Jason Dougherty

The meeting involved the approval of Consent Section items A-1 through A-94. Key discussions in the Regular Section included the approval of an agreement with MD Ally Technologies to expand EMS service delivery options for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. The Board also approved significant amendments to the Arena Renovation Improvements Agreement, increasing the County's maximum payment amount and extending lease terms. Furthermore, agreements were awarded to Ernst & Young U.S. LLP and BDO USA, P.C., Corp for the implementation of the County's federally funded CDBG-DR Program, accompanied by a related budget appropriation. During scheduled appearances, the Commission on Human Trafficking presented its semi-annual report, Tampa Bay Water provided an update, and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission presented its 2025 activity report. Commissioner actions included directing staff to summarize pending and past Code Enforcement violations for zoning reviews, explore enhanced permitting fees for unapproved operational projects, and schedule a Public Hearing for the 2026 update of the Inventory of Properties available for Affordable Housing. Finally, the Board addressed the resignation of Gary Hartfield from the HART Board and moved to re-advertise the vacant position.

The recap of the regular meeting details actions taken by the Board. In the Consent Section, items A-1 through A-45 were approved, with A-9 and A-10 deferred to a future meeting. Public comments addressed medical records, state house bills, and interactions with the court system. In the Regular Section, the Board approved the CDBG-DR Single Family Housing Program, allocating significant grant funding to assist homeowners impacted by Hurricanes Helene and/or Milton, and authorized the start of a required public comment period. Additionally, the Board approved an initial list of seven infrastructure projects funded by the CDBG-DR grant to address flooding impacts. A modification to the Construction Management At-Risk Agreement with Ric-Man Construction Florida, Inc. was approved for the Gibsonton Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project, which included an increase in the contract amount and an extension of the completion date. A budget resolution was approved to appropriate funds for this modification. A Public Hearing was held regarding the updated List of Real Property Inventory Appropriate for Affordable Housing, resulting in the adoption of the updated list and the removal of properties that were awarded via RFP or previously directed for removal. The Board also made appointments to the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART), approved the dedication of a lobby display in honor of Rich Reidy, and requested the County Attorney's Office to process a resolution to expand the geographical area of the county seat to encompass the entire boundary of Hillsborough County, requiring public notice and two public hearings. Staff reports included updates on MOSI Property Development and the CDBG-DR Program.

The recap summarizes the February 4, 2026 Regular Meeting. The Consent Section included approvals for items A-1 through A-49. During Public Comment, speakers addressed topics including a Federal Fiscal Year 24 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Award, updates on Tampa Bay Rays ballpark discussions, national politics, the PACE program, a nonprofit commendation, and Black History Month. Key actions in the Regular Section included the adoption of a resolution and approval of a Funding Agreement allocating up to $249,500 for capital improvements and preservation of the historic Moseley Homestead site, and a second resolution and agreement allocating up to $25,000 for targeted capital improvements, HVAC upgrades, and security at the same site. The Board also adopted an amendment to the 2025-2027 Federal Legislative Agenda opposing federal pre-emption on telecommunications infrastructure decisions. The Board directed staff to report back with recommendations on expanding the County's Swim Initiative/Drowning Prevention Program, and to continue discussions with the Tampa Bay Rays regarding a potential partnership framework. Commissioner Boles requested staff analyze and report on the implementation of Senate Bill 1730, Yes In God's Back Yard (YIGBY).