Tampa City Council Set to Decide on Crucial 'Early Works' Phase for SoHo Flood Mitigation Project

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In Tampa, Florida, the City Council is poised to decide on a $4.1 million funding allocation this Thursday morning for the South Howard Flood Relief Project. This initiative marks the “early works” phase of the comprehensive construction plan.

This phase will involve traffic management and site preparation activities, alongside the installation of new water mains and the reconstruction and resurfacing of nearby roadways, as outlined in the City of Tampa’s public records.

Brandon Campbell, Tampa’s interim Mobility Director, emphasized, “The city faces widespread issues with outdated stormwater infrastructure, and South Howard is a prime area that has been under scrutiny for over a decade.”

Originally proposed years back, this project aims to overhaul 2.5 miles of century-old water mains and culverts, connecting West Swann Avenue to Bayshore Boulevard via South Howard Avenue, according to the Mobility Director. Enhancements will include upgraded systems for water, wastewater, and stormwater, as well as the burial of overhead power lines, per the project’s web page.

The overarching objective is to shield businesses and residents from the impacts of heavy rainfall and potential storm surges from the nearby bay.

“These are projects that will have to be done,” added Campbell.

Residents have long since raised concerns of the proposed project, which the city estimates could cost nearly $65 million.

“Oh, my gosh, it’s going to be a mess. The impacts are more than this neighborhood or any neighborhood could handle,” said Pam Cannella, who lives just off South Howard.

“From day one, the transparency of this project was done very poorly when it comes to the neighborhoods. It was presented as something that it’s not. It’s going to cost every resident a lot of money,” said Anneliese Meier, with the Parkland Estates Historical Preservation Society.

City of Tampa crews claim that when construction begins, it will be in small sections, approximately a quarter mile each. Local businesses have also expressed concerns with partial closures of South Howard Avenue, predicting a loss of 40% foot traffic, and a money deduction of about $10 million for the 35 bars and restaurants located in the neighborhood.

“There are no parallel streets, so there is no way to get to these restaurants and businesses through the back door. It just doesn’t exist. If you want to turn South Howard into a graveyard. Keep going. Keep it up. The businesses will not survive,” said Steve Michelini, with the SoHo Business Alliance.

If construction is approved, work could begin shortly. The City of Tampa did not have an exact timeline on the work but says the project could take “years” to complete.