South Howard Flood Project Approved by Tampa City Council, Promising Flood Relief Amidst Road Disruptions

The Tampa City Council on Thursday, September 19, approved the South Howard Flood Project, a multiyear effort to reduce persistent flooding in South Tampa’s busy commercial and residential areas. The project, while addressing long-standing concerns, will also require significant road closures.

The Council voted 4-3 to greenlight the project, which creates a new stormwater drainage route. This route moves water more quickly from flood-prone, low-lying streets near South Howard Avenue. Residents have experienced recurring flooding in these areas.

However, the plan also brings considerable challenges. Construction necessitates closing sections of South Howard Avenue between Swann Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard. These sections could remain closed for up to a year at a time. The entire project is expected to take four years to complete.

The contractor is scheduled to begin work this November, with the project anticipated to wrap up by September 2030. While many welcome the flood reduction, local business owners have expressed concerns about the prolonged construction's impact on their operations.

South Tampa residents and commuters should prepare for significant traffic changes and plan alternative routes once construction begins in November.