Hillsborough County BOCC Meeting – April 1, 2026

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners met on April 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the County Center, 2nd Floor. The meeting included a proclamation for Water Conservation Month and Florida Water Reuse Week, public comments, a consent agenda, and multiple discussion items covering workforce housing, flood mitigation, code enforcement, a zoo expansion, transparency in Rays negotiations, CIT ballot language review, YIGBY implementation, and the Moseley Homestead. Key votes included approval of $1.94 million for Tampa General Hospital workforce housing, $70 million in CDBG-DR projects, a motion to schedule a workshop on the Rays deal, and a directive to begin negotiations with ZooTampa.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent agenda items A-1 through A-65 (with modifications) unanimously (6-0), including: A-1 (First Modification to CDBG agreement with East Tampa Business and Community Development Alliance, adding $487,000), A-2 (Second Modification to CDBG-CV agreement with University Area CDC, adding $69,000), A-3 (First Modification to SHIP funding agreement with Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, extending deadlines), A-4 (Second Modification to CDBG-CV agreement with Friends of Joshua House Foundation, adding $50,412), A-5 (Change Order No. 2 with Diaz/Fritz Group, decreasing contract by $13,543.80), A-8 (Agreement for Agricultural Pesticide Collection Day, $30,000 from EPC), A-9 (Settlement in Reginald Baker v. County, $125,000), A-10 (Settlements with six opioid defendants, approx. $436,411.53 net), A-13 (Sponsorship for Frontiers Forum, $25,000, with waiver of two-year nonprofit requirement), A-14 (Budget amendment realigning $3,000,000 for road resurfacing), A-15 (Budget amendment realigning $550,000 for Madison Avenue improvements), A-16 (Oracle agreement increase to $8,583,152.97, extension through 2030), A-18 (License agreement with West Coast RC Club, $10/year), A-19 (Parking license with Temple Terrace Church of Christ, no fee), A-20 (Lease with Children's Board, $1 fee), A-22 (Acceptance of $263,153 state grant for airboats), A-23 (Additional federal appropriation projects), A-24 through A-26 (Modifications to opioid treatment agreements), A-27 (Agreement with Masjid An Nasr, $49,894.40), A-28 (Agreement with Tampa Alumni Guide Right Foundation, $75,000), A-29 (Agreement with Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay), A-30 (CDBG-DR Action Plan Amendment – pulled for discussion, later approved), A-31 (Resolution designating Certifying Officers), A-32 (Resolution delegating signature authority), A-33 (Funding agreement with Sulphur Springs Museum, $58,500), A-34 (Agreement with Lightning Foundation, $200,000 donation), A-36 (Cooperative contract for generators, $899,663), A-37 (Contracts with CDR Maguire for emergency services, $3M-$6M estimated), A-38 (Contract with Turtle Infrastructure Partners for traffic signs, $706,950.30), A-39 (Contract with Dirt on Demand for rock and sand, $931,212.50), A-40 (Contract with Yunex LLC for traffic signal equipment, $5,300,000, with ability to increase to $6,061,252.20), A-41 (Contracts for light and medium trucks, $1,454,213), A-42 (Contract with Ferguson for fire hydrants, $624,132), A-43 (Report of emergency procurements for cold weather sheltering, $365,200), A-44 (Sole source contract with DXP Enterprises, $6,600,000), A-45 (Sole source with Fluid Control Specialties, $1,458,835), A-46 (State contract with MSC Industrial Supply, $400,000/year), A-47 (Amendment to EHEAP contract, no fiscal impact), A-48 (Memorandum of Agreement with Florida Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged, corrected to 2031), A-49 through A-51 (Agreements with FDOT for utility relocations, total $42,735.43), A-52 (Amendment with Polk State College for training, extension through 2031), A-53 (Modification with Aqua-Aerobic Systems, $278,400 increase), A-54 (Modification with Witt Fence Co., $350,000 increase), A-55 (Receipt of official board records), A-56 (Approval of minutes), A-57 (Receipt of audit report), A-58 through A-60 (Budget amendments for FNCAC grants, decreasing totals), A-61 (Budget amendment to accept $16,951 from EPA), A-62 (Acceptance of $1,056,000 federal grant for TPO), A-63 (Budget amendment increasing TPO fund balances by $29,844), A-64 (Budget amendment increasing Planning Commission fund balances by $3,333), A-65 (Commissioner Hagan's report on SWFWMD meeting).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mark Proctor (Timberly Trust): Expressed gratitude for support of Moseley Homestead, outlined partnerships (e.g., Portellos Restaurant) and personal guarantees for a $125,000 line of credit.
• Amy Carey Lee (Treasurer, Timberly Trust): Clarified that the $700,000 request is a reduction from the original $1.1 million in designated CIP funds, not a new ask. Emphasized alignment with the original vision.
• Dr. Linda Dennison (Brentwood resident): Described code violations at 3428 Ehrlich Road (multiple sheds, bathrooms, septic tank) and requested immediate enforcement to protect property values and safety.
• Kay Sullivan (Director, Timberly Trust): Called for support of the Moseley Homestead plan, citing financial stewardship, no debt, and prior achievements (roof repair, electrical, fencing).
• Dr. Lori Collins (Advisor, Timberly Trust): Emphasized the site's National Register listing and 11-to-Save designation, urged approval of $700,000 from previously allocated 1.1 million.
• Laura Lawson (Attorney, 28-year resident): Opposed using public funds for a new sports stadium, citing research showing stadiums do not provide economic benefits. Urged robust debate.
• Denise Herndon (Resident): Raised concerns about fraudulent land trust practices and hacking of records, referencing the Brentwood area.
• Betty Joe Tompkins (Resident): Advocated for preserving the Moseley Homestead as a priceless asset, comparing it to paving paradise.
• Dr. Jim Davison (New Tampa resident): Argued against using CIT for a stadium, citing broken promises, infrastructure needs, and likely lawsuits. Called it a "spitball."
• Carmen Edmonds (Chair, Hillsborough County Republican Party): Opposed diverting CIT to a stadium, noting the ballot language excluded new stadiums. Cited Republican values and concerns from East County and NAACP.
• Sharon Calvert (Virtual, President of Fix Our Roads First): Asked the board to vote no on F-6, calling the use of CIT for a stadium unethical and likely to spark lawsuits.
• Tom Cobert (former charter member of juvenile justice council): Cautioned against using the indigent health care surplus for other purposes, warning of future health dangers.
• Thomas Malouf (Resident): Questioned property tax millage rates and expressed concern about stadium funding.
• Daniel J. Zamiello (Son of murder victim): Described inadequate victim services from HCSO, requested immediate funding for victim specialists.
• Elliot Patterson (Sunshine 811): Highlighted National Safe Digging Month, urged stronger enforcement of the safe digging law in Hillsborough County.

Discussion Items

• F-1: Tampa International Airport Update – CEO Michael Stephens presented the Airside D project (16 gates, new customs facility, lounges, biometrics) and a concessions redevelopment information session on April 9, 2026. Wait times averaged 20 minutes despite spring break and TSA challenges. No property tax funding; paid by airlines, passengers, and rental car fees.
• B-1: Tampa General Hospital Workforce Housing – Approved a resolution and funding agreement for up to $1,939,990 over three years (FY26-28) toward construction of 170 affordable rental units, childcare, and shuttle services on Delaney Creek Boulevard in Brandon. First of its kind in the county.
• B-2: CDBG-DR Projects – Approved a resolution amending the CIP and a budget amendment appropriating $70,156,991 for phase two flood mitigation projects, including ditch and sidedrain restoration ($42.5M), lift station resiliency ($18.5M), drainage improvements ($7.35M), culvert replacements ($1.8M), and stormwater pump stations ($312).
• G-2: 3428 Ehrlich Road Report – Commissioner Hagan presented a report on code enforcement issues at the property. After public comment, the board directed the County Attorney's Office to take all appropriate legal action regarding violations. Motion passed 6-0.
• F-2: Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award – Approved selection committee's recommendation of Sheriff Chad Chronister as recipient, with presentation at May 6, 2026 BOCC meeting.
• F-3: ZooTampa Expansion Negotiations – Commissioner Wostal motioned to direct staff to begin negotiations with ZooTampa on a public-private partnership for their expansion (announced 2022), identifying funding sources such as the CIT community facilities line item and tourist development taxes, aiming for a dollar-for-dollar match. The requested CIT funding is $75 million over 15 years ($5M/year). Motion passed 6-0.
• F-4: Release of Rays Deal Documents – Commissioner Wostal motioned to compel release of draft documents and financial analyses concerning the Tampa Bay Rays deal. County Attorney Mandell noted no documents exist that aren't personal notes or privileged. Commissioner Cohen offered a substitute motion to schedule a workshop after an agreement is reached, with public access. The substitute motion passed 2-4 (Cohen, Myers voted yes; Boles, Miller, Hagan, Wostal voted no). The original motion failed.
• F-6: CIT Ballot Language Review – Commissioner Myers motioned to request the County Attorney's Office to provide legal analysis on the CIT renewal ballot language (approved by voters in November 2024) and whether CIT funds can be used for a new sports facility. County Attorney Mandell indicated she would seek an outside opinion. Motion passed 5-1 (Wostal voted no).
• F-5: Mira Bay Community Issues – Commissioner Wostal motioned to direct staff and the County Attorney to work with the Mira Bay community CDD on platting and vacation issues around Signet Drive in Marisol Point. Motion passed 6-0.
• F-7: Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Award – Commissioner Miller motioned to approve the ELAPP Subcommittee's selection for the 2026 award, to be presented at the April 15, 2026 BOCC meeting. Motion passed 6-0.
• G-1: YIGBY Implementation Options – Staff presented options for implementing Senate Bill 1730 (Yes In God's Back Yard), including approval processes, development standards, affordability requirements, and duration. Commissioner Boles expressed interest in a collaborative approach. The report was received.
• G-4: Moseley Homestead Report – Staff presented analysis of the Timberly Trust's proposal for $700,000 in additional CIP funds. Recommendation: no financial action now; trust should first complete existing $524,000 in authorized work (by February 2028) and demonstrate financial stability. The report was received. Commissioner Myers noted the trust should come back after meeting deliverables.
• A-6: Southcoast Greenway Trail Public Art Project – Pulled by Commissioner Wostal, who questioned spending $125,000 on a fiberglass sculpture while other infrastructure needs exist. Motion to approve passed 5-1 (Wostal voted no).
• A-30: CDBG-DR Action Plan Amendment – Pulled by Commissioner Wostal for clarification on program design flexibility. Staff confirmed it does not allow shifting funds between large pots without BOCC approval. Motion to approve passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Consent Agenda (6-0) with the two pulled items decided separately.
• B-1: TGH Workforce Housing – Approved 6-0.
• B-2: CDBG-DR Projects – Approved 6-0.
• G-2: Ehrlich Road Enforcement – Directed County Attorney to take legal action (6-0).
• F-2: Good Government Award – Approved (6-0).
• F-3: ZooTampa Negotiations – Approved (6-0).
• F-4: Rays Deal Documents – Substitute motion to schedule a workshop passed (2-4). Board will schedule a workshop after an agreement is reached.
• F-5: Mira Bay Community – Directed staff to work with CDD (6-0).
• F-6: CIT Ballot Language Review – County Attorney to obtain outside opinion; motion passed 5-1.
• F-7: Conservation Award – Approved (6-0).
• A-6: Public Art Project – Approved 5-1.
• A-30: CDBG-DR Action Plan – Approved 6-0.
• Future Discussion Items – Commissioner Miller requested staff to explore options for improving yard waste collection reliability in east and south county, and to provide a review of water system infrastructure costs in Sunset Manor and Lutz at the May 6, 2026 BOCC meeting.
• Meeting Adjourned after future discussion items.