[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"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","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_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,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6215401,"mediaKeyId","3661003-051f0c8e0aaca85f9a9aaeac36aa4973","parentId",3661003,"title","Residents press Tampa council to vet members and outcomes of Resolution 568 reconciliation committee","audioSeconds",1597,"startMs",1151000,"endMs",2748000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3661003-051f0c8e0aaca85f9a9aaeac36aa4973&start=1151&end=2748","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3661003-051f0c8e0aaca85f9a9aaeac36aa4973/thumbnail_1151000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6215401/Tampa/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Residents-press-Tampa-council-to-vet-members-and-outcomes-of-Resolution-568-reconciliation-committee","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6215401-13a01f1713eab5913226adcba4567cde/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202180&Signature=HuDAhaiOWwIRSFvHykrx79tiYz0DBEQqGqTYNhliyqWPEF1s5ttoRhWcWr~ZSPgLPfekYy9YKxIMVxB4oOiy8QJCHnXMManKbst6ZFYqYKv9FeVv6pu9m-DDi6hAGHR5nmFGpavnIiKOuNi4p1W5P~YeVEDOCTprMnikUqM0Z8AHZskFZfuvnOICHdYgk44RTy1-ioe1Acrdse1e~vPEKEs19yZ7VDvfcOpTry3~ujSI4CobJAMCgQe6B~JVc0Rrr-X88~6xpA8qHucM~7aBOvZ8Uv-AEukPcD1OG26bUudOkBufT6rKNG8fz7qlukfV5r1VNgqoO2W5eckOkI0uEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Tampa, FL","date","2025-06-04T20:49:46Z","article","Tampa City Council workshop — During general public comment, several residents urged the council to be more strategic and transparent about appointments and accountability for the city’s reconciliation committee created under Resolution 568.

Lede: Dozens of public speakers addressed the council during general comment. Several called for a more deliberate vetting process for organizations and individuals chosen to participate in the reconciliation committee established by Resolution 568, and asked that the committee be resourced to produce measurable outcomes rather than repeat studies and events.

Nut graf: Commenters urged the council to avoid what one speaker described as “putting a bandage over a shotgun wound” and to insist on strategic planning, oversight and data-driven measures when awarding funds or appointing organizations to the committee.

What speakers said: Darryl Heich told council Resolution 568 offers “an opportunity to produce freedom” but urged intentional selection: “Don’t just put a bandage over a shotgun wound.” Connie Burton, who said she supported a reconciliatory process, asked that the council use a workshop format and hold organizations accountable when city funds are involved. Valerie Bullock and other speakers criticized appointing organizations that they said had profited from community programs without delivering measurable results; they called for targeted, measurable plans tied to outcomes such as jobs, housing and reduced recidivism.

Why it matters: Residents framed the committee as a chance to address longstanding inequities but warned that poorly targeted appointments and grants can reproduce ineffective patterns and waste public dollars.

Ending: Speakers asked the council to adopt transparent vetting and reporting requirements and to ensure any committee work is backed by measurable goals and ongoing accountability.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","TCC WORKSHOP 04-25-2024 full","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents used public comment to urge caution on appointments and funding for the council’s racial reconciliation committee (Resolution 568), calling for strategic selection, measurable outcomes and accountability for organizations that receive city funds.","taxTitle","Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida","taxId",2914,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6215406,"Council schedules follow-up after staff outlines limited permit approach for artificial turf",2274,11586000,13860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3661003-051f0c8e0aaca85f9a9aaeac36aa4973&start=11586&end=13860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3661003-051f0c8e0aaca85f9a9aaeac36aa4973/thumbnail_11586000.jpg","/articles/6215406/Tampa/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Council-schedules-follow-up-after-staff-outlines-limited-permit-approach-for-artificial-turf","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6215406-de19fefcdfa38de4ed5af4b1d9c6da3a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202180&Signature=A-1zwRjm~yqmUR3Ltnd~Qcw-zpnzKNahF8KT-eMsUSr7tMyYbUGWdg60XWpSREIrmKIdlgYnpQecEzQjwkdBMnuT-X49gVJo7B47W521ceAVcUm~bcKxewo00lHwoNOu7CueiYLh2jLdr~~zNtvGqlNDjDpMbLFmb1g6cbtYhPeUUhWQT3ATES-cPNpiv5X0-uqTo2KiVIPZcgeNZZcKOnc6bITy-OgFgYCjlp3VUbWffdjsU70Wkn11KlQti8lQuGy-ocjPEmEI6uUQ8uSs0fZN0b3CVlYQDkEwXx~UX9mjJ3~lvXVNF63IB8Obffi9~6~op6p-Y9ukEjg9kbgxuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tampa City Council workshop — City staff described a preliminary policy that would permit engineered artificial turf under a new “miscellaneous” permit if installations meet a permeability standard, and would exempt very small residential installations (under 50 square feet). After public comment from industry and environmental advocates, councilmembers agreed to continue the turf discussion at a later workshop.

Lede: Abby Feeley, deputy administrator for development and growth management, said the city studied different municipalities and worked with stormwater engineers and industry to produce testing-based guidance. She summarized staff’s approach: restricted use in the right of way, a permitting path for installations that meet a defined pervious standard, an exemption for installations under 50 square feet and no retroactive enforcement for turf installed before the permit effective date.

Nut graf: The debate centers on three trade-offs — stormwater and runoff impacts, microplastics and chemical exposure, and water-use savings — and on how to regulate different product and installation quality levels. Industry representatives said modern engineered systems can be pervious and cited reuse or underdrain designs; environmental speakers urged stricter limits and raised concerns about PFAS and microplastic shedding.

What staff proposed: Feeley said staff engaged stormwater, natural resources, mobility and IT teams, and hired an engineer to test representative installations. The city’s landscape code still requires 25% natural area on residential lots; staff said a turf system meeting the permeable standard would not count against stormwater retention thresholds. Feeley said the city will require documentation for the permit and track compliance. Staff also scheduled a six‑month review of the permitting approach to evaluate outcomes and impacts.

Public comment highlights: Industry installers described engineered bases, underdrain tanks and permeable backings used in modern installations and urged development of consistent standards. Several speakers representing Tampa-area advocacy groups raised health and environmental concerns, noting studies that link some artificial turf materials to PFAS and microplastics and urging caution and limits to use in parks and on preschool playgrounds.

Council action: Council directed staff to continue engagement and set a workshop follow-up on Aug. 29 to evaluate additional evidence and proposed standards. Councilmembers and staff said they will continue outreach to neighborhood groups, the Sierra Club and industry to refine standards and enforcement methods.

Ending: Staff said they will bring implementation details and an evaluation plan back at the follow-up meeting. Council members urged clear, neighborhood-accessible guidance and a public education component if a permitting path is adopted.","City staff proposed a fast‑track, permitting approach that treats certain engineered artificial-turf installations as permeable when built to specification and exempted small installations under 50 sq ft. Community voices urged stricter limits and health review. Council set a workshop follow-up on Aug. 29 to continue the discussion.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6215410,"Tampa officials outline workforce strategy, returning‑citizen supports and outreach plan for higher wages",1641,2886000,4527000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3661003-051f0c8e0aaca85f9a9aaeac36aa4973&start=2886&end=4527","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3661003-051f0c8e0aaca85f9a9aaeac36aa4973/thumbnail_2886000.jpg","/articles/6215410/Tampa/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Tampa-officials-outline-workforce-strategy-returningcitizen-supports-and-outreach-plan-for-higher-wages","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6215410-b3f41f5a1f3aff64f3ae015ecbfb3078/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202180&Signature=aCcHHnDq7qAYZcdxDmAdwxfCJRmDa2RkVRA0XzGwTj6kcgpYmP40bNRdTwqvRbF8Xtgea32IZ2Z9W8yaZ04ij9pFoFvC7Ab-UysA4tdgW1QFxIZjZXZJy7b4L4uEsj-5gOHwi9AU9FRzU3rTIb-HI4-84dzIqBhqOEWtJWkrYVeNiK60930mVHTVj4pNAuyi-pgAVI2GuXiKIx-XXRKvaYLgL1wmaIYxhMt7hNj97qI1ALVblAbHP83oOTecr8aFZZeBzi4LAymXd62-h12NyP9zfK5q1fUuksrWImonAk8d84ofuUAEu5EfBkJUd23305B6i1TfTWKobrR8lIC-1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tampa City Council workshop — City economic staff told the council they are working with the Economic Development Council and partners to create workforce pathways aimed at raising median wages and connecting residents, including returning citizens, to higher-paying careers.

Context: Councilmembers and public speakers repeatedly raised concern that rising area median income is not lifting long-term residents and that city programs must connect existing residents to middle-wage jobs.

What staff said: Javier Merritt, director of economic opportunity, and Brenda McKenzie, director of workforce partnerships, described a multi-year effort that gathered 55 organizations into a workforce action plan, identified high-potential industry pathways (healthcare, technology, hospitality), and is moving into implementation. Merritt said the city does not control the statutory minimum wage but is focused on upskilling residents toward living wages.

Grants and supports: Staff said they secured a technical-assistance grant for developing returning‑citizen employment strategies and described a $100,000 city allocation for a returning‑citizen employment program with CareerSource Tampa Bay and Abe Brown Ministries that will come back for final council approval.

Community needs and outreach: Councilmembers and public commenters emphasized that many community organizations and residents do not know about existing programs such as CERT UP or other certification pathways. Councilmember Hirtak and others urged the city to expand outreach beyond referral to a few nonprofits. Staff said the workforce council and its partners had reached dozens of organizations and that a website, TPAWrx.com, houses the plan and resources.

Communications direction: Several councilmembers and speakers urged active, neighborhood-level outreach rather than relying solely on organizational intermediaries. Staff agreed to work with the city communications team and return with a communications plan. Councilmember Hartek said she will bring a motion next week with specific language for a community-focused communications effort.

Why it matters: Tampa officials framed the work as moving from planning to implementation—connecting residents to career ladders (for example, CNA-to-RN and hospitality apprenticeship to management). Returning citizens were a stated priority; officials said the new technical assistance grant will allow Tampa to benchmark and adopt proven national practices.

Ending: Staff asked for continued partnership with neighborhood groups, workforce providers, colleges and employers to measure outcomes and to develop neighborhood outreach and evaluation metrics that show wage movement for residents.","City economic staff and partners described a workforce plan aimed at raising median wages through sector pathways, training and a technical assistance grant focused on returning citizens. Council asked for a communications plan and staff agreed to draft one for neighborhood outreach.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6215414,"Tampa staff outline tree-tracking, enforcement steps and $1 million USDA grant to target heat-vulnerable neighborhoods",2848,4586000,7434000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3661003-051f0c8e0aaca85f9a9aaeac36aa4973&start=4586&end=7434","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3661003-051f0c8e0aaca85f9a9aaeac36aa4973/thumbnail_4586000.jpg","/articles/6215414/Tampa/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Tampa-staff-outline-tree-tracking-enforcement-steps-and-1-million-USDA-grant-to-target-heat-vulnerable-neighborhoods","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6215414-5c4ddd06e049554bb22828a751b571dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202180&Signature=Ya7sDj7vlBBpstuU~ZSizwZ9lgsIeWjIvV3GO-YUSC--1p8MoUMZWPzqpZ-7Era10ig~m2ndRD2qb2IVqvdRxjIF0RjilHSvyi5QcyAGzkbO3JAYDbmNnrKAnh-qexEu95l5AMzLettuquPDDAGLutXL2yJBxKVD6WwmZXQmZI-R8M0yrIGX7TEwwr7OIokTXGUbZaulwAq3NTURRMn7~JwPhvtI2vM-zqNszliiYeYwKfBxBl~oCbBkwynaVsh~8wEvxpl5MaooNDXghD8aAu1zw7BDrErg0Ldu1kXcgklo-UvkQRrSmvN2cIQYNPYU2zHhCIq9OcOiOnWDfJlhuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tampa City Council workshop — City staff described a three-part push on urban trees on Tuesday: better tracking of tree removals and replacements, stronger enforcement against illegal cutting, and a $1 million U.S. Department of Agriculture grant targeted to low-canopy, high-heat neighborhoods.

Context: Tampa’s tree canopy has fallen in recent analyses and residents told the council they want clearer protections and follow-up when mitigation and giveaway trees are planted.

City staff said they have built a new tree-tracking record inside the city’s permitting system to capture trees removed, replaced and credited as projects move through building permits. “We started January 2024 to kind of put all that together, and we started April eighth of 2024,” JC Hudgerson, chief building official, said, describing the system now used for new building permits. Staff said they will work with Tampa’s information-technology team to publish a public dashboard pulled from that data.

Why it matters: Residents and advocacy groups said mitigation trees and trees provided through giveaways are not consistently surviving or being maintained, and that illegal removals continue in some neighborhoods. Enforcement and follow-up are key to halting canopy loss and reducing neighborhood heat.

What staff will do: JC Hudgerson said the city will add a door hanger to sites that have mitigation trees after final inspections and “we hope to have those hangers here in the next 60 days.” Abby Feeley, deputy administrator of development and growth management, told council the city plans to cite both property owners and tree contractors when illegal removals are documented: “We’re issuing both the notice of violation to the owner and to the tree company.” Legal and code staff said city magistrates can levy administrative fines in tree-code enforcement—staff noted the special magistrate has authority to impose fines up to $15,000 per violation.

On the hotline and case tracking, staff said the current third‑party hotline has gaps and they plan to move tree complaints into the city’s Tampa Connect system so that reports can be tracked, documented and routed to staff promptly.

USDA grant and planting priorities: Whit Raymer, sustainability and resilience officer, said the city applied for a larger federal grant and accepted a $1,000,000 award. “We applied for $27,000,000 for this grant. We received a million dollars,” Raymer said, and explained the award requires spending that prioritizes Justice40 census tracts (disadvantaged areas). Staff said they overlaid the city’s urban-canopy analysis, Justice40 tracts and satellite surface-temperature data to pick priority corridors in neighborhoods such as parts of Drew Park, West Tampa, North of Kennedy and sections of East Tampa.

Budget and maintenance limits: Raymer said the city’s current tree maintenance program is budgeted at about $2.3 million and would need roughly $4.5–$10 million for a five‑year proactive maintenance cycle. He said planting alone will not meet canopy goals without sustained maintenance and irrigation for young trees.

Community response and next steps: Speakers from Tampa Tree Advocacy Group, City Tree, neighborhood groups and Tampa Garden Club applauded the new tools but urged faster enforcement, permits that protect existing grand trees, licensing for tree contractors and stronger follow-up on mitigation and giveaway trees. City staff and council members agreed to continue the policy work and the cross‑departmental coordination needed to use the USDA funds and to scale plantings while improving enforcement and maintenance.

Ending: Councilmembers asked staff to return with implementation timelines and to continue outreach with neighborhood groups and industry, while several council members indicated they want follow-up progress reports as staff bring the new tools online.","City staff described new permitting and tracking tools, stepped-up enforcement and a $1 million federal grant to prioritize tree plantings in low-canopy, high-heat neighborhoods. Council and community speakers pressed for faster action, stronger fines and better maintenance funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press Tampa council to vet members and outcomes of Resolution 568 reconciliation committee

Council schedules follow-up after staff outlines limited permit approach for artificial turf

Tampa officials outline workforce strategy, returning‑citizen supports and outreach plan for higher wages

Tampa staff outline tree-tracking, enforcement steps and $1 million USDA grant to target heat-vulnerable neighborhoods