Groups can apply for tree grants
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Community groups in unincorporated Hillsborough County can apply for funding to plant trees in residential neighborhoods through the Neighborhood Tree Grant Program.
The program supports projects that expand tree canopy coverage, improve community spaces and enhance environmental sustainability.
Hillsborough County UF/IFAS Extension Service administers the program. Funding comes from the Hillsborough County Tree Trust Fund, which collects fees through tree mitigation requirements.
Applications are being accepted through Jan. 31, 2027. Recipients will be notified by April 30.
Approved projects may begin in May 2027 and must be completed by Nov. 30, 2027.
Recipients must submit reports documenting tree planting and the trees’ health after one year.
Apply at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/agriculture/urban-forestry/neighborhood-tree-grant/.
County extends dengue emergency declaration
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County has extended its state of local emergency through Nov. 5 as officials work to control mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus.
County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed the extension Oct. 29, allowing emergency managers to respond quickly and seek reimbursement for certain expenses.
Mosquito surveillance has detected dengue virus activity in multiple neighborhoods. The county has increased aerial and ground treatments.
Call Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services at 813-635-5400 for details about mosquito control treatments.
Residents can give input on adult sports leagues
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation is seeking public input on adult sports programs and potential recreational leagues at local parks.
An online survey asks residents which sports they would like to play, how frequently they participate and whether they would pay fees to join organized leagues.
The survey also explores barriers to participation, including costs and distance to parks.
Residents can complete the survey through Nov. 20 using the Hillsborough Engagement Hub at HCFL.gov/HCEngage.
Nominate women who have made an impact
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County is accepting nominations for its Women’s Hall of Fame through 5 p.m. Nov. 12.
The program recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the community through education, social services, philanthropy, military service, public service and other fields.
The Commission on the Status of Women established the program in 2011. More than 40 women have been honored.
Up to three women are selected for induction each year.
Nomination forms are available at HCFL.gov/WHOF.
Gunn Highway to close for culvert replacement
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – A section of Gunn Highway in northwest Hillsborough County will close for up to four weeks beginning Nov. 5 for stormwater culvert repairs.
The closure will affect Gunn Highway between Lutz Lake Fern Road and Tarpon Springs Road, near the Pasco County line.
Crews will replace an aging 5-by-10-foot box culvert with two reinforced concrete elliptical pipes measuring 53 by 83 inches.
County officials said the replacement will improve drainage capacity and long-term durability.
Drivers should follow marked detours during construction. Navigation apps have been updated to reflect the closure.
Call Hillsborough County Public Works at 813-635-5400.
Pop-up centers offer hurricane-recovery assistance
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County will open three temporary service centers to help income-eligible homeowners apply for assistance with damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The centers will operate:
- Nov. 4, 5-7 p.m., at Mango Park & Recreation Center
- Nov. 9, 3:30-5:30 p.m., at Brandon Regional Library
- Nov. 17, 5-7 p.m., at Egypt Lake Recreation Center
The county’s Rebuilding for Tomorrow program has $211 million available for homeowner repairs and reconstruction.
Eligible homeowners may qualify for up to $350,000 for rebuilding, $150,000 for repairs or $50,000 in reimbursements for completed work.
A permanent service center operates at 1029 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa.
Call 813-540-7767 for assistance.
Fire station opens in Palm River
PALM RIVER – Hillsborough County Fire Rescue celebrated the opening of Fire Station 15 with a ribbon cutting Oct. 28 at 6212 12th Ave. S., Tampa.
The new two-bay station replaces an older facility nearby and was funded through the American Recovery Act.
The station will accommodate five firefighters per 24-hour shift and house a fire engine and a rescue ambulance.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responds to approximately 140,000 emergency calls annually.
The department’s master plan identifies a need for 20 additional fire stations over the next 24 years.
Carrollwood Village wins Neighborhood of the Year
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Carrollwood Village Homeowners Association Phases I, II and III has received Hillsborough County’s 2026 Neighborhood of the Year Award.
The association earned the recognition for organizing its fourth annual neighborhood cleanup, which attracted 114 volunteers.
The association also received the Engaged Neighborhood Award and a $500 prize.
Buckhorn Groves Homeowners Association in Valrico received the Safe Neighborhood Award for improving seating and amenities around neighborhood playgrounds.
Bay Port Colony Property Owners in Town ‘N Country earned the Healthy Neighborhood Award for organizing community cleanups, including a waterways cleanup involving 100 volunteers.
The awards recognize neighborhood improvement projects in unincorporated Hillsborough County.
