Mariella Smith Urges Opposition to “Road to Nowhere”

TAMPA, FL  — Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Mariella Smith is urging county leaders to reject a comprehensive plan amendment that would advance a proposed road and highway interchange through rural southern Hillsborough County.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider Comprehensive Plan Amendment 26-11 during a public hearing Thursday, July 16 at 6 p.m. The amendment would update the county’s Corridor Preservation Plan Map to include the proposed Fort Hamer Road extension and interchange.

Smith argues the project would direct public money toward infrastructure intended to support future private development rather than roads serving existing residents. She said the county is already struggling to construct and maintain infrastructure inside its Urban Service Area.

“We do not need this new road in the middle of nowhere,” said Smith. “We need our tax dollars spent on roads where people are living now.”

The proposed interchange and related road project could cost nearly $74 million and has already received $7.5 million in funding from Tallahassee. Critics have questioned whether the project would primarily benefit developer Pat Neal in a plan to build a large housing development south of the Little Manatee River.

Smith said the road could help lay the groundwork for eventually expanding the Urban Service Area across approximately 33,000 acres between the Little Manatee River and the county’s southern boundary. She warned that new development in the area would increase traffic with “thousands of new residents” commuting to jobs and services. It would also place homes in flood-prone locations and ultimately drag taxpayers into supporting additional roads, utilities and public services.

The public hearing will be held in the second-floor boardroom of the County Center at 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa. Residents may speak in person or virtually.