Tampa Approves South Howard Flood Relief and Streetscape Project

The City of Tampa has approved the South Howard Flood Relief and Streetscape Project, a combined drainage and streetscape rebuild along the South Howard Avenue corridor in SoHo. Completion is targeted for August 31, 2030.

The project addresses chronic stormwater flooding along the corridor, which runs through SoHo and Hyde Park. Pairing flood relief with surface streetscape work lets the city rebuild drainage and the public realm in a single construction program.

Streetscape improvements include 10-foot sidewalks, traffic calming, upgraded pedestrian crossings, and enhanced lighting. Landscaping, permeable pavers, and green infrastructure will absorb stormwater at street level, supplementing the larger drainage system.

The approval moves the project into the city's active capital program. Next steps include detailed engineering and design, followed by phased construction. The 2030 target reflects the multi-year timeline typical of combined drainage and streetscape rebuilds, where underground utility work precedes surface construction.

South Howard is a primary north-south route through South Tampa, linking the SoHo entertainment district with Hyde Park Village to the north and residential neighborhoods to the south. The improvements target vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic.