[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,74,86,98],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6346576,"mediaKeyId","2246671-f44231f15c11574d85aac8882b3cc961","parentId",2246671,"title","Votes at a glance: ordinances, rezones and transport rule changes approved Feb. 6","audioSeconds",3554,"startMs",3245000,"endMs",6799000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2246671-f44231f15c11574d85aac8882b3cc961&start=3245&end=6799","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2246671-f44231f15c11574d85aac8882b3cc961/thumbnail_3245000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6346576/Tampa/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-ordinances-rezones-and-transport-rule-changes-approved-Feb-6","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346576-3e0734ccba77d5ddf8b4dd8f59606ca5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770195419&Signature=RNCFrL-TPkFv1mqzlj4qVT7Gf2xn8Ard5MnMt~AWwZwVLg6Fx9oUgxdINYevtIB7KKRE5jFUrVQ8r0iqFdYJWvdTkgd24Y8PLFtlQzeMr-nX1HYnRzllzCxUyxDneGUk09xIemjw277-MAFat6Z-it0xrMeBoMvWIVBGdEycUT4rdyd5x7csQw1DMuHMSB12TBPIDBkyML6pJETsyrYmhcWx-JQQ5j6VbtYTcAbBYsAx7G2smLtGOAf3zEF6Iq~ANY4Ezd-5ZpWDlQXtR8rmps25cryHZVEogRqHKh2UZgQsSt7UN5etw3LB2nFgOqlHt1mkAiqRKQOgfYQgK1aUZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Tampa, FL","date","2025-02-07T05:51:02Z","article","Tampa City Council handled a large consent and quasi‑judicial docket on Thursday, approving multiple rezoning ordinances, amending procurement thresholds and moving forward on a code change covering nonmotorized vehicles and pedicabs.

Key outcomes at a glance

- Purchasing thresholds increased to $200,000 (two ordinances): Council amended City of Tampa Code Chapter 2 to raise the dollar threshold requiring council approval for purchases and work orders from $100,000 to $200,000. Both related ordinances (agenda items 47 and 48) passed on second reading by unanimous roll call.

- Multiple rezones approved (second readings): The council approved a batch of rezoning ordinances on second reading, each on an individual roll call. Selected items included: REZ2371 (5106 E. 20th Ave to CI), REZ2461 (3704 & 3706 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd to PD congregate living facility), REZ2479 (223 S. Howard Ave to PD), REZ2492 (4015 E. 11th Ave to CI), REZ2495 (2508 N. 50th 8th St to IG), REZ2498 (1709 E. Henry Ave to SHPD), and REZ241112 (509 S. Hyde Park Ave to PD office/medical). All passed unanimously in recorded roll-call votes.

- Pedicab and nonmotorized vehicle ordinance (first reading): Council approved first reading of a comprehensive ordinance to regulate pedicabs and other nonmotorized-for‑hire vehicles under Chapter 25 (transportation). The ordinance passed on first reading and will return for second reading and adoption on March 6, 2025.

What council recorded: All listed ordinances and rezones were approved with unanimous roll-call votes; specific roll-call records were read into the record for each item. Where a clerk recorded abstentions or recusals they were read during votes; most items on the docket passed without dissent.

Why it matters: Increasing the administrative purchasing threshold accelerates non-Council approvals for modest procurement; the rezones alter land-use designations across several parcels and will enable planned developments and commercial uses. The pedicab regulation creates a licensing, permitting and driver‑qualification framework for nonmotorized-for-hire services.

Next steps: The pedicab ordinance returns for second reading on March 6, 2025. For rezoning and ordinance adoptions that were passed on second reading the new zoning classifications and code changes become effective on the dates listed in each adopted ordinance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tampa City Council - 02/06/25","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved a package of ordinances and rezoning requests on second reading, increased contracting thresholds, and advanced a first reading for nonmotorized vehicle rules that include pedicabs.","taxTitle","Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida","taxId",2914,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":75,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":76,"_40":77,"_42":78,"_44":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6346581,"Council advances Station 24 design agreement; asks for monthly updates on station and fleet projects",1010,2754000,3764000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2246671-f44231f15c11574d85aac8882b3cc961&start=2754&end=3764","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2246671-f44231f15c11574d85aac8882b3cc961/thumbnail_2754000.jpg","/articles/6346581/Tampa/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Council-advances-Station-24-design-agreement-asks-for-monthly-updates-on-station-and-fleet-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346581-42168f75325b2ccd2ae66cedf6de8609/orig.mp4?Expires=1770195419&Signature=Qv-avJUBdKogVlywFnNaym8T9Ej~fx7LchCK7EwGbH0QMSlDnD1nBHNRXDJrFBLfSvUQfDbx5vF-KpXt4gVC0SAhr0GTTRpmFpPscGffhq1C5rdgBkTFvHiFdZ0Hktyfj8n8KqRayYdbhI5BtaF7dyefX6w5q6x~vDZfz8CLZqpWUSphHun4IVbF~yhluo-GaHVTqWNX~0bOe9zN6VxkfVYeCuJrbslQIB~uI4dIBmK2KWUy-lbvdALKDTagNR6IWCEFK8l4ozNchz2Y2qP3qd6Kjn5X5isd6CM2GrvCEFy2KltGQx7pfAurGnUnH8BIapcw20N8vZQvce-QWppEyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tampa City Council moved forward on the design phase for a planned Fire Station 24 and took steps to tighten oversight of fire‑related capital projects, including fleet maintenance.

Contract administration staff described the procurement timeline for the station’s design‑build solicitation and told council the process followed typical public‑project advertising and selection milestones. Staff said Otero Engineering completed a site investigation in late 2023 and the city selected a design‑build firm following an RFQ in mid‑2024; the firm recommended to the city for design services was Jay Kokalakis (contractor selection and negotiation details were described in staff presentations). The formal agreement for preconstruction services was placed on the council docket as agenda item 22 and the council voted to advance the item.

Council response and reporting: Councilmember Louis Viera and other members said they want more frequent, public updates because Station 24 has been a long‑running priority for council and the fire union. In response, the council voted unanimously to require monthly written updates, with quarterly in‑person briefings, beginning in March, to cover design progress, a projected groundbreaking date and fleet maintenance activities. The motion asked for reports from Tampa Fire Rescue leadership, the city’s contract administration office and the project manager selected for the work.

Why it matters: Station 24 was driven by operational needs in North Tampa; council and the union flagged high call volume at nearby stations and asked the city to prioritize facilities and fleet investments. Councilmembers and the firefighters’ union expressed frustration at project lead times but urged moving forward and increasing transparency.

Staff notes and next steps: Contract administration said the design agreement includes a projected 461‑day preconstruction timeline from the executed agreement. To accelerate review steps, staff said the city will hire a project representative to coordinate technical reviews between the design firm, Tampa Fire Rescue and contract administration. Council also received an update that staff are pursuing property offers and expect to present a contract for a city facility site (fleet/supply) within weeks; if due diligence is clear staff said closing could occur in roughly 60 days from contract approval.

Action (summary): Council advanced the station design agreement (agenda item 22) and voted to require monthly written updates and quarterly in‑person briefings starting in March on Station 24 and fleet maintenance projects. The motion to require the reporting cadence carried unanimously.

Implementation and oversight: Contract administration and Tampa Fire Rescue will provide the monthly written updates and quarterly in‑person briefings to council; the city will also complete property due diligence and post an updated project schedule to council as the design firm delivers 30/60/90 percent design milestones.","Council advanced a design-build agreement and selection for Fire Station 24 and agreed to monthly written updates and quarterly in‑person briefings on Station 24 and fleet maintenance projects; staff said the project followed a standard procurement timeline and that hiring a dedicated project representative should shorten review time.",{"_32":87,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":88,"_40":89,"_42":90,"_44":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6346586,"Fair Oaks Park renaming draws months of public comment; council pauses formal action",4760,2160000,6920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2246671-f44231f15c11574d85aac8882b3cc961&start=2160&end=6920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2246671-f44231f15c11574d85aac8882b3cc961/thumbnail_2160000.jpg","/articles/6346586/Tampa/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Fair-Oaks-Park-renaming-draws-months-of-public-comment-council-pauses-formal-action","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346586-9ab4cb4ae38f90187eeacb0b82ede901/orig.mp4?Expires=1770195419&Signature=W2HgA8zBZWybSvZqkaUI3c9FelPi-6G6Qhk9FH53p63J6yajPA7Qg9VJdroWr74bTWutR~q-FftfKgUsfEZr6wSJYx1m1JZtnbRrTfveE~9zZwhfE~ROAb20pwVMj-rINc11h4Ez2kgvZ~zDmf5mRDdx7zU81WToUQ~GXf53uXIbl~tY2~BRC54rueWiCSiHRbcV9tc6CFdIYulEUJrKi7NwtfF3955FjVW2zvD6HsWydm4GkVtah5eGbIMrl-qeC9ZSI6fZeRTfVuXQS5zHY0cRkmwTeW8aLlajE4cRSQ1SOWcj7v1j-Yn1132bNHHLl5wBCL8ZxHMrW~yD~k5NCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents, neighborhood leaders and longtime users of Fair Oaks Park urged Tampa City Council on Thursday to either preserve the park’s historic name or, if the council renames facilities, to follow a public process that reflects neighborhood preferences.

Speakers from East Tampa described decades of family history at Fair Oaks Park, said the park is widely known by that name and asked the council to allow broad community input before approving a renaming. Several commenters said they support honoring Artis Gambrell, a longtime local youth coach and recreation leader, but said the community wants either to retain the Fair Oaks name for the park or to reserve renaming for a building or facility at the complex so the neighborhood identity is preserved.

Staff background and council action: Abby Feeley, the city official who manages development-related matters, read a staff memo that said City staff had previously requested a continuance of the naming matter to spring 2026 so community engagement could be completed. The memo, prepared by staff, noted the East Tampa Recreational Complex is under construction and recommended more outreach before a final naming decision.

Following public comment, council members debated next steps. Councilmember Louis Viera proposed removing the item from the agenda until broader community engagement takes place; other councilmembers said they wanted to ensure a clear, transparent process. During the meeting the council voted to receive and file a memo from former councilmember Orlando Goode and agreed that the naming item should not advance without additional community input. No final renaming ordinance was approved at the meeting.

Why it matters: Speakers stressed that the park’s name is a community anchor and that renaming without widespread notice or a public hearing would exacerbate tensions in a neighborhood experiencing redevelopment. Several speakers said they want the council to run a formal, advertised hearing and to offer the community multiple ways to weigh in.

What council recorded in the meeting: The record shows the council paused further formal action on agenda item 70, acknowledged staff’s prior request for a continuance, and voted to receive and file communications related to the issue. Staff said there remains an option to name interior facilities, buildings or amenities if the community supports that approach. Councilmembers asked staff to work with community engagement staff to schedule meetings and return the matter to council only after outreach occurs.

Next steps: Councilmembers asked staff to coordinate community meetings through the city’s engagement team; staff indicated they can work with the council to set dates. The council did not adopt or change any park name during the meeting; any future renaming would require the council to follow the city’s renaming procedures and publish the matter for public comment.","Residents and community leaders packed the council chamber to urge either keeping the historic Fair Oaks name or renaming the facility for long‑time community leader Artis Gambrell; council heard dozens of speakers and staff told council a continuance request had been filed so formal action was paused for further community engagement.",{"_32":99,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":100,"_40":101,"_42":102,"_44":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6346591,"Tampa City Council approves $3.2 million agreement to deliver storm-recovery housing aid",1072,6991000,8063000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2246671-f44231f15c11574d85aac8882b3cc961&start=6991&end=8063","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2246671-f44231f15c11574d85aac8882b3cc961/thumbnail_6991000.jpg","/articles/6346591/Tampa/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Tampa-City-Council-approves-32-million-agreement-to-deliver-storm-recovery-housing-aid","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346591-55ec34d6ff2126f432ab876c770c91e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770195419&Signature=RT6~0ipQoXxxSYnwEOBM--OVy8SYaau3kNm8ymYXhXECXXQ-7t1~~dy4Ex0~BwyVTU9hx8EoVjIxK4y3ryPFogeebXQ0EVR3CQPLkUFelFYVw49EZHXTIZcxFcHn6yPvEEqxI~3kU39dJ-a6DEsmlHDzPueE3SMDuZFqdZrPZn-Glwc9zddJZ5p5CBIrXoPjzIw29U0hVK5PZuRp0LMan1trV7yW75yBPFh06FukiDtChSxurRY~vfgtuVa6OpnzEuxNBYO-q0C07itdfi9L~DKBMbD0OsHNDvsgnvs2TDZwIlmmtW3dGQ7Y~mZCWAgPhe7uUaeLX~0-rUn0IECXsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tampa City Council on Thursday authorized a $3,200,000 agreement with consulting firm ICF to administer state SHIP disaster funds and related recovery grants for residents affected by the October flooding attributed to Hurricane Milton and follow-on storms.

The agreement, which passed by unanimous roll-call vote, uses $3,000,000 in SHIP disaster relief with an additional allocation of roughly $213,000 to support mortgage assistance, repairs and insurance-deductible reimbursement for eligible City of Tampa homeowners. Councilmember Louis Viera moved the measure and Councilmember Charlie Clendenin seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

City Administrator for Development and Economic Opportunity Abby Feeley said the money is split to serve households at several income tiers: a state-required set‑aside for households at 50 percent of area median income (AMI), a tranche for 80 percent AMI and a remainder that may be used up to 140 percent AMI. Feeley told council the city and ICF held a kickoff call and will develop a short pre-application screening to confirm residency, basic income eligibility and storm damage before inviting full applications.

Why it matters: Residents from North Tampa neighborhoods told council in public comment the October floods displaced families, damaged homes and created long-lasting financial strain. Speakers described homes with feet of water, difficulty obtaining insurance payments and long waits for building permits. Councilmembers said they expected the SHIP-funded program to be only part of a larger recovery and to be coordinated with other local, state and federal relief efforts.

How the program will work: Feeley said the city expects to finalize the applicant screening and communications plan within about two weeks and to begin pre-application intake by mid-March; she estimated April 1 as a realistic target to have an operating intake system and phone number. ICF will handle intake and case management under the contract. Eligible uses described by staff include mortgage assistance (a maximum single payout of $5,000 per household for mortgage-related aid under this contract), reimbursement for permitted repairs (up to $20,000), and reimbursement for insurance deductibles (up to $10,000). Feeley said the contract will require applicants to sign a financial hardship attestation and provide supporting documentation such as mortgage account statements, receipts for repairs, and proof of flood-related damage.

Council and public response: Councilmember Viera, who represents the part of North Tampa hardest hit, described the allocation as a necessary first step and urged the administration to seek additional funds; several council members emphasized the need to pair direct assistance with longer-term stormwater and infrastructure work. Public commenters from Forest Hills and nearby neighborhoods urged faster action and clearer communications, saying many affected residents remain displaced, lack flood insurance and face high out-of-pocket costs.

What council approved (action details): The council approved an agreement authorizing ICF to administer these disaster relief funds on behalf of the city. Motion: “Approve agreement with ICF to administer SHIP and related disaster recovery funds totaling $3,200,000.” Mover: Councilmember Louis Viera. Second: Councilmember Charlie Clendenin. Vote: unanimous (Carlson, Hertzak, Clendenin, Henderson, Miranda, Viera, Maniscalco). The contract identifier and implementation dates were not specified in the meeting record; staff said they will return with operational timelines and outreach details.

What residents should gather now: Feeley advised residents to begin assembling mortgage statements, receipts for repairs and insurance deductible documentation and to be ready to demonstrate residency and storm-related damage when intake opens.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the ICF intake schedule and public communications materials, then report back to council with a timeline and outreach plan. Council also discussed an upcoming city workshop on other recovery funds and the option to request additional allocations in future budget actions.","Council voted unanimously to authorize a $3.2 million agreement with ICF to administer state SHIP disaster funds and related recovery grants for homeowners hit by recent flooding; city staff say program launch and application windows will be announced within weeks.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: ordinances, rezones and transport rule changes approved Feb. 6

Council advances Station 24 design agreement; asks for monthly updates on station and fleet projects

Fair Oaks Park renaming draws months of public comment; council pauses formal action

Tampa City Council approves $3.2 million agreement to deliver storm-recovery housing aid