It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your Commissioner. I am pleased to share with you this first edition of our community newsletter, which highlights recent developments, ongoing initiatives, and key priorities within our district. My office remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, responsible governance, and the continued advancement of policies that serve the best interests of our residents. I thank you for your continued engagement and support as we work together to foster a stronger, more vibrant community. | | | | Regional Stormwater Evaluation Meetings | These multi-agency public meetings are an effort to assess the cumulative flooding impacts of seasonal rainfall and hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. The goal is to evaluate the extent of the damage, explore regional flood mitigation, and develop resiliency strategies. See attached dates, and click the link below to learn more. | | Upcoming Community Events | | Come out on Saturday, May 17th at the Southshore Regional Library to get your free Mosquitofish! To find additional dates and information, click HERE. | |  | Join Dr. Mary Keith from the Audubon Society at Lettuce Lake Park on a hike to discover the birds and other animals that call the preserves home. This hike will feature discussions about the park, plants, animals and more! To learn more, click HERE. | | | Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR) Education & Events | |
| | Want to learn more about HCFR? Hillsborough County Fire Rescue’s Public Education Division is dedicated to promoting safety and preventing emergencies through education and outreach. Offering a variety of programs for residents of all ages, the division focuses on fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and life-saving skills. Through community events, school visits, and specialized training, they strive to build a safer, more informed community. Their initiatives include teaching fire safety, providing CPR instruction, and supporting disaster readiness, all with the goal of empowering residents to protect themselves and others. Learn more by visiting HERE. | | | |
Hurricane Season Preparedness
Hurricane season begins June 1st. Start preparing now by downloading the Disaster Preparedness Guide HERE!
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Hillsborough County Charter Review Board
This year, Hillsborough County's Charter Review Board is meeting to conduct a comprehensive study of any or all phases of county government. This board meets on a monthly basis, with lots of opportunity for public comment and engagement. To learn how to sign up, or follow along in this exciting process, visit the website below.
Charter Review Board | Hillsborough County, FL
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Lithia Pinecrest Road Widening PD&E Open House
Come out on May 13th at 5:30PM to an Open House at Bloomingdale High School to learn about the Lithia Pinecrest Road Widening project, ask questions, and provide written comments. For additional project information, visit HERE.
To learn more information about other upcoming projects and provide input, visit the website below.
Hillsborough County Engagement & Education Hub - Hillsborough County, FL
| | Each week, Commissioner Chris Boles and team head out into the community to connect directly with residents and see firsthand the opportunities and challenges across our county. See below the highlights of where our team has been! These field visits are a vital part of staying grounded in the work that matters most—serving the people. | | |
Project Focus is a dedicated initiative that supports programs designed to empower young adults with developmental disabilities. Through education, vocational training, and the promotion of meaningful community engagement, Project Focus fosters greater independence and inclusion.
It is a highly impactful program making a significant difference in the lives of its participants.
For more information, visit the Project Focus Website.
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The team toured the Mosaic’s Four Corners Phosphate Mine in the Keysville area to see firsthand the results of decades of land reclamation. Since 1975, Florida law has required every acre of mined land to be reclaimed—and today, we saw the impact of that commitment.
We were joined by ecologists and forestry experts, including Dr. Raoul Boughton, who walked us through the ongoing work to restore native habitats and ensure a healthy, sustainable environment for future generations.
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We visited Aquilla J. Morgan High School in Wimauma. This school stands as a special tribute to Aquilla J. Morgan, the first African American teacher at Wimauma Elementary School in the 1960s.
Aquilla J. Morgan High School exemplifies the cutting-edge direction of modern educational institutions. We extend our gratitude to Patti Rendon for enlightening us about the school's journey, highlighting both the challenges conquered and those that lie ahead.
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We toured the Feeding Tampa Bay facility on Causeway. The visit was both insightful and inspiring. Beyond the vital role of providing food and essential items, the facility is designed to offer a comprehensive range of services aimed at addressing the needs of individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Feeding Tampa Bay has embraced a holistic approach—integrating support systems that extend well beyond hunger relief. These include workforce development, health and wellness services, and access to critical community resources. This thoughtful and strategic expansion underscores their commitment to creating long-term solutions for those in need.
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The District 6 Team took a visit to ZooTampa at Lowry Park! They have a vast amount of events and activities for the whole family. With exhibits designed to captivate guests of all ages, the zoo offers unique encounters like the Manatee Critical Care Center, where visitors can learn about conservation efforts firsthand.
This is a gem in our community, and a great place to bring your friends & family to enjoy our beautiful county. Throughout the park, programs and activities foster a sense of community, encouraging families to learn, play, and support conservation efforts. To learn more about planning your visit, check out ZooTampa's website.
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The team had the opportunity to explore one of Hillsborough County’s true treasures — the Tampa Bay History Center!
Established in 1989, the History Center features both permanent and rotating galleries that showcase pivotal moments in Florida’s past — from the stories of the region’s indigenous peoples and early European exploration in the 16th century, to Tampa Bay’s growth into an industrial and cultural hub.
One highlight of our visit was the powerful “Invisible Immigrants” exhibit, which brings the Spanish diaspora to life through over 300 photographs, artifacts, documents, and audiovisual materials. Throughout the exhibit, there were many meaningful nods to Tampa Bay’s rich contributions to Florida’s history. To learn more, check out their website HERE.
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The District 6 team had the opportunity to tour the Central Hillsborough Water Treatment Facility and the Falkenburg Wastewater Treatment Facility to get a closer look at how these critical systems work.
Hillsborough County Public Utilities operates four water treatment plants and five wastewater treatment plants, each processing tens of millions of gallons of water daily. These dedicated county employees play a vital role in delivering clean water and safely managing wastewater for 1.1 million residents in unincorporated Hillsborough County.
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I attended the groundbreaking for a multipurpose facility that will further expand the mission of A Kid's Place of Tampa Bay. Witnessing the community's collective effort to support A Kid’s Place's mission was both inspiring and humbling.
The groundbreaking ceremony not only celebrated the expansion of facilities but also reinforced the shared commitment to providing a brighter future for foster children in Hillsborough County.
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