The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved $6.2 million to build a 116-unit affordable housing apartment complex in Riverview. Each unit will be rented at below market rates to residents making 80 percent or less of the area’s median income. About $4.7 million will come from the County’s Local Affordable Housing Fund, and $1.5 million from the State Housing Initiative Program. The complex will be built at Mahog Road and Gibsonton Drive and owned and operated by Fulham Terrace Ltd.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved the use of $10.2 million from the County’s Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP) to acquire nearly 500 acres within the Little Manatee River Corridor Addition Preserve. This acquisition protects a vital landscape linkage and regional wildlife corridor connecting multiple ELAPP preserves and state parks. When current cattle operations cease, the County will restore the property to native upland habitats, including pine flatwoods and oak hammocks, while providing public access for activities such as hiking and wildlife observation.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of property in Palm River to rebuild Fire Station No. 15. The property, at 6210 S. 12th Ave. and Maydell Drive, will house a new, modernized fire station that will ensure optimal health and safety measures for firefighters and serve the growing Palm River community in a timely, safe, and effective way. The cost of the land, $475,000, and station replacement is covered by American Rescue Plan ACT (ARP) funds.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved a grant cooperative agreement with Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority that extends services for transportation disadvantaged persons to include intercounty trips between Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties and service outside of normal service hours in Hillsborough County. Under the grant, Sunshine Line will provide eligibility screening and referrals to the service for residents of Hillsborough County, providing transportation to those in need.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved funding to support programs for ZooTampa at Lowry Park and The Florida Aquarium, Inc. The more than $786,000 will further enhance tourism and promote an understanding of science, wildlife protection, habitat sustainability, and the natural environment in partnership with schools, families, and the community.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners is continuing its partnership with Enterprising Latinas, Inc. to support economic mobility pathways for women in south Hillsborough County. The not-to-exceed $100,000 for fiscal year 2023 will be used to create programs focusing on family stability, well-being, education and training, financial management, and employment and careers.

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