Groundbreaking Thursday for 90 Affordable Housing Apartments

Hillsborough County, Fla. (March 11, 2026) - Hillsborough County and Blue Sky Communities on Thursday, March 12, will celebrate the groundbreaking for Rio Palma Apartments, a 90-unit community for the county's most vulnerable residents, including nine apartments set aside for the formerly homeless.

Half of the 90 units will be rented at below-market rates for those making 60-80% of the Area Median Income, with the other half for those making 30-50% of Area Median Income.

Hillsborough County contributed $1.2 million in State Housing Initiative (SHIP) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funding to the project.

Rio Palma consists of 16 one-bedroom, 50 two-bedroom, and 24 three-bedroom apartments; five of the units will be fully equipped for people with disabilities. The complex will include an exercise room, community center, playground, and energy-efficient features.

Thursday's groundbreaking ceremony will be at 10 a.m. at 7200 Causeway Blvd., Tampa, FL 33619.

Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services administers federal and state funding to develop effective affordable housing and community development strategies for low- and moderate-income residents.

Blue Sky Communities' mission is to partner with governments and nonprofits to develop affordable housing for everyone. Blue Sky Communities has created 30 communities housing more than 3,000 families.

• WHAT: Groundbreaking for Rio Palma Apartments, a 90-unit affordable housing apartment complex
• WHEN: 10 a.m. Thursday, March 12
• WHERE: 7200 Causeway Blvd., Tampa, FL 33619