During the meeting, the City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting camping and sleeping on public rights-of-way and properties, a measure prompted by new state legislation effective October 1st. Deputy City Attorney Ernie Mueller introduced Ordinance 1568, explaining that non-compliance could result in legal actions against the city. The ordinance aims to provide the police department with a framework for addressing these issues without interfering with existing permissible camping areas within city parks.

Joseph Stano, a community member involved in outreach to the homeless, voiced concerns about the enforcement of this ordinance, particularly regarding the consequences for individuals who might refuse to vacate areas where they are camping. Stano highlighted the growing homeless population in Temple Terrace and questioned the city’s responsibilities in providing alternative accommodations. The discussion revealed a potential conflict between the council’s legislative objectives and the practical challenges faced by outreach workers.

The council also addressed the impact of Hurricane Debbie on the community. A council member commended the city’s staff for their effective operations during the storm, noting the collective efforts of multiple departments, including Public Works, Finance, Fire, Police, and Legal. They specifically praised Mr. Nazario, who was acting as city manager at the time, for his leadership. The city manager expressed gratitude for the commendations and confirmed that ARPA projects were on schedule to be completed within the required deadlines.

In the public comment section, Charles Love announced a senior program called the “Light Foot Program” scheduled for September 20, 2024, and provided a report on a recent library sale that raised over $1,400. Billy Chapman, co-owner of Natural Born Leaders Academy, sought information about potential city grants and the availability of a city-owned building for their youth mentoring program. A council member assured Chapman that staff would follow up on his inquiries.

The council also conducted a voting process to appoint two regular members to the school support committee. John Carlo Del Salvo and Laura Sabella were appointed, with terms extending from August 17, 2024, to August 17, 2027. Del Salvo has nine years of experience with Hillsborough County schools, while Sabella is an associate professor at the University of South Florida.

Further discussions included the city’s initiative to identify locations for street art. The city manager presented a shortlist of four proposed locations, emphasizing the criteria of pavement condition, visibility, and a focus on diversifying art locations. Vice Mayor James Chambers highlighted the importance of selecting accessible sites, particularly near areas where community events are frequently held. The council members agreed to visit the proposed sites before making a final decision and to involve the Arts Council in the process.

The meeting concluded with the scheduling of an executive session to review labor union negotiations with the fire union, set for August 13 at 3:00 PM. The city attorney reported no additional matters, and the council adjourned after acknowledging the directors’ efforts in facilitating a smooth process during the hurricane preparations.