Bethzaida Lopez-Ortiz

The Board authorized the Tampa Sports Authority to negotiate a construction manager contract for an indoor field house project. Funding was approved for the 2026 Safe Summer Series to support youth engagement and violence prevention. The board directed staff to review ordinances regarding firearm waiting periods to align with state law, and to draft amendments for the Small Business Encouragement Program. Additionally, the board initiated a review of the Synthetic Drug Ordinance to prohibit the sale of 7-OH extract of kratom, received a report on proposed property tax reform legislation, and directed staff to evaluate funding mechanisms for Fire Rescue while maintaining revenue neutrality.

The meeting featured the presentation of the 2026 Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award, established to recognize outstanding high school baseball players for their athletic, academic, and community service achievements. The session included a tribute to Tony Saladino for his contributions to local baseball and education. Recognition was given to honorable mention recipients Winston Pennant of Sumner High School and Matthew Altman of Gaither High School. The main award was presented to Wilson Anderson of Jesuit High School for his performance and leadership as a student-athlete.

The board declared several observances including problem-solving court month, Asian-Pacific American heritage month, and emergency medical services week. A non-binding memorandum of understanding was approved with Tampa Bay Rays entities regarding the development of a new ballpark. The board adopted a resolution to expand the geographic boundary of the county seat to include all lands within the county. Funding was approved for the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center to convert septic systems to the central sewer system. Additionally, the board updated ordinances for red light cameras, school zone speed enforcement, and fees related to cremation, dissection, and burial at sea services.

The board designated April as Water Conservation Month and declared specific dates as Florida Water Reuse Week to promote water resource education. Financial allocations were approved for an employer-based workforce housing development for healthcare workers, and federal disaster recovery funds were appropriated for infrastructure repairs and storm resilience projects following recent hurricane damage. Additionally, the board initiated negotiations for a public-private partnership with Zoo Tampa to assist with future expansion and scheduled a public workshop to discuss potential relocation plans for the Tampa Bay Rays.

The board declared a specific awareness day for a local housing organization and presented a commendation to the Truth, Faith, and Action Alliance for its community outreach efforts. Key approvals included a conveyance agreement for stormwater improvement projects, an ordinance regulating solicitation on public roads to enhance safety, and the allocation of funding for critical infrastructure and pedestrian projects within the Fletcher District development. Additionally, the board authorized projects funded by the Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery grant to mitigate flooding and approved a contract modification for the Onewater South Wastewater Conveyance and Treatment Project.