My friends and I have been playing soccer at the Fishhawk Sports Complex in Hillsborough County, FL, for over three years. We are part of two non-profit groups totaling 500 members who use this public, tax-funded park to stay active and foster community bonds. Since March 2024, however, the park has stopped providing lights in the public areas during weekday nights when it's not rented. This change has disrupted our weekly games and impacted our health and social interactions.

Soccer is more than just a game to us; it's a way of life that promotes physical health and social interaction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of various diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers while improving mental health.

Our groups cause no trouble to the community; instead we contribute positively by staying active and engaged. We believe that as taxpayers who have been using this facility without interruption since 2021 - with up to 40 players participating at a time - we deserve access to these facilities even during unrented evening hours.

We urge Hillsborough County authorities to restore nighttime lighting at Fishhawk Sports Complex so that we can continue our tradition of evening soccer games. Please sign this petition if you support our cause.