Hillsborough School Board Advances Educational Opportunities

Overview: The Hillsborough County School Board meeting on March 5th focused on advancing educational opportunities across various fronts, highlighted by the approval of the application for the Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program (FPCTP) and discussions surrounding community involvement in the expansion of Apollo Beach Elementary to a K-8 school, as well as the opening of a new K-8 school in South Tampa.

Pasco County Council Explores Traffic Solutions and Revitalization Projects

Overview: The Pasco County Council meeting addressed a variety of community concerns including transportation infrastructure, economic revitalization, environmental sustainability, and the welfare of the homeless population. The council members discussed a number of projects aimed at improving the county’s connectivity and mobility, focusing particularly on the Grand Boulevard corridor.

Hillsborough School District Seeks Critical Funding Boost

Overview: The Hillsborough County School Board is seeking additional revenue to tackle the challenges of teacher retention, competitive staff pay, and the expansion of student services. In a recent meeting, the board, including Superintendent Van Ayres, discussed the need for increased funding to maintain and improve the quality of education amidst rapid growth and budgetary constraints. The most topics of conversation revolved around the Community Investment Tax (CIT), the proposal for a millage rate increase, and the financial overhaul aimed at stabilizing the district’s budget.

Pasco County Council Examines Development Projects Amid Environmental Concerns

Overview: The recent Pasco County Council meeting delved into various development proposals which sparked active community involvement due to potential impacts on the environment, local infrastructure, and neighborhood character. Most notably, the discussions revolved around proposed changes to the Beacon Woods East mpud, Jar Palms mutd, and a debate regarding environmental concerns over the proposed master plan for the ARA Heights Sun West Harbor Town and Heritage Pines MD.

Pasco County Approves Multifamily and Commercial Developments

Overview: In an effort to shape the future landscape of Pasco County, the Board of County Commissioners approved two comprehensive plan amendments, facilitating the development of nearly 750 multifamily units and over 300,000 square feet of commercial retail space. During the meeting on February 20th, 2024, the commissioners unanimously passed ordinances p43 and p44, which involved changing land use designations to allow for planned developments on two separate properties, totaling roughly 74.5 acres.