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Preparing for Another 100,000 Additional Residents

Tampa Unveils NEW Land Use Development Codes

Clear your schedule if you want a say on the rewritten development rules, labeled TAMPA FORWARD, that will soon shape how Tampa can grow over the next 20 years. 

You have the next week to directly ask questions about the two-year overhaul of Tampa's  Land Use Development Codes and get answers on how the changes will impact your neighborhood.

The City of Tampa is offering residents the chance to interact and get deeper explanations at four community meetings over the following week. 

All meetings are scheduled for one hour from 6:30-7:30 pm:

Monday, June 1
Kate Jackson Community Center
821 S Rome Ave

Tuesday, June 2
Ragan Park Community Center
1200 E Lake Ave

Wednesday, June 3
Forest Hills Community Center
724 W 109th Ave

Monday, June 8
Barksdale Community Center
1801 N Lincoln Ave

The city expects 100,000 new residents by 2045 and is overhauling development codes and Future Land Use designations to accomodate the predicted increased density.

Prepare to Hit the Brakes

PLATT ROAD WORK AHEAD

Starting Monday, April 6, at 7 am, Platt Avenue will be narrowed to one lane starting at S. Fremont Ave. eastward to S Willow Ave. The construction involves repaving, sidewalk upgrades and the installation of a cycling lane. 

Typical hours of construction are planned between 7 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday. However, work near the Selmon Expressway off ramp will be scheduled at night (7 pm to 5 am) to reduce traffic impacts. It's estimated the roadwork will be completed in June - taking about three months.

Construction is part of the West River BUILD that expands Tampa's popular Riverwalk to the west side of the Hillsborough River.

OPTIONS TO TRAVEL EAST-WEST IN SOUTH TAMPA HAVE NARROWED AS

KENNEDY BLVD CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES FOR ANOTHER YEAR

Repaving, drainage, curb and sidewalk improvements on Kennedy Blvd, from Woodlynne eastward to Brevard, won't be completed until Spring of 2027. So, single lane traffic will continue for the next year.

A One Nighter: TIED BY TIME

Art Exhibition

Photo courtesty of the artist KeyaTama.com bio page

Experience the original works of New York City based artist, Keya Tama, at a One Night Open Air Gallery, TIED BY TIME, on the 9th floor, rooftop of The Tampa Edition, 500 Channelside Drive, in downtown Tampa.

The occasion features new paintings and tapestries by the South African artist. Keya Tama is known for exploring ancient iconographies contrasted by modern folklore, according to his biography. His murals tell stories of the past and future using motifs of people, animals and nature.

Aadmixx is currating the single night experience March 27, Friday, from 8-11 pm. The gallery event is open to the public.

 The Old Hyde Park Art Center Hosts A Planning Session January 22, 6 PM

On Keeping Spanishtown Creek Residential

Here's an opportunity to listen to transportation experts, view updates, and hear from neighbors about the proposed Magnolia hotel complex that also includes residences, restaurants, bars, rental spaces, a rooftop party pool, spa, gym, loading docks and parking garage.

It's also a chance to ask questions and propose alternatives.

On February 12 at 5:01 pm, Tampa City Council will vote on the Land Use plan for this. Developers want to change the land use from residential to CMU-35, a commercial designation that more than triples the current maximum Floor Area Ratio at 53,578 sq.ft. of non-residential to 178,596 sq.ft. if granted.

Art Center Members are hosting this information session to help answer questions, engage our membership and neighbors, create an opportunity for healthy conversation, and to unite our efforts at protecting the Art Center and surrounding neighborhood.

Please join us! If you have any questions, you can contact Donna Morrison at 813-230-5676 or Kathy Durdin at 813-220-5800

Please come and share this information with neighbors and interested parties.

OUR NOVEMBER PORCH PARTY THIS SATURDAY, FROM 4-6 PM

Hi Neighbors – The Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek Porch Party will be this Saturday, November 8 from 4pm to 6pm at 409 S. Delaware.  Neighbors of all ages are welcome.  Drinks and snacks will be provided. 

We are hosting a back porch party this month.  Please enter through the alley. 

There are many reasons to attend the monthly porch parties.  It is always fun to catch up with friends and meet new neighbors.  There is much to discuss regarding planning and development in the area.  A big topic this month is the upcoming City Council meeting to discuss the hotel and residential complex off Swann Avenue.

We also need your help to fill officer and committee positions on the neighborhood association board.  A small group of very committed volunteers has worked for many years to obtain historic status and maintain the character of the neighborhood.  If historic preservation is important to you, we could really use your input and energy.  Please attend the Porch Party and also plan to attend the general meeting in December. 

Hope to see you Saturday –

Tampa City Council's Newest Member

The Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek Civic Association would like to congratulate Tampa City Council's newest member, Naya Young.

 It was a hard run race for District 5 - Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson's seat until she passed away, unexpectedly, in June 2025.

The special election to represent East Tampa and portions of downtown Tampa initally attracted 13 candidates. The top two vote recipients were in a runoff election Oct. 28. 

On Tuesday, Young defeated Bishop Tom Scott, who served previously on Tampa City Council and the Hillsborough County Commission. Young will serve out the remainder of Henderson's term which ends April 2027. 

Tampa City Council will welcome Young, their newest member, at the Thursday, Oct. 30th, meeting.

Tampa City Council to vote Nov. 13 on Rezoning

If you live in Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek, visit our historic district or just drive traffic ladened Swann Avenue - take note of a proposed major rezoning and land use change coming before Tampa City Council on Nov. 13 at 5:01 pm - PROJECT NUMBERS: REZ-25-0000048 and TA CPA 24-11.

A Palm Beach developer has requested the city change the zoning and land use within the historic district from RESIDENTIAL to COMMERCIAL. He has proposed a 7-story hotel complex that includes 122 hotel rooms, 29 condos/townhouses, two restaurants, two event venues, two rooftop pools, 271-car garage, a spa, a gym and Innvo Living apartment rental offices. All located on the block bound by Swann on the south; Magnolia to the east; Bay to the north; Brevard on the west.

The neighborhood is residential with a smattering of (RO) residential offices like professionals like attorneys. The proposed commercial complex is 1 block south of Gorrie Elementary and 2 blocks east of Wilson Middle School and lies within the the federal flood zone, CHHA, Coast High Hazard Area. And it also is within the Historic Hyde Park District with a 35-foot height and low density restriction. Those would be obliterated if the property is commercialized.

To have your voice heard, please email council at [email protected] which is distributed to all council members and consider attending the public hearing. Thanks from the Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek members.

Learn More About the West Riverwalk This Thursday

Get a first look at the City of Tampa's plan to expand the popular downtown Riverwalk to the west bank of the Hillsborough River. You can learn about the project, meet with the project team and ask questions at the two-hour public forum.

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Time:
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location:
Beulah Baptist Institutional Church
A. Leon Lowry Senior Center
1006 W. Cypress Street
Tampa, FL 33606

The West Riverwalk Segment 1 covers construction of two pedestrian walkways under the Platt and Brorein bridges. Reference the map and go to the website: WestRiverBuild.com 

Spanishtown Creek's October Porch Party Postponed

October is a month for tricks and treats. It's no different for the Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek Civic Association. 

A bittersweet surprise,  our traditional 2nd Saturday porch party is postponed this weekend. We're still on the hunt for a haunted house to host the gathering. But stay tuned for a possible improptu party announcement later this month and future shindigs. 

May you and your family have a safe, joyful and sweet Halloween this year.

NEXT STOP - TAMPA CITY COUNCIL NOV. 13, 5:01 PM

The Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek Civic Association extends its deepest appreciation to all who sent emails, wrote letters and attended the Architectural Review Commission public hearing Wednesday (9/17) night as the board reviewed the proposed 7-story Magnolia Hotel & Condo complex. It was a 5 hour hearing. So we're especially thankful to the six ARC members for their time and service on this voluntarily board.

Watching democracy in action is heartening. Participating in democracy is exhilerating no matter your position. However, the ARC  voted 4-2 to not recommend the proposed hotel development to Tampa City Council.

The next step is a public hearing before council November 13 at 5:01 pm. Watch here for updates and ways you can get involved.

Thank you again for supporting and helping to preserve our Historic Spanishtown Creek neighborhood - the first non-native community in Tampa.

Important Public Hearing for Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek

This Wednesday (Sept. 17) at 5:30 pm the Tampa Architectural Review Commission holds a PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed Magnolia hotel complex. This is not a “done deal!”

A Palm Beach developer wants to rezone the entire 2-acre block (Swann, Magnolia, Bay and Brevard) changing it from RESIDENTIAL to COMMERCIAL for a hotel complex with: 

- 122 rooms 

- 230 seat fine dining restaurant 

- 30 seat bistro also selling carry out food 

- 29 condos/townhomes 

- 271 car parking garage 

- 150 capacity - 4000-to 3400 sq.ft ballroom/banquet hall 

- 3400 sq.ft. Club Room 

- 2 rooftop pools & bar

- Health spa - Workout gym 

- Offices for Innovo Living apartment rentals

This land in Historic Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek has always been zoned residential with light office use added a few decades ago. 

The proposed complex lies within the Hyde Park Historic District and that currently is protected by the 35-foot height restriction. 

The property is completely covered by the Coastal High Hazard Area (storm surge zone) - and sits 1 block from Gorrie and 2 blocks from Wilson. 

Please attend the ARC hearing. If you don't want to speak, you can donate your minutes to another speaker. It is important to show up or share your views.

The ARC meets at the Tampa City Council chambers, 315 E. Kennedy Blvd. If you cannot attend, please send an email the seven ARC members. This email will be distributed to all members: [email protected] Thank you for helping the Spanishtown Creek neighborhood.

Back Porch Party for September

The Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek porch party is set for Saturday, September 13, at the home of member and social chair Claudia Roberts.

This month, the party is a Back Porch Party. We’ll leave the gate on the alley open for guests to join behind the home at at 409 South Delaware.

 Please come and visit with neighbors and discuss upcoming events and issues in the neighborhood.

We are eager to hear your input and appreciate all participation as development becomes a bigger issue in our historically designated community. 

Hope to see you there.  No RSVP required and everyone is welcome.  I would love to hear from you if you plan to attend, but again not required. Claudia [email protected]

Crucial Vote on Tampa's Land Use Changes This Thursday

Should the City of Tampa give developers “bonus” density increases without requiring developers to provide a “public benefit?” Do you know the difference between a “by-right” and a “bonus” density? 

Those terms and questions may sound bureaucratic and even mind-numbing. But the concepts are important to understand and to question as the city moves to update its Comprehensive Plan. It will dictate legally what can be built next door and in your community.

Luckily, neighborhoods, homeowners and civic associations have Carroll Ann Bennett, Vice President of THAN - Tampa Homeowners Association of Neighborhoods. VP Bennett not only has read the Tampa Comprehensive Plan, she's sat in on three years of meetings and took notes while changes were crafted.

Bennett has been sharing her knowledge and time giving updated comp plan presentations to community and civic groups on what those changes will mean to neighborhoods, like giving developers an increase density.

If you were unable to attend her presentation - or - would like a “refresher” course prior to Thursday's council's vote, the Davis Islands Civic Association has provided a YouTube video of Bennett's explanations. 

Click HERE to view. It is worth your time as land use changes will permanently impact your neighborhood and what can be built next door. VP Bennett's presentation is only 24 minutes long. 

Lastly, if you cannot attend the Tampa City Council Comprehensive Plan hearing Thursday, Sept. 28, at 5:01 pm, council chambers, the 315 E. Kennedy, 3rd Floor, send City Council an email with your thoughts. 

The email goes to all seven council members: [email protected]

Spanishtown Creek Porch Party September 13!

Prospective Members and Friends Welcomed

Here's a chance to meet your neighbors, learn more about the Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek Civic Association and its historic district which is the oldest, non-native neighborhood of Tampa. 

After a brief summer hiatus, we are resuming our porch parties held on the second Saturday (September 13, 2025) of the month from 4 to 6 p.m.

The September Porch Party is being hosted by HPSCCA board members. Location to be announced. So please consider spending a few hours with your neighbors. This is an opportutnity to get to know us and become knowledgeable on neighborhood and city challenges like rezoning, major land use changes and flooding mitigation.

A Look at South Tampa Growth Over the Next 20 Years

What will South Tampa look like in 2045? Which communities have planners earmarked for growth? Which neighborhoods will be preserved? Should increased density and development be encouraged with “bonuses” in the coastal high risk zone?

These and other questions are addressed in the proposed comprehensive plan update. It all starts with county and city land use maps that must be updated and submitted to the state.

A public hearing to review the Live Grow Thrive: 2045 Tampa Comprehensive Plan Update is set tonight - August 4 - beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Madison Middle School, 4444 W Bay Vista Ave, Tampa, FL 33611.

Planning Commission staff will present an overview that focuses on “growth and change to specific parts of the city while strengthening and protecting residential neighborhoods from development pressure.” 

Participants will have an chance to give feedback at the South Tampa meeting. Additional opportunities for feedback:

• August 6, Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. - C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd (Community Room A&B) a community public hearing

• Share your views in an online survey on the Live Grow Thrive: 2045 Tampa Comprehensive Plan here.

Join the Hunt for Parking in Hyde Park

Members of the Tampa Police Department, Tampa’s Parking Division, and city leaders want residents to join their search for parking solutions in the Hyde Park neighborhood.

So, come along this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., August 3, in what is being called a “WALK AND TALK.”

The plan is to gather at Kate Jackson Community Center, 821 S. Rome Ave. by 11 a.m. The agenda to follow:

• Introductions and a general briefing
• An opportunity to walk with City of Tampa leaders and see parking challenges first-hand
• There are plans for city officials to text live during this mobile event

If you’d like to join the “mobile event” - the city asks that you register online here. 

Everyday traffic in Hyde Park with parking challenges, congestion, trucks, school zones and pedestrian walkways.
 

South Tampa Flooding with Mayor - Monday - July 14

The City of Tampa is calling it a “Flood Resilience Community Meeting.” The gathering for South Tampa residents to discuss stormwater runoff, past flooding and future projects is Monday, July 14, from 6-7:30 pm, at the Adum K-8 Media Center, 4210 W. Bay Villa Ave., behind the Jan Platt Library.

Mayor Jane Castor is expected to be at the meeting along with members of the city's Mobility Department that will provide updates on current stormwater projects. 

A meeting for Tampa Heights residents is scheduled July 15, 6:00 - 7:30 pm at TPD Rich House, 3305 North Avon Ave.

MAGNOLIA HOTEL ARC July 7 HEARING DELAYED

You can adjust your July calendar. The the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) public hearing on the proposed Magnolia Hotel complex in Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek is now scheduled for September 17. 

The project numbers are ARC-25-0000226 and ARC-25-0000227. Rezoning REZ-25-0000048 and VAC-25-0000008.

 The project boundaries: Magnolia to the east; Swann on the south; Brevard on the west; and Bay to the north.

The developer wants to build a 7-story commercial hotel, condos, townhouses, restaurants, a parking garage and “amenities” like a spa, gym, and events center in the neighborhood currently zoned residential.

The ARC will review and make a recommendation to Tampa City Council on the developer’s requested commercial rezoning, commercial land use change and a request for a planned development PD designation.

The city council hearing date is planned November 13th,.  The developer’s representatives asked for the continuance to provide more time to meet with neighbors.

View plans for Tampa's West Riverwalk & Trails

at Beulah Baptist Institutional Church

1006 W Cypress Street, Tampa,

Plans to complete Tampa's 12.2 miles of a “multi-modal network” will be on display for the public tonight. Construction of the remaining 5 miles in the city's trail network is split into 6 segments. Two miles of the overall plan will complete the city's popular Riverwalk (on the eastern bank) with the west bank of the Hillsborough River.

Segment 1 connects Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek Historic District from Brorein Street north to Platt along the west bank.

The goal of the “multi-use trail” is connect area neighborhoods with Bayshore Boulevard, Hyde Park, West Tampa, and Ridgewood Park and with the North Franklin Street Historic District, Downtown Tampa, and Ybor City. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Or access details at the West River BUILD website.

An illustration of the proposed Segment 1 - West River BUILD trail - as it wraps under the Platt Street Bridge.

USF Students' Tropical House Designs & Free Public Presentation

Wednesday, June 25 from 6:30-8 pm

at Hyde House - Second Floor

1646 W Snow Ave

Hyde Park Village, Tampa

Several University of South Florida architectural students took on the assignment this summer to design a “modern” home for tropical climates with the added challenge of creating that residence within the historic Dobyville district.

The course goal: to explore how modern-leaning, design-forward homes might coexist - respectfully and thoughtfully - alongside historic architecure.

Architects Tobin Green and Michael Halflants guided the student projects that created case studies within the Dobyville district of Historic Hyde Park.

The students' visions of how modern residences can meld with the existing historic homes will be presented by teacher and architect Green who has lived in Dobyville for a decade. 

Juried models and drawings by the students will be on display along with an opportunity to hear a different perspective on the future of historic urban districts and how to “reimagine” a historic neighborhood as its historic structures deteriorate beyond repair.

There is no charge for the educational lecture. An RSVP is not required but requested for an accurate headcount. To RSVP:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram DM: @aadmix

A PROUD NEIGHBORHOOD HISTORY OF SPANISHTOWN CREEK

Above is the map of the actual Spanishtown Creek. It flowed through the first Hyde Park neighborhood until encased in concrete and paved over. Spring Street on the map is now DeLeon, Seventh Avenue is now Magnolia Avenue and Lakvesia Street is now Bay Street.

The first recorded non-native settlement in Tampa was at Spanishtown Creek. It was said to be inhabited by Cuban fishermen around 1783, many decades before Fort Brooke was established. 

Up until the establishment of Henry Plant's railway and hotel in the late 1880s this area was mainly farmland and homesteads. After Plant's hotel was built tiny neighborhoods began to be platted directly south of the hotel, centering along Hyde Park Ave. (named after Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood) and Plant Ave. 

Slowly this area started to become more developed. The original plat map of the Packwoods Subdivision from 1892, from the Hills. Co. Property Appraisers site shows the path of the creek at that time and how the lots and streets were laid out.

Magnolia Court Hotel and Condo Complex

OUR CURRENT NEIGHBORHOOD SPANISHTOWN CREEK PROJECT MURALS FEATURING IMAGES OF OUR HISTORY The Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek Civic Association is working with the city Arts and Cultural Department, a local sponsor, and PEP Rally muralists to develop a series of murals at the entrance to Spanishtown Creek.      The goal is to help beautify the cement structures and highlight the historical significance of Spanishtown Creek.      The murals will be paid for by a local city sponsor and developed by one of the city’s most respected mural companies, PEP Rally. Once done, the murals will form a centerpiece for the Spanishtown Creek neighborhood. Mural completion is expected to be by the end of 2025.      OTHER NEWS:    Watch for a door hanger from us, the Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek Civic Association (HPSCCA). It will arrive soon at your door dishing out all the benefits of a neighborhood membership. And it includes easy directions on how to join or a QR code to scan which simplifies the process even more. You are welcome to join - in fact encouraged to become as an associate member if you live outside the boundardries. Bottomline: ALL ARE WELCOME to share their voice with HPSCCA.     HURRICANE SEASON June 1st through November 30th   SHARE YOUR FLOODING EXPERIENCES, LESSONS LEARNED AND PREPARATION TIPS FOR THE UPCOMING 2025 SEASON Join our next HPSCCA Saturday Social, AKA Porch Party.       AUGUST 2025 IS OUR NEXT SECOND SATURDAY SOCIAL Hosted by HPSCCA President   Get to know your Spanishtown Creek neighbors - Host a Second Saturday Social These porch parties are a casual way to connect, swap ideas, laugh and most importantly, learn about zoning changes proposed in our historically protected neighborhood.   Come for the good company of neighbors, food and beverages and a “walkabout” of the residential neighborhood that currently enjoys a 35 foot height restriction meant to deter land speculators from commercializing the quiet balance we enjoy between our homes and professional businesses.       August 9      345 Bayshore Blvd.     4:00PM - 6:00PM       September 13     LOCATION TBD.     4:00PM - 6:00 PM Seeking hosts for 2025 Second Saturday Socials! Reach out: [email protected] Hosting the monthly gathering is a great way to increase foot traffic if you own a business in Spanishtown Creek.  The location for our social on the Second Saturday Socials can be an office, front yard, porch, driveway, condo community space. We help with set up and provide a stipend for refreshments. Email to pick your date or ask questions ([email protected]) Meet up with Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek neighbors and friends of HPSCCA... swing by, meet, and say hi to neighbors and new friends!  Good for families and solo socializers! This event is free to attend for those considering membership and all members. There will be snacks and beverages. You're welcome to bring what you wish to snack and drink, if anything.

Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek Civic Association is a non-profit and volunteer driven community association. The organization was formerly known as “Hyde Park North” and re-organized in 2015. This area was once a fishing village formed in the early 1800’s by Spanish settlers. The village was known as “Spanishtown” and a creek that sprang up from near the corner of present-day Delaware Ave and Platt Street flowed southeast into Hillsborough Bay.

Vision: Proudly live, work, and play in the oldest neighborhood in Tampa

Mission: Spark civic engagement, create healthy ties, influence community

Named a best place to live:
Tampa neighborhoods named the best places to live in America (March 2024)
Three Tampa Neighborhoods named best places to live (March 2021)
Top neighborhoods (March 2018)

Scenes from Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek




Neighbors socialize at HPSCCA's first ever Second Saturday Social. | February 2023


In partnership with HHPNA's 20th annual home tour, this picture is from one of the two tours to walk through Dobyville and HPSCCA guided by historian Rodney Kite-Powell.  |  March 2022


Almost summer mix & mingle at Jet City Espresso | June 2021


Gaspar-faux-rilla promenade | January 2021

     
Neighborhood walk | February 2020