Hillsborough County Plans First 100% Solar Powered Cold Storage Facility at Port Of Tampa

A proposed cold storage facility in Hillsborough County aims to enhance the local food supply chain while providing a safer environment for residents vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding. During a recent zoning hearing, developers outlined plans for a 154,000 square-foot facility that will be the first 100% solar-powered cold storage site on the East Coast. This initiative is expected to reduce carbon emissions and support Florida's clean energy goals.

The project, located at the intersection of Donna Toledo Alameda Road and US Highway 41, will involve acquiring surrounding properties to facilitate the relocation of residents from areas prone to flooding. The development is designed with modern technology to be above base flood levels, ensuring resilience against climate impacts.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the facility is projected to create jobs and strengthen agricultural and seafood logistics in the region. By redirecting frozen cargo from Miami and Jacksonville back to the Port of Tampa, the project aims to bolster the local economy and reinforce the area’s leadership in sustainable infrastructure.

Developers have proposed a vegetated buffer and masonry walls to provide visual screening and noise attenuation for nearby residential properties. They are also seeking a variance to reduce the required landscape buffer from 20 feet to 10 feet, which they argue will still provide adequate screening while allowing for the necessary development.

The Hillsborough County Development Services staff has indicated that the project aligns with the county's comprehensive plan and is approvable with certain conditions. The next step involves a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval.

This development represents a significant step towards creating a more resilient and sustainable community, addressing both environmental concerns and local economic needs.