County Commission To Host 1st Redistricting Public Hearing Monday

TAMPA, FL — The first public hearing on redistricting in Hillsborough County will take place Monday at 6 p.m. at the Frederick B. Karl County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd.

This will be a hybrid public hearing that allows commissioners and select staff to meet in person while those wishing to speak at the meeting can choose to do so virtually or in person by signing up here.

A second public hearing will take place Nov. 16 at 6 p.m.

Redistricting is a process of redrawing legislative districts that takes place every 10 years following the U.S. Census. While the final map is decided by a vote of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, resident may provide input throughout the process.

County Commission Redistricting Maps Under Consideration

• Redistricting Map E, Revised
• Redistricting Map F, Revised
• Redistricting Map G

School District Redistricting

Hillsborough County Superintendent of Schools Addison Davis is hosting a series of school board redistricting meetings as well.

Meetings will take place:

• Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. at Sickles High School, 7950 Gunn Highway, Tampa
• Monday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. at Wharton High School, 20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa
• Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. at Lennard High School, 2342 E. Shell Point Road, Ruskin
• Monday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. at Durant High School, 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City
• Thursday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at Middleton High School 4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa.

The format of the community meetings will be as follows:

• 6 to 7 p.m. Davis will share information on the school district's five-year strategic plan
• 7 to 7:30 p.m. District staff will discuss redistricting, allow the public to review proposed maps and accept community feedback.

Residents can go to the district website to view the current map as well as the proposed maps.

State statutes require that school board districts be divided into at least five district school board member residence areas that are nearly equal in population.

The 2020 Census data indicates that school board member districts have grown disproportionately over the past decade, requiring redistricting in 2021 to achieve greater equality between districts.

Those unable to attend the meetings can submit comments here.

The school board will host a special called meeting to narrow down map options to three on Dec. 10.

On Dec. 16, there will be a special called meeting for the school board to adopt the new electoral district boundaries.

Both the county commission and school board must submit the revised district maps by Dec. 31. The adjusted boundaries will be effective for elections in 2022.