During the Oct. 1, 2025, Board of County Commissioners meeting:
The Board recognized three exceptional students as the 2025 Anti-Bullying Recognition Award winners.
15-year-old Angelina Sack was recognized for her work to address cyberbullying at her school by creating a club called “Encourage NOT Discourage.” She and other students met to discuss cyberbullying statistics and foster a community of students committed to spreading awareness.
Eighth grade students Alfredo Castenada Martell and Le-Andra Griffin were recognized for their creation of an anti-bullying application concept to anonymously report bullying issues. The app also provides educational resources for children who commit acts of bullying, so that they may better understand the impact of their behaviors.
The Board declared October 1 as Redlands Christian Migrant Association, or RCMA Day. The organization was founded 1965, in response to the urgent need for child care among farmworker families in Florida’s Redlands farming community.
RCMA is committed to creating brighter futures for children and families in low-income rural communities through high-quality education, support services, and advocacy for agricultural workers and underserved people.
Commissioners received a report on County-owned land in downtown Tampa. The County currently owns 19 properties totaling 28.61 acres of land.
Several commissioners expressed the need for a new County Courthouse. The Board authorized staff to participate in a courts led stakeholder committee on revising or updating the courts master plan for current needs, as well as investigating additional non ad valorem funding sources for the updated plan.
The Board approved the award allocation of the Historic Preservation Challenge Grant Program funds in the amount of $1.29 million for 15 applicants. These projects represent a wide range of historic preservation and heritage tourism projects located across the County.
Commissioners received a report regarding South County growth impacts on infrastructure and services in response to stormwater flooding concerns.
Current stormwater regulations for new development aim to reasonably ensure flood impacts do not occur up to the 25-year design storm event or, for select areas, the 100-year design storm event.
Staff reported challenges with new construction obstructing stormwater culverts and have taken action to restore drainage.
Ongoing strategies include increasing contracted maintenance services, an analysis of resource needs, and developing a concept for an additional maintenance unit.
The Board directed staff to evaluate options to address the unique challenges of growth in South County and prioritize that stormwater infrastructure and services are funded and staffed to keep pace with growth.
The next BOCC regular meeting is at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. You can watch the meeting live on YouTube on the Hillsborough County Meetings channel.
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