PARKS & RECREATION
PO Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33601-1110
(813) 744-5871


Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Advisory Board
Thursday, February 23, 2023, 12:00 PM
Lesley “Les” Miller, Jr. All People’s Community Park
and Life Center



HCFLGOV.NET

BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
Donna Cameron Cepeda
Harry Cohen
Ken Hagan
Pat Kemp
Gwendolyn "Gwen" Myers
Michael Owen
Joshua Wostal
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Bonnie M. Wise
COUNTY ATTORNEY
Christine M. Beck
COUNTY INTERNAL AUDITOR
Peggy Caskey

ASSISTANT COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Dexter L. Barge
I. CALL TO ORDER

a.
Welcome- Meeting called to order at 12:04 PM
b.
Thank you to Friends of the County Parks and Recreation for providing lunch today.



II.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
a.
Limited to three (3) minutes per constituent – No Public comment.



III.
PRESENTATIONS
a.
Guest John Smith – MOSI - Jack Berlin introduced Mr. John Smith. Mr. Smith has 20+ years
of credentials with museum implementations and enhancements. He made a presentation to
the Board. “Facts, Fictions and Future MOSI. MOSI is involved with many outreach programs
for TITLE 1 schools and community engagement. They will be focused on the school’s
involvement and focused on community utilization as an educational and entertainment
resource. MOSI will be growing and building contacts to partner with the schools and
community. MOSI plans on a future food and beverage venue. Rick agreed he would like to
involve Parks and Recreation staff in future MOSI and community plans.


b.
Youth Athletics Advisory Group – Rick Valdez – Mr. Valdez, after several meetings with
constituents proposed developing a CITIZEN ADVISORY YOUTH ATHLETICS BOARD
COMMITTEE as permitted in the bylaws of this Park Advisory Board, without duplication of
existing committees. This could potentially evolve into a 501-C stand alone to assist in raising
funds and provide support. The challenge could be Incorporating both Hillsborough County
and City of Tampa. Ms. Diedrea Anthony was nominated by Jack Berlin, motion seconded by
Aaron Casteel. All Board members in favor. No one opposed. Motion passed.

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c.
Tackle Football Game Security – Rick Valdez – Securing off duty deputies for youth sports
games continues as a challenge. He recommends a higher rate of salary, as an incentive. The
schools provide security based on attendance and entrance fees are permitted. Hillsborough
County is not authorized to charge entrance fees at Park property games. Rick reported the
Parks’ Security team used staff for additional observance of activities at games lacking
security to assist with reporting incidents to authorities. These are potential topics for the
new committee to discuss and resolve. Rick announced the retirement of the current Parks
Security Manager. Ms. Anthony agreed the recommended CITIZEN ADVOSORY YOUTH
ATHLETICS committee would be advisable and these types of topics could be resolved.

d.
ELAPP Acquisition Update - Ross Dickerson gave updates on the properties currently being
worked on. The ELAPP Annual report was approved at the last Board Meeting.

e.
State Road 56 Extension – No additional input currently.

f.
Next Meeting – April 6, 2023



IV.
BOARD ACTION
a.
Approve minutes from the January 5, 2023, meeting. Motion to approve minutes made by
Chair – Anthony Sanchez, seconded by Scott Levinson. All board members in favor. No one
opposed. Motion passed.



V.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

 Jack Berlin recommends a Strategic Master Plan is developed for The Upper Tampa Bay Park,
and other places, as well.
 Jack Berlin inquired about The Performing Arts Center and notifying the community of the
soft opening date within 5 weeks.
 Rick Valdez introduced Hillsborough County Attorneys Charlotte Diggs and Yusuf Khoudmi.

VI.
COMMUNICATIONS, ACTIVITIES, OR STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
 Ross Dickerson – Commented ELAPP manages the Golden Aster land Management Group
and asked for a volunteer from this board, as the ELAPP committee should include an
appointed official. Scott Levinson volunteered. The meeting is scheduled for 3/3/23 10:00
AM.

VII.
ADJOURNMENT – Meeting adjourned 12:54









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