Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting – April 15, 2026

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held its regular meeting on April 15, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the County Center, Tampa. The meeting included a conservation award presentation, public comments, approval of a consent agenda, and action on several regular agenda items, including stormwater funding, CDBG-DR infrastructure projects, a solid waste ordinance, and a briefing on the Urban Service Area. Key decisions approved $95 million in new CDBG-DR projects, directed staff to revise solid waste discount rules, and initiated drafting of a short-term rental registration ordinance.

Conservation Award

• The 2026 Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award was presented to Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park’s David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center, recognizing its rescue and rehabilitation of over 635 manatees and release of 356 back to the wild.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cassandra Santos (Carrollwood resident) urged the board to include long-term maintenance plans for the Brushy Creek restoration project, noting inadequate maintenance contributed to flooding during Hurricane Milton.
• Denise Herndon (resident) criticized the county’s spending priorities, including the proposed African American Arts & Cultural Center and a Rays stadium, arguing that roads, sidewalks, and fire stations are more urgent.
• Debbie Holliday (Dover resident) expressed concern about the potential expansion of the Urban Service Area, warning it could erode rural character and overload infrastructure.
• Mark Kiddo (Baycrest Park resident) requested stronger enforcement of short-term rental regulations, focusing on land-use compatibility and safety, not a state-length ban.
• Thomas Cobert (disabled veteran) voiced concerns about ICE enforcement actions in the county.
• Laura Lawson (former legislative aide) criticized the proposed Rays stadium financing, citing a consultant’s report that described the fiscal analysis as “pseudo-economic drivel.”
• Dr. James Davison (New Tampa) warned that using Community Investment Tax (CIT) funds for a stadium could lead to a lawsuit that might nullify the entire CIT, jeopardizing funding for other projects.

Discussion Items

• Stormwater Rate Study (B3): The board received and accepted the 2026 Stormwater Rate Study, which recommends additional annual funding of $14.8 million for capital and $1.8 million for maintenance to address system needs. The current annual rate of $86.49 is among the lowest 25% in Florida. A public hearing to consider rate changes will be held in summer 2026. Commissioner Wostal expressed concern that new development may not be adequately covering its stormwater impacts.
• CDBG-DR Infrastructure Projects (B4): The board approved 10 projects across 160 sites, totaling $95 million, funded by the $709.3 million HUD CDBG-DR grant. Projects include neighborhood drainage improvements, channel restoration on Brushy Creek, culvert replacements at 105 sites, power outage beacons at 34 sites, pump station resiliency at 14 sites, a low-pressure sewer conversion in Ruskin, and three flood mitigation natural lands restoration projects. A public-facing website for project tracking was launched.
• CDBG-DR Housing Programs (B5): The board approved blueprints for the Multi-Family Housing Program ($60 million) and Special Population Housing Program ($20 million). Programs will use a competitive procurement process, prioritizing rehabilitation of storm-damaged units over new construction. The board retains final approval on funding awards.
• CDBG-DR Payment Processing (B6): The board approved a modification to the BDO consulting agreement to serve as a payment processor for the Single-Family Housing Program, with fees of $2,500 per payment to construction management firms and $500 per homeowner reimbursement, capped at $2 million. The total contract increased from $31.7 million to $33.7 million.
• Solid Waste Special Rate Ordinance (D1): After a public hearing, the board approved an ordinance removing inconsistent dates from the code for senior citizen and accessory dwelling unit discounts. The board also directed the County Attorney to revise the ordinance to clarify that the senior discount is a one-time application (not annual) and to improve tracking of property ownership changes.
• Urban Service Area Briefing (F3): Commissioner Wostal hosted a presentation by the County-City Planning Commission regarding concerns about the 33-year-old Urban Service Area (USA) policy. The Planning Commission chair noted that the 80/20 growth metric was reached, prompting expansion studies in Wimauma and Balm, with ongoing studies for the I-4 corridor and Little Manatee South. The board received the report and discussed the need for empirical evaluation, infrastructure alignment, and property rights considerations. No further action was taken at this meeting.
• Short-Term Rental Regulations (F2): The board directed the County Attorney’s office to draft an ordinance requiring business registration and certification of safety features for short-term vacation rentals (e.g., Airbnb). The ordinance will avoid state preemption by focusing on business regulation rather than rental duration or frequency. The draft will be brought back for future board consideration.
• Board Appointments (F1): The board approved appointments to the Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee, Health Care Advisory Board, Health Council of West Central Florida, Hillsborough County Hospital Authority, and Public Library Board.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Stormwater Rate Study (B3) – Accepted report; public hearing scheduled for summer 2026.
• Approved: CDBG-DR Phase 3 Infrastructure Projects (B4) – $95 million for 10 projects (vote 7-0).
• Approved: CDBG-DR Housing Program Blueprints (B5) – $60 million for multi-family, $20 million for special populations (vote 7-0).
• Approved: CDBG-DR Payment Processing Modification (B6) – $2 million cap added to BDO contract (vote 7-0).
• Approved: Solid Waste Ordinance (D1) – Removed inconsistent dates; directed staff to revise discount application rules (vote 7-0).
• Received: Urban Service Area Report (F3) – No further action; staff will continue studies and provide updates.
• Directed: Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance (F2) – County Attorney to draft ordinance with safety and registration components (vote 7-0).
• Future Discussion Item: Commissioner Cameron Cepeda requested a comprehensive plan and cost estimate for a dirt road paving program, prioritizing unpaved roads impacted by growth, to be presented at a future meeting.