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Associated Projects¶
As part of the Sulphur Springs Neighborhood Action Plan (SS-NAP), a Technical Working Group comprised of key City of Tampa departments regularly meets and communicates regarding projects
in Sulphur Springs. Updates on the departments’ efforts and discussions around the Sulphur Springs Neighborhood are provided below and will be regularly updated throughout the project.
Code Enforcement¶
Code Enforcement works with the Tampa Police Department to address illegal dumping and homeless encampments within Sulphur Springs. A specialized crew regularly removes discarded materials and conducts daily sweeps in targeted areas. Residents can report issues to 813-274-5545.
Development and Growth Management Homeowners in Sulphur Springs are now allowed to add accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to create more housing options. For older duplexes originally built before 1966, decision letters are being issued to officially confirm that they are still allowed under current rules. The City is also looking at new ways to address parking issues in the area—such as letting different properties share parking spaces and adjusting zoning rules— to meet the needs of the neighborhood.
Economic Opportunity¶
The Fresh Food Initiative has allocated funding to support businesses and other community partners seeking to increase access to fresh food in Sulphur Springs, including but not limited to supporting farmers' markets, mobile markets, healthier corner stores and community gardens. The City's of Tampa's Small Business Navigator remains available to assist all City of Tampa business owners, entrepreneurs, sole-proprietors, pre-ventures and start-ups with navigating the vast array of resources and business assistance programs within our community. Additionally, the Economic Opportunity Department has teamed up with the City's Housing and Community Development team to utilize CDBG funds to provide grants and technical assistance to microenterprises and small businesses in our most vulnerable communities as they grow their operations. For more information, please reach out to the Small Business Navigator at www.tampa.gov/sbn.
Housing and Community Development¶
Housing and Community Development uses grant funding to build new homes, improve existing housing, and support services throughout the city of Tampa. As part of the Infill Housing Program, 36 new affordable single-family homes have been built in the Sulphur Springs area. The Healthy Homes Program, which helps to rehab current housing to be in safe and sanitary conditions, is currently in the process of hiring contractors and will reopen applications to all city of Tampa residents soon. Other programs available to Sulphur Springs residents include the Rental and Move-In Assistance Program which provides residents with financial assistance may include but is not limited to security deposits, first and last month’s rent, past due rent, and/or a limited monthly subsidy. Additionally, the Dare to Own the Dream program offers down payment assistance loans to income-eligible home buyers of property within the City limits of Tampa.
Mobility¶
The Mobility Department is working to improve safety in Sulphur Springs by reducing speeding, repaving roads, and upgrading sidewalks near schools and parks to make them more accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities and those using strollers. As part of a Safe Streets
demonstration project, new roadway markings and safety features will be tested from Rowlett Park to Waters Avenue, and small roundabouts may be added in certain areas to help slow traffic and improve flow.
Community feedback about making speed bumps on Waters Avenue more effective has been shared with the Mobility Department. Additionally, plans are underway to install E-bike and E-scooter corrals throughout Tampa, including in Sulphur Springs. Residents are encouraged to suggest locations for these new corrals by providing feedback here.
Parks and Recreation¶
The Springhill Community Center offers youth programs, including sports leagues, and programs geared toward teens. This includes hosting field trips, a Teen Summit, the Youth Referee Program, and The Teens Leading Change Program. A free Rec Card grants access to Stay & Play, allowing teens (ages 13-16) to use the gym and game rooms from 6 PM to 11 PM daily, including during school breaks. The George Bartholomew Center hosts a Senior Program on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9 AM and is temporarily housing Forest Hills youth programs while their facility is repaired. Parks and Recreation is exploring expanding event and rental options in the neighborhood to better activate the park spaces in Sulphur Springs.
The Sulphur Springs Pool remains closed due to complex structural and safety concerns, including cracks that could lead to collapse and leaks that pose a public health risk. The City is actively exploring possible solutions, including the feasibility of fixing the current pool or constructing a new pool nearby. Due to contractor issues, delays from the hurricane, and uncertain structural complications, the original date of Summer 2025 for a pool reopening has been delayed, and there is no set timeline for reopening yet.
Stormwater¶
A watershed management study is being conducted throughout the city to identify hotspots with inadequate drainage. The results of this study may identify areas with flooding issues and recommend future improvements to address these concerns. This study is a Citywide effort and does not have a particular focus on Sulphur Springs, but the Stormwater department encourages residents to report flooding issues through Tampa Connect to help the City understand the extent of stormwater issues in Sulphur Springs.
Sustainability and Resilience¶
Efforts are underway to coordinate neighborhood clean-ups with the Green Team and other community partners. The Sustainability and Resilience Team is supporting short-term sustainability projects for small businesses that will help them be more resilient in climate such as implementing interventions to combat heat or flooding.
Wastewater¶
The Sulphur Springs pump station is in the early planning stages for rehabilitation, with construction expected to begin after the completion of the Neighborhood Action Plan.
Water¶
The Tampa Water Department is studying ways to improve the water quality of Sulphur Springs. The spring is an important source of water that ensures river levels meet environmental regulations. The study will carefully look at options at reducing salt levels at the spring. The goal of this research, which is supported by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), is to determine possible solutions to improve and protect the future of Sulphur Springs. The initial findings will be completed in early spring.