TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa City Council on Thursday approved the South Howard Flood Project, a multiyear effort aimed at reducing flooding in one of South Tampa’s busiest commercial and residential areas.
The vote was 4-3.
Tampa officials say the project will create a new stormwater drainage route to move water more quickly out of flood-prone, low-lying streets near South Howard Avenue.
The project has drawn strong reactions from residents and business owners, with supporters pointing to recurring flooding concerns and opponents warning that prolonged construction could hurt local businesses.
The city’s plan would require closing South Howard Avenue between Swann Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard in sections for up to a year.
Dozens of residents who experienced flooding, pitted against many business owners, showed up Thursday to speak out about the controversial project.
The project’s approval came down to one swing vote — from Council Chair Alan Clendenin — who called it one of the most difficult decisions he has had to make.
The Tampa City Council has been nearly evenly divided about the $100 million flood relief project.
The council on Thursday heard about two hours of public comment from concerned residents.
Business owners urged the council to vote the project down, fearing the construction will cause loss of customers and force them to close.
But homeowners who have flooded asked the council to approve the project to bring them some much-needed relief.
Clendenin said the reason he ultimately decided to approve the project is because the most basic function of the government is to protect the people it serves.
“I believe the gravest risk is failing to act,” he said. “To those who have lived with the flooding and the next generation that will benefit from this project, I stand with you. And to those who disagree with my decision, I respect and I heard you, and my questions will not stop tomorrow.”
Council members Bill Carlson, Guido Maniscalco and Naya Young voted no. They cited concerns about the project pulling money away from other stormwater projects in the city and it taking too long to bring relief.
In addition to Clendenin, council members Lynn Hurtak, Charlie Miranda and Luis Veira voted yes.
The city says it will take about four years to complete.
The contractor is scheduled to begin this November and wrap up by September 2030.
Officials earlier said a newly released simulation shows the proposed project would reduce flooding in Parkland Estates and Palma Ceia Pines.