4 Key Lessons from Hillsborough County's Hurricane Response

Addressing Stormwater Challenges in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County is facing a critical need to upgrade its aging drainage systems and enhance communication with both the public and other governmental entities when tropical storms threaten the region. An independent analysis conducted by Black & Veatch, an engineering firm, has highlighted several key areas that require immediate attention.

The county hired Black & Veatch following last year’s hurricane season, which led to extreme flooding across the region. The firm worked closely with over 200 residents to gather insights and developed a comprehensive report exceeding 1,000 pages. This report outlines essential steps for improving stormwater resilience and managing future weather events more effectively.

Increased Stormwater Maintenance Efforts

According to the report, nearly half of Hillsborough County's infrastructure was built before the adoption of stormwater regulations in 1982. Many pump stations are now reaching the end of their design life. Residents in areas not typically classified as flood zones, such as Forest Hills in northwest Tampa, experienced flooding during Hurricane Milton due to infrastructure failures.

While the city acknowledges its role in the flooding, it emphasizes that no system could handle the unprecedented rainfall the region faced. Typical annual rainfall in the area is around 51 inches, but last year saw over 80 inches. During one 24-hour period, parts of Hillsborough received between 21-23% of the total annual rainfall.

Jon Dinges, who presented the findings of Black & Veatch, noted that it is unrealistic to expect a stormwater management system capable of handling such extreme conditions. “Economically, you can’t afford to build systems to handle that,” he stated. The report highlights numerous projects needed across the county, including 132 stormwater drainage improvements and 470 culvert pipe repair and replacement initiatives.

From October 1 to June 30, the county has cleaned 81 miles of pipes, 165 miles of ditches, removed over 900 trees, and completed more than 600 inspections related to maintenance and flooding concerns. With a total area of 1,051 square miles and a 76-mile coastline, the scale of the challenge is significant.

More Stormwater Funding Required

The report found that Hillsborough County lacks sufficient funds to address all its stormwater needs adequately. Investing in drainage upgrades could potentially save about $120 million in flood damages. However, the county’s stormwater fees are among the lowest 25% of local governments in the state.

In the recommended fiscal year 2026 budget, $75 million is allocated for stormwater work within the $3.3 billion capital budget. An additional $10 million is earmarked for stormwater-related projects. These investments are crucial for long-term resilience and damage prevention.

Improved Collaboration Among Agencies

Managing stormwater infrastructure involves multiple agencies, including Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace, Hillsborough County, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. County commissioners have discussed the challenges of coordinating efforts with so many entities and are seeking best practices for collaboration.

In October, Commissioner Christine Miller proposed establishing a water task force, which included reaching out to the region’s water management district. The proposal passed unanimously. Miller emphasized the need for a task force to ensure effective preparation for future storm seasons.

Deputy County Administrator Greg Horwedel mentioned that the county plans to present a coordination plan but wanted to wait until the Black & Veatch report was fully reviewed. The goal is to streamline efforts and ensure all stakeholders are aligned in addressing stormwater challenges.

Better Public Engagement Strategies

The report identified a contradiction between residents' perceptions and the county's assessments. For example, while residents believe ditches are not adequately cleared of debris and vegetation, county inspections indicate they are in good working condition. Additionally, some residents outside designated flood zones may live in areas considered vulnerable to flooding.

To improve community engagement, the county is expanding flood risk notifications, coordinating with outside agencies to keep residents informed, and working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on flood map updates. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between public concerns and official assessments, ensuring better preparedness and response to future storms.