UPDATE: The Tampa City Council is poised to vote later today on a critical $4 million flood relief project aimed at mitigating severe flooding in the South Howard area. This urgent decision will determine the future of the South Howard flood relief project, which has been under consideration for over a decade.
City leaders highlight the pressing need for improved stormwater infrastructure, with Tampa’s interim mobility director, Brandon Campbell, stating, “So we know that there’s insufficient, inadequate infrastructure for stormwater in many areas across the city. South Howard itself is one that has been studied and under consideration for ten years or more.”
The proposed project includes the installation of a large box culvert designed to alleviate flooding in South Howard, Swann Avenue, and the adjacent neighborhoods. Funding discussions today will focus on the design-build component, which is expected to cost approximately $4 million. If approved, the project could commence next year, with significant disruptions anticipated in the SoHo district.
The early phases of the project will encompass essential tasks such as repaving and waterline replacement on the eastern side of South Howard. Campbell emphasized the necessity of these improvements, declaring, “These are projects that will have to be done.”
However, opinions among local business owners are sharply divided. Steve Michelini, a representative of the SoHo business alliance, voiced strong opposition, stating, “The impact is like death by a thousand cuts. If you want to turn South Howard into a graveyard, keep going. Keep it up. Because the businesses will not survive.”
Residents are also expressing concerns regarding the proposed solutions. Anneliese Meier, a South Tampa local, argues for more straightforward, less disruptive flooding solutions, advocating for regular maintenance of existing drainage systems. “The drains need to be cleaned every year. It just should be on a schedule. If we kept up on that, it would cost us far less than the 100 million plus they are proposing,” she stated.
As the vote approaches, the community is left anxiously awaiting the decision that could dramatically reshape the South Howard area. If approved, expect extensive closures and disruptions in the SoHo neighborhood as the project unfolds.
Stay tuned for live updates on this developing story as the Tampa City Council convenes today. For more details, visit https://shstormwater.com/ to learn about the project’s impact on the community.
