Stormwater Infrastructure and Flooding

Summary

Timeline

2026-01-08 — [[Tampa/Meetings/2026-01-08-2651.md|Meeting 2651]]

Speakers: Tina Adams, Greg Campbell, David DeLOACH, Edward De La Parte

“The grant doesn’t simply provide funding, it requires the city to demonstrate technical sufficiency” “This is a complete rewrite of the grant that was signed by the city in 2024”

Sentiment: concerned

2026-01-08 — [[Tampa/Meetings/2026-01-08-2651.md|Meeting 2651]]

Speakers: Tina Adams, Greg Campbell, Dave DeLoach, Steve Michelini, Edward De La Parte, Elizabeth Dinwiddie

Project approved with 4-3 vote, grant extended, significant community debate about implementation and impact

“My family and I have supported the businesses on Howard for many years. Now is their turn to support the families and neighborhoods that have supported them.” “The board has voted 8-0 in favor of the South Howard project” “This proposal as presented to you is not ready. It is based on information that is lacking, that’s required” “My house flooded in October of 2024. It’s January of 2026. You should have used the grant before 2024, and then my house wouldn’t have flooded”

Sentiment: mixed (residents supportive, businesses opposed)

2025-11-06 — [[Tampa/Meetings/2025-11-06-2643.md|Meeting 2643]]

Speakers: Pastor Frank Williams

Community member highlighting long-term water service disruption

“I’ve been without water for a whole year”

Sentiment: Frustrated

2025-11-20 — [[Tampa/Meetings/2025-11-20-2646.md|Meeting 2646]]

Speakers: Jon Dinges, Bill Carlson, Luis Viera, Pam Cannella, Tina Adams

Extensive presentation on post-hurricane stormwater assessment showing Tampa experienced record-breaking rainfall in 2024. Black & Veatch study found significant infrastructure needs but funding gaps. South Howard flood project estimated at $65-100+ million but lacks construction funding. Pump station failures during hurricanes highlighted maintenance issues.

“Record flooding leading that was caused by record-breaking rainfall” “Had there been proper backup generators and proper backup generators in the north tampa area, would that have made any difference”

Sentiment: concerned about flooding risks and infrastructure adequacy