Public Meetings - Hillsborough County, Florida

The Planning Commission met to approve minutes, recognize a former commissioner, hear presentations on Waymo autonomous vehicles and the Sulfur Springs Neighborhood Action Plan, and take action on the Capital Improvement Program update and proposed bylaws changes regarding public comment times. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the minutes from the June 8, 2026 and July 13, 2026 meetings (regular and public hearings). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments for items not on the agenda. - For the Capital Improvement Program update, one person signed up but did not appear. - For the bylaws amendment, Cammy Corbett (attorney) spoke in favor of increasing applicant rebuttal time, noting that three minutes was insufficient after lengthy public testimony. She suggested allowing applicants to reserve time from their direct presentation or having a minimum of five minutes, especially when many speakers are present. Discussion Items - Presentation of Plaque: Former Commissioner Steve Kona was recognized for his service from 2023 to 2026. He thanked the commission. - Waymo 101 Presentation: John Tupps, Southeast Policy Manager, presented on Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hailing service. He highlighted safety statistics (94% fewer serious injury crashes), planned rollout in Tampa (starting in central core), technology, first responder training, data sharing (pothole detection), and accessibility. Commissioners asked about service area, hurricane contingency, vehicle ethics ("trolley problem"), first responder interaction, and accountability. Chair Joseph emphasized the need for ethical discussions. - Sulfur Springs Neighborhood Action Plan: Lauren Vasquez, City of Tampa, presented the plan focusing on community-driven revitalization. Key areas: advisory council, affordable housing, fresh food access (neighborhood is a food desert), safety, parks, and economic development. Commissioners discussed the role of land use regulations (R10 zoning limiting missing middle housing), the need for a coordinated plan, and the potential for a community land trust. Chair Joseph stressed the need for economic development in this historically underserved area. - Capital Improvement Program and Capital Improvements Section Schedule of Projects Update: Erica Larson (via Katrina Corcoran) presented the annual update. Total CIP funding for FY27-31 is approximately $5 billion for 325 projects. 89% of projects address level of service. Breakdown by program area: Transportation, Water Enterprise, etc. 1.4 billion for eliminating deficiency, 1.1 billion for maintaining LOS, 1.9 billion for future growth. 159 projects ($1.1B) inside USA, 25 projects ($1.35B) outside. 24 projects in CHHA. - Bylaws Amendment – Public Comment Time Limits: Sean College presented options to reduce public comment time based on number of speakers (3 min for 1-10, 2 min for 11-15, 90 sec for 15+). Discussion followed, including concern about limiting public input. A motion was made and seconded to separate the applicant rebuttal time issue. The board voted to have staff bring back a proposal for increased rebuttal time based on number of public commenters (as proposed by Commissioner Saben: 3 min if <10, 5 min if 10-15, 10 min if 15). The original public comment time limit changes will be brought back at the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approval: Approved unanimously. - CIP/CIS Update: Motion to find consistency carried 6-1 (Commissioner Lauk voted nay). - Bylaws Amendment: Staff directed to bring back revised language for applicant rebuttal time based on the number of public commenters. The original public comment time limit changes will be reconsidered at the next meeting. - Executive Director's Report: Melissa Zornita provided updates on City of Tampa Comp Plan (two remaining issues with state), Urban Service Area study facilitation (consultant selection underway, individual interviews planned), and upcoming joint meeting with Temple Terrace City Council. Commissioner Lauk expressed frustration with the pace of the USA study and requested information on facilitator candidates. - Committee Reports: Commissioner Sink noted increased public interest in the TPO CAC meeting regarding the USA expansion, but with confusion about the project scope.

The Land Use Hearing Officer (LUHO) hearing was held on August 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the Hillsborough County Center, Tampa, FL. Hearing Officer Susan Finch presided. The agenda included several variance and special use applications. All testimony was under oath. The hearing officer will file recommendations/decisions by August 31, 2026. Consent Calendar / Continuances - Six applications were continued to the September 14, 2026 LUHO hearing without being heard: VAR 26-0833, VAR 26-0958, SU-OPF 26-0973, VAR 26-1039, VAR 26-1092, VAR 26-1093. Site Development Variance Requests (Wetland Setback) - VAR 26-0967 (Sean Jones): Request to encroach up to 24 feet into the 30-foot wetland setback for a pool and existing structures. Applicant Lori Summers testified. Staff noted EPC approval needed. The case was heard and continued to September 14, 2026. - VAR 26-1057 (Darrell Curts): Request to allow a 20-foot encroachment for a pool. Applicant represented by agent. Staff noted 10-foot remaining setback. No public opposition. Heard. - VAR 26-1102 (Shane Garvey): Request for 15-foot encroachment for an accessory structure. Applicant cited property constraints including flood zone and limel wall. No opposition. Heard. Variance Requests (Other) - VAR 26-1069 (Pressman & Assoc.): Variance to reduce the required 200-foot separation between a drive-through order box and residential zoning to 61 feet (139-foot variance) at 100 FT N of E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Applicant proposed mitigations. No public opposition. Heard. - VAR 26-1090 (Jay & Angela Loyd): Variance to allow a 21.8-foot tall accessory structure (height limit 15 feet) at 3822 Ralston Rd. Existing structure built without permit. Applicant argued hardship. No opposition. Heard. - VAR 26-1096 (Joshua Trent Bush): Variance for an 8-foot privacy fence in front yard (max 4 ft) and 8-foot fence in side yard (max 6 ft) at 2804 Kimmi Tree Ln. Applicants cited security and privacy concerns due to neighbor issues. Provided police reports. No opposition. Heard. - VAR 26-1103 (Luisa I. Alonso): Variance to reduce rear setback from 10 ft to 5 ft 4 in and side setback from 5 ft to 3 ft 4 in for existing addition at 8403 Seven Coves Ct. Applicant argued pre-existing condition. Opposition from neighbor Maria Chacho and tenant Lourdes Ortega, citing parking issues and multi-family use concerns. Hearing Officer noted code enforcement may address rental issues. Heard. - VAR 26-1125 (Jeffrey Zock): Variance for 6 ft 10 in fence in front yard (max 4 ft) and 8 ft fence in side yard (max 6 ft) at 4907 Troydale Rd. Significant opposition from attorney representing adjacent property owner, engineer, and contractor, citing boundary dispute, unpermitted construction, structural instability, and flood risk. Applicant asserted permit applied for. Heard. - VAR 26-1133 (Casey J & Abigail M. Kotchman): Variance to allow 6-foot fence in front yard (max 4 ft) at 18623 Dorman Rd on 10-acre rural property. Applicant cited privacy and child safety. Opposition from neighbors citing neighborhood character and concerns about commercial use (sports training facilities). Heard. Special Use Requests - SU-SCH 26-0795 (Universal Academy of Florida): Request to increase student capacity from 400 to 950 at 6801 N Orient Rd, with no building expansion. Applicant presented school's achievements. Planning Commission staff noted non-compliance with mixed-use policy due to insufficient secondary use square footage, but staff recommended approval. No public opposition. Heard. - SU-CRH 26-0796 (Country Place Assisted Living): Request for 5,000 sf building addition with waiver of 500-ft separation requirement (25-ft separation) at 10515 Memorial Hwy. No change in resident capacity (25 beds). Staff and Planning Commission support. No opposition. Heard. Key Outcomes - All six continuances were granted to September 14, 2026. - Most variance cases were heard without opposition; decisions pending. - Two cases (VAR 26-1103 and VAR 26-1125) involved significant public opposition; VAR 26-1133 also had opposition. - The special use requests were heard; no public opposition recorded. - The hearing officer will issue written decisions by August 31, 2026.

This was a public hearing of the Plant City Planning Commission regarding a comprehensive plan map amendment (PCCPA 26-03) for a site proposed for commercial and industrial uses. Staff presented findings that the amendment is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The applicant spoke in support. No public comments were received. The commission unanimously approved the amendment. Discussion Items - Staff presented a recommendation that the proposed amendment (PCCPA 26-03) be found consistent with the Plant City Comprehensive Plan, citing alignment with growth management policies, access to major roadways (Knights Griffin Road and Alexander Street) and rail, and utility capacity. - Jim Schimberg of the Schuben Law Group, representing the applicant, briefly noted that annexation had been completed and requested support for the consistency finding. - No questions or comments from commissioners were recorded prior to the vote. Key Outcomes - Commissioner Jamison made a motion to find PCCPA 26-03 consistent with the comprehensive plan map amendment. - Commissioner Kugler seconded the motion. - The motion carried unanimously with no opposition. - The meeting was adjourned at 6:32 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up or spoke during the public comment period.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners held its regularly scheduled meeting on August 5, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m. and concluding just before noon. The board addressed a range of topics, including public comments on data centers and short-term rentals, a public-private partnership for emergency lodging, a report on fire rescue dedicated funding options, approval of HUD housing plans and street lighting assessments, and several commissioner-initiated items. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included routine approvals and administrative items. Motion carried 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Deborah Holiday expressed opposition to large-scale data centers, citing noise, vibration, water use, and environmental damage. She urged the board to use its authority under SB 484 to block projects not aligned with community standards and requested a temporary administrative pause. - Isabella Moller (Food & Water Watch) spoke against data centers, noting that by 2028 AI data centers in the U.S. could use as much water as 18.5 million households and as much energy as 100,000 homes. She urged a moratorium, citing actions by Pasco, Hernando, Lake, and Nassau counties. - Susan Crochunas requested a moratorium on a potential AI center at SR 60 and Dover Road, emphasizing agricultural impacts (strawberry industry yields over $1 billion annually) and water concerns from well users. She cited the 2010 freeze that dried 750 wells and formed sinkholes. - Denise Herndon criticized fear-mongering around data centers and fire rescue funding, questioning the need for a special assessment and County spending on a hotel for emergency workers. - Ashley Herman called for a ban on large-scale data centers, citing climate emergency, high utility rates, and pollution. - Kimmy Mellon Jones spoke against the University Energy Park (a data center proposal), highlighting water usage and AI’s invasive presence. - Ben Braver sarcastically criticized commissioners for prioritizing corporate interests over voters, urging a ban on AI data centers. - Mark Kiddo requested a stronger short-term rental registration ordinance, citing enforcement failures in Bay Crest. He called for a dedicated hotline, complaint portal, daily fines, and life-safety inspections before certification. - Daniel Zidek urged the board to vote no on any FY2027 budget that includes funding for the Florida Israel Business Accelerator, citing objections to the state’s actions. - Thomas Cobert warned against state-level property tax proposals that would cut local funding for public safety, schools, parks, and infrastructure, calling the plan “evil.” - Daniel Kimbrell (Plant City) showed a sign from a Hillsborough County Community Campus study showing the site is a headwater to Tampa Bay; he expressed concerns that data center development could impact downstream water bodies and floodplains, exacerbated by Hurricane Milton. - Penny Martin (virtual) called for an immediate moratorium on hyperscale data centers, citing a national pattern of backdoor deals, resource exploitation, and the danger of building near the Sydney Dover superfund site. She noted that a single hyperscale data center uses up to 5 million gallons of water per day. - Todd Randolph (virtual) rejected data centers in Hillsborough County, citing pollution, energy affordability, and the risk of stranded utility costs if the AI bubble bursts. Discussion Items - B1 – Mainsail Lodging Public-Private Partnership: Staff presented an unsolicited proposal to develop a 102-room hardened hotel on County land near PSOC, to be used for emergency worker lodging during declared emergencies. The County would own the land, receive lease payments, and gain 1,000 reduced-rate room nights for the tournament sportsplex. The board unanimously approved the second notice public meeting and related documents. Motion carried 7-0. - G1 – Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Dedicated Funding Options (moved up from 10:15 a.m.): Christopher Rowe (Bryant Miller Olive) presented on special assessments and MSTUs. He explained that fire assessments can fund fire protection but not advanced EMS, and must convey a special benefit to property. Two main apportionment methods were discussed: demand-based (calls for service) and availability/readiness-to-serve. He noted that a hybrid of assessment and property tax is common. Commissioner Wolstall suggested exploring the emergency services surtax (212.055(8)), noting its unique availability to Hillsborough County. The board voted to receive the report. Motion carried 7-0. - D1 – HUD Five-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan: Public hearing to accept comments on housing programs for FY2026-2030. One speaker, Thomas Cobert, expressed support but warned of federal corruption. The board approved the plan and related documents. Motion carried 7-0. - D2 – HART Capital Improvement Program: Public hearing to approve FY2026-2030 list of projects funded by transportation impact fees. Denise Herndon commented on transit challenges. The board approved. Motion carried 7-0. - D3 – Street Lighting District Rates: Public hearing to adopt non-ad valorem assessments for 797 districts. Denise Herndon questioned costs and vacant land fees. The board approved; no rate increases overall, with adjustments to four districts. Motion carried 7-0. - F1 – Commissioner Bowles: Governing Water Demand Usage: Directed staff to review current policies, legal authority under SB 180 and SB 484, and identify conservation and capacity management tools, including during droughts. The motion also incorporated friendly amendments from Commissioners Wolstall (building permit restrictions during drought) and Cohen (evaluating Swift MUD’s Water Star program). Motion carried 7-0. - F2 – Commissioner Cameron Cepeda: Data Center Regulations: Two motions: (1) Direct staff to evaluate a framework for land use regulations on future data centers, including limits on potable water use for cooling, and (2) request the County Attorney to draft a moratorium ordinance on AI data centers effective after October 1, 2027 (when SB 180 expires). Both motions carried 7-0. - F3 – Commissioner Cohen: Short-Term Vacation Rentals: Approved a draft ordinance requiring registration, designation of a local responsible party available within one hour, and compliance with noise and other rules. The ordinance was set for a public hearing on September 2, 2026, at 10 a.m., with an effective date of January 1, 2027. Motion carried 7-0. - F4 – Commissioner Miller: Reallocation of Flag Funding: Moved $10,000 from Cant Dorothy Thomas to Plant City Chamber of Commerce. Motion carried 7-0. - F5 – Commissioner Myers: Pilot Program for Affordable Housing on Commercial/Industrial Zones or Religious Institution Properties: Approved a one-year pilot program under Florida Statute 125.01055(6), allowing affordable housing projects on such properties with at least 10% affordable units up to 120% AMI, with a report back in one year. Motion carried 5-2 (Commissioners Miller and Wolstall dissented). - F6 – Commissioner Wolstall: Historic Preservation Challenge Grant: Moved to extend the application deadline for the current funding cycle by 30 days to allow more applicants to use remaining $196,000. Motion carried 7-0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda, B1, D1, D2, D3, F1, F2 (both motions), F3, F4, and F6 all approved 7-0. - Item G1 (fire rescue funding report) received by the board with no further action. - Item F5 approved 5-2, with a one-year pilot program and staff report due back in one year. - The board directed staff to return with draft ordinances for data center moratorium (after SB 180 expires) and for short-term rental registration (public hearing September 2, 2026). - Commissioner Myers requested a future discussion on using CDBG-DR funds for workforce housing on school district property, with a staff report at the December 16, 2026 meeting.

The Hillsborough County Value Adjustment Board (VAB) held its organizational meeting on July 30, 2026, to confirm members, appoint legal counsel, ratify filing fees, adopt procedures, appoint special magistrates, and handle administrative matters. No public comment was submitted. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak, and none appeared online. Discussion Items - Appointment of Legal Counsel: The board reappointed Ms. Parwani as VAB legal counsel. Board members expressed strong satisfaction with her past service. A motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. - Confirmation of Administrative Requirements: The board confirmed that a quorum was present, contact information was included in the packet, and all required statutes and rules (e.g., 12D-9, 12D-10, Chapters 193‑195, Government in the Sunshine Law) are available online via the Hillsborough Clerk website or in paper copies. - Appointment of Special Magistrates: The board approved all qualified attorney and appraiser magistrate applicants, subject to verification of licenses and training by the clerk. Discussion included past delays by one magistrate (Mr. Robinson) and the need for flexibility to reassign petitions to meet deadlines. The motion included authority for the clerk to reassign hearings as needed. The motion passed. Subsequently, the board authorized the chair to execute the magistrate contracts, and separately voted to allow attorney magistrates to handle rescheduling requests for good cause, both passing. - Adoption of Local VAB Procedures: The board adopted the local VAB procedures and approved local forms, noting no changes beyond statutory updates. Motion passed. - Ratification of Filing Fee: The board ratified an increase in the filing fee to $55, consistent with a mid-year statutory update (previously $50). Motion passed. - Overview of VAB Process: Legal counsel provided a mandatory overview of the VAB quasi-judicial process, explaining the role of the board, special magistrates, petitioners’ rights, and the availability of direct circuit court appeal. - Approval of May 19, 2026 Meeting Minutes: Minutes from the previous meeting were approved with no amendments. Motion passed. - Correspondence and System Updates: The clerk announced a transition from the AXE system to a new software called “Just Appraised,” which is also used by the property appraiser. The board noted that all hearings will now be recorded as required for larger counties. An addendum was discussed regarding a petitioner who sent an appeal request but had not filed a proper petition; a response letter was sent outlining proper procedures. - Audit Update: The board noted that a routine audit is ongoing, focused on financial compliance and statutory adherence. The clerk is enhancing documentation practices (e.g., verifying magistrate licenses before hearings) to prepare for future audits. Key Outcomes - Appointed legal counsel: Ms. Parwani (unanimous voice vote). - Approved special magistrate appointments: All qualified applicants, with clerk verification required prior to hearings (motion passed). - Authorized chair to execute magistrate contracts (passed). - Authorized attorney magistrates to reschedule hearings for good cause (passed). - Adopted local VAB procedures (passed). - Ratified filing fee increase to $55 (passed). - Approved minutes from May 19, 2026 (passed). - Tentatively scheduled next meeting: September 15, 2026 at 9:30 AM to extend tax rules. - Noted orientation for magistrates via WebEx at 11:00 AM the same day.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing on July 29, 2026, to reconcile the fiscal year 2027 budget, set preliminary millage rates, and consider flagged items. The meeting featured extensive public comment on the Florida Israel Business Accelerator (FIBA) funding, board discussion on nonprofit allocations, and approval of the proposed millage ceiling. Public Comments & Testimony - Opposition to FIBA funding: Multiple speakers (Nadia Askar, Rhea Shringari, Angel D'Angelo, Chase Harold, Bianca Melendez, Amad Alconey, Lena Vu, Haley Manigold, Chelsea Manriguez, David Zulian, Rev. John Palm, Ferris Shaheer) urged the county to remove all funding from FIBA. They argued that tax dollars should be spent locally on affordable housing, stormwater infrastructure, healthcare, public transit, and education rather than on a foreign business accelerator. Several noted FIBA’s reported creation of fewer than 60 jobs and its association with Israeli defense companies. Nadia Askar stated FIBA has generated "less than 60 total" jobs. Ferris Shaheer noted FIBA received over $3 million in private funding and nearly $1 million in county funds over seven years. - Support for FIBA: Natalie Bletcher and Alfred Goldberg spoke in favor of continued FIBA funding. Bletcher described it as an economic development tool attracting high-tech jobs and partnerships. Goldberg, who helped found FIBA, corrected what he called misrepresentations, stating the county does not give money directly to Israeli companies but supports a nonprofit that recruits companies to establish operations locally. He emphasized economic benefits and accountability measures. - Connie Rose (Victim to Survivors US): Clarified that her organization was listed as a member of the Truth Based and Action Alliance without authorization in a funding proposal. She requested the record reflect that V2SUS is not a member and urged future proposals to obtain express permission before listing partner organizations. - Dr. James Davison: Criticized the county’s millage rate slide showing a decrease since 1999, arguing the drop occurred mostly during the 2001–2007 period and that millage rates have not been reduced in recent years. He also warned of potential $2 billion property tax collections by 2031 if tax exemptions are not passed. - Reverend John Palm: Asked the county attorney to review whether FIBA funding violates the Leahy Law, citing International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Israeli leaders. Discussion Items - Budget Presentation: Kevin Bricky, Budget Director, presented the FY27 recommended budget of $14.1 billion (a $2.1 billion increase), with an operating budget of $5 billion driven by the One Water project and CDBG-DR program. The recommendation includes a third year of a millage swap: a 0.1 mill decrease in countywide millage and a 0.1 mill increase in unincorporated millage, described as a tax cut in the three cities and net zero in unincorporated areas. The countywide general fund is $1.6 billion, with 80% of property tax revenue going to public safety (sheriff, fire rescue). Bricky also noted the new two-thirds majority requirement for millage adjustments under recent state legislation and the potential $213 million impact of the proposed constitutional amendment on homestead exemptions. - Commissioner Cohen Motion – The Spring (Domestic Violence Shelter): Commissioner Cohen moved to remove The Spring from his flag list and restore its funding to the county administrator’s budget, citing state law requiring that domestic violence shelters receive 25% municipal or county match to access state funds. He stated he would not reallocate the money to another nonprofit but would direct any remainder to ditch and outfall work in Town ’n’ Country. The motion passed 7-0. - Commissioner Wolstell Comments: Expressed concerns about inequity in the flagging process, noting that one commissioner repeatedly allocates far above the even distribution. He encouraged revisiting a motion from the prior year to cap allocations evenly, which missed by one vote. - Approval of Flagged Items (excluding community project): A motion to approve the list of flagged items (nonprofit allocations) passed 7-0. - Feeding Tampa Bay Community Project: A motion to approve Feeding Tampa Bay funding was made and seconded. Commissioner Wilson then made a substitute motion to defer the item to the September 10 budget hearing, which passed 4-3 (Commissioners Cohen, Hagen, and Myers voting no). - Preliminary Millage Rate Setting: Commissioner Cohen read the motion to set the proposed operating and debt service millages for TRIM notices: - Countywide General Revenue Fund: 5.3608 mills - Debt Service (Environmentally Sensitive Lands): 0.0604 mills - Total Countywide: 5.4212 mills - Non-Countywide MSTU Operating: 4.7163 mills - Library Services District: 0.5583 mills - Aggregate increase from rolled-back rate: 0.40% - First public hearing set for September 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. The motion passed 7-0. Several commissioners clarified this sets a maximum ceiling, not a final rate, and can be reduced later. - Drowning Prevention Program: A commissioner confirmed that increased funding for the drowning prevention program, previously approved, is included in the budget. Key Outcomes - Vote Tallies: - Removal of The Spring from flag list: 7-0 - Approval of flagged items: 7-0 - Deferral of Feeding Tampa Bay community project: 4-3 (passed) - Adoption of preliminary millage rates: 7-0 - Next Steps: The board will hold the first public hearing on the tentative FY27 budget on September 10, 2026, and the final public hearing on September 24, 2026. Changes to the budget may be made up until the final hearing.

The Hart Board of Directors met on July 27, 2026, in a hybrid format at the Hart Administrative Offices. Chair John King called the meeting to order, and a quorum was present. No public comments were made. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, the consent agenda, certification of the FY2027 millage rate, a revised FY2027 budget presentation, the CEO's contract extension, and a discussion on a property tax initiative. Consent Calendar - Minutes of July 1, 2026, Regular Meeting: Approved with one dissenting vote. - Consent Agenda (Items 4A–4E): Approved without opposition. Discussion Items - Resolution R2026-7-31 – Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate Certification: CFO Shirley Shu Hurley presented the proposed 0.5-mil rate for FY2027, unchanged from the prior year. The rate would generate approximately $90.5 million in levy, with a budgeted revenue of $86 million after a 95% levy assumption. The board voted unanimously to approve the resolution. - FY2027 Revised Proposed Budget: CFO Hurley presented a revised budget of $193.8 million, reflecting a $1.9 million reduction in ad valorem revenue due to lower certified taxable values. Adjustments included deferring service frequency enhancements (maintaining current service levels), reducing operating expenses by $1.7 million (notably healthcare and wages), and increasing capital spending by $2.1 million (due to grant-funded projects). Reserves remain compliant at 117 days. Board members asked about healthcare cost reductions, investment yield opportunities, and the impact of lower revenue miles on federal funding formulas. Staff replied that healthcare savings were based on claims experience, investment options are reviewed regularly, and the formula funding impact depends on peer agency actions. - CEO Contract Extension: Board Counsel Jeff Gibson presented three options. A motion to extend CEO Drainville’s contract by two years with current terms passed unanimously. A board member later requested that the item be placed on the next meeting’s agenda for procedural clarity. - Property Tax Initiative (Amendment 3): Mark Delegal, legislative consultant, briefed the board on the proposed constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption (to $250,000) and cap non-homestead assessment growth at 5%. The amendment will appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Delegal estimated a 20% reduction in HART’s ad valorem revenue if passed. Litigation over ballot language is pending. Board members discussed potential financial impacts, service adjustments, and the need for a thorough analysis; it was agreed to bring the item to committee for further review. Key Outcomes - Millage Rate: Approved unanimously (Resolution R2026-7-31). - FY2027 Revised Budget: Presented and discussed; no formal vote taken (budget adoption scheduled for September hearings). - CEO Contract Extended: Two-year extension approved unanimously; formal agenda vote expected at next meeting. - Property Tax Initiative: No vote; directed to committee for detailed financial impact analysis. - Meeting Schedule: August 3, 2026 meeting canceled; budget hearings set for September 8 and September 21, 2026.

Note: The meeting date is provided as July 27, 2026, though the transcript indicates July 20, 2026. This summary uses the provided date. This regular board meeting of Tampa Bay Water covered drought conditions, water supply updates, approvals of a well field land exchange and a bond resolution, and presentations on member government projects, a 20-year system analysis, and construction progress. The meeting began with a deferral of an eminent domain settlement item due to last-minute condition changes. Consent Calendar - Agenda item C1 (eminent domain settlement with Fishhawk Ranch CDD 4 for the South Hillsborough Pipeline Project) was deferred because several conditions for the easements were modified after the agenda packet was published. The primary settlement amount was unaffected. The item will be brought back at a future meeting. - The remaining consent agenda items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - David Geddes Jr. spoke about alleged deceptive practices related to reclaimed water variances. He claimed that the variance grants development rights, permits entry onto properties, and infringes on constitutional rights. He referenced multiple statutes, ordinances, and historical documents. The speaker did not represent a specific organization. Discussion Items - General Manager's Report (V1): Chuck Carden and Warren provided a drought update. June rainfall averaged just over 3 inches (normal 8). The Hillsborough River flow in July is the fourth lowest in 50 years. The regional reservoir is at 2.12 billion gallons (13.5% capacity). For the first time since October 2025, water was being harvested into the reservoir at 47 million gallons per day from the Alifia River (17 million to reservoir). Water use is 207.9 million gallons per day, 4% higher than last year. Phase 3 water restrictions remain through October 1. The East Pasco Well Field test well reached 2,850 feet. Legislative updates: $500,000 state funding for SCADA; $100 million authorization in WRDA; three community project funding requests totaling $2.1 million. Commissioner Wastel discussed data center water use; Warren explained that the water management district now requires permitting for data centers. Commissioner Eggers emphasized the need for a second reservoir; three feasibility studies are underway (expansion at current site, Lake Tarpon, Little Manatee River). - C2: South Hillsborough Well Field Land Exchange and Easement Agreement with Hillsborough County: Maribel Medina presented an interlocal agreement to exchange Tampa Bay Water's water supply development rights at the Lower Green Swamp Preserve for approximately 5 acres of easements within the Stacy R. White Nature Preserve at no cost, plus acquisition of 4.7 acres of utility corridor easements for $66,000. The well field will include eight production wells; one already exists. The agreement was approved unanimously. - C3: Supplemental Bond Resolution 2026-002: Christina Sacket, with PFM Financial Advisors and bond counsel, presented the issuance of $292 million in new money bonds (2026A) to fund capital projects, and refunding of 2016A bonds (2026B) for savings. Parameters: 2026A up to $325 million, true interest cost ≤5.5%, final maturity 2056; 2026B up to $100 million, true interest cost ≤4.5%, present value savings ≥3% of refunded amount. The refunding is expected to produce $7.8 million in net present value savings. The resolution was approved unanimously. - D1: Member Government Report from the City of New Port Richey: Colin Eichenmuller presented updates on the city's potable water (5.6 MGD avg), sanitary sewer (5.5 MGD), and reclaimed water systems (5-5.5 MGD). Key projects: West Grand neighborhood utility upgrades, smart meter replacement, reclaim system expansion needs assessment, and wastewater treatment plant improvements (Schreiber tank conversion, aeration refurbishment). No action required. - D2: 2045 System Hydraulic and Emergency Scenario Analysis: Eliana Lara presented findings from a comprehensive evaluation. Eight hydraulic capacity improvement concepts were identified; recommended: Cypress Creek Repump mode, Morris Bridge pump station upgrades, adding pumps at Lake Bridge Booster Station. Other concepts were deferred. Emergency scenarios: 20 analyzed, 8 critical outages identified; recommendations include developing emergency operating procedures and improving interconnections. Power outage analysis showed backup power deficits for 2045; recommendations include remote monitoring, increased generator capacity, and coordination with electric utilities. No action required. - D3: Construction Status Update on South Hillsborough Pipeline and Surface Water Treatment Plant Expansion: Danielle Kercy reported the pipeline is 5% complete (20% of budget spent), and the surface water plant expansion is 6% complete (17% of budget spent). A 48-inch pipe was successfully pulled under Little Fishhawk Creek. Complaints are tracked via a stakeholder database. Commissioner Wastel requested that the project team email be provided to all Hillsborough County commissioners for efficient complaint tracking. Key Outcomes - Agenda item C1 deferred to a future meeting. - Consent agenda (excluding C1) approved unanimously. - C2 (South Hillsborough Well Field Land Exchange) approved unanimously. - C3 (Bond Resolution 2026-002) approved unanimously. - Receive and file of administrative items approved unanimously. - No other formal votes taken.

The Commission on Human Trafficking held a regular board meeting on July 23, 2026, in Hillsborough County, Florida. The meeting included public comments, committee reports, budget approvals, and updates on anti-trafficking initiatives. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the May meeting (approved unanimously). Public Comments & Testimony - Jaselyn Vasquez (One More Child) requested partnership with the Commission for the 2027 Red Sand event, noting the 2026 event was the first in Hillsborough County and a success. - Bishop Tony Samuels and Pastor Jeanette Samuels (Lighthouse Freedom Center) presented their faith-based recovery program, linking addiction to trafficking. Survivor Gadriana shared her testimony of overcoming exploitation through the program. Discussion Items - Steering Committee Report (Rob): Reviewed Survivor Ventures (80% employment retention, 92% housing stability), the Dandelion Project, and budget. Approved $5,000 for project management software and $2,000 for emergency phones. Discussed strategic plan edits and a community awareness event. - Marketing Subcommittee Report (Alex): Highlighted challenges with Meta disabling comments on paid ads. The subcommittee recommended proceeding with ads using risk mitigation. After discussion, the full Commission voted to approve $20,492.17 for paid social media ads. - Strategic Plan Update (Chair Rose): The strategic plan (to 2030) is under review; additional meetings scheduled for August and September. - Staff Report (Lisa): Announced a combined community event/town hall (Sept. 16 or 17, venue donated). County employee training in procurement. Approved funding for Seminole Heights Community Clinic (under $10,000) and a law enforcement initiative (up to $5,000). Updates on Children's Network contract and Hotel/Motel outreach (SOAP project). - Port Tampa Bay representative noted appointment to federal advisory committee on human trafficking. - Discussion of the Chance program (vetoed by governor) and the distinction between dependent and community children. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved. - Paid social media ads approved ($20,492.17). - Seminole Heights Community Clinic funding approved (under $10,000). - Law enforcement initiative funding approved (up to $5,000). - Strategic plan revisions to continue. - September community event/town hall and county employee training in progress. - Hotel/Motel outreach scheduled; volunteers recruited.