City Council members listened to public speakers concerned with public speech and reviewed items ranging from parks to pavement and historic buildings.
TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa City Council worked through a packed agenda Tuesday, addressing issues ranging from historic preservation and park accessibility to road improvements and the future of Tampa Police headquarters.
Council members first received an update on easements connected to the future of the historic Jackson House, a step city officials say is necessary as long-term plans for the property move forward. Several community members urged council to act more quickly.
“Where is the resources, where is the commitment from this city to make it happen?” asked public speaker Connie Burton.
The council then heard from Tampa Parks and Recreation Director Ted Fowler, who outlined ongoing and upcoming park projects across the city. Fowler said new designs and equipment are focused on meeting ADA requirements while also creating “all abilities” playgrounds that emphasize usability for people with disabilities.
“Whatever design, whatever play equipment, whatever benches we put in, that will be our first and foremost priority,” Fowler said.
Council members also received a quarterly update from the city’s mobility department on completed paving projects.
Work has been finished along the Gomez corridor and nearby side streets, Henry Avenue and 37th Street, Azeele Street in the Beach Park area, Yukon Street, Linebaugh Avenue from Florida Avenue through 12th Street, and Waters Avenue between Nebraska Avenue and 22nd Street.
“We have accomplished more in the last two years than they probably have in the last 10 years of paving in this city. It’s dramatic,” Councilman Alan Clendenin said.
Upcoming projects include McCoy Street in Port Tampa, segments of 7th and 2nd avenues in Ybor City, and the intersection of Commerce Palms and Compton Drive in north Tampa.
“I think the biggest complaint we get is the quality of our roads,” Councilman Guido Maniscalco said. “And to be able to show this to the public already — what’s done and what’s coming — I think people are very grateful.”
Council members also heard emotional public comment regarding the removal of a speaker at a previous meeting whose remarks were deemed hateful. Some speakers criticized the decision, calling it censorship.
“The freedom of speech is not just freedom of speech when it’s comfortable, polite, or flattering,” said public speaker Antonio Daniel.
Council members said they have asked city attorneys for a legal opinion on whether individuals who repeatedly use hate speech can be banned from speaking during public comment.
Separately, the council took initial steps toward designating the Nieto Fuente Buckeye building as a historic landmark. The structure, which once housed the Arturo Fuente cigar company, is currently undergoing renovations.