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Residents press CRA on East Tampa CAC communications; board approves two appointments amid complaint and police referral
Summary
Public commentators at the Jan. 1 Tampa CRA meeting criticized staff communications, selection process and treatment of East Tampa Community Advisory Committee members. The board approved two CAC appointments after staff confirmed recruitment outreach and said threatening messages to an applicant had been referred to police.
Several residents who spoke during the Tampa CRA board’s public-comment period on Jan. 1 urged the agency to improve communications and transparency around the East Tampa Community Advisory Committee (CAC), which advises the CRA on local projects and spending.
Fran Tate, who identified herself as a member of the East Tampa CAC, told the board the committee has long struggled with "communication challenges," late meeting documents and what she described as dismissive behavior from East Tampa CRA staff. "These instances have weakened trust and morale within the community and hindered CAC effectiveness," Tate said, and she urged the CRA board to "enhance communication protocols" and ensure presentations to the CAC include budget details and are available to the public.
Other public commenters echoed concerns about how CAC members are selected and whether applications undergo background checks. Connie Burton, another frequent speaker, said appointments now include members who "don't have a vested interest" in East Tampa and warned decisions that do not focus on slum and blight will face community resistance.
Two applicants present at the meeting — Natalie Halsall and others — spoke in support of serving on the East Tampa CAC and described their personal ties to the neighborhood. Interim CRA director Cedric McCray told the board staff had actively recruited and advertised the openings through the fall and that, when designated neighborhood representatives did not respond, the positions were opened at-large. McCray said staff had sought applications and had relayed material to the CAC earlier in January.
McCray also told the board that threatening communications had been received by at least one CAC applicant and that the matter had been provided to the Tampa Police Department for investigation. The board publicly condemned any threats directed at applicants.
After discussion, members approved two appointments to the East Tampa CAC; the board record shows the motion passed. Board members said the CRA will continue community outreach and review recruitment protocols. McCray added staff would assemble additional property to support East Tampa projects, mentioning the Gator building site as a priority property for potential acquisition and future development.
The board's approval of the two appointments followed motions to pull the item for discussion and confirmation from staff that recruitment had been open since mid-2024 and that outreach had included direct contact to neighborhood groups.
