City of Tampa Seeks Resident Photos to Improve Flood Models

TAMPA — In an effort to improve flood prevention and stormwater management, the City of Tampa is asking residents to submit photos of past flooding incidents as part of its Citywide Watershed Master Plan.

The request, outlined in a letter from Interim Mobility Director Brandon Campbell, comes as the city develops long-term strategies to reduce flood risk. The planning effort follows a year marked by two historic storms that caused significant damage across the region.

The master plan, launched in early 2025, aims to assess existing infrastructure, incorporate recent storm data, and identify new flood mitigation projects. It is scheduled for completion in 2027.

City officials say resident-submitted photos showing water levels, debris lines, or water stains are vital for building accurate flood models. “To make these models as accurate and effective as possible, we need real-world data—and that’s where you come in,” the letter states.

Residents can upload photos at this link or scan a QR code included in the letter.

The city says the images will help validate its flood models and guide future investments in resilience infrastructure.