During the Jan. 21, 2026 Board of County Commissioners meeting:
The Board proclaimed January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month to raise awareness about this serious crime that affects communities across Florida and the nation. Florida ranks third in the country for the number of calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, according to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. Human trafficking exploits vulnerable individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for purposes such as forced labor, domestic servitude, or commercial sex operations.
Commissioners declared Jan. 21, 2026, as Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Founders' Day Celebration
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. were recognized for their historic legacies and continued service to the community. Both organizations have demonstrated decades of leadership and commitment to improving lives in Hillsborough County and beyond. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded on Jan. 16, 1920, at Howard University and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., was founded on Jan. 9, 1914, also at Howard University.
Commissioners approved an Amended and Restated Arena Renovation Improvements Agreement with Lightning Hockey LP and Tampa Bay Arena, LLC, along with related lease amendments. The County will invest up to $358.5 million, an increase of $250 million, to support major renovations. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Arena partners will contribute $113.4 million of their own funds for improvements. All County costs will be paid from Tourist Development Tax revenues, and no General Fund dollars will be used.
Commissioners also agreed to extend the Arena lease for six years, through June 30, 2043, keeping the Lightning in Tampa long-term and the updated non-relocation provisions ensure the team stays in the community, with increased penalties for breach.
Benchmark Arena is a County-owned facility and home to the Tampa Bay Lightning. It anchors the Water Street and the Channelside districts.
The Board approved a partnership between the County's Fire Rescue and MD Ally Technologies to bring innovative telehealth and care navigation services to the community. This new agreement will help connect non-emergency 911 callers to the right care quickly and efficiently without always sending an ambulance.
Patients with low-acuity needs can speak with board-certified paramedics, nurses, or physicians through secure telehealth platforms. MD Ally will help manage 10,000-20,000 low-acuity calls each year, reducing unnecessary EMS transports and freeing up emergency crews for critical calls. This program improves patient outcomes, shortens wait times for emergency services, and ensures that the County's EMS resources are used where they're needed most. There is no financial impact to the County.
The Board approved to move with implementing the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program, which provides federally funded support for housing, infrastructure, and economic revitalization following major disasters. The Board approved three-year agreements with two nationally recognized firms, Ernst & Young U.S. LLP and BDO USA, P.C., Corp. These firms will help the County carry out its CDBG-DR Action Plan, approved in July 2025.
The total anticipated cost is $61.6 million and is funded entirely by federal CDBG-DR dollars and no local tax dollars will be used. The Board also approved a $13.6 million in the FY 2026 budget amendment to support administrative costs for these services. This work will accelerate recovery efforts, strengthen housing options, and improve community resilience after federally declared disasters.
Commissioners received a report about the progress of the Thonotosassa Park expansion and Library Replacement project. The $34 million project will modernize and enhance recreation, education, and community resources for the south county area. The project includes a new 50-acre complex that will be located with the existing park and Thonotosassa Elementary School.
A state-of-the-art 18,000-square-foot library offering modern technology, collaborative spaces, and expanded programming will replace the current Thonotosassa Library. Construction is scheduled to start later this year with a late 2027 completion.
The next BOCC regular meeting is at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4. You can watch the meeting live on YouTube on the Hillsborough County Meetings channel.
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