South Howard Flood Project
Follow the money, the contracts and the decisions behind one of Tampa's largest stormwater projects.
The South Howard Flood Relief Project was supposed to address a real problem: flooding.
But as I began looking into the project, I found myself with more questions - not about whether flooding needs to be fixed, but about how this project was planned, what it costs, how decisions were made, and whether taxpayers are getting the best solution for their money.
So I started digging.
WHAT I'M LOOING AT
How was cost determined?
It seems that an original cost given to council was $7.228M for water distribution repairs and issues. It is not clear as to how it became one huge drain project and I can't see that any alternatives were actually explored. So this project morphed into a 10x10 foot drain down Swann and Howard avenue at a cost of $98M.
Who actually benefits from this project?
I can tell you who doesn't benefit from this project - Palma Ceia Pines. People who have been investigating this have mentioned that possibly only 20 or so homes will actually see any relief.
During an August 10 City Council budget workshop, the City's own South Howard design lead was asked whether the project does any work in Palma Ceia or Palma Ceia Pines.
His answer was “No, sir.”
He was then asked specifically whether the project would alleviate flooding in Palma Ceia Pines.
Again: “No, sir.”
So I want to know exactly who this helps, period.
Where is the money coming from?
Information I am receiving from the ongoing lawsuit identifies approximately $11.9M from 13 stormwater accounts, including money for flood-control projects in other Tampa neighborhoods,
So one simple question: Are we now delaying flood projects in other neighborhoods to pay for South Howard?
Resident deserve to know if money designated for their neighborhoods is being re-routed to pay for South Howard.
This investigation is ongoing. I will add the underlying court records, sworn testimony and City documents as they become available.