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NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsSeptember 1, 2026Hillsborough

Tampa City Council to vote on $93 million South Howard flood relief project

The Tampa City Council is scheduled to vote this Thursday on a $93 million infrastructure project to replace a century-old storm drainage system with a new 10-by-10-foot line. The project aims to reduce chronic flooding in the South Howard area but faces opposition from local business owners concerned about the impact of three years of construction.

infrastructurefloodingtampacity-planninglocal-business
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Why It Matters

The project represents a $93 million investment that will determine the future of flood mitigation for hundreds of homes and businesses in South Tampa while potentially causing years of construction-related road closures and business disruptions.

Key Facts

  • The project cost is estimated at $93 million.
  • The project involves installing a 10-by-10-foot drainage line to carry stormwater to Hillsborough Bay.
  • Construction is expected to last approximately three years.
  • The project will require significant road closures on South Howard Avenue.
  • The city evaluated 24 different alternatives before selecting this proposal.
  • City modeling shows the project would eliminate structural flooding in Parkland Estates and significantly reduce it in Palma Ceia Pines during a storm with 5 inches of rain over 8 hours.
  • The project is not designed to eliminate all structural flooding during a major hurricane.
  • More than 220 homes and businesses are identified as being in the affected area.
  • Over 333 homes reportedly flooded during Hurricane Milton.
  • The neighborhood has flooded three times in the current month.
  • The SoHo Business Alliance argues the construction could bankrupt local businesses.
  • Councilman Bill Carlson has publicly criticized the project as a $100 million boondoggle.

Who's Mentioned

locationTampa“City government and project location”otherSouth Howard Flood Relief Project“The infrastructure project under consideration”organizationSoHo Business Alliance“Opponents of the current project plan”personMegan Luca“Parkland Estates resident and project supporter”personBill Carlson“City Councilman”personDavid Adams“Parkland Estates resident”personSuzanne Fernandez“Resident”personBrandon Campbell“Tampa Mobility Director”