Hillsborough County initiates Boweryco community plan for Valrico's comprehensive development

The Hillsborough County Planning Commission held a public hearing on April 14, 2025, to discuss the proposed Boweryco Community Plan, which aims to enhance the livability of the Valrico area. This plan, initiated by the Board of County Commissioners in March 2023, is set to be the 23rd community plan adopted into the county's comprehensive plan if approved.

The presentation outlined the community plan's boundaries, which encompass areas from Sydney Road to Dover Road and from Lithia Pinecrest Road to Seffner. The planning process involved extensive community engagement, including four rounds of meetings, online surveys, and presentations to local groups, culminating in a final community meeting in February 2025. The feedback gathered has shaped the plan's vision, goals, and strategies.

Key highlights of the Boweryco Community Plan include maintaining a suburban character while preserving a rural identity, ensuring compatibility of new developments, and enhancing public spaces. The plan outlines four primary goals: timely infrastructure provision, compatible land use and design, safe mobility for all modes of transport, and environmental preservation.

Specific strategies under these goals include identifying funding for infrastructure projects, promoting commercial development that aligns with the community's character, improving multimodal connectivity, and enhancing recreational opportunities. A notable feature is the establishment of a neighborhood node at the intersection of Bloomingdale Avenue and Lithia Pinecrest Road, aimed at clustering commercial development to avoid strip commercial expansion and to support surrounding residential areas.

The proposed amendment has received no objections from relevant agencies and aligns with various objectives of the county's comprehensive plan, particularly regarding water management, neighborhood compatibility, and mobility enhancements. The plan is scheduled for transmittal to the Board of County Commissioners on June 12, 2025, marking a significant step in shaping the future of Valrico and surrounding areas.