UPDATE: Tampa City Council members are set to cast a critical vote today on the future of the $4 million South Howard flood relief project. This decision will determine whether the city will proceed with essential infrastructure improvements to combat severe flooding in South Howard, Swann Avenue, and neighboring areas.
City officials, including interim mobility director Brandon Campbell, emphasize the urgent need for a massive box culvert to enhance stormwater management, as current infrastructure is deemed insufficient. “So we know that there’s insufficient, inadequate infrastructure for stormwater in many areas across the city,” Campbell stated. The project has been in consideration for over a decade, highlighting the longstanding challenges faced by residents.
Today’s discussions will focus on funding for the design-build phase of the project, which is anticipated to cost around $4 million. Preliminary work will involve repaving and replacing waterlines in the eastern and western sides of South Howard, crucial steps for the effective implementation of the new system.
However, not everyone is in favor of the project. Steve Michelini, a representative from the SoHo business alliance, raised concerns about the potential impact on local businesses. “The impact is like death by a thousand cuts. If you want to turn South Howard into a graveyard, keep going,” he warned, urging council members to reconsider the approach.
Residents like Anneliese Meier argue for less disruptive solutions, suggesting that regular maintenance of existing drainage systems could be a more cost-effective strategy. “The drains need to be cleaned every year. It just should be on a schedule,” Meier insisted, proposing that consistent upkeep could prevent the need for such extensive projects.
If approved, the overall project is expected to kick off next year, with significant disruptions anticipated in the SoHo area as portions of the neighborhood may be closed for months. The council’s decision today will be pivotal in shaping the future of flood management in Tampa.
This vote marks a crucial moment for the community, as leaders weigh the immediate needs of residents and businesses against long-term infrastructure goals. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. For more information on the project, visit https://shstormwater.com/.
