Public Meetings - Hillsborough County, Florida

(Note: The meeting transcript references March 2, 2026, but the provided date is March 4, 2026. This summary uses the provided date.) The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) Board of Directors held its regular meeting on March 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Hart Administrative Offices. The hybrid meeting included approval of service changes from a Comprehensive Operational Analysis, acceptance of a clean external audit, introduction of the 2027-2036 Transit Development Plan, and reports from the CEO and committees. Public comment focused on employee grievances. The board welcomed a new member and a new CFO. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the February 2, 2026 regular meeting (motion passed unanimously). - Approval of the consent agenda (Action Item 6A, recommended by the Finance and Audit Committee on February 16, 2026) (motion passed unanimously). Public Comments & Testimony - A speaker (name not provided) criticized HART management and ATU union leadership regarding an arbitration decision on hazard pay during COVID-19. The speaker read from the arbitrator's finding, alleging that union officials worked against employees. - Chantill Simpson requested board assistance to remove a B infraction from her employee record. She stated that a meeting with management on January 29, 2026, had agreed to remove a C infraction and investigate the B infraction, but no follow-up was received since February 2, 2026. She asked board members to intervene. Discussion Items - Arbitration Decision on COVID Pay: Director of Legal Services Brenda Bailey presented the outcome of the ATU grievance regarding emergency pay. She explained that in March 2020, ATU agreed to waive time-and-a-half in exchange for guaranteed 40-hour weeks. A 2020 grievance and a 2024 class-action grievance were filed but denied. The arbitrator found both grievances non-arbitrable and lacking merit, citing clear collective bargaining agreement language and the union's failure to advance the 2020 grievance. No board action was required; the presentation was informational. - Service Changes (Comprehensive Operational Analysis - COA): Manager of Service Development Jesus Perez Garcia proposed three improvements (increased frequency on Route 46 to every 30 minutes on weekdays; on-time performance fixes for routes 7 and 9, which were late 40% of the time; an extra morning trip for Route 360 LX); three route removals (Route 24 LX, 25 LX, and HARTFlag South County) due to low productivity and high cost per ride; and schedule adjustments for routes 7 and 46 removing low-ridership trips. The changes were projected to gain 200 new rides per day and benefit over 1,900 daily riders. Resources were reallocated from removed routes. The board approved Resolution R2026-0311, authorizing implementation on June 7, 2026. - Audit Report: Lauren Strope of Cherry Becker presented the FY2025-2026 audit results. HART received an unmodified (clean) opinion on financial statements, no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal controls, and clean single audits (federal and state) and management letter. The board approved Resolution R2026-03-42 accepting the audit. - Transit Development Plan (TDP) Update: Jesus Perez Garcia introduced the major update of the 2027-2036 TDP. The TDP is a 10-year financial and operating plan required by FDOT, building on the COA. Public outreach starts March 2, 2026, with a survey at hartvisionplan.com and 10 workshops across the county. The final plan will be presented to the board in November 2026 for approval. - CEO Report: CEO Drainville reported on: - New CFO Shirley Shu Hurley (started February 16, 2026). - Grant application for $10.4 million for final design of the heavy maintenance facility campus modernization. - Vandalism at HART public restrooms (toilet kicked off wall twice in February; graffiti in employee areas) leading to temporary closures; investigation ongoing. - Introduction of new ADA vehicles (2025 Ford Interceptor SUVs) to replace cutaway vans. - Successful annual FRA interlock testing with CSX and Amtrak. - Black History Month outreach with a special HART bus visiting schools. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolution R2026-0311 (service changes) effective June 7, 2026. - Approved Resolution R2026-03-42 (clean audit acceptance). - Board acknowledged the TDP public outreach process; update expected in June 2026. - Welcomed new board member Rodrigo Rico Smith and new CFO Shirley Shu Hurley. - Meeting adjourned; no old or new business.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners held its regularly scheduled meeting on March 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the County Center, 2nd Floor. The meeting commenced with an invocation, pledge of allegiance, commendations, and proclamations, followed by public comments, consent agenda approval, and several discussion items and public hearings. Key actions included approval of a stormwater/floodplain improvement agreement in Progress Village, adoption of amendments to HUD action plans, an ordinance on water/wastewater impact fees, a new solicitation and distribution ordinance, a $24 million partnership with USF for infrastructure and public safety improvements, and multiple items related to the CDBG-DR disaster recovery program. Consent Calendar - Approved the entire consent agenda (Items A-1 through A-53) with a 7-0 vote. Notable consent items included: grants from the National Council on Aging for senior programs; change orders for road resurfacing; conservation easements; appointment of Dr. Carla Fry as Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County administrator; film incentive agreement; numerous procurement contracts for sand/rock delivery, library services, IT systems, temporary staffing, and roadway resurfacing; and a $60,000 film incentive for "Biohazard." Public Comments & Testimony - Mark Lander (Deputy Secretary, Florida Department of Health) and Dr. Carla Fry introduced Dr. Fry as the new health officer for Hillsborough County, highlighting her 38 years of nursing, military service, and public health experience. - Marlise Tolbert Jones (Vice President, Progress Village City Council) expressed excitement for the MMI development but raised concerns about storm drainage, flooding, and safety, urging the county to ensure improvements are effective. - Chwanda Bradley (President, Progress Village) reiterated support for MMI development but emphasized the need for flood mitigation, road repairs, and safety measures for the community. - Denise Herndon spoke multiple times, criticizing the county for waiving impact fees, opposing affordable housing definitions, and urging the board to prioritize residents over developers. She also supported the new solicitation ordinance. - Tom Cobert raised concerns about government censorship and potential mail tampering. - Dr. Charlie Sand commended Plant City Fire Rescue for their medical response preparations at the Strawberry Festival, noting 650,000 attendees, 473 patient contacts, and only 30 hospital transports. - George Neiman argued that the county's zoning approval process unfairly favors applicants, citing county records showing the county wins 79% of disputed land-use cases. - Yvette Neiman opposed the Energy Industrial Park development in Dover, citing contamination risks from a former phosphate mine, especially regarding daycare centers. - Thomas Fernandez (candidate for governor) introduced his campaign and asked for support. - Deborah Holliday (virtual) raised safety concerns about the Dover development, including testing transparency and traffic congestion. - Shagret Doss alleged improper property seizure without due process and asked if a county employee still works there. Discussion Items - B-1: Progress Village Stormwater/Floodplain Improvements Agreement (MMI) – Approved 7-0. The county conveyed temporary and permanent easements to MMI in exchange for $3 million in community improvements (signage, boardwalks, landscaping, stormwater ponds) and maintenance responsibilities. The agreement requires MMI to go through standard zoning/permitting, with 40% of units (252) affordable at 120% AMI. Commissioner Wolstall introduced a subsequent motion, approved 7-0, to direct staff to use mobility fees from the development for transportation enhancements within Progress Village. - D-1: Substantial Amendments to PY 18-PY 23 Annual Action Plans (HUD) – Public hearing held; one speaker (Denise Herndon). Approved 7-0 to adopt the amendments and close the public comment period. - D-2: Water and Wastewater Impact Fee Ordinance Amendment – Public hearing held; one speaker (Denise Herndon). Approved 7-0 to allow qualifying developments in the approval process to pay 2025 rates instead of new higher rates effective March 23, 2026. The ordinance grandfathers about 17,000 ERCs with a requirement to obtain a utility service request number by March 22, 2026, and pay one-sixth of the guaranteed revenue fee by fiscal year end. - D-3: Solicitation and Distribution in Public Roads Ordinance – Public hearing held; one speaker (Denise Herndon). Approved 7-0 to repeal and replace the 1991 ordinance with a content-neutral version, enforceable as a misdemeanor (up to $500 fine and 60 days in jail). Supported by Tampa Police Department and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, citing pedestrian safety concerns. - F-2: USF Fletcher District Infrastructure Partnership – Approved 7-0. The board authorized $24 million from existing CIT funds (not bonded, spread over 3-4 years) for infrastructure and public safety improvements (turn lanes, traffic signals, pedestrian bridge, new roads) to support the USF Fletcher District development, a 111-acre mixed-use project. The funding will be included in the FY 27 budget, and the county will develop an interlocal agreement with USF. - B-2: CDBG-DR Capital Improvement Program Amendment – Approved 5-0 (vote corrected from 6-0). The board approved a resolution to add three new CIP projects (Drainage Improvements, Stormwater Pump Stations, Culvert Replacements) and appropriated $29,548,898 in CDBG-DR funds, including $9,072,000 for the projects and $20,476,898 for grant administration and implementation consultants (Ernst & Young and BDO, $9 million each). - B-3: Approval of 11 CDBG-DR Infrastructure Projects – Approved 7-0. The board approved $70 million in projects for flood mitigation and resilience: 4 neighborhood drainage improvements, 5 ditch restorations, 1 culvert replacement (5 locations), and 1 lift station resilience project (assessment of 171 lift stations). Projects are geographically dispersed and meet HUD national objectives. - B-4: Selection of Construction Manager at-Risk for CDBG-DR Single Family Housing Repair/Replacement Program – After a substitute motion to select all three top-ranked firms failed 2-5, the board approved 7-0 to select and negotiate with the top two ranked firms: Ducky Recovery LLC (89 points) and Lemoine Disaster Recovery, L.L.C. (87 points). The program is expected to allocate approximately $150 million for construction. - B-5: Fourth Modification to One Water Project Design-Build Agreement – Approved 7-0. The board approved a $138,575,562.44 increase (to $491,537,397.44) for Garney Companies, Inc. for GMP-03, covering construction of the Balm Road Super Lift Station, long-lead materials, and Segment C pipeline. A budget amendment realigned $12,002,160 within the Water Resources CIP. - F-1: Board Appointments – Approved 7-0. Appointments made to the Health Council of West Central Florida (Brittany Peters), Human Relations Board (Octavia Urmigan and Richard Hector), and Tourist Development Council (Antonio Anasio, Robert Morrison, and Joe Collier). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0. - B-1 (Progress Village/MMI): Approved 7-0; subsequent motion to direct mobility fees to Progress Village transportation enhancements approved 7-0. - D-1 (HUD Action Plans): Approved 7-0. - D-2 (Water/Wastewater Impact Fees): Approved 7-0. - D-3 (Solicitation Ordinance): Approved 7-0. - F-2 (USF Partnership): Approved 7-0. - B-2 (CDBG-DR CIP): Approved 5-0 (vote corrected from 6-0). - B-3 (CDBG-DR 11 Projects): Approved 7-0. - B-4 (CDBG-DR CMAR Selection): Substitute motion to select all three firms failed 2-5; original motion to select top two firms approved 7-0. - B-5 (One Water Modification): Approved 7-0. - F-1 (Appointments): Approved 7-0. - Future Discussion Items: Commissioner Miller requested staff to identify property near the East County courthouse for potential expansion and include in federal grants list. Commissioner Wolstall requested an aging report of payments delayed over 90 days to contractors. Commissioner Myers asked staff to explore using CDBG-DR funds for a pedestrian overpass in Progress Village. Commissioner Boles requested an April 1 agenda item to amend federal legislative priorities to include Wolf Branch Creek/Bullfrog Creek watershed restoration trust and digital pathology expansion at Moffitt Cancer Center. Chair Hagan requested adding St. Joseph's Proton Therapy Center support to the federal agenda.

On February 23, 2026, the Hillsborough County Zoning Hearing Master (ZHM) convened at 6:00 PM in the County Center, 2nd Floor, to hear rezoning (RZ) and major modification (MM) applications. The hearing officer presided over the proceedings, taking testimony under oath and receiving staff and planning commission recommendations. The hearing officer will file a recommendation for each application on March 16, 2026, with final decisions by the Board of County Commissioners scheduled for April 7, 2026 (Land Use Meeting). Consent Calendar - Withdrawals: 21 applications were withdrawn or continued before the hearing. Notable withdrawals include RZ-PD 25-0785 (Florida Design Consultants, Inc.) and MM 26-0153 and MM 26-0178 (Todd Pressman). - Continuances: Most other applications were continued to future ZHM hearings (primarily March 23, 2026). One application (MM 26-0154, Todd Pressman) was continued to June 22, 2026; RZ-STD 26-0310 (David Wright) was continued to April 27, 2026. Two applications (RZ-STD 26-0290 and RZ-PD 26-0217) were continued by the applicant. Public Comments & Testimony - Item D4 – RZ-PD 25-1382 (Brent & Hannah Townend, Dance Center): Two members of the public spoke in support. Nicholas Karas (3723 Holloway Drive, Valrico) stated his wife and daughters are students at the dance center and registered strong support. Jessica Benitez (610 East Lumsden Road, Brandon), a neighbor, said her daughter attends and walks to the studio, expressing support. No opposition was voiced. Discussion Items - Item C1 – RZ-STD 26-0297 (Raul Riano): Proposed rezone of 0.32 acres at SE corner of W Sligh Ave & N Himes Ave from RSC-9 to RMC-20 to allow six one- and two-bedroom apartments. Applicant Eileen Rosario testified the property is needed for affordable housing and no neighbors objected. Staff recommended approval; planning commission found the rezoning consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. No public testimony. Outcome: Heard and pending recommendation. - Item D1 – RZ-PD 24-0921 (True Builders, Inc.): Request to rezone 2.45 acres at 4020 N Frontage Rd from ASC-1 to Planned Development for a contractor’s office (without open storage) with a maximum building area of 20,000 sq ft. The site is in a rural area (R-1 future land use). The applicant sought a waiver of commercial locational criteria (being 2,750 feet from the nearest qualifying intersection). Staff recommended approval subject to conditions; planning commission found the proposal inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan due to incompatibility with rural residential character. The applicant noted that an adjacent property (approved in 2014) had a similar waiver. No public testimony. Outcome: Heard and pending recommendation. - Item D2 – RZ-PD 25-0582 (Protek 34th Holdings, LLC): Request to rezone 3.54 acres at 6920 E Chelsea St from PD to PD to allow contractor’s office (with and without open storage) and warehouse. The site’s future land use had been changed to Light Industrial Plan (LI-P). Staff and planning commission found the proposal consistent. No public testimony. Outcome: Heard and pending recommendation. - Item D3 – MM 25-1372 (Torose 6302 LLC): Major modification to PD 83-0173 on 50.01 acres at 6302 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd to add M zoning district uses (except heavy industrial) at a 0.27 FAR, with a 50-foot height limit and restrictions on truck access to Chelsea Street. Staff and planning commission found the modification consistent. No public testimony. Outcome: Heard and pending recommendation. - Item D4 – RZ-PD 25-1382 (Brent & Hannah Townend): Request to rezone 1.42 acres at 911 Bryan Rd from RSC-6 to Planned Development for a neighborhood-scale dance studio (no outdoor use). The existing building would undergo interior renovations only. Staff and planning commission found the proposal consistent. Two public supporters spoke (see Public Comments). Outcome: Heard and pending recommendation. - Item D5 – MM 26-0216 (Jacob Cremer / Barbas Cremer, PLLC): Major modification to PD 13-0177 on 45.46 acres north of W Waters Ave & Northbridge Blvd to redefine uses from a community residential home (assisted living) to a standard single-family mobile home park with 669 equivalent dwelling units. A concurrent Comprehensive Plan amendment (from R-9 to R-16) is required. Staff and planning commission found the modification consistent. No public testimony. Outcome: Heard and pending recommendation (to be heard with the CPA at the April 9, 2026 meeting). - Item D6 – RZ-PD 26-0220 (Jacob Cremer / Barbas Cremer, PLLC): Request to rezone 57.85 acres on Tanner Rd from AR, AS-1, PD (22-0692), and PD (97-0251) to Planned Development to add 380,000 sq ft of warehousing/distribution (Phase II of an existing development). Variations include PVC fence in lieu of masonry wall and increased stormwater pond slope within buffer. Staff and planning commission found the proposal consistent. No public testimony. Outcome: Heard and pending recommendation. Key Outcomes - All six applications that were heard received a recommendation of approval from staff and planning commission (except D1 where planning commission recommended denial, but the hearing officer will make a recommendation). - No votes were taken; the hearing officer will file a recommendation on March 16, 2026, for each case. - The Board of County Commissioners will hold final decisions on April 7, 2026, for most items (except D5 which will be heard on April 9, 2026, alongside the Comprehensive Plan amendment). - The hearing officer acknowledged that for D6, a revised staff report was provided at the meeting updating a condition related to the platting process.

The Circuit 13 Juvenile Justice Advisory Board (CAB) met on February 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Tampa, Florida. The meeting included roll call, adoption of the agenda, approval of minutes, member updates, subcommittee reports, new business, and a presentation. Key topics included juvenile justice data trends, student enrollment rates, the creation of an Innovation Zone subcommittee, and a presentation on recovery high schools. Consent Calendar - The agenda was adopted unanimously. - The minutes from the previous meeting were approved as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Updates: - Probation: 1,196 youth open to Circuit 13 DJJ probation, including 479 on diversion, 330 on intake status, 191 on probation/conditional release, and 21 on supervised release. Internal training and policy implementation are ongoing. - Detention: The secure detention census was 50 youth as of the meeting date. - Prevention: Activities include All Pro Dad chapters, Facts Your Future assemblies, and preparation for the One Mentor One Child Summit (May 13-14) and Florida Fathers and Faith Symposium (June 2-3). - Delinquency Citation (presented by Rob Parkinson): November 38 referrals, December 50, January 44; current active 37. Law enforcement referrals were 44. Battery (17) and domestic violence battery (12) were the most common offenses. Gender split: 19 females, 25 males. Age 16 was most frequent. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) increased civil citation referrals to over 80% (83-84%), avoiding state reporting requirements. The State Attorney's Office reported sending 7 missed cases back to diversion. - Data-Driven Decision Making Subcommittee Report: - The subcommittee met February 4, 2026. Issues with juvenile assessment center (JAC) security transitions and data transfers have been resolved. A draft standard operating procedure (SOP) for civil citation referrals, based on Pinellas County's model, is being developed. The subcommittee reviewed gender differences in juvenile justice data: 74.6% of intakes were boys, 25.4% girls (830 girls in 2024-2025, down from 983). No significant increase in sex-related charges for girls was found. - Student Achievement Subcommittee Report: - Enrollment rates for youth on supervision: September 2023 (80%), September 2024 (82%), September 2025 (95%). The 1% unknown is attributed to rapid placement changes. The subcommittee will next focus on attendance and educational outcomes. Chair Chrissy Dorian will step down; Rob Parkinson offered to chair the subcommittee during the transition. - Innovation Zone Subcommittee: - Conchita Canty Jones presented on the Innovation Zone statute (98.668), which allows experimental pilot projects. A subcommittee was created with Canty Jones as chair. Volunteers included Markesh Thomas, Quinn Rainbow, Major Roberts, and others. Potential focus areas include workforce development, homelessness among DJJ youth, and domestic violence. The subcommittee will meet quarterly. - Presentation by Florida Recovery Schools of Tampa Bay: - Tina Miller, founder and executive director, presented on three recovery high schools in Tampa Bay. Key statistics: 34 student overdoses and 54 suicide attempts survived before attending; zero overdoses or suicides since attending (average 139 days). 30 graduates, 84% attendance, 90% recovery rate, 3.4 GPA, 97% avoided juvenile justice system. The school is free and accepts Step Up for Students scholarships. A community event will be held March 7, 2026, at NOVA Southeastern University in Clearwater. Key Outcomes - The board approved the creation of the Innovation Zone subcommittee and nominated Conchita Canty Jones as chair. - The student achievement subcommittee will transition leadership, with Rob Parkinson serving as interim chair. - The next full CAB meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM at 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, 26th Floor, Tampa, FL.

The Environment Protection Commission (EPC) of Hillsborough County held its regular meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 2:30 PM. The meeting included educational presentations on wetland delineation and mitigation, the launch of a new public data portal, a legislative update on state bills, and the executive director's report. Commissioners voted unanimously to accept two staff reports and requested a process improvement review for future board discussion. Discussion Items - Wetland Delineation and Mitigation (Item 9A): EPC staff Kim Tackley presented an overview of the wetland delineation process, explaining the use of Florida Administrative Code 62-340, the evaluation of vegetation, hydrology, and hydric soils, and the importance of early planning to avoid impacts. She noted that since 2014, EPC has received 1,723 acres of conservation easements—more than twice the size of Central Park. There are currently eight mitigation banks in Hillsborough County, but a shortage of freshwater forested and herbaceous credits in the Tampa Bay Basin. Commissioner Bowles and Commissioner Miller asked about credit availability and the impact on development; staff explained that if no credits exist in a watershed, applicants may use an adjacent basin with a 1.2 multiplier, and Senate Bill 492 streamlines credit release. - EPC Website and Data Portal (Item 9B): Chris Boland, joined by USF's Water Institute team, demonstrated the new public data portal designed to make EPC records more accessible. The portal allows keyword searches across 16 databases, advanced search filters, and a map-based search tool. Documents such as applications, inspection reports, and photos can be downloaded. The portal updates nightly and is accessible from the EPC homepage. Commissioner Coyne commended the team for creating a valuable public tool. - Legislative Update (Item 9C): Beth Lee from the EPC legal department reviewed nine bills from the 2026 legislative session (January 13 – March 13). Key bills included: - Nature-Based Coastal Resiliency (SB 302 / HB 1035): Would require FDEP to develop rules for green infrastructure like mangroves and oyster balls. SB 302 is on special order calendar. - Suits Against Government (HB 145 / SB 1366): Proposes increasing sovereign immunity caps. HB 145 passed the House; SB 1366 has passed two committees. - Land and Water Management (HB 479 / SB 718): Initially broad preemption of pollution control was narrowed to a minimum 15-foot wetland buffer; does not affect EPC's interlocal agreements. Slow moving. - Local Government Enforcement (HB 105 / SB 588): Would establish uniform standards and a 30-day pre-suit notice. HB 105 passed all committees. - Release of Conservation Easements (HB 673 / SB 938): Would allow water management districts to release easements under certain conditions; mitigation credits could come from any state bank, not necessarily the same watershed. Commissioner Wilson expressed concern about unintended consequences and suggested adding opposition to the EPC legislative agenda. - Public Records (HB 437 / SB 588): Would mandate a three-day response time and fee waivers for public purpose requests. HB 437 has passed three committees. - Executive Director Report: The executive director reported on the ongoing open burn ban effective January 17, 2026, due to dry conditions. Five active burn permits exist; only air curtain incinerators are currently allowed. Staff participated in community events including the Martin Luther King Parade, town halls, Tampa Bay Day in Tallahassee, and the Fresh from Florida breakfast. The annual Clean Air Fair earned an award of merit. EPC is hosting a fundraiser for the Pet Resource Center. Key Outcomes - Motion to accept the wetland delineation and mitigation report (Item 9A): Carried 7-0. - Motion to accept the public data portal report (Item 9B): Carried 7-0. - Future Agenda Item: Commissioner Woolstool requested that the executive director work with external stakeholders on a process improvement for EPC's design review and permitting process, with a report back by the April or June board meeting. No other business was discussed. The meeting adjourned.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners held its regular meeting on February 18, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The meeting opened with an invocation, pledge of allegiance, and a proclamation declaring February 26 through March 8, 2026, as Florida Strawberry Festival Days. The board approved changes to the agenda, including deferrals of items A-9 and A-10 to March 4, 2026, and an off-the-agenda item (F-3) to expand the county seat. Public comments were heard from three speakers. The consent agenda was approved unanimously. The board then discussed and voted on several items, including a major modification to the Gibsonton Septic-to-Sewer project, appointments to HART, honoring Rich Reedy, expanding the county seat, approving a $211 million single-family housing program and seven infrastructure projects under the CDBG-DR grant, a public hearing on the affordable housing property inventory, and a report on the MOSI property development. All votes were 6-0 (with one commissioner absent). Consent Calendar - Approved changes to the agenda, including deferrals and corrections. - Approved the consent agenda (items A-1 through A-45) unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Denise Herndon spoke about medical record hacking and a personal injury case, expressing frustration with the county and sheriff's response. - Tom Cobert opposed proposed state bills HB 4029 (increasing commissioners to nine) and HB 4031 (partisan elected superintendent), arguing they reduce representation and invite political influence. He also wished Commissioner Boles well in his health battle. - Sergrit Doss, a veteran, testified about property he claims was wrongly taken from him, alleging lack of due process and urging the board to investigate. Discussion Items - B-3 Gibsonton Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project: Approved the second modification to the Construction Manager at Risk agreement with Ric-Man Construction Florida, Inc., increasing the contract by $10,014,315.02 to $71,148,144.92 for Work Package B. The modification incorporates $8 million in FY26 CIP funds and a $2 million EPA grant, adding 39 homes, three commercial properties, and two mobile home parks. Final completion extended to August 28, 2027. - F-1 Board Appointments: Appointed Rondrico Smith to the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) for an unincorporated residency seat, selected by the board. - F-2 Naming of Wall of Good Government Award Display: Unanimously approved naming the display space in honor of Rich Reedy, former commissioner aide, for his vision and passion for the Good Government Award. - F-3 Expanding County Seat Boundaries: Commissioner Miller moved to request the County Attorney to process a resolution under Florida Statute 138.12 to expand the county seat from the City of Tampa to encompass the entire boundary of Hillsborough County, with required statutory public notice and two public hearings. Approved 6-0. - G-2/B-1/B-2 CDBG-DR Program: Received a staff report on the $709.3 million HUD CDBG-DR grant. Approved the Single Family Housing Program (B-1) allocating $211,339,196 to assist approximately 1,000 single-family homeowners (including mobile home owners) impacted by Hurricanes Helene and/or Milton. Authorized a 30-day HUD-required public comment period starting February 19, 2026, for an Action Plan amendment. Approved an initial list of seven infrastructure projects (B-2) totaling approximately $9 million, including five neighborhood drainage projects, one permanent pump station in the Shangri-La neighborhood, and one culvert replacement project covering 25 culverts. All projects meet HUD national objectives (LMI or urgent need). - D-1 Public Hearing on Affordable Housing Property Inventory: Conducted a public hearing with five speakers. Approved a resolution adopting the updated List of Real Property Inventory Appropriate for Affordable Housing, removing five properties: Ehrlich Rd, Town Center Blvd, Knoll Pine Way (awarded via RFP), and Sheldon Rd and Grey Pines (removed as directed by the board on January 21, 2026). Closed the public comment period that began February 4, 2026. - G-1 MOSI Property Development Report: Received a midterm progress report from Assistant County Administrator Ron Barton on pre-development work for the 73-acre MOSI site. Key milestones: unanimous planning commission approval of land use changes (UMU-60 for private development and CMU-35 for the southeast corner) and a draft master development plan featuring a field house, hotel, film studio, theater, residential, retail, office, and a conceptual ice facility. Next steps: first public hearing before Tampa City Council in April, rezoning filing in May/June, and a development agreement expected by summer 2026. Board members expressed support, requested inclusion of a splash pad, and emphasized coordination with partners. Key Outcomes - All votes were 6-0 (one commissioner absent). - Single Family Housing Program approved with $211.3 million; 30-day public comment begins Feb 19; final Action Plan Amendment due April 1. - Seven CDBG-DR infrastructure projects approved for Phase 1 at $9 million. - Five properties removed from affordable housing inventory; public hearing concluded. - Board directed staff to report back aggressively on enforcement actions regarding a nuisance property at Lake Maglin/Brentwood (future discussion item). - MOSI development timeline: land use hearings April 2026, rezoning May/June, development agreement summer 2026.

This quarterly meeting of the Hillsborough County Tourist Development Council (TDC) featured updates on tourism finances, marketing performance, and sports events. The council unanimously approved the minutes and the administrative report, heard presentations from Visit Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, and discussed challenges in international leisure travel, group business pacing, and the need for convention center expansion. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting: passed unanimously. - Motion to accept the administrative report (financial quarterly report): passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. Discussion Items - Administrative Report (Ron Barton): Presented the first quarter financials for the three-cent and six-cent tourist development tax. Noted that first-quarter outlays typically outpace collections, resulting in negative balances, but revenues catch up in the second quarter. Collections were 17% below the previous year, attributed to the absence of hurricane-related occupancy bumps that occurred in the prior year. The council accepted the report without further questions. - Visit Tampa Bay Presentation (Santiago): Reviewed first-quarter performance metrics: occupancy, average daily rate (ADR), and revenue per available room (RevPAR) were slightly lower than the record year of fiscal year 2024 but better than 2024 in many categories. Domestic leisure remains strong, but international travel from Canada, Europe, and the UK is down significantly. Visit Tampa Bay is focusing on Mexico and other emerging markets, with Aero Mexico increasing to daily flights in March. Group business pacing is strong, with 126 groups booked for future years and 86 groups actualized in the first quarter. However, the convention center room night pace for 2027 is lagging due to the loss of a major convention (Advanced Placement Reading Summit). The council requested a future update on the convention center expansion project. - Tampa Bay Sports Commission Presentation (Lannis Robinson): Highlighted major events in the previous quarter, including the Women's Final Four, WWE Memorial Day Takeover, and the NHL Stadium Series on February 1, 2026, which drew 65,000 attendees and was praised as one of the top three sporting events in Tampa Bay history. Upcoming events include March Madness first and second rounds, SEC Media Days in July, and the men's and women's basketball tournaments in March 2027 and 2028. Room nights generated in the previous fiscal year totaled 272,594, up 13% year-over-year. Youth and amateur events, including Varsity Cheer, remain a strong backbone. The Sportsplex has exceeded all projections. The commission also announced that the English Premier League morning show will be broadcast from Tampa on April 18-19, 2026. - Council Member Comments: Council members praised the Sports Commission's work, particularly the NHL Stadium Series. Mayor Kilden highlighted the upcoming Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City (February 26 – March 8, 2026), which attracts over 650,000 people over 11 days and relies on 2,000 volunteers. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the meeting minutes and the administrative report. - The council directed staff to arrange a presentation on the convention center expansion at a future meeting. - No binding votes were taken on policy or funding matters; all actions were advisory and informational.

The Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM to consider multiple comprehensive plan amendments and concurrent rezoning applications. The meeting included five small-scale adoption items, one large-scale transmittal item, and one continuance request. Overall, the board approved four comprehensive plan amendments and three rezoning applications, denied one rezoning recommendation from staff, and transmitted one large-scale amendment to the state for review. Consent Calendar - HC/CPA 25-01 and concurrent RZ PD 25-0500: Approved unanimously (7-0) – Land use change from Residential-1 to Suburban Mixed Use-6 on 9.5 acres (2002 West 60 Highway) to allow a trucking dispatch office, warehouse, and open storage. - HC/CPA 25-24 and concurrent RZ PD 25-1245: Approved unanimously (7-0) – Land use change from Agricultural/Rural-1/5 & Agricultural/Mining-1/10 to Light Industrial on 4.74 acres (10601 Paul Buchman Highway) to allow open storage of RVs, boats, trucks, and equipment. - HC/CPA 25-31 and concurrent RZ STD 25-1281: Approved unanimously (7-0) – Land use change from Residential-1 to Light Industrial on 4.45 acres (12780 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard & 2922 Shady Acres Road) for a roofing company's expanded operations. - HC/CPA 25-33: Approved unanimously (7-0) – Land use change from Suburban Mixed Use-6 to Residential-12 on 19.53 acres (College Avenue & 18th Street Southeast) to allow cluster residential development preserving on-site wetlands. Public Comments & Testimony - HC/CPA 25-30 & RZ STD 25-1111 (Ruskin): Sixteen community members testified in support, describing the applicant (Johnny Soap, a small auto repair business) as an excellent neighbor who helped clean up debris after storms and provided free or discounted repairs to those in need. No opposition testimony was received from parties of record. - HC/CPA 25-31 & RZ STD 25-1281 (Seffner/Mango): Grace McComas (Seffner Mango community) opposed the amendments, arguing that the community plan directs commercial development only west of State Road 579, and that the applicant misrepresented the plan's goals. She also noted that the new rural light industrial land use (CPA 25-29) should preclude approval. - HC/CPA 25-22 (Lithia – Transmittal): Seventeen speakers testified in opposition, citing severe traffic congestion on County Road 39 and Lithia Pinecrest Road, lack of infrastructure (wells, septic), overcrowded schools (Newsom High School at 102% capacity), fire evacuation concerns, loss of farmland, and incompatibility with the rural area designation. Speakers included Gary Taylor, Tina Coggins, Tegan Zealy, Lynn Ryder, and others. Discussion Items HC/CPA 25-01 & RZ PD 25-0500 – Trucking Dispatch/Storage - Position (Applicant): Todd Pressman (attorney) explained that the property, a family trucking business (Navarro Produce), originally sought Office Commercial-20 but was remanded by the board to the lower SMU-6 designation. The use involves storage of nine commercial vehicles and nine domestic vehicles, with a home-based office and one single-family residence. He noted the site is adjacent to an agricultural use that already operates similar trucks. - Planning Commission staff and the Zoning Hearing Master both recommended approval, finding the use compatible with the rural area and consistent with agricultural policies. HC/CPA 25-24 & RZ PD 25-1245 – Open Storage (Paul Buchman Highway) - Position (Applicant): Chris McNeil (attorney) stated the request is for a 9.59-acre site (with rear portion remaining agricultural) and emphasized that heavy industrial uses (Mosaic phosphate plant) already exist across the highway and to the north in Pasco County. He noted no agency objections. - Staff and the Zoning Hearing Master recommended approval, noting the front half of the parcel would be set back 140 feet from SR 39 with an 8-foot-tall fence screening storage from adjacent uses. HC/CPA 25-30 & RZ STD 25-1111 – Ruskin Business Expansion - Position (Applicant): Todd Pressman argued that the site, at the end of a dead-end road, is isolated and surrounded by wetlands, and that the area is already intensifying (e.g., Moffitt South Shore campus, extra space storage, Dixie Wrecking). He emphasized written support from abutting property owners and a petition of support. - Opposition (Staff & ZHM): David Hey (Planning Commission staff) stated the request was inconsistent with compatibility policies, as the Office Commercial-20 land use is urban in nature and would introduce multifamily (up to 20 units/acre) at the end of a local road, incompatible with the existing single-family pattern. The Zoning Hearing Master recommended denial, noting the property is under code enforcement violation and currently used for auto repair and storage without permits. - Commissioner Discussion: Commissioners Wostal and Miller noted the strong community support and the applicant’s positive contributions. Commissioner Wostal stated the board has wide discretion on comprehensive plan amendments. The board voted 7-0 to approve both the CPA and the rezoning, overriding staff and ZHM recommendations. HC/CPA 25-31 & RZ STD 25-1281 – Seffner/Mango Industrial Use - Position (Applicant): Todd Pressman noted that the site is sandwiched between Light Industrial parcels, adjacent to a CSX railroad line, and along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (a truck route). He presented written support from abutting neighbors. - Opposition (Grace McComas): McComas argued that the community plan (Goal 2-3) directs commercial only west of State Road 579, and that the new rural light industrial category (CPA 25-29) should prevent this change. She stated that the Planning Commission originally found the item inconsistent but later changed its recommendation. - Staff Response: Tyrek Royal (Planning Commission) clarified that the recommendation changed after the planning commission voted to recommend consistency, not due to a staff error. The board approved unanimously. HC/CPA 25-22 – Transmittal to State (Lithia) - Position (Applicant): Michael Brooks (attorney) argued the property was originally designated residential (1 unit/acre) in the county's first comprehensive plan (1989), changed to AR in 1998 without adequate notice, and that the request is a “limited infill” into a pre-existing rural enclave. Traffic engineer Michael Yates noted the net increase would be 931 daily trips, and that road capacity has 40% remaining. - Planning Commission Recommendation: Inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, because the site is outside the urban service area and the change would permit densities higher than 1 unit per 5 acres, incompatible with the rural character. - Board Vote: The board voted 7-0 to transmit the amendment to the state for review (not final adoption). Commissioner Wostal indicated he could only support final approval if a timing restriction is attached to ensure road improvements (CIP project for the Lithia Pinecrest/CR 39 intersection) are completed before development moves forward. Commissioner Miller echoed that safety at the intersection is a priority. HC/CPA 25-37 – Continuance - Applicant requested a continuance to April 9, 2026. The board granted the continuance unanimously (5-0, one commissioner absent? The transcript records 5-0 but earlier vote counts were 7-0; discrepancy noted: the agenda shows a 7-member board, and later votes recorded 7-0. The minutes are unavailable to resolve this discrepancy.) Key Outcomes - HC/CPA 25-01 & RZ PD 25-0500: Approved (7-0) - HC/CPA 25-24 & RZ PD 25-1245: Approved (7-0) - HC/CPA 25-30 & RZ STD 25-1111: Approved (7-0) - HC/CPA 25-31 & RZ STD 25-1281: Approved (7-0) - HC/CPA 25-33: Approved (7-0) - HC/CPA 25-22: Transmitted to state for review (7-0). Final adoption to occur at a later public hearing. - HC/CPA 25-37: Continued to April 9, 2026. - The board directed staff to prepare information on legally effective options for timing restrictions linked to CIP improvements for the Lithia Pinecrest/CR 39 intersection, to be considered at the final adoption hearing for HC/CPA 25-22.

The Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Board met on February 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to approximately 12:00 PM. The meeting covered major action items including a $32 million federal grant for HART compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and the adoption of a Traffic Signal Prioritization Study. Status reports were provided on HART's Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) service changes and Waymo's expansion (postponed). The board also discussed regional MPO merger apportionment and a newly introduced federal transportation bill. Consent Calendar - Committee Appointments: Confirmed Brian Nathan (Citizen at Large) and Aiah Yassin (Temple Terrace City Council) to the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), and Ron Patel (by City of Temple Terrace) to the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Committee. - Resolution Recommending Hillsborough County as Community Transportation Coordinator: Approved a resolution recommending the Sunshine Line remain the transportation disadvantaged service provider for another five-year term. (Approved unanimously by voice vote.) - Approval of January 14, 2026 meeting minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - No public speakers signed up for oral comment. - Advance comments submitted via email and social media were summarized by staff, including: - A letter from CAC members Christina Costa and Reva Inman expressing concerns about the Traffic Signal Prioritization Study omitting pedestrian/ADA push-button accessibility and proximity to schools, senior communities, and medical facilities. - A Facebook comment from Walk Tampa Bay encouraging completion of the Gulf Coast Trail. - A Facebook comment from Sam Bowden Akbari opposing Waymo expansion, citing negative impacts. - A comment from Eric Page sharing e-bike safety tips. Action Items TIP Amendment: HART New Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Buses - Presenter: Elizabeth Watkins, TPO Staff - HART was awarded a one-time $32 million federal grant to replace 33 aging diesel buses, with an $8 million local match for a total of $40 million. This completes HART’s transition to a 100% low-emission CNG fixed-route fleet, making HART the first transit agency in Florida to achieve this. Benefits include reduced air pollution (particulate matter), reduced maintenance costs (over $1 million/year), and improved service reliability. - Discussion: - School Board Member Gray inquired about electric vs. CNG. HART’s Heather Sobush explained electric buses cost over $1 million each vs. $850,000 for CNG, require significant charging infrastructure, and HART has had CNG infrastructure since 2015. - Board Member Radhakrishnan asked about compatibility with renewable natural gas (RNG); HART confirmed they are actively researching RNG and the buses would be compatible. - Councilmember Clendenin noted that 33 buses replaced at once creates a future simultaneous end-of-life challenge. HART acknowledged the issue and stated their long-term fleet replacement plan is about 16 buses per year. - Vote: Approved by roll call, 16-0. Traffic Signal Prioritization Study - Presenters: Wyatt Bowers and Travis Stewart (Atkins Realis); Wade Reynolds (TPO Staff) - The study assessed baseline condition of over 1,200 traffic signals across Hillsborough County (including Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City, and unincorporated county) and developed a prioritization methodology for TPO funding decisions. Criteria included: age, condition, type of structure; floodplain vulnerability; controller type; evacuation routes; and High Injury Network (HIN) points. - Discussion: - Councilmember Hurtak raised concerns about pedestrian/cyclist push-button accessibility and ADA compliance. Staff explained that field visits for all 1,200 signals were infeasible within the budget, but push-button evaluation will occur at the project application stage. - Commissioner Cohen suggested jurisdictions compile lists of known problematic intersections and create a portal for public reporting. Staff agreed to flag reported intersections in the database. - Board Member Gray noted the importance of school zones. Staff added points for proximity to schools (GIS-based) per board direction. - Commission Wostal and Cohen, after discussion, directed staff to create a separate list of signals within 500 feet of school zones. Wostal motioned to approve the study with that future addition; seconded by Cohen. - Additional discussion addressed emergency room pre-emption, downtown signal timing (not in scope), and standardization of data collection across jurisdictions. - Vote: Approved (voice vote). Motion carried. Status Reports HART Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) Update - Presenters: Donny Murray and Jesus Peraza Garcia, HART - HART conducted a COA from September 15 to October 15, 2025, including 37 public engagement events (e.g., bus ride-alongs, town halls, open houses) reaching 750 people. 212 unique public comments were received. - Proposed service changes (effective June 2026): - Remove routes 24 LX and 25 LX (least productive, low ridership); alternatives: Van Pool and existing route 3608 LX (extended morning hours). - Remove HARTflex South County (least productive route; $60 per ride average cost vs. system average $9 per ride). Alternative: Sunshine Line door-to-door service. - Increase frequency on Route 38 (Mango/Brandon) from hourly to every 30 minutes on weekdays (reallocating resources from removed routes). - On-time performance improvements for one or two of the lowest-performing routes (to be determined). - Projected net ridership impact: 200 new daily rides vs. 178 riders impacted; 1,900 existing riders benefit from frequency/OTP improvements. Waymo Expansion to Tampa (Postponed) - Presentation on Waymo’s autonomous vehicle expansion was postponed because the presenter was called away on urgent business. Rescheduled for the April TPO board meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved (16-0): TIP Amendment for HART CNG bus grant. - Approved: Traffic Signal Prioritization Study, with direction to add a school-zone proximity list. - Noted: HART service changes (COA) will be presented for formal approval at the March meeting. - Noted: Waymo presentation rescheduled to April. - Director's Report: - TMA meeting scheduled for February 13, 2026 (9:30–11:30 AM at THEA). Agenda includes a policy decision on regional MPO merger apportionment for small cities. - Upcoming TPO meetings: March 11, April, May, and June (TIP hearing) expected to run the full two hours. - Federal transportation bill (Basics Act) introduced; shifts funding from competitive discretionary grants to formula allocations and gives more flexibility to local governments. Staff will draft a potential letter of support. - New Business: Chair Ross disclosed a written sunshine law allegation against two CAC members regarding private communication of committee business. The complaint was not read aloud; the board will investigate and provide a detailed report at the next meeting. - Old/New Business: Discussion on regional MPO merger apportionment continued, with several board members expressing views on small-city representation. No formal decision was made; further discussion will occur at the TMA meeting on February 13.