Tampa City Council take steps to fund South Howard flood relief plans

TAMPA, Fla. - The long-contested plan to fix chronic flooding in South Tampa’s iconic "SoHo" district faced a critical check-up on Thursday. 

Tampa City Council voted 4-3 to move $21.495 million from the Stormwater Bond Series 2023 Fund to the South Howard Flood Relief and Streetscape Project. It's a step forward for the project, but it will not provide all the funding for the estimated $98 million.

The step came as a relief for many in attendance, with two thirds of public commenters speaking in favor of the project. 

David Adams lives in Parkland Estates. He said he is in favor of the project.

"The pipes that drain Parkland Estates and Palma Ceia Pines were built in 1956. That's 70 years ago. They're clearly inadequate. They just don't move the water," Adams said. "In 2024, Parkland estate flooded 10 different times before Milton. Obviously, Hurricane Milton- it was awful. We had 33 inches of water fence line. We had 10 and a half inches of water that came into our home. It was devastating."

For others, it was a disappointing move to allocate this much money to one neighborhood.

"I would like to split the money up if we're going to spend $100 million to about $10 million on projects that are smaller," said Tarah Bluma, the president of the Civic Association of Port Tampa.

What we know:

The South Howard Flood Relief Project is a massive overhaul of the area’s stormwater drainage system. It will start with installing a 10-foot wide pipe under Howard to collect and remove water from surrounding neighborhoods. It will tap into the existing system with plans to improve neighborhood storm water drainage over the course of two additional project phases.

Beyond underground pipes, the city of Tampa is proposing a "mobility makeover" for the South Howard corridor. The project includes widening the sidewalks, enhancing landscaping and expanding tree cover. The flood relief project would increase on-street parking and relocate underground power lines. 

The city expects the project to protect South Howard Avenue, Swann Avenue, and surrounding residential neighborhoods from the chronic flooding that has plagued the area for decades.

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By the numbers:

The expected start date for construction would be around January 2027, with a completion date target of 2030. The latest estimates put the project cost at $98 million, compared to only $65 million four years ago. 

There is an expected 95% reduction in flooding during ‘typical’ rain events and an expected 70% flooding reduction during storms the size of Hurricane Milton.

Council members are still unsure where this large sum of money will come from.

Councilor Lynn Hurtak voted to move the funding to benefit the S. Howard Project.

"Infrastructure is a core responsibility of government," Hurtak said. "I mean, we have to fix it."

There is an expected 95% reduction in flooding during ‘typical’ rain events and an expected 70% flooding reduction during storms the size of Hurricane Milton.

"What this project will do is reduce 70% of the water flow, and they measure this from street flooding," Adams said. "So if you can eliminate the street flooding, that eliminates the water coming into our homes."

Hurtak said this project will do a lot to help with flooding from standard storms and will significantly reduce hurricane flooding.

"In order to mitigate the hurricane level, we're spending two to three times the amount of money for huge, huge pipes that won't be needed all the time," Hurtak said. "So, what we're really trying to mitigate is afternoon floods, all of those types of rain issues, but then still have the room left so that, you know, if you're getting a bunch of rain, that water can still be going down the pipe."

Finding The Funding:

The city's chief financial officer, Dennis Rogero, said the city is eyeing $40 million over multiple funding sources and those dollars were dependent on transferring the funds Thursday night.

Potential funding options include a FDEP Grant for $25 million, THEA money for $11 million and a Hazard Mitigation Grant for $3.8 million.

On top of this, there is a potential for $9 million in funding from the renewal of the Community Investment Tax. 

The city is also looking at using money from the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery and other state and federal funding sources. The amount is to be determined.

Some are concerned about how this large construction project will impact the business community.

"They need to go back and figure out an easier way, a better solution, so businesses are not going to be affected," said Michelle Maschitotaro at Thursday night's meeting.

The city explained the project will be done in segments starting at the bay and moving north to Swann Ave. A city spokesperson said the city and the construction company vow to support businesses during this time, even offering to not do construction in front of a Howard Ave. hotel during the busy winter and spring season.

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The backstory:

The debate about this flood relief has been argued for years. While residents and business owners are desperate for relief, especially after the 2024 storm season, there is significant skepticism regarding the city's specific solution. Concerns range from the disruption of years-long construction, to whether the $98 million investment will actually deliver on the promised 95% flooding reduction.

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