellent performances to the guests. The two-day event of dancing and listing to great music was enjoyed by all. All the vendors selling their merchandise added to this event too. Kudos to Ruby Jackson, William Sanders, and Connie for planning an awesome event. | | A Kid's Place Groundbreaking Ceremony | | Brenda Vallecilla, Acting Director, Affordable Housing Services (AHS), AHS Staff and Assistant County Administrator Cheryl Howell | | |
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the County and A Kid’s Place celebrated the groundbreaking for a much-needed activity center at the nonprofit’s residential campus for foster children. I was happy to give remarks sharing the County's Community Development Block Grant funds of $933, 712 for construction.
The nearly 13,000-square-foot multipurpose facility will include classrooms for vocational education and arts and crafts, a computer lab, and space for focusing on independent living skills and mentoring. In addition to incorporating therapy rooms and family visitation and reunification areas, the multipurpose facility will have an outdoor multisport court, pool, and an exercise room.
| | Black April Wreath Laying Ceremony | | Wanda West, Legislative Aide and Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda | | |
On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the County and the Vietnamese Community of Tampa Bay hosted the 50th Annual Commemoration of Black April 4th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. My Aide, Wanda West attended on my behalf. It was a powerful remembrance to honor the brave U.S. and South Vietnamese soldiers who fought during the Vietnam War. Thank you to everyone who joined in honoring their sacrifices.
A special thanks to all of the sponsors, volunteers, and Hillsborough County’s Department of Consumer & Veterans Services for their hard work assisting with the ceremony’s success.
| | Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy | | Tyzsa Chatman, Success Coach, Wellbeing 4U Champion | | Dionne Moragne, Magnet Lead Teacher | | On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, I had the pleasure of speaking with two classes of 6th graders at Ferrell Girl’s Preparatory Academy. During my sessions, I explained my journey with them which included my background-upbringing, education, goals set, challenges, highlights-achievements, and duties of a county commissioner. In addition, I had the opportunity to ask the students what they plan on becoming upon high school graduation. These 6th graders plan to become lawyers, doctors, engineers, barber, entrepreneurial, and educators just name a few. I truly enjoyed sharing my time with our future leaders. | | Certificate of Completion Panel Discussion | | Gary Brady, Region Superintendent, High Schools; Marcos Murillo, Region Superintendent; Christina Raburn, Executive Director High Schools; Josalyn Loango, Director of Adult Education; Ross Anderson, Education Advocate Liaison; Robert Nelson, Region Superintendent, High Schools | | On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the 509 Committee hosted the final Certificate of Completion Panel Discussion to wrap up a lengthy year-long pursuit to increase the number of high school diploma recipients while simultaneously reducing the number of certificates of completion. Thank you to the Hillsborough County Public Schools for their hard work in getting the word out so that together we can make progress and to the community for attending and actively participating in each of these important discussions affecting our students! Thank you to Emerald Morrow for serving as our MC and asking thoughtful questions to the school district! | | |
Wanda West, Legislative Aide; Janet Lorton, Executive Director, EPC;
Elaine DeLeeuw, EPC, and Savita Epps, EPC
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On Thursday, May 1, 2025, the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (EPC) held their 24th Annual Clean Air Fair in Downtown Tampa at Poe Plaza. My Aide, Wanda West attended on my behalf. Attendees enjoyed gorgeous weather, refreshments, environmental exhibits, music, plant giveaways and so much more!
Great job EPC staff and everyone who contributed to making the fair such an enjoyable time!
| | On Thursday, May 1, 2025, I had the opportunity to attend the International Institute of Orthotics & Prosthetics graduation ceremony. The ceremony was a profound reminder of the impact that orthotics and prosthetics have on individuals and communities around the world. It was truly an honor to celebrate these graduates, and I wish each of them a long and successful career ahead. The event was held at the Centro Asturiano De Tampa Theatre in Tampa. | | Tim Dudley, Director, Office of Emergency Management | | |
On Friday, May 2, 2025, a joint BOCC Roundtable Meeting was held at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center in Odessa, FL
The topics discussed were hurricane response & recovery strategies, community development block grant - disaster recovery, legislative update and roundtable ideas exchange.
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Gamma Theta Omega Chapter
Miss Teenage Tampa Appreciation Luncheon
| | Mr. Andre Cole and Mrs. Dorsity M. Cole, Luncheon Honoree | | On Sunday, May 4, 2025, I presented a proclamation at the 2025 Miss Teenage Tampa Appreciation Luncheon hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Gamma Theta Omega Chapter, in partnership with The Ivy Enrichment Foundation of Tampa Bay, Incorporated. This year's honoree was Mrs. Dorsity M. Cole. The event was held at the Skills Center under the theme: A Living Legacy: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future. Mrs. Cole has worked in the accounting field for more than 30 years and currently serves as the Controller at Florida College in Temple Terrace. | | Two Palms Groundbreaking Ceremony | | |
Robbi Smith, Legislative Aide, and
Jesse Drake, Senior Associate, Foundry Commercial
| | On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Foundry Commercial and Principal Asset Management hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for Two Palms, a local warehouse designed to look like office buildings. With this innovative approach, companies who support local businesses will be able to blend into the community without disruption to existing culture and landscape. My Aide, Robbi Smith attended on my behalf. | | Alan Clendenin, Tampa City Council; Jennie Tarr, Rob Brazel, Hillsborough County Attorney, Commissioner Harry Cohen and Commissioner Chris Boles | | On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Straz Center President, Greg Holland and his team hosted a President's Luncheon to mark upcoming changes for the Straz Center. This was an opportunity to thank sponsors and share news and updates. Performers graced the stage and gave the audience a glimpse into what lies ahead for the Straz Center. | | Casa Di Francesco Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | | Cheryl Howell, Assistant County Administrator | | On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services Department hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at Casa Di Francesco offering affordable housing units available to seniors. I gave remarks representing the County who helped provide $6.1 million in funding for the project, which was developed by Blue Sky Communities. Amenities include a clubhouse with exercise room, library, walking trail, community garden, and picnic area. The housing complex was built on land owned by St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and is restricted to households with at least one member who is 55 or older. | | National Travel & Tourism Week Luncheon | Commissioner Ken Hagan; Patti Rendon, Hillsborough County School Board Member, and Commissioner Chris Boles | | On Friday, May 9, 2025, Visit Tampa Bay hosted a celebration of the golden standard that Tampa Bay has set year after year and a highlight of a few members of our industry and their brilliant achievements. Attendees enjoyed entertainment, lunch, and more as the team showcased travel’s glittering importance in driving economic growth and prosperity. The event was hosted at the Renaissance International Plaza Hotel. | | May Observances and Awareness | During May 2025, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, the focus will be on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting open conversations about mental health. The theme for Mental Health America is "Turn Awareness into Action," encouraging individuals and communities to take meaningful steps towards improving mental well-being. This year, the emphasis will be on recognizing the importance of mental health and moving beyond awareness to create lasting change. | |
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