Hillsborough County BOCC Land Use Meeting – January 13, 2026

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners held its land use meeting on January 13, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM. All seven commissioners were present. The board handled over 20 agenda items, including seven continuances, three right-of-way vacations, eight minor modifications to planned developments, four rezonings, three community development district petitions, and two related rezoning/modification items. Most items were approved unanimously (7-0) with limited discussion, except for a few that drew public testimony or commissioner deliberation.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved by a 7-0 vote, covering items B.2 through B.11: major modifications (MM 25-1242, 25-1243), rezonings (RZ-PD 25-1244, 25-1246; RZ-STD 25-1390), a bond release (Bullfrog Creek Wetland Mitigation Bank), and three plat/infrastructure acceptance items (Council Bay, Indigo Creek Phase 2, Lone Pine RV Park, Sanctuary at Citrus Park).
• Item B.1 (MM 25-1081, SJB Ventures) was continued to the February 10, 2026 meeting at the applicant's request.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item F.1 (Tegal Apollo Inc.) – Height opposition: Craig Major, an Apollo Beach resident, and expert witness Carlyanos opposed the requested increase from 50 to 60 feet, arguing it would be an eyesore and inconsistent with the Apollo Beach Community Plan's language discouraging heights over 50 feet in residentially zoned areas. They noted the site plan showed a 72-foot height and that previous commissions had denied similar increases. The applicant's representative, William Malloy, countered that the site is in an OC-20 future land use category (not residential) and that the change would eliminate a permitted 103-room hotel, replacing it with 52-54 condominium units. He also stated the 10-foot increase would achieve the desired aesthetic.
• Item F.2 (CWH Management Inc.) – Traffic and safety concerns: Residents testified about existing traffic backups on Fern Hill Drive from a nearby school and worsening flooding. The applicant's transportation engineer stated traffic counts did not show backups and that the project would include a 10-foot multi-use path and sidewalk improvements.
• Item G.1A/B (GHS MLK 11, LLC) – High View Road impacts: Opponents raised concerns about narrow roads, flooding, parking, and building height. The applicant detailed road improvements (10-foot lanes, turn lanes, sidewalks) and enhanced buffers. Commissioner Boles asked about Terry Lane connections and the waiver for a 10-foot lane instead of 11-foot with bike lane; the engineer explained the constrained right-of-way.
• For other items, either no public testimony was given or only proponent statements were presented.

Discussion Items

• E.4 – University Square Mall modification (PRS 26-0012): Applicant Elise Batsel presented changes to combine blocks, add 367 multifamily units with enhanced pedestrian access, and revise conditions 5.23 (landscaping definition) and 9B (timing of a major transit stop with HART, now due by December 31, 2027 or concurrent with next redevelopment in blocks 10,11,14,15). Staff supported. Approved 7-0.
• F.1 – Tegal Apollo height debate: Commissioner Wostal noted the site is in an OC-20 zone, not residentially zoned, so the 50-foot discouragement may not apply. He emphasized that a 103-room hotel is already permitted, and the proposal reduces intensity. Commissioner Cohen agreed. Commissioner Cameron Cepeda moved approval. Approved 7-0.
• F.3 – GHS MLK 2 LLC (rezoning to CG(R) for grocery): Presented by Rebecca Kurt. The rezoning includes a trip cap, use restrictions, and a 20-foot Type B buffer. One opponent at the ZHM addressed High View Road, but no public testimony at the BOCC. Approved 7-0.
• G.1A/B – GHS MLK 11 mixed-use PD: Detailed presentation on 14.99-acre site with 304 multifamily units and 27,000 sq ft commercial, using infill density bonus. Road improvements on High View include 10-foot lanes, turn lanes, and sidewalks. Transportation engineer Michael Yates stated trips are reduced from previous entitlements. Commissioner Boles discussed Terry Lane access. Approved 7-0.
• Commissioner Wostal's Item: Wostal raised a case where a homeowner's improvement of an existing enclosed patio (under original roof line) triggered higher impact and mobility fees due to flat-rate tier brackets. He expressed concern about penalizing long-time residents for minor living area expansions. Commissioner Miller supported looking at this separately. The board unanimously directed staff to bring back suggestions for more equitable assessments.

Key Outcomes

• Continued to February 10, 2026: Items A.1–A.7 (Bassam Dammak, Latitude 27, DGPS Recycling, Bing Kearney, Mark Bentley, US Foods, PSS); B.1 (MM 25-1081); and staff report I.1 (Live Local Act status report accepted and due back on that date).
• Continued to March 10, 2026: Item E.8 (Habitat for Humanity PRS 26-0179) at the applicant's request.
• Approved unanimously (7-0): Consent items B.2–B.11; Vacation items C.1–C.3; Land use items E.1–E.7, E.9–E.11; Regular agenda items F.1–F.4; Related items G.1A and G.1B.
• Commissioner Wostal's motion: Direct staff to study and propose amendments to the Hillsborough County Consolidated Impact Assessment Program and Mobility Fee Program ordinances to address impact and mobility fee assessments for minor increases in living area for existing residents. Motion carried 7-0.