February 24, 2022 Minutes

About Hillsborough County Parks

The Parks & Recreation Department operates numerous parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, and recreation centers. The department also provides programs, events, and activities to Hillsborough County residents year-round.
Board Park cell tower Meeting comment Park Advisory Board
 
 
 
02_24_2022 Parks Advisory Board Meeting 
1 
 
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BOCC 
Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Advisory Board 
Thursday, February 24, 2022 
Lesley “Les” Miller, Jr. All People’s Community Park and Life Center 
 
PRESENT: 
Anthony Sanchez 
Jack Berlin 
Nathan Gennara 
Joe Guidry, Jr. 
Aaron Casteel 
Barbara Heineken  
STAFF: 
Rick Valdez 
Forest Turbiville 
Ross Dickerson 
Dave Ramirez 
Dana McDonald 
 
 
 
I. 
WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER 
a. This meeting was called to order at 12:03 p.m. by Anthony Sanchez 
 
II. 
PUBLIC COMMENTS 
a. Porche Taylor, Athletic Director of the Brandon Bears, gave a statement regarding field 
access.  
b. Matt Lewis, Chair of the Westchase CDD Board of Supervisors, gave public comment in 
support of the installation of a cell tower at Glencliff Park.  
c. Eric Holt, Westchase Community Association Board member, also gave public comment 
in support of the cell tower.  
d. Stephen Lamb, Westchase resident, spoke about safety and gave comment in support. 
e. Erin McCormack, District Council, Westchase CDD Board of Supervisors, spoke about the 
history of this project and the interlocal agreement.  
f. Alan Ruiz, Vertex Development, made comment that he is available for any questions 
regarding tower type, location, and development.  
g. Discussion ensued between the staff, the public, and Board members regarding this 
issue.  
 
III. 
PRESENTATIONS 
a. Park Cell Towers 
i. Dana McDonald from Facilities gave a presentation on two existing cell towers on 
park properties along with a cell tower request for Glencliff Park.  
 
b. ELAPP Acquisition Update 
i. Ross Dickerson shared updates on the Triple Creek Project.  
 
c. State Road 56 Extension 
i. No update. 
 
d. USF RFI – Forest Preserve 
i. Forest Turbiville shared correspondence regarding this issue.  
 
 
 
02_24_2022 Parks Advisory Board Meeting 
2 
 
  
e. Lettuce Lake Park Nature Center Naming 
i. Forest Turbiville shared that this item is on the BOCC agenda for March 2. 
ii. Discussion ensued regarding signage.  
 
f. Skyway Park Update 
i. Rick Valdez thanked Ms. Taylor for coming today, elaborated on their challenges, 
and spoke about merging their organization with another local one.  
ii. Michelle Fowler, Secretary, Brandon Bears, presented more history on a merger and 
spoke about the Bears’ mission.  
iii. Discussion ensued regarding next steps to find a place for the Bears to play.   
 
g. Board Positions 
ACTION ITEM - Move this item to the last agenda of the year.  
 
h. April 7th Meeting 
i. The meeting has been changed to April 14th.   
 
IV. 
BOARD ACTION 
a. Approve minutes from the January 13, 2022 meeting 
 
Motion: Joe Guidry, Jr. made a motion approving the January 13, 2022 meeting minutes and 
the motion was seconded by Jack Berlin. The motion was passed with no opposing 
members.  
 
V. 
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS 
a. None 
 
VI. 
COMMUNICATIONS, ACTIVITIES, OR STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS 
a. Mr. Dickerson shared information about a trail renaming at Lower Green Swamp 
Preserve. 
b. Mr. Dickerson presented the new Hillsborough Nature Tour App.   
c. Mr. Turbiville suggested an information sign outside of the Lettuce Lake Nature Center 
to teach people about Joel Jackson.  
 
VII. 
ADJOURNMENT 
a. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:43 p.m. 
 
 
 
Respectfully submitted,  
Alison Hughes, Parks Board Facilitator