TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa’s redistricting process is officially underway, and some community leaders worry new boundaries could weaken political representation in one of the city’s most historically Black districts.

By law, Tampa’s four single-member city council districts must have roughly equal population. That requirement means district lines will likely shift as the city continues to grow.

For Reverend Thomas Scott, the changes are visible across Tampa, including at historic landmarks like Rogers Park Golf Course.

“Back in the day this is the only place that Black people could come to,” Scott said.

What You Need To Know

Redistricting Marks First Time District 5 Isn’t Home to Most Black Voters. NAACP President Yvette Lewis Raises Fears of Weakened Voting Power in Historically Black District 5; as district lines are redrawn

Redistricting occurs every four years and is overseen by the Hillsborough County Planning Commission.

Manager of Strategic Planning Environmental & Research Yassert Gonzalez said that, for the first time, the majority of registered Black voters no longer live in District 5. As a result, some voting precincts may be reassigned.

In the past, cities and states with a history of discrimination were required to obtain pre-clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice before changing voting maps. This system remained in place until 2013, when a U.S. Supreme Court decision on a case from Alabama invalidated a crucial part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, ruling it unconstitutional
Tampa City Council

Today, the course draws visitors from across the city, reflecting broader demographic shifts. Scott said District 5 has changed as well.

“It’s no longer a minority-majority district because of the growth that has taken place,” said Scott, senior pastor of 34th Street Church of God.

Redistricting occurs every four years and is overseen by the Hillsborough County Planning Commission.

Manager of Strategic Planning Environmental & Research Yassert Gonzalez said that, for the first time, the majority of registered Black voters no longer live in District 5. As a result, some voting precincts may be reassigned.

“We’re talking about a couple thousand people out of 400,000 who may see different choices,” Gonzalez said. “In terms of fairness, we are driven mainly by population. That’s what we do. But we are sensitive to the history of the area. There’s been discrimination. We used to be under the Justice Department’s pre-clearance. We continue operating as if we are under (DOJ) pre-clearance.”

In the past, cities and states with a history of discrimination were required to obtain pre-clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice before changing voting maps. This system remained in place until 2013, when a U.S. Supreme Court decision on a case from Alabama invalidated a crucial part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, ruling it unconstitutional.

Tampa’s population now stands at 415,373, which must be divided evenly among four districts. The planning commission is holding a series of public meetings to gather community input before finalizing new maps.

“The final arbiter is the planning commission of Hillsborough,” Gonzalez said. “They are the ones who make the decision. It’s not a popularity contest.”

NAACP Hillsborough Branch President Yvette Lewis said the changes could significantly impact District 5’s political influence.

“Growth is good, but it can be harmful to the people who already live there,” Lewis said.

She fears new boundaries could dilute the district’s voting power. The NAACP has hosted community forums to encourage residents to stay involved.

“For them to get involved, because literally your life is depending on it,” Lewis said.

Former Tampa City Councilman and longtime resident Thomas Scott said regardless of how the maps are drawn, community engagement remains critical.

“District 5 is key to the whole growth of the city of Tampa,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to attend upcoming public meetings, including the next session scheduled for Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the Hanna Avenue City Center.

Scheduled Meeting Dates

Open House – Tuesday, January 27, 5:00PM-8PM

Virtual Open House – Tuesday, February 10, from 12pm to 2pm (Please register to attend)
Virtual Open House – Monday, February 23, from 12pm to 2pm (Please register to attend)
First Public Hearing – Monday, February 9, 2026 at 7:30PM

Second and Final Public Hearing – Monday, March 9, 2026 at 7:30PM (Action Expected!)