Hillsborough County BOCC Meeting - May 20, 2026: Proclamations, Public Hearings, and Tampa Bay Rays MOU Approved
Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting - May 20, 2026
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held its regular meeting on May 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the County Center, 2nd Floor. The meeting included proclamations, a consent agenda, multiple public hearings, and a major discussion item regarding a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tampa Bay Rays for a new ballpark and redevelopment. The meeting lasted from 9:00 AM until after 11:45 AM (recess for lunch). The BOCC approved nearly all items, including the contentious B-1 MOU by a 5-2 vote.
Proclamations & Recognitions
- Problem-Solving Court Month (May 2026): Presented by Commissioner Cohen. The 13th Judicial Circuit’s problem-solving courts served 1,074 participants in 2025, with an average one-year recidivism rate of 9.82%. Chief Judge Chris Sabella thanked the Board for funding and support.
- Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month (May 2026): Presented by Commissioner Cameron Cepeda. Hung Mai and representatives from multiple AAPI organizations accepted the proclamation and highlighted the contributions and history of the community.
- EMS Week (May 17–23, 2026): Presented by Commissioner Boles. Tim Pearson, president of the EMS professionals, accepted on behalf of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.
Consent Calendar
The BOCC approved the consent agenda (motion by Commissioner Myers, second by Commissioner Cohen) with a 7-0 vote. Consent items A-4 (HOME grants) and A-5 (HOME Rescue Plan) were deferred to June 3, 2026. B-5 (emergency debris management services) was also deferred to June 3, 2026. All other consent items were approved, including:
- A-8/A-9: Turkey Creek Road improvements change order and budget amendment (including a liquidated damages assessment of $1,658,274).
- A-14: Disbursement of $10,553,078 in school impact fees for Aquilla Morgan High School.
- A-21: FDOT grant for Big Bend Road widening (up to $12,040,953).
- A-22: FDOT grant for Pebble Beach Blvd bridge replacement ($750,000).
- A-26: Partner agreement with Feeding Tampa Bay for office space.
- A-36: Interlocal agreement with Temple Terrace for a handicap accessible baseball turf field ($450,000).
- A-43: Award of yard/wood waste processing contract to Consolidated Resource Recovery ($22,502,358).
- A-55: Budget amendment resolution adjusting fund balances (net increase of $999,689).
Public Comments & Testimony
Morning Public Comments (limit reduced to 2 minutes per speaker): Nearly all speakers focused on the Tampa Bay Rays MOU (Item B-1).
Opponents (majority of speakers):
- Karen Geroche (Northdale): Argued CIT funds should not be diverted from critical infrastructure. Noted $360 million in CIT would be used in first four years. Urged a no vote.
- Laura Lawson (former legislative aide): Recalled that in April 2024 a supermajority of the board did not want CIT used for a stadium. Urged no vote and protection of college assets.
- Tom Cobert: Cited the 1995 Buccaneers stadium deal as a bad precedent. Urged board not to let billionaires push them around.
- Carmen Edmonds (Chair, Hillsborough County Republican Party): Presented a straw poll showing unanimous opposition from the executive body and 89% of online respondents against using CIT. Stated voters were promised no CIT for a stadium.
- Julie McGill (contractor, candidate for mayor): Called for a full independent forensic audit. Noted taxpayers are funding stadium, parking, roads, infrastructure, not just the ballpark.
- Michelle Dyson (bartender at Tropicana Field): Supported the MOU, speaking for workers. Asked for commitment to workers and community, and urged signing the MOU to secure Tampa as a top-tier sports city.
- Michael Marino (West Shore Alliance): Supported the MOU, citing economic impact, transportation improvements, and public-private investment value.
- Ergin Tek: Supported the Rays staying but wanted taxpayer protections and equity in return. Proposed 10% of returns as public equity.
- Catherine Corman: Opposed the deal, citing lack of transparency and research showing publicly funded stadiums do not boost local economies.
- Melanie Alvarez (Americans for Prosperity): Opposed, arguing public funds should go to roads, safety, storm preparedness, not corporate welfare.
- Ron Weaver: Supported the MOU, described it as using existing revenue streams (tourist taxes, CIT, CRA) with no new taxes. Quoted Shakespeare.
- Rob Ledford (Tampa Bay Chamber): Supported the MOU, but stressed that CIT allocations must protect long-term capacity and commitments to existing teams.
- Elijah Lewen: Shared personal history with the Rays and supported the stadium project.
- Jim Davison (New Tampa): Opposed, citing CIT revenue underperformance. Claimed CIT collections were $25 million below last year and $10 million below FY24. Argued there is no surplus.
- Kurt Thorson: Supported, argued that 28 cities have figured out how to fund stadiums while addressing other needs. Called the development a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
- Ray Wong: Supported the proposal, acknowledging valid concerns but emphasizing long-term economic and community impact.
- Sherry Reese: Opposed, noted property tax and insurance increases. Stated if Tampa wants the stadium, it should pay more.
- Norman Reese: Opposed, cited lack of affordable housing in the MOU and concern about tourist tax being diverted from convention center.
- Stephen Gower: Supported, moved from Chicago in 1993 partly due to the NHL franchise. Believed the project is worth it for future generations.
- Alejandro Noriega: Supported, citing ownership group’s transparency and comparison to Water Street development. Noted CIT originally funded Raymond James Stadium.
- Denise Herndon (multiple public hearings): Spoke about opioid crisis, red-light cameras, school zone cameras, medical examiner fees, and the county seat expansion. Expressed distrust of government spending and called for transparency.
Discussion Items
B-1 (Time Certain 10:15 AM): Approve non-binding MOU with Tampa Bay Rays
- Presentation: County Administrator Bonnie Wise and staff (Greg Horwedel, Tom Fessler) presented the MOU framework. Key points:
- The proposed ballpark (31,000 seats) and mixed-use development on 121 acres of Hillsborough College Dale Mabry Campus.
- Public subsidy up to $976 million: $360 million CIT (county), $80 million CIT (city), $263 million TDT bonds, $40 million TDT reserves, $103 million county reserves/cash, $30 million CDBG-DR, plus CRA funds.
- State of Florida pledged $150 million for college relocation and infrastructure.
- MOU is non-binding; allows staff to negotiate definitive agreements. Key unresolved issues: funding backstop, CAPEX maintenance, development mix, minimum valuation, revenue sharing, community benefits agreement.
- Board Discussion:
- Chair Hagan: Supported moving forward, called it a generational opportunity. Emphasized that this is not a final vote.
- Commissioner Miller (mover): Supported, citing similar past investments (Amalie Arena, Raymond James Stadium) that generated billions. Moved approval.
- Commissioner Cameron Cepeda (opposed): Opposed using CIT, cash reserves, and general funds. Noted majority of public opposition. Stated it would harm infrastructure and emergency reserves.
- Commissioner Myers (second): Supported, highlighted jobs (12,000) and housing. Wanted protections for Visit Tampa Bay funding and tax collector office relocation.
- Commissioner Boles: Supported moving forward. Stressed public safety projects are protected (nine fire stations in CIT). Sought assurance of tax base growth and guardrails on public dollars.
- Commissioner Cohen: Supported, calling the MOU a vote to continue negotiations. Praised staff work. Referenced Water Street success. Noted that saying no ends the deal.
- Commissioner Wostal (opposed): Questioned staff extensively. Argued the deal harms taxpayers, uses general funds/property taxes contrary to earlier board direction. Raised concerns about CIT underperformance, impact on other capital projects, and lack of detail on design costs. Called it a "monumental betrayal." Staff responded that the MOU is a framework and definitive agreements will address details.
- Vote: Motion to approve B-1 (MOU) passed 5-2. Commissioners Cameron Cepeda and Wostal voted no.
B-6: Funding for Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center septic to sewer conversion
- Approved $317,100 in funding (CIP C83713000) for High Five nonprofit. Motion by Commissioner Miller, second by Commissioner Myers. Passed 7-0.
F-1: Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award
- Approved award to Wilson Andersen (Jesuit High School) with honorable mentions to Winston Pennant (Sumner HS) and Mathew Altman (Gaither HS). Presentation scheduled for June 3, 2026. Motion by Commissioner Myers, second by Commissioner Miller. Passed 7-0.
Public Hearings (Time Certain 10:00 AM)
All public hearings were conducted together. Each had one speaker (Denise Herndon) but no other public testimony. All passed unanimously (7-0).
- D-1 (County Seat Expansion): Second of two hearings. Adopted resolution expanding the county seat to all lands within Hillsborough County (not relocating or altering municipal boundaries). Motion by Commissioner Miller.
- D-2/B-2 (Red-Light Camera Program): Amended Ordinance 13-19 to update minimum qualifications for local hearing officers and set compensation ($250 first 3 hours, $100/hr thereafter, cap $500/docket; annual impact $3,500). Approved ordinance and corresponding resolution.
- D-3/B-3 (School Zone Speed Enforcement Program): Amended Ordinance 23-22 with same hearing officer compensation structure (annual impact $19,000). Approved.
- D-4/B-4 (Medical Examiner Fees): Amended Ordinance 91-18 to expand fee schedule; expected to increase FY26 revenue by $480,000. Approved.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda: Approved with 7-0 vote; items A-4, A-5, B-5 deferred to June 3.
- B-1 (Rays MOU): Approved 5-2. Staff authorized to continue negotiations on definitive agreements. Final agreements will require future BOCC approval.
- Public Hearings: All four items passed 7-0.
- B-6 and F-1: Approved 7-0.
- Next Meeting: June 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM (includes award presentation and deferred items).
Meeting Transcript
Welcome to a meeting of your Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. Representing District One, Harry Cohen. Representing District 2, Ken Hagen. Representing District 3, Gwen Myers. Representing District 4, Christine Miller. Representing District 5, Donna Cameron Cepeda. Representing District 6, Chris Bowles. Representing District 7, Joshua Wolstall. The County Administrator is Bonnie Wise. The County Attorney is Julia Mandel. Time is set aside at the beginning of each meeting for citizens to speak on any issue. So we have time for everyone. Speakers are asked to limit their comments to three minutes. Today's meeting is brought to you with closed captioning by Hillsborough Television. Good morning, and welcome to the May 20th, 2026 regularly scheduled board meeting of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. Would everyone please rise for the pledge and invocation given by our chaplain commissioner Gwyn Myers? And to the Republic for which is fans. Bless the recipients who would receive a proclamation this morning. And Father, I ask for a special blessing that as the parties, the city, the county, and the race, as we discuss the MOU today, you already know what the final decision would be. And I ask that you would bless the parties, continue to allow them to negotiate and speak, and represent you in your holy name, I pray. Amen. It reads whereas the 13th Judicial Circuit offers a variety of problem solving courts to help meet the diverse needs of the community, including adult drug treatment court, family dependency treatment court, early childhood court, veterans' treatment court, Marchman Act Court, Adult Mental Health Court, and Juvenile Mental Health Court. And whereas problem solving courts share the common goal of addressing the underlying factors that contribute to justice system involvement rather than solely focusing on punishment, and they provide evidence-based treatment, judicial supervision, accountability, and support services tailored to individual needs. And whereas problem solving courts have demonstrated cost savings for taxpayers by reducing incarceration, improving public safety, and connecting participants with long-term recovery support. Whereas the 13th Judicial Circuit has a long history of innovation and leadership, including establishing the first post adjudication court and first juvenile mental health court in Florida, and the circuit's veterans treatment court is recognized as part of a federal program to improve veterans' treatment courts nationwide. Whereas in 2025, the circuit's problem solving courts served 1,074 participants, including 137 children, who were served either directly or through services provided to their parents through the family dependency treatment court. And the average one year recidivism rate among all problem solving courts was 9.82%. All outstanding achievements. Whereas the success of Problem Solving Court Month depends on the dedicated efforts of judges, prosecutors, treatment providers, case managers, law enforcement officers, mentors, and community partners who work collaboratively to support participants on their path to recover. Now, therefore, it be it proclaimed that the Board of County Commissioners of Hillsborough County, Florida, does hereby declare May 2026 as problem solving court month in Hillsborough County and encourages residents to recognize the positive impacts these courts have made in the community by connecting participants to behavioral health, housing, transportation, medical, and other services they may not have received had they not been enrolled in a problem solving court. Presented this 20th day of May 2026. And at this time, I would like to ask our chief judge, Chris Sabella, to say a few words. Good morning. It's all right. I'm sorry. They're on the bottom here. Um I just want to say before I read the comments, though, that we just couldn't do it. This program would not be as successful as it is, and it is very successful without the people that are up here with me. So I want to thank you. I want to thank the Commission and everyone for your continued funding for the supplemental grant support through the opioid settlement and for your unwavering commitment to our problem-solving courts. Your investment doesn't just sustain a program, it truly changes lives. The success is based on a multidisciplinary team, which, as you know, includes the State Attorney's Office, the Public Defender's Office, and others that you see with us, but including the judges. But without treatment providers, we would have no services. Because of your support, people facing addiction, mental health challenges, and instability are receiving treatment, structural, and a real opportunity to rebuild. Families are being reunited. Recidivism is declining, and our communities are becoming safer and stronger. On behalf of our entire team and every participant whose future is brighter because of this work, thank you for believing in accountability, compassion, and most importantly, second chances, particularly for those people who deserve it. Thank you again very much. I think we're going to take some pictures. Absolutely.
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