Join us for a PUBLIC MEETING!
ROUTE STUDY & STREETSCAPE CONCEPTS PRESENTATION
- Thursday, June 5, 2025
South Howard Flood Relief
Funded by the City of Tampa and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Resilient Florida Program with potential funding anticipated from the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority.
Project Overview
The South Howard Flood Relief project includes the design and construction of a major stormwater drainage system to relieve flooding along S. Howard Avenue, W. Swann Avenue, and adjacent neighborhoods, to include Parkland Estates and Palma Ceia Pines.
The project will also include new 10-foot-wide sidewalks on Howard Avenue, along with enhanced safety features such as traffic calming measures, improved crossings, and enhanced street lighting. Streetscape improvements will include upgraded landscaping, permeable pavers, and green infrastructure to improve the water quality discharged into the Bay. Before box culvert construction starts, crews will first relocate existing utilities in the project area.
In 2016, the City of Tampa approved a Stormwater Improvement Assessment which established funding for critical capital improvement projects aimed at alleviating flooding and improving water quality within the City’s stormwater improvement area. This assessment will pay for a portion of the project cost.
Existing Flooding Conditions
These photographs provide documentary evidence of the need for this project. Residents and businesses in these neighborhoods have seen flooding become more severe and more frequent over the years.
Click any image to enlarge and view full-size.
Project Highlights
- Installation of more than 6,000 linear feet of 10' x 10' box culvert, essentially creating an underground “river” to carry stormwater to a new outfall at Hillsborough Bay. New pipes and drainage inlets will also be built for stormwater to reach the “river” quicker for optimum flood relief.
- Upgraded infrastructure for water, wastewater, and stormwater.
- Undergrounding of overhead powerlines (in coordination with TECO).
- Improved water quality discharge to Hillsborough Bay through innovative green infrastructure technologies, contributing to a healthier bay and more resilient community.
- Drainage for the expanded South Selmon Expressway (through partnering with the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority).
Community Benefits
- Reduced flooding
- Reduction of pollutants entering Hillsborough Bay through water quality enhancements and green infrastructure.
- Opportunities to re-imagine the S. Howard Avenue streetscape with wider sidewalks, improved street lighting, enhanced landscaping, and a larger tree canopy, creating a safer and more enjoyable environment for walking, shopping, and dining.
- Traffic calming measures
- Landscaping
- Enhanced historic character of neighborhood
Drainage Challenges and Solutions
ADA Accommodations
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities needing a reasonable accommodation to participate in any public hearing or meeting should contact the City of Tampa’s ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the proceeding.
The ADA Coordinator may be contacted via phone at (813) 274-3964, email at TampaADA@tampagov.net, or by submitting an ADA – Accommodations Request form available online at tampagov.net/ADARequest.
Learn More
Project Info
Learn about the project’s background, purpose and goals.
Alerts
Stay notified about road closures, detours and utility disruptions.
Resources
Get the latest info about public meetings and documents.
Contact
Ask questions or report project related issues at any time.