Tampa Faces a 100 Million Dollar Decision on SoHo Flooding

Tampa is considering a $100 million solution to chronic flooding in two South Tampa neighborhoods. Supporters say the project is long overdue. Some South Howard, commonly known as SoHo, business owners fear the construction could put them out of business.

On September 17, Tampa City Council is expected to vote on a maximum construction price of approximately $92.7 million for the South Howard Flood Relief Project. With design and other expenses included, the city lists the total estimated cost at $100.4 million.

The decision places two serious concerns before the council. Residents want protection from repeated flooding. Businesses want protection from years of construction that could limit customer access and reduce revenue.

What Tampa wants to build

The proposed project would install approximately 6,000 feet of underground stormwater infrastructure.

A 10-foot-by-10-foot box culvert would run from Bayshore Boulevard along South Howard Avenue, turn west near Swann Avenue, and connect to the AMI pond in Palma Ceia Pines.

The system is intended to move stormwater away from Parkland Estates and Palma Ceia Pines, where aging drainage infrastructure has struggled to manage heavy rain.

The project is currently at 60 percent design. That does not mean construction is 60 percent complete. It means the engineering plans are developed enough to establish a maximum construction price.

If approved, construction is expected to take approximately three years.

What the city says it would accomplish

The city modeled how the system would perform during an eight hour storm producing 5.3 inches of rain.

Under existing conditions, Tampa says at least 96 structures could flood and some water could take more than 12 hours to drain.

A simulation created by AtkinsRéalis shows the proposed system eliminating structural flooding in Parkland Estates and Palma Ceia Pines during that specific storm scenario. It also shows remaining street flooding beginning to drain earlier.

The city says the system would benefit more than 1,000 homes, businesses, medical offices and HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital. Medical professionals have said flooded streets can make it difficult for patients and employees to reach nearby health care facilities.

The project is designed to improve stormwater drainage. It would not prevent every type of flooding or guarantee protection from hurricanes and storm surge.

Why some businesses are fighting it

Several SoHo business owners agree that Tampa needs better flood protection. Their disagreement is with the city’s selected plan.

Linda Misner, owner of Body by Design near South Howard Avenue, told FOX 13 that her business has operated for more than 30 years and employs six people.

“We’re afraid we could go under. We’re not sure we would survive,” Misner said in a FOX 13 video report.

Business owners are concerned that road construction, lane closures and limited driveway access could reduce customer traffic. Some also believe Tampa should consider alternatives that would cause less disruption.

The city says construction would be completed in smaller sections. Plans include temporary access, off-site parking, shuttle assistance and a campaign reminding customers that SoHo businesses remain open.

The SoHo Business Alliance remains opposed to the current plan and has presented an alternative proposal. The organization also sued Tampa over access to public records associated with the project.

The lawsuit concerns the production of requested records. It is not a direct legal attempt to stop construction.

Tampa must decide which risk it will carry

This issue cannot be reduced to residents against businesses.

Residents have experienced repeated flooding that damages property and blocks streets. Medical professionals have raised concerns about access to care. Business owners face years of construction that could interfere with customer access and threaten their income.

Both sides are describing real risks.

Before approving the project, City Council should require clear answers about its engineering, construction schedule and protections for affected businesses. Opponents should also be expected to show that their alternative can provide comparable flood protection.

Doing nothing carries a cost too.

The decision is not simply whether $100 million is expensive. The real question is whether this project provides enough protection to justify its cost and disruption, and whether Tampa can build it without losing the businesses it is supposed to help protect.