Tampa City Council approved the South Howard drainage plan on Sept. 17 for an underground system that would route stormwater to the bay. Parkland Estates and Palma Ceia Pines could benefit, but the South Howard Business Alliance opposes the plan and may challenge it.
Harry Coleman said his family lived elsewhere for six months after hurricanes, from October 2024 to April 2025. Bill Kolega of Palma Ceia Pines said flooding raises concerns about getting his children to school or medical care.
Tina Adams said stormwater backing out of drains flooded homes because the pipes are too small and 75 to 100 years old. Coleman said the city divided the project into 24 sections to limit business disruption. Kolega said his petition drew nearly 600 signatures, with support from across Tampa. The South Howard Business Alliance remains opposed; Steve Michelini said he believes the plan will not work and that attorneys monitored the hearing as every legal possibility would be examined.
