The Boles Bulletin

It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your Commissioner. I am pleased to share with you this 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. Thank you for your continued engagement and support as we work together to foster a stronger, more vibrant community.

Save the Date: Commissioner Chris Boles’ Inaugural Town Hall

Please join us for our first town hall. This open house-style event is an opportunity for residents to meet face-to-face with representatives from a wide range of Hillsborough County departments and partner agencies. Whether you have questions, concerns, or simply want to learn more about available services, this is your chance to engage directly with the people working to serve our community. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to address the issues that matter most to you and your family.

Budgeting with Purpose: Nonprofit Policy Changes

Upon taking office, this was one of the first major policy areas my staff and I reviewed. I approached it with a fresh and objective perspective, guided by a commitment to performance improvement, equity, and fiscal responsibility. After several months of in-depth analysis, it became clear to me that the existing Nonprofit Funding Guidelines policy was inadequate and in need of meaningful reform.

Rather than bring this forward at the last minute, I felt it was important to create space for transparent and collaborative dialogue with my colleagues on the Board. That opportunity came during the May 28, 2025 Budget Workshop, where we engaged in substantive discussion about the structure and outcomes of the existing policy. At that time, I shared my intent to propose a formal revision for Board consideration.

On July 16, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners took a significant step forward by adopting a revised Nonprofit Funding Policy. This new approach phases out recurring funding over the next three fiscal years, encouraging greater self-sufficiency among nonprofit partners while generating meaningful cost savings. Projected spending will be reduced to $6.68 million in FY26, $3.34 million in FY27, and $835,000 in FY28. In an era where governments are increasingly reactive, I believe this Board has demonstrated the courage to lead proactively. We have chosen to steer the course thoughtfully, rather than waiting for directives from Tallahassee or internal committees to dictate our path. This is local governance at its best—responsive, responsible, and rooted in community need.

Let me be clear: I fully support the vital role nonprofit organizations play in Hillsborough County. Many provide essential services that government has traditionally delivered, and they often do so more efficiently by leveraging public-private partnerships. That model deserves to be supported—wherever it makes sense and serves the public good.

At the same time, we have a duty to ensure fairness, accountability, and fiscal stewardship in the allocation of public dollars. This revised policy levels the playing field and reinforces our shared commitment to transparency, impact, and equitable access for all organizations seeking to serve our community.

To watch the Board meeting where this was adopted, click HERE. To view the adopted policy changes, click HERE.

Community Spotlight: Sidewalk Repair Partnership Program

Hillsborough County’s Sidewalk Repair Partnership Program helps homeowners in unincorporated areas fix minor sidewalk issues—such as trip hazards, root lifts, fractures, depressions, or small gaps—with up to $1,500 in funding per project. This program was launched to enhance safety and accessibility and it supports smaller-scale repairs (typically 1–4 panels) along county-maintained roads. Homeowners simply select their own licensed vendor, submit quotes and permits, and the County pays the vendor directly. Eligible residents may apply annually from October 1 through June 30 or until funds are exhausted. To learn more, visit hcfl.gov/SidewalkRepair.

Get Ready for Hurricane Season: Sandbag Sites Open August 2

In an effort to help residents prepare for potential flooding, Hillsborough County will open five self-serve sandbag sites on Saturday, August 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The County will provide sand, empty bags, and a limited number of shovels at each location. Residents must fill their own bags and are limited to 10 sandbags per household. Proof of residency—such as a driver's license or utility bill—is required. These locations were selected due to their proximity to neighborhoods impacted by last year’s hurricane-related flooding:

• Northlakes Sports Complex – 2640 N. Lakeview Dr., Tampa
• Shimberg Sports Complex – 7309 Baseball Ave., Tampa
• Providence West Park – 5405 Providence Rd., Riverview
• E.G. Simmons Conservation Park – 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin
• Burnett Sports Complex – 11655 Clay Pit Rd., Seffner

Take this opportunity to prepare early and help protect your home during storm season.

Florida Sales Tax Holiday

Florida’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is here to help families save on essential school supplies. From August 1 through August 31, 2025, shoppers can enjoy tax-free savings on back to school items. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, purchases made during this period are exempt from sales tax, making it the perfect time to stock up on everything students need for a successful school year. Visit floridarevenue.com/BackToSchool for a list of FAQs.

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.

I had the honor of participating in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 11th Annual Cut & Color – Funds the Cure event supporting the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. This incredible event is all about honoring the strength and courage of children battling cancer. I was lucky enough to have Ellie put my head to good use—learning how to cut and shave while showcasing her amazing artistic talents. It’s a powerful reminder of what really matters and how we can come together to make a difference.

Learn more and support the cause: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cut & Color Funds the Cure 2025 - Campaign

I visited New Life Village in Palm River—an inspiring, purpose-driven community offering safe, affordable housing for families impacted by trauma, especially for children in foster care. Seniors serve as mentors, creating a supportive, intergenerational environment that’s changing lives every day. A powerful example of healing through housing and community.

District 3 Commissioner Gwen Myers and I were there with other community members to dedicate new sports areas - a basketball court and soccer field - that were named in honor of local community members. To learn more about this incredible organization, visit About - New Life Village.

The District 6 team had the privilege of touring the Project Focus Foundation and the Focus Forward Tampa campus. We met some incredible young adults with disabilities who are learning vital life and social skills that build independence and self-confidence.

Focus Forward is more than a program — it’s a community helping individuals grow socially and thrive in everyday life.

Learn more about their impactful work: ABOUT | Focus Forward

The District 6 team recently visited Sun City to participate in a roundtable discussion with the Kings Point HOA, engaging directly with residents and members about current community concerns. Our office remains committed to being accessible and responsive, always ready to listen and assist with the challenges impacting our neighborhoods.

The District 6 team ended the week by visiting some of Tampa Bay’s most vital yet often unsung professionals—the Tampa Bay Pilots and their dedicated support crews. These expert mariners skillfully guide massive cargo and passenger ships—many towering higher than our tallest skyscrapers—through the narrow, 25-mile channel leading into Port Tampa Bay. With just 600 feet of width and 43 feet of depth, their precision is critical, leaving no room for error.

It was an honor to see their work in action, hear their stories, and understand the challenges they continue to face—particularly after last year’s hurricanes, which destroyed their facility on Egmont Key. Port Tampa Bay drives more than 192,000 jobs and contributes over $34 billion annually to Florida’s economy, and the Tampa Bay Pilots play an essential role in keeping this economic engine moving.

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