March Observances

Women's History Month

Celebrating Living Legends

Women's History Month is a great time to share a tapestry of women who have made impactful contributions to various fields, from politics and education to business and the arts. Local initiatives often highlight the achievements of women who have paved the way for future generations. Notable figures such as:

First Row

• Mary Scriven, U.S. District Judge
• Charlene Honeywell, Senior U.S. District Judge
• Fentrice Driskell, Minority Leader, FL State Representative
• Dianne Hart, FL State Representative

Second Row

• Michele Rayner, FL State Representative
• Gwen Myers, County Commissioner
• The Honorable Lisa Campbell, Judge
• The Honorable Barbara Twine Thomas, Judge

Third Row

• Gwendolyn Henderson, Tampa City Councilwoman
• Shirley Foxx Knowles, Tampa City Clerk
• Barbara Tripp, Tampa Fire Rescue Chief
• The Honorable Peggy Quince, Florida Justice

Forth Row

• The Honorable Gwendolyn Miller
• The Honorable Doretha Edgecomb
• The Honorable Arthenia Joyner
• Carolyn House Stewart, Esq., 28th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Fifth Row:

• Dr. Paulette Walker, 25th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Marsha Lewis Brown, 17th South Atlantic Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,
• Yvette Lewis, NAACP President
• Cynthia Cook, Urban League Chair

St. Patrick's Day is observed annually on March 17th and honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a day of celebration characterized by vibrant parades, lively music, traditional Irish cuisine, and a sense of community spirit. Throughout the day, you are likely to see a lot of people wearing green clothes and accessories. On Saturday, March 15th at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park from 11:00am - 6:00pm, Tampa's Downtown Partnership is hosting the River O' Green event and coloring the Hillsborough River green to channel the luck of the Irish. There will be live performances, food and beverage vendors, prizes, giveaways, and more.

Spring in Hillsborough County is different from other parts of the country. As we transition from the cooler months to the warmer temperatures of summer, we enjoy more daytime temperatures ranging from the mid seventies to the low eighties. It's a great time to get out and enjoy our many parks and recreation centers for some fun in the sun. We kindly ask that as you enjoy our outdoor areas that you please remember to be respectful of your neighbors by following a few simple rules. Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, and keep noise to a minimum. Following these rules will help to make Springtime enjoyable for all.

Noteworthy News

Justin Hall

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Seven Secretary David Gwynn will be retiring in the next couple of months after eight years as the District Seven Secretary. Stepping into David’s shoes is Justin Hall. Justin began his career with FDOT as the Government Liaison Administrator for District Seven and, most recently, served as a key member of District Seven’s leadership team as the Director of Transportation Development. In addition, Justin has also served as the District Seven Planning and Environmental Management Office Administrator and the Interim Director of Transportation Development for Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise. Throughout his professional career, Justin has been instrumental in developing strong working relationships while maintaining a dedication to delivering projects and programs efficiently.

Please join me in celebrating David’s remarkable career and wishing him a fulfilling retirement, as well as congratulating Justin as the next District Seven Secretary.

1.) The Board approved and executed three tri-party agreements with the State of Florida Department of Transportation, the County, and additional recipients (Plant City, Sheriff's Office, and Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa / Zoo of Tampa) for State Financial Assistance.

2.) The Board adopted a Resolution allocating up to $150,510 in funding to A Kid's Place of Tampa Bay, Inc. (AKP) as a contribution for the construction of two restrooms within AKP's future activity center to be constructed at 1801 Lithia Pinecrest Road, Brandon.

3.) The Board approved the FY 25 Budget Amendment resolution in accordance with both the County's successful January 22, 2025, sale of Solid Waste Bonds and with Resolution No. R24-103, which provided for the issuance of the Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds Series 2025A.

4.) The Board received, approved, and adopted the Administrative Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds, and authorized the Chair or County Administrator to execute the required HUD Certifications associated with the new funding allocation, contingent upon review and approval by the County Attorney's Office.

5.) The Board approved emergency purchases related to Hurricane Milton for the Water Resources Department at an additional total cost of $7,405,555.55.

In the Community

Bob Henriquez, Property Appraiser; Commissioner Harry Cohen; Bonnie Wise, County Administrator, Commissioner Chris Boles; Liana Lopez, Chief Communications Administrator; Robbi Smith, Legislative Aide; Irene Miranda, Division Director, Customer Service, and Gerald White, TECO, Superintendent Generation

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, the County's Neighborhood Relations Team hosted the 2025 Neighborhoods Expo at Feeding Tampa Bay. My Aide, Robbi Smith represented my office. Every neighborhood in the county was invited to attend and learn about County services. Commissioners Cohen and Boles, and County Administrator Bonnie Wise gave remarks. The Expo was a huge success, and we look forward to next year's Expo.

Parade Day Luncheon

Janet Lorton, Executive Director, Environmental Protection Commission with EPC Staff and District 3 Aides Wanda West and Robbi Smith.

On Monday, March 3, 2025, my Aides Wanda West and Robbi Smith attended the Strawberry Festival Parade Day Luncheon at the John R. Trinkle Center in Plant City on my behalf. This annual luncheon is a celebration of the Strawberry Parade and Festival. Community leaders enjoy a delicious luncheon and hear from local and state officials leading up to the highly anticipated Strawberry Festival Parade.

Lynn Hurtak, Tampa City Councilwoman; Ocea Wynn, Administrator, Neighborhood & Community Affairs; Shirley Foxx-Knowles, City Clerk, and

Jane Castor, Mayor, City of Tampa

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Mayor Jane Castor and the City of Tampa Women's History Committee hosted the 28th Annual Women's History Month Celebration including presentation of the Josephine Howard Stafford Memorial Award to Shirley Foxx-Knowles at the Tampa Bay History Center. My Aides Wanda West and Robbi Smith attended on my behalf. Ms. Foxx-Knowles was appointed to the position of City Clerk by Mayor Pam Iorio on May 12, 2003. She is the twenty-eighth clerk for the City of Tampa since 1856. Shirley is a Certified Financial Development Professional, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Florida A & M University (FAMU); and also has completed some graduate work towards an MBA at the University of Tampa. Deanne King, Anchor for WFLA News Channel 8 served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Brenda Vallecilla, Managing Director, Affordable Housing Services (AHS); Jody Jenkins, AHS; Jamaal Johnson, AHS; Shawntaye Beato, AHS; Christal Primous, AHS, and Joseph Stokes, AHS

On the morning of Thursday, March 6, 2025, the Affordable Housing Services Department hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the recently completed Baytown Apartments in Tampa. As the Chair of the Affordable Housing Committee, I gave remarks to the audience. The County provided CDS Monarch and InVictus Development with Local Housing Trust Funds (HOPE) funding in the amount of $1.5 million and State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds in the amount of $40,000 to assist with the new construction of a 30 multi-family rental development property for special needs households. The project will consist of fifteen one bedroom/one-bathroom units and fifteen two bedroom/two-bathroom units. The development will be ADA accessible with six fully ADA compliant units. Common amenities include a computer and fitness center, laundry facility, community room, and picnic area. Each unit will have washer/dryer hook ups, cable/satellite tv hook up, and window coverings. This development will serve families at or below 60% AMI.

Women's Final Four

2025 Legends and Legacy Honorees Announced

2025 Legends and Legacy Honorees: Thaddeus Bullard, President and Chair, Bullard Family Foundation; Jane Castor, Mayor, City of Tampa; Gwen Myers, County Commissioner, District 3; Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy, Former Senior Associate Athletics Director and Interim Director of Athletics, University of South Florida, and Derrick Brooks, Executive Vice President of Corporate and Community Development, Vinik Sports Group

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, the NCAA hosted the 2025 Legends and Legacy Luncheon to honor this year's Community Award recipients. It was humbling to be selected as one of the 2025 Honorees along with Derrick Brooks, Thaddeus Bullard, Mayor Jane Castor and Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy. The luncheon was hosted at Mise En Place restaurant in Tampa and my Aide, Robbi Smith joined me for the occasion. The Women's Final Four will take place at Amalie Arena from April 3rd - 6th.

2025 Women of Distinction Luncheon

Wanda West, Legislative Aide; Yvonne Fry, CEO, Workforce Development Partners, and Robbi Smith, Legislative Aide

On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, my Aides Wanda West and Robbi Smith represented my office at the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Women of Distinction Luncheon at The Gathering at Armature Works. This year's honorees include, Joyce Cotton, Ann Shaler, The Honorable Kathryn Starkey, and Dr. Kanika Tomalin as Women of Distinction, Mattie Velasco as a Woman of Promise, and Maruchi Azorin as Hall of Fame Inductee.

Congratulations to the 2025 Honorees!

The Honorable Chris Rey, International President, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

On Friday, March 14, 2025, I attended a Meet & Greet with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. It was my honor to greet the International President, The Honorable Chris Rey, J.D. of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. at the Marriott, downtown, Tampa. President Rey and 30 brothers of Sigma are here making plans to host their International Conclave July 14 through 20, 2025, with the theme Dream Big, Act Bold, Always Believe.  The Conclave brings together professional men, representing many communities and occupations which are actively involved in the work of their fraternity. Along with developing strategies and plans for bring an active, visible presence in our respective communities, members of the Fraternity will continue its commemoration of 110 years of active involvement and influence in business, education, social services and politics across the world. 

You're Invited!

Tampa's First Drumline Battle

Rumble in the Jungle

Middleton High School's 20-piece drumline is hosting Tampa's first ever drumline battle. High school drumlines from as far away as Atlanta, Georgia will join the competition.

Who: 8 Talented Drumline Teams

What: Drumline Battle

When: Saturday, March 15, 2025, 1 pm - 6 pm

Where: 4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa

Why: Enabling a path to higher learning through music.

10th Annual Military Agriculture Tour

Highlights Agricultural Careers for Veterans

This year marks a decade of Hillsborough County’s commitment to providing military veterans a firsthand look at careers in the modern agriculture industry through the annual Military Agriculture Tour. 

The 10th annual Military Agriculture Tour hosted by Hillsborough County Extension Service takes place on Friday, March 28, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour will visit a wheat processing facility, tropical fish lab, plant nursery, blueberry farm, and the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Attendees will hear from former veterans-turned-agribusiness professionals about how they utilized their skills to transition from the military to careers in agriculture. 

The cost of the tour is $5, which includes coffee, donuts, and lunch. Attendees are asked to wear appropriate clothing for the weather and closed-toe shoes. Registration is required and seating is limited. 

Event Details 

Who: UF-IFAS Extension Hillsborough County 

What: 10th Annual Military Agriculture Tour 

Where: 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584 

When: March 28, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

In the Know

Columbus Drive Resurfacing Project

Begins This Month

Residents that travel east and west along Columbus Drive will see roadway relief soon as one of the County’s busiest corridors inside the City of Tampa city limits will begin resurfacing in March. Hillsborough drivers will see new pavement, but pedestrians also will get new safety features including enhanced crosswalk features, updated pedestrian-activated crossing technology, and updated curbs that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

The corridor is an important path for many residents who walk to conveniences like supermarkets, laundromats, coffee shops, bakeries, and more along Columbus. This first phase of the Columbus resurfacing stretches from Dale Mabry Highway to Armenia Avenue. A second phase from Armenia to Nebraska Avenue will not begin for another two years. 

The resurfacing is not expected to require full road closures, but it will include some lane closures over the coming months. The first phase of the Columbus Drive resurfacing project is expected to conclude by the end of 2025, pending unforeseen delays. Per the City of Tampa’s request, the posted speed limit on Columbus will be reduced from 40 miles per hour to 35.  

Part of Tidewater Trail in Progress Village is Closed This Month for Stormwater Repair

Part of Tidewater Trail in Progress Village is closed until April for a stormwater repair project. Tidewater Trail from South 78th Street to Waikiki Way will be closed until April 9th as crews repair a stormwater crossing. Residents are encouraged to use marked detours in the area to get around the closing. Navigation apps have been updated on the detour and will route residents around the closure. 

For more information, contact Public Works Customer Service at (813) 635-5400 or PWCustomerResolution@HCFL.gov. 

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