On Monday Mayor Castor presented her “State of the City” address at the River Center at Julian B Lane Park. It is upbeat and positive while recognizing the city experienced two major hurricanes and extraordinary work City of Tampa employees put in cleaning up after. Progress is measured by shiny new neighborhoods and buildings. It’s not too long so I’ll leave any other interpretations up to the viewer.
During public comment on Thursday however , another “State of the City” played out. One where an employee accused management in the Mobility Department of using racist language and creating a hostile work environment. And if that wasn’t bad enough, accusations were also made that equipment had been procured without Council approval and that there was known waste and mismanagement of raw materials.
The members of the Racial Reconciliation Committee collectively appeared as a member of the Committee read a statement that spoke to the dysfunction they perceive between the legislative and executive branches of our city government. That the Mayor and staff have been a hindrance to them accomplishing their goals.
One neighborhood spoke about concerns over building permits being issued along the river near Epps Park in Seminole Heights. In some professional opinions, the plans violate the city’s own code but staff is overlooking it for a developer friendly to the city.
Another neighborhood in South Tampa spoke about ongoing concerns over competing information from staff and consultants regarding the South Howard Flood Relief project. There has been so many different meetings between different groups with an information vacuum leads to rumors and speculation so no one knows what to believe anymore.
I encourage you to watch through all of the public comment, and perhaps the end of the day under new business when some of the issues raised at the beginning were discussed by Council. Their comments ranged from genuine concern, to shoulder shrugs to complete dismissiveness.
How do we bring the two versions into alignment? By continuing to show up, pay attention to what’s happening on that agenda between public and Council comments and making our voice heard. We have two years left with this Mayor and Council. We shouldn’t be writing things off until the next election.
