Temple Terrace Council Backs Brightline’s Orlando-Tampa Extension

Overview: The Temple Terrace City Council convened recently to discuss a range of topics, with the most significant being the potential extension of the Brightline train service from Orlando to Tampa. The council approved a motion to authorize the mayor to write a letter supporting the state’s allocation of $50 million for the project. Other topics included the adoption of a revised land disposal policy, a rezoning ordinance, various appointments, and community concerns.

Hillsborough School Board Tackles Student Discipline and Bias

Overview: The Hillsborough County School Board recently convened to address issues surrounding student discipline, racial disparities in suspensions, and the need for consistent application of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. The Board also focused on the impact of external factors such as community crime and homelessness on schools, the increasing incidents of vaping, and the utilization of threat management systems.

Temple Terrace Board Grants Variance for Slanted Lot Line

Overview: The Temple Terrace Board of Adjustments granted a variance for a property with a unique slanted lot line in a recent meeting on January 25th, 2024, allowing the construction of a garage that would encroach on the property line due to the irregular shape of the lot.

Temple Terrace Board Focuses on Historic Preservation

Overview: In an effort to bolster historic preservation efforts, the Temple Terrace Historic Preservation Board recently convened to discuss the registration and protection of historic buildings within the city. The board grappled with the potential demolition of a historic building on Davis Island, which is currently up for sale, sparking a conversation about the board’s role and effectiveness in safeguarding such structures. Concerns were raised over low attendance and the challenge of filling board vacancies, which underlined the urgency of these issues.

Hillsborough School Board Tackles Book Censorship and School Upgrades

Overview: In a recent gathering of the Hillsborough County School Board, discussions were dominated by the debate over the appropriateness of a book titled “Identical” within the district’s school library system, along with the potential K-8 expansion of Apollo Beach Elementary School, and the recognition of January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. These issues took center stage over procedural matters, reflecting the board’s focus on student welfare, community engagement, and educational standards.