Tampa council advances Dryad Street vacation after hour‑long, divided hearing

Tampa City Council voted on first reading to advance an ordinance that would vacate a 50‑foot portion of West Dryad Street, a right‑of‑way at the west end of Sunset Park, and schedule a second reading and public hearing for Jan. 25.

The item drew an unusually large turnout of neighbors, several attorneys and a sustained period of testimony and rebuttal. Council members questioned staff and applicants about who holds title to the underlying fee, what the city would be surrendering, and what it would retain. Ron Wigginton, assistant city attorney, told the council the question before them was narrow: whether to relinquish the right‑of‑way use — not to determine underlying ownership. If the council approved the vacation, staff said, the city would reserve a permanent stormwater easement over the vacated area and would require TECO and other utility reservations.

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