Hillsborough County Proposes Land Swap for Sheriff’s Office Relocation
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners is weighing a significant land swap proposal that aims to revamp the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) facilities. The plan involves exchanging five county-owned properties, primarily utilized as the HCSO Operations Center, located in Ybor City.
Key Aspects of the Proposed Land Swap
The proposed land swap includes two major components:
1. Relocation of the Sheriff’s Office
- The HCSO would move to a 140,000-square-foot facility located on 25 acres near Brandon.
- This new site is approximately 15 minutes from the current Ybor City location and about 10 minutes from the Falkenburg Road jail.
2. Redevelopment Opportunities in Ybor City
- The existing eight-block campus used by HCSO in Ybor City would be transformed into a mixed-use development.
- This redevelopment is aimed at enhancing the Ybor City area, providing new opportunities for businesses and residents alike.
Benefits of the Proposal
Commissioners have expressed enthusiastic support for the land swap, highlighting its potential benefits:
- Future Security: “Just in terms of securing our future in terms of our investment into public safety for the next two generations, this is a monumental opportunity,” stated Commissioner Harry Cohen.
- Enhanced Services: According to Commissioner Pat Kemp, the move represents a “great win” not only for the Sheriff’s Office but also for the redevelopment potential in Ybor.
Addressing Space Concerns
Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized the urgent need for this move, citing issues with their aging building and the lack of room for expansion. The proposal could help:
- Prevent the costs of constructing new facilities.
- Provide a strategic solution to space limitations faced by the HCSO amid growing demands.
Fiscal Responsibility
John Muller, the Hillsborough County Director of Facilities Management & Real Estate Services, noted that this facility exchange represents a cost-effective solution for taxpayers. “If there’s an opportunity out there for a high-quality, used facility where we can get maximum taxpayer value, that’s of interest to us,” he explained.
Collaboration with Developers
Under the proposed plan, the HCSO would occupy the current headquarters of Grow Financial located off Delaney Lake Drive, which developer Darryl Shaw is under contract to acquire. He remarked, “Whenever there’s a chance to collaborate for the benefit of taxpayers, the Sheriff’s office, and Ybor City, we are always going to be interested in those opportunities.”
Conclusion
The proposed land swap between Hillsborough County and the HCSO signifies a pivotal moment for the community, offering both immediate relocation solutions for law enforcement and long-term redevelopment potential for Ybor City. Sheriff Chronister affirmed that if the swap is approved, it will enable the HCSO to grow and adapt, ensuring effective service for the community.
For more information, you can learn about Hillsborough County and ongoing projects.
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