Tampa Barrio Latino Commission Discusses Historic Marker Program and Reviews Cases

The Barrio Latino Commission (BLC) of Tampa convened on July 22, 2025, to discuss various projects and initiatives, including the introduction of a historical marker program aimed at preserving the city's rich cultural heritage. The meeting, chaired by Rich Simmons, emphasized the importance of concise presentations from project applicants, who were instructed to follow a specific format during their submissions.

The session began with the acceptance of minutes from the previous meeting and included announcements from city staff. Dennis Fernandez highlighted the administrative approvals from May and June, noting the absence of a meeting in June. He also introduced the current edition of the Tampa Bridal and Mortar newsletter, which features the historical marker program.

Ron Vila, a planner with the city's historic preservation department, provided an overview of the historical markers initiative. Established in 1996, the program aims to tell diverse stories from Tampa's history through markers placed in public spaces. Vila noted that there are approximately 200 markers in Hillsborough County, with around 175 located in Tampa. The markers are maintained and updated for readability and historical accuracy, and they can include photographs to enhance storytelling.

The meeting also addressed procedural matters, including the disclosure of conflicts of interest and ex parte communications among commissioners. A continuation for a specific case was approved, setting the stage for future discussions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commission's commitment to preserving Tampa's history while ensuring that project proposals are handled efficiently and transparently. The next public hearing is scheduled for October 28, 2025, where further discussions on ongoing projects will take place.