Dougherty named State Fire Chief of the Year
TAMPA – The Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association named Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Chief Jason Dougherty as Fire Chief of the Year during its annual conference in Punta Gorda, Florida.
The Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association honor states: “This distinction was established to recognize a truly outstanding fire chief whose acts and deeds in their profession, home, community, and country, serve as an example and challenge for all other chief fire executives throughout Florida.”
In December 2023, Dougherty was named the seventh Fire Chief in Hillsborough County’s history. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is one of the largest fire departments in the state.
Dougherty began his career in 1999 in Thomasville, Georgia, and later served as training chief with Tampa Fire Rescue. He joined Hillsborough County Fire Rescue in 2016. Before becoming Fire Chief, he served as deputy chief of operations and deputy chief of administration for HCFR.
Early Voting underway in Hillsborough County
TAMPA – Early Voting for the 2026 Primary Election started Aug. 3, in Hillsborough County and will be available every day through Aug. 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hillsborough County voters can choose to vote in any of 27 Early Voting locations during this period. This is different from Election Day, when voters must vote in the polling place assigned to their precinct.
The full list of sites can be found at VoteHillsborough.gov/EarlyVoting.
Along with in-person voting, each Early Voting location has a Secure Ballot Intake Station where voters can drop off their Vote By Mail ballots. Voters who still want to request a Vote By Mail ballot must make their request before 5 p.m. Aug. 6. Voters can call 813-612-4180 or visit VoteHillsborough.gov to request a ballot.
“We are a large county and I want our voters to have plenty of options to cast their ballot,” Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer said. “I keep Early Voting open for the maximum number of days allowed by law, including two full weekends.”
Voters should bring a Florida driver license or other acceptable photo and signature ID for voter check-in.
On the web: VoteHillsborough.gov
Take HART to access 21 Early Voting sites
TAMPA – The Hillsborough Transit Authority is showing Hillsborough County residents how to use HART service to reach 21 Early Voting locations during the 2026 Primary and General Elections.
Customers can visit HART’s Early Voting page to:
- Find the HART routes serving their preferred Early Voting location
- View the HART Early Voting Service Map
- Download a list of locations and corresponding routes
- Plan a trip to their preferred Early Voting location
On the web: GoHART.org or VoteHillsborough.gov
New housing option helps homeless veterans
TAMPA – Hillsborough County and St. Vincent de Paul CARES were scheduled to celebrate the opening of a 60-bed shelter Aug. 4 for veterans experiencing homelessness.
The Hillsborough CARE Center will provide shelter and supportive services designed to help veterans achieve stability and eventually transition into permanent housing.
The center expands access to emergency shelter, housing resources and support for veterans who are homeless, emerging from homelessness or disabled. The campus was extensively renovated and transformed into a welcoming environment where veterans can begin their journey from homelessness to permanent housing.
Hillsborough County contributed $4.4 million in State Housing Initiatives Partnership program funds to improve the property and rehabilitate the buildings that will house the veterans.
Splash pad opens at Kenly Park
TAMPA – Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation recently celebrated the opening of a new, 1,600-square-foot splash pad at Kenly Park.
The splash pad has multiple spray features, including a giant bucket that fills with water before overturning and splashing the children below. Additional amenities include rubber safety surfacing, synthetic turf and shaded seating. The project also includes stormwater improvements and a new sidewalk.
This will be Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation’s 10th splash pad.
Kenly Park, located at 3101 N. 66th St., includes a recreation center, basketball court, playground, picnic shelters and meeting rooms.
Extension Service announces August programs
TAMPA – Hillsborough County residents can grow their gardening skills, preserve fresh foods, strengthen financial wellness and explore Florida’s natural environment this August through Hillsborough County Extension Service’s lineup of educational classes and workshops offered both in person and online.
The programs listed below highlight a portion of Extension Service offerings available throughout August.
- Bat to the Future Workshop, in-person Aug. 11
- Vegetable Microirrigation Workshop, virtual Aug. 13
- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Webinar Series: Manage Yard Pests Responsibly, virtual Aug. 20
- Great Florida Pollinator Census, Aug. 21-22
- One-on-One Financial Education Appointments, available throughout August
- Financial Building Blocks Online Class, self-paced throughout August
- Roth and Traditional Retirement Accounts, virtual Aug. 5
- Roth Conversion Basics, virtual Aug. 12
- MapQuest: Scalloping Habitat (Ages 14-18), in-person Aug. 15
- 4-H Open House, in-person Aug. 29
Advance registration is required for most classes. Call 813-744-5519 or look up UF/IFAS Hillsborough Extension on eventbrite.com for more events.
