The Hillsborough County Commissioners have commended the University of Tampa Spartans for snagging the 2024 NCAA Division II Baseball Championship, equating them with the most titles in the division's history, according to an announcement released by the county. Additionally, the Commissioners tipped their hats to the University of Tampa’s seasoned baseball coach Joe Urso, who was selected as the 2024 National Coach of the Year for NCAA Division II.
Florida commissioners have approved an easement to protect 935.50 acres in the Lower Green Swamp Preserve. This effort aims to improve water quality in the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay by protecting the area around Blackwater Creek.
The Board kept the Stormwater Management Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Rates on a steady keel for 2024, locking them in at the same figures as 2023, which are forecasted to inject $37.3 million into the county's annual revenues from the Stormwater Assessment.
On the topic of waste, a public hearing culminated in an adopted resolution for a Solid Waste Rate hike of $40.39 annually for single-family residences beneficiating from waste collection and disposal services. This incremental increase is set to fortify funding for the construction of a new landfill cell and the maintenance of capital needs crucial for safety and regulatory adherence, while an $8 bump in senior and hardship program discounts will reflect the rate increments. Residents have been advised that they can apply for the hardship programs until October 1, when the new rates come into effect.
In addition to these developments, the commissioners endorsed a resolution green-lighting the PACE program, a mechanism that's recently seen amendments from the Florida Legislature to widen the ambit of qualifying improvements and ramp up consumer protections and contractor oversight. "To address certain consumer protection concerns, the act requires program administrators to make various determinations prior to approving financing agreements with property owners," details the Hillsborough County Commissioners' meeting recap. Implementation plans call for county staff to collaborate with an assortment of officials, including the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser, to bring interlocal agreements and an educational program on PACE for seniors back to the Board for final approval.
The next gathering of the Hillsborough County Commissioners is scheduled for September 4, at 9 a.m. and can be viewed live on their official YouTube channel. Agendas for the meeting and subscription options for the Hillsborough County Commission Connection newsletter can be found on their website.
