Tampa’s $100M South Howard flood project faces make-or-break vote: ‘We don’t have a plan B’

Courtesy: City of TampaThe project would build a major underground stormwater system along South Howard Avenue, Swann Avenue and into surrounding neighborhoods. South Howard Avenue drainage planThe backstory:For decades, parts of Parkland Estates, Palma Ceia Pines and the surrounding area have dealt with serious flooding. Under the proposed project, crews would install a large box culvert beneath South Howard Avenue to carry stormwater toward Hillsborough Bay. DeTambo compared the proposed drainage system to an "underground river" that would carry water from the neighborhoods toward Swann Avenue, South Howard Avenue and ultimately Bayshore Boulevard. Tampa City Council vote setWhat's next:Campbell said Tampa City Council is expected to discuss authorization of the project's guaranteed maximum price on Aug. 27.