07_14_2022 Parks Advisory Board Meeting
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BOCC
Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Advisory Board
Thursday, July 14, 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
Dave Ramirez
Alison Hughes



I.
WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER
a. This meeting was called to order at 12:06 PM by Anthony Sanchez

II.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
a. Porsche Taylor from the Brandon Bears thanked the staff for working with them to solve
their issues. Ms. Taylor also spoke about the continued focus to try to move their
program to Providence West Park and working with the county to build a better,
stronger partnership.
b. Jack Berlin suggested that Aaron Casteel inform Commissioner White that the Brandon
Bears attended the meeting.
c. Rick Valdez summarized the situation with the Brandon Bears and the Riverview Raiders
regarding practice space and merging. If a merge is not possible, there will be an RFP for
the space at Providence West Park.
d. Discussion ensued regarding what will happen to the league that is not chosen, goals of
this process, community impact, etc.

III.
PRESENTATIONS
a. ELAPP Acquisition Update
i. Mr. Turbiville shared the status of ELAPP funding and summarized six current
acquisition projects.

b. State Road 56 Extension
Mr. Turbiville shared that modifications are being made to the plan and the
meeting should be rescheduled later this year or early 2023.

c. Lettuce Lake Park Nature Center Naming
i. Billy Graham shared that a ceremony being planned for August 15-19 or early
September.




07_14_2022 Parks Advisory Board Meeting
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d. Temple Park – City of Temple Terrace Police Chief Ken Albano
i. Mr. Valdez received a call this morning regarding this and asked if the Parks
Board plans to submit a letter to express their support.

ACTION ITEM- Alison Hughes will work with Mr. Sanchez to draft a letter for the
Board to sign.

e. August 11 Meeting
i. This meeting will be rescheduled to August 18.

IV.
BOARD ACTION
a. Approve minutes from the May 26, 2022 meeting

Motion: Nathan Gennara made a motion approving the May 26, 2022 meeting minutes and
the motion was seconded by Jack Berlin. The motion was passed with no opposing
members.

V.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
a.
Mr. Sanchez inquired about summer camp closures due to COVID-19. Mr. Valdez does
not anticipate any closures and recognized his staff for their work and resiliency.
b. Joe Guidry asked about what protocols exist for active shooters. Mr. Valdez explained
that all county employees attend active shooter training, and the Park Security Team
offers additional training for recreation leaders.
c. Mr. Valdez also stated that partnered football league requirements will include having
two off-duty deputies for the first field and another for every additional field. Dave
Ramirez has been working with the Park Security Team to discuss plans with league
presidents.
d. Discussion ensued between the Board regarding efforts to fill the spot for Commissioner
Myer’s appointee.

VI.
COMMUNICATIONS, ACTIVITIES, OR STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
a. Ms. Hughes shared information about the department winning the NRPA Innovation in
Equity Award for the wheelchair football program.
b. Ms. Hughes also shared information about the sponsorship program for the wheelchair
football tournament. She is going to share the sponsorship package with the Board.

VII.
ADJOURNMENT
a. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:10 PM.



Respectfully submitted,
Alison Hughes, Parks Board Coordinator