Mayor Jane Castor, Tampa City Council, and community members recently broke ground on a transformational improvement project at Forest Hills Park. Renovations will include a state-of-the-art multipurpose sports field, stormwater improvements, a .6 mi paved fitness trail, ADA access improvements, exercise stations, and more.

Get Involved

Bridges to Business Subcontractor Outreach and Networking Event

Are you a subcontractor interested in working with the City or expanding your network? On December 15 from 2 pm – 5 pm at the Tampa Convention Center, meet and network with the City's Contract Administration Department, Purchasing Department, and Equal Business Opportunity staff in addition to partner agencies, sureties, insurance providers, and dozens of prime contractors for City of Tampa construction projects. Opportunities for construction subcontractors include general contractors, design-builders, and job order contractors.

Takomah Trail Park Ribbon Cutting

Join Mayor Jane Castor, Tampa City Council, City staff, and local community members at Takomah Trail Park on December 6 at 11 am to celebrate the park’s new expanded trail connectivity with a ribbon cutting and park stroll.

Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

Attend Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade on December 17 along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. The parade begins at 6 pm, starting at the southern tip of Davis Islands and ending at Sparkman Wharf. The event is FREE to watch and attend.

Fowler Avenue Comprehensive Plan

Live, work or play near Fowler Avenue? Provide your input regarding the area’s future through the Fowler Avenue Vision Study. Fowler Avenue traverses through both Hillsborough County and City of Tampa jurisdictional boundaries, each subject to their respective regulations. This has created a development environment characterized by inconsistent development patterns along the corridor. Achieving a cohesive vision for the corridor requires the identification of policy gaps, acknowledging points of agreement, leveraging existing projects, and coordination between jurisdictions, in addition to significant community and stakeholder outreach. The resulting Comprehensive Vision Plan for the redevelopment of the East Fowler Avenue Corridor will paint a picture of the future that the corridor can grow into. Attend an in-person Open House event on December 13 or a virtual Open House event on December 14 to make your voice heard.

Job of the Week

The Wastewater Department is hiring an AWT Systems Compliance Specialist to perform technical and professional work in accordance with compliance regulations at the Howard F. Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWTP). This position will manage and oversee compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations according to facility and city policies, as well as monitor AWTP compliance with all existing permits and ordinances.

Last Week's Headlines

Teeter the therapy dog joins Tampa Police Department
WFLA NewsChannel 8
Tampa police said Teeter will be used to comfort victims of crime as they process traumatic events.

Completion of Tampa's mini roundabout signals change for pedestrian safety
FOX13
The program identifies problem areas and puts solutions in place to make roadways safer.

Ybor City archway lights on 7th Avenue get makeover
ABC Action News
As a part of the city’s economic development focus, those lights are getting a tune-up.

Tampa mayor visits FOX 13 ahead of Cynthia Smoot's retirement
FOX13
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor paid a visit to FOX 13's Cynthia Smoot ahead of her retirement from broadcast news.

Tampa ranks as one of top cities for veterans to live
Spectrum Bay News 9
Several different groups including military.com have ranked Tampa as one of the best places for veterans and their families based on housing, jobs and access to Veterans Affairs.

Study: Tampa is one of the top five college cities in the nation
Tampa Bay Business Journal

WalletHub’s annual list of the best college towns and cities has Tampa among the best in the nation.

Employee Spotlight

Meet Handel Thomas, an Automated Collection Driver with the Solid Waste Department. He has worked for the City of Tampa for 13 years and enjoys that his position involves daily communication with the drivers and making positive changes.

What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy fishing and craftsmanship.

What's one of the coolest days you’ve had on the job? One day while driving I passed by customers who were holding signs that expressed their gratitude towards the Solid Waste Department. The signs had slogans that were very appreciative of the workers. When I observed the signs I felt a sense of appreciation for what I do and the impact I have on the lives of our customers.

You can go anywhere in the world for free. Where would you go and why? My traveling goal is to one day visit Ghana in Africa and spend time on a Safari. I enjoy learning about different cultures and would like to experience African culture.

Coming Up This Week

Monday, December 5 at 9 a.m.
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority Regular Board Hybrid Meeting 

Monday, December 5 at 12 p.m.
City Of Tampa Logistics/Asset Management Employee Awards & Holiday Celebration

Monday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Visit Tampa Bay's Welcome Reception For The City Of Tampa, Kansas

Tuesday, December 6 at 10 a.m.
City Of Tampa Human Rights Board Annual Meeting

Tuesday, December 6 at 11 a.m.
Ribbon Cutting - Takomah Park & Trail

Tuesday, December 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Mayor's Neighborhoods Merry Mingle

Wednesday, December 7 at 5 p.m.
Amgen Capability Center 5-Year Anniversary Celebration Reception

Wednesday, December 7 at 6 p.m.
City Of Tampa Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1464 Holiday Party

Thursday, December 8 at 6 a.m.
City Of Tampa Solid Waste Employee Awards & Holiday Celebration

Thursday, December 8 at 8 a.m.
City Of Tampa Annual Holiday Food Baskets Distribution

Thursday, December 8 at 10:30 a.m.
Hillsborough County Tourist Development Council Quarterly Meeting

Thursday, December 8 at 11:30 a.m.
City Of Tampa Water Dept. Production Holiday Luncheon

Friday, December 9 at 2 p.m.
Mayor's Holiday Open House For City Employees/Families

Saturday, December 10 at 5 p.m.
Tampa Police Dept/Tampa Fire Rescue Badge Bowl