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Our very recent brush with Hurricane Hermine reinforces why Florida's model has expanded the Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA) to protect life and property. State law requires local governments to direct populations away from the CHHA - the area at risk from storm surge inundation by a category 1 hurricane as determined by the state computer model. The State recently completed an update with an improved model, leading to a significantly expanded CHHA.

The local governments will now work to limit the population at risk in this area primarily by limiting increases in planned population density, and public expenditures for infrastructure in the CHHA. They must also ensure populations in this area are able to shelter or evacuate when necessary. Hurricane evacuation zones are expected to be expanded as well. The Planning Commission provides a Planning Information Map App (PIMA) allowing residents and businesses to view a variety of information related to their property including the updated Coastal High Hazard Area.

Check out the Planning Commission's PIMA tool »

On July 29th, the Planning Commission was excited to host Sam Schwartz, P.E. - former Traffic Commissioner of New York City a.k.a. "Gridlock Sam" at our quarterly InfoBBQ. His creative problem-solving for seemingly intractable situations has created many win-win-win situations, whereby traffic moves better, pedestrians are safer, and the community gains more sidewalk and green space. His return to Tampa continued the conversation in collaboration with the Tampa Innovation Alliance captivated a packed house on how his ideas can be applied, particularly in the areas around USF with focus on possible landscape and traffic design applications for major streets such as Fowler Avenue.

 

Planning Commission Info BBQ 07.29.16 featuring Sam Schwartz

In case you missed it, view the entire presentation with Q & A (click on video image to the left).
 
The Planning Commission Info BBQ series continues each quarter with new topics of local planning interest at various locations in Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City and unincorporated Hillsborough County. Watch for more info coming soon for our Fall Info BBQ!