NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — PoliticsAugust 3, 2026Hillsborough
South Howard business owners sue city over stormwater project transparency
Local business owners in the South Howard (SoHo) district have filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that officials withheld public documents to avoid scrutiny regarding the upcoming stormwater project design vote. The litigation centers on concerns that the multi-year construction timeline will negatively impact business operations.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — PoliticsWhy It Matters
The outcome of this lawsuit and the subsequent city council vote will determine the design and construction timeline for a major infrastructure project that directly affects the daily operations and long-term viability of businesses in the SoHo district.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
personMartin Millburg“Geotechnical engineer who authored an independent report critical of the project”organizationSoHo Business Alliance“Filed a lawsuit against the city regarding public records access.”personSteve Michelini“Spokesman for the SoHo Business Alliance.”personEdward de la Parte“Attorney representing the SoHo Business Alliance.”locationSouth Howard“The district where the stormwater project is planned and where the affected busi”organizationCity of Tampa“The municipal government being sued by business owners.”personDavid Adams“Parkland Estates resident advocating for the project.”organizationKimmins Contracting“Project lead for the South Howard Flood Relief Project.”personNatalie Rougie“Local business owner concerned about construction impact.”organizationFlorida Department of Environmental Protection“Anticipated source of grant funding.”personAdam Smith“City of Tampa spokesman.”organizationTampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority“Anticipated source of $11 million in project funding.”personJane Castor“Advocated for the project in a Tampa Bay Times editorial.”personWilliam Kolega“Resident who experienced significant flood losses.”personJoshua Cascio“Spokesman for the Tampa Infrastructure and Mobility Administration.”