Category: River News
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Plan Hillsborough shares holiday spirit
December 2021 – On December 17, Plan Hillsborough staff were joined by a spouse, a daughter, a grandson, and a cat to spread holiday cheer throughout Whispering Oaks Nursing Home. Our staff donated and delivered 30 gift packages filled with much needed personal items and warm wishes before caroling throughout the facility. This Plan Hillsborough […]
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River Recovery Status Report released
December 2021 – The Southwest Florida Water Management District released the Lower Hillsborough River Recovery Strategy Implementation Annual Update Report for 2021. The report provides an annual update regarding implementation of projects outlined in the Hillsborough River Recovery Strategy that are needed to recover minimum flows adopted for the Lower Hillsborough River (LHR). As required […]
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River Board recommends fertilizer ordinance revision
November 2021 – As noted in last month’s article, fertilizer application is considered a significant contributor to the excessive nutrient loadings of our waterways, including the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay. These excessive nutrients can cause algae blooms that can deplete oxygen and cloud the water causing problems for wildlife and seagrasses. In one of […]
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County considers stronger fertilizer ordinance
October 2021 – Fertilizer application is considered a significant contributor to the excessive nutrient loadings of our water ways, including the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay. These excessive nutrients can cause algae blooms that can deplete oxygen and cloud the water causing problems for wildlife and seagrasses. In one of its worst cases it can […]
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Plan Hillsborough adopts 2021 Nondiscrimination Plan
September 2021 – The update of Plan Hillsborough’s 2021 Nondiscrimination and Equity Plan is complete. The Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission’s (Planning Commission) review and the Transportation Planning Organization’s (TPO) approval mark a major milestone in the agency’s effort to ensure its planning activities are nondiscriminatory and compliant with Federal regulations such as Title VI […]
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Plan Hillsborough welcomes new USF Fellows
September 2021 – Plan Hillsborough continues to support the University of South Florida’s (USF) Masters in Urban & Regional Planning (MURP) program through two fellowships each year. By familiarizing emerging planners with community priorities, these talented students contribute their knowledge and skills to our work. This year, we look forward to working with Lizzie Ehrreich, […]
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New Coastal High Hazard Area in effect
September 2021 – The Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA) latest update by the State of Florida became effective August 4, 2021. Representations of these areas will be updated in the comprehensive plans; however, the new state defined line is in effect. The Planning Commission has updated our Planning Information Map Application (PIMA) to reflect the new […]
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Reclaimed wastewater recommended to be released into Hillsborough River
September 2021 – Jaturna Consultants and Applied Sciences, under contract with the City of Tampa, produced a new study on June 7, 2021 on alternatives to the current discharge of treated wastewater to the Bay. Staff from the City of Tampa presented the study to the River Board’s Technical Advisory Council (TAC) in August. The […]
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Florida Planning Conference sessions to feature Plan Hillsborough speakers
August 2021 – The Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) will hold its annual planning conference, #FPC21, in Miami from August 31-September 3. Virtual sessions will be available for those who can’t attend. Six Plan Hillsborough speakers will be featured on four different panel sessions exploring planning for equity, public engagement, and comprehensive […]
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River Board calls for permanent protection of USF Forest Preserve
August 2021 – For years University of South Florida (USF) master planning documents maintained the designation of an approximately 641 acre “Forest Preserve” for a large tract of pristine wildlife fronting on the Hillsborough River and adjacent to the main campus. The USF Forest Preserve is not only important to the University for research and […]
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Restoration of Lower Green Swamp Preserve benefits the Hillsborough River
July 2021 – At the River Board’s June meeting, Stephen Raymond, Hillsborough County, and Maya Burke, Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP), discussed the Lower Green Swamp Preserve Hydrologic Improvement and Freshwater Wetland Restoration Project. This project provides benefits to the Hillsborough River as this area is part of the headwaters of the river. Ms. Burke […]
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Equity is on the way as Nondiscrimination Plan moves closer to completion
June 2021 – This year’s Nondiscrimination Plan update is almost complete. As of March 2021, staff finished a public engagement phase with Hillsborough County residents to identify the challenges they face accessing community elements, such as transportation options, quality housing, public engagement meetings, and to other important places in the County. The goal of this […]
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New study shows Hillsborough River’s vulnerability to climate change and sea level rise
June 2021 – Hillsborough County commissioned USF’s Florida Center for Community Design and Research, with project management provided by the Planning Commission, to conduct a comprehensive Community Vulnerability Study (CVS). The purpose of the study is to address Senate Bill 1094 (2015) “Peril of Flood Act” and identify long-range planning options for the County’s coastal […]
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Meet Plan Hillsborough’s newest team members!
May 2021 – Over the past year, Plan Hillsborough welcomed five talented new team members who work to support the Planning Commission, Hillsborough MPO, and the Hillsborough River Interlocal Planning Board. Sofia Garantiva Sofia Garantiva, AICP, recently joined the Planning Commission as a Senior Planner. Her responsibilities include special area studies and project management. Sofia […]
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An update on the Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan update – Coastal Management
May 2021 – Planning Commission staff is working with Hillsborough County subject matter experts to prepare updates to three sections of the plan – Coastal Management, Solid Waste, and Recreation and Open Space – as part of the April 2021 cycle of plan amendments. Learn about each section update and how to register for the […]