Change continues to come to all areas of Tampa. This time it’s East Tampa. The East Tampa community is getting a new state-of-the-art recreation center and senior center. This coincides with the redevelopment of Fair Oaks Park. The multi-generational complex will span about 10 acres and bring all people of the community together.
From Penny Saver to new park
Last week, the City of Tampa closed on the purchase of the old Penny Saver Food Market. It is 1.8-acres next to Fair Oaks Park. This now means the area will get a multi-generational complex that will also include athletic fields and an exercise trail. The city canceled the purchase of the property last year when the owners failed to meet the terms. However, city officials pressed forward and finally closed the deal.
“This is a big day for East Tampa – a huge WOW for our community,” said City Council Member Orlando Gudes. “Acquiring this property not only removes a blight, but helps us create a first-class, regional recreational complex. This has taken a lot of hard work and persistence to pull off, and I am grateful to the East Tampa CRA’s Community Advisory Committee for contributing $1 million for this effort.”
The city expects to demolish the Penny Saver building within the next 60 days. The groundbreaking ceremony will be soon after. Mayor Jane Castor said she is eager to begin construction of the multi-generational complex. “It has taken a lot of determination and hard work to get to this point, but it will pay off in the end,” she said. “The new senior center and recreation complex will be an East Tampa jewel, and I can’t wait to see our kids, Jazzy Seniors, and everybody else enjoys it.”
Funding for the project came from the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency in the form of $1 million. An additional $300,000 came from the City of Tampa’s general fund.
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“After hosting several listening sessions with residents and neighborhood stakeholders, the City agreed this would be an ideal location for a state-of-the-art multi-generational complex,” a city spokesperson said. “Based on the community feedback we received, we pushed forward to remove a blighted property, and in turn, breathe new life into transforming this existing community center into a world-class recreation complex.”
More projects for East Tampa
The city’s goal is to uplift all communities and East Tampa is a priority community. “In addition to the Fair Oaks project, work is underway on the City Center at Hanna Avenue project,” the city spokesperson said. “The City Center will consolidate multiple city departments into a state-of-the-art 160,000 square-foot building. This historic investment in East Tampa will increase efficiencies across city operations and bring the government closer to people. It will also spur economic development in the nearby area.”
The East Tampa CRA is also working on several other programs to help residents and businesses with more specific needs. One example of that is the recently approved Emergency Roof Repair Program. It will fund roof repairs for over 50 homes within the East Tampa CRA boundary. The CRA is also launching its own Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program. This will help homeowners pay for critical home repairs.
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The city issued a request for qualifications, or RFQ for the park project for design and building services. Skanska construction company received the top ranking. The city is preparing to enter negotiations with the company for the design-build contract, the city spokesperson said.
East Tampa is home to just over 20,000 people. It is 68% black and 20% Hispanic and most who live there are renters. The median household income is $33,556. And 67.4% of East Tampa’s population is made up of people born and raised in Florida.
The community continues to attract private investment throughout its 7.5 square-mile area, with an emphasis on Hillsborough Avenue. The City of Tampa has committed to investing significantly in public safety, aesthetic and infrastructure projects throughout East Tampa.