Dexter Barge

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.

The public hearing agenda focuses on several Comprehensive Plan Amendments, including map amendments related to residential and mixed-use land designations and a rezoning application proposing single-family residential or RV spaces combined with commercial uses. Additionally, the meeting addresses Comprehensive Plan text amendments regarding specific naming conventions and the inclusion of a new land use category for rural light industrial uses.

The recap summarizes actions taken during the regular meeting. Key approvals included executing a Conveyance Agreement with MMI BRN PROPCO II, LLC concerning property improvements in Progress Village, and directing staff to determine mobility and transportation enhancements in that community. The Board approved resolutions amending the Adopted FY 26 - FY 31 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to add three new CDBG-DR projects and appropriated associated funding, including significant amounts for implementation consultants Ernst & Young and BDO. Eleven infrastructure projects were approved to be funded by the CDBG-DR grant award to address flooding impacts. The Board authorized negotiations with firms deemed best-qualified as Construction Manager(s) at-Risk (CMAR) for the Single Family Housing Repair and Replacement Program, ultimately approving an award to Ducky Recovery LLC and Dynamic Group, LLC. A modification to the Progressive Design-Build agreement with Garney Companies, Inc. was approved, increasing the contract amount for the One Water - South Wastewater Conveyance and Treatment Project. Public hearings were conducted regarding Substantial Amendments to the PY 18 - PY 23 Annual Action Plans, an ordinance amendment related to water and wastewater impact fees, and the repeal/replacement of the Solicitation and Distribution in Public Roads Ordinance. Commissioners' Section items included making appointments to various boards and approving $24 million in funding for infrastructure and public safety improvements for the Fletcher District development project in partnership with USF.

The Board of County Commissioners proclaimed January 26th as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, noting that Florida ranks third nationally for calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and highlighted the work of the local Commission on Human Trafficking. The board also proclaimed January 21, 2026, as Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated Founders Day in recognition of their community service. Key approvals included an amended and restated arena renovation improvements agreement with Lightning Hockey LP and Tampa Bay Arena LLC, involving a county investment up to $358.5 million (an increase of $250 million) funded by tourist development tax revenues, and an extension of the arena lease through 2043. The board approved a partnership between Fire Rescue and MD Ally technologies to implement telehealth and care navigation services for low acuity 911 calls, aiming to reduce unnecessary EMS transports. Additionally, the board approved critical steps to implement the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG DR), awarding three-year agreements to Arts and Young US LLP for infrastructure and program management, and BDO USA PC for housing programs, utilizing $61.6 million in federal funds. Finally, commissioners received a report on the progress of the $34 million Thenona Sassa Park expansion and library replacement project, scheduled for completion in late 2027.