Have you ever calculated how much time you spend in traffic or waiting in line?
Above is the parent pick up line outside Gorrie Elementary. Just before the final bell. The traffic line stretches for 3 blocks east on DeLeon, 2 blocks north and south on Magnolia with back ups to Bay Street.
But parents and grandparents gladly give of their time.
We're asking that you give of your time this Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 at 5 pm.
We need volunteers to attend the public hearing where Tampa City Council will decide whether to keep Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek Historic District RESIDENTIAL. Or grant a developer's request to convert his residential property that he bought within the historic district and change it to COMMERCIAL land use - a designation that allows everything from hotels and entertainment venues to craft distilleries and funeral parlors.
Think about it, just a few hours of your time - and you don't have to speak. You can volunteer your time to one of the professional experts.
It's a worthy investment - a few hours this Thursday - could prevent you spending - cummulatively - hundreds of hours stuck in traffic.
All we're asking is for Tampa City Council to keep their committment to the current Residential Land Use and Zoning that they agreed upon when the historic district was created and the county's comprehensive plan was drafted.
The public hearing on the proposed LAND USE case TA/CPA 24-11 is this Thursday - Feb. 12, 2026 - at 5 pm - Tampa City Council chambers, third floor, 315 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
We need you to attend the public hearing to show support and donate your speaking minutes. Once the speaker you've donated minutes to has been called and your name verify by your attendance in the hall, you can leave.
I know it's asking a lot to have you volunteer to attend Thursday's Tampa City Council public hearing at 5 pm, but it vitally important. Just remember all the traffic congestion you deal with on Tampa's streets. This is one way of preventing future gridlock. Email me at bobbieobrien23@gmail.com if you're interested in helping.
And thank you for your continued support. How about sharing this link with friends? We are so close to 1,500 signatures - another way to have council hear your voice.