A proposed pedestrian trail and emergency access connection associated with the Hawk Springs development has generated discussion among nearby residents, developers and community stakeholders as Hillsborough County reviews plans for the project.

The proposal is part of the Hawk Springs rezoning application, which would allow the construction of 55 single-family homes on approximately 15 acres south of Bloomingdale. As part of the plan, developers are seeking approval for a gated emergency access route and pedestrian trail that would connect the new neighborhood to Erindale Drive through county-owned property. According to project representatives, the route would serve primarily as a pedestrian pathway while remaining accessible to emergency responders when needed.

Some homeowners in the neighboring community have voiced opposition to the proposal. In a letter distributed to residents, homeowners stated that their neighborhood was developed in 1974 as a collection of one- and two-acre homesites intended to support a rural lifestyle. Residents argue that the proposed connection is not compatible with the area’s long-established semi-rural character.

Homeowners emphasized that they are not opposed to development of the property itself. They noted that in 2021, county officials approved plans allowing development of the parcel and said residents worked with both the county and the developer to find solutions that balanced development rights with neighborhood compatibility. However, they remain concerned about the project’s density and the proposed emergency access and pedestrian connection between neighborhoods.

Residents also expressed concerns about long-term maintenance responsibilities. According to the homeowners’ letter, they were informed that maintenance costs for the emergency access route and pathway could ultimately be shared by homeowners associations within both communities.

Developers, however, describe the trail and emergency access route as a public-safety improvement designed to benefit both existing and future residents. According to project materials, the trail would provide an additional evacuation and emergency access option during severe weather events, flooding, roadway closures or other emergencies. Project representatives point to challenges experienced during Hurricane Milton, when some residents reportedly relied on access through Cimino Elementary School while surrounding roads were impacted.

Supporters of the proposal also cite pedestrian safety and school access as potential benefits. According to project representatives, the trail would create an additional walking route to Cimino Elementary School for students living in both the proposed development and surrounding neighborhoods. School representatives have reportedly expressed support for efforts that improve safe pedestrian access to the campus, particularly as the area continues to grow. The developer’s proposal notes that the connection could provide families with an alternative route to school while improving overall walkability in the community.

Project representatives maintain that the connection would not function as a through road. Plans call for the route to remain gated, limiting daily use to pedestrians while restricting regular vehicular traffic. Emergency personnel would be able to access the route through a secured emergency access system.

The proposal remains under review by Hillsborough County. Residents on both sides of the issue are expected to have opportunities to provide input during the public review process before any final decision is made.

The Zoning Hearing Master is currently scheduled to consider the Hawk Springs rezoning application later this month. County officials will ultimately determine whether the requested approvals and variances meet local planning requirements and community needs.

Residents can help eliminate pests by spreading the word of best practices

Got mosquitoes again? They’re buzzing the family on the front porch and biting the chef at the grill? Believe it or not, there’s a good chance those mosquitoes are homegrown, whether in your gutter, a potted plant, or even a tarp that’s collected just a little rainwater.

The rainy season has returned and that means mosquitoes are back. Mosquitoes are a major nuisance and real health threat. To battle the dangerous and annoying insects, Hillsborough County’s Public Works team uses a three-pronged approach to keeping residents safe.

1. Killing mosquito larvae before they can fly
2. Killing adult mosquitoes
3. Public Education to help residents eliminate mosquito breeding areas

Hillsborough’s Mosquito Management Services staff uses a helicopter and a fleet of trucks to target known breeding grounds and eliminate larvae and treat for adults.

But the secret weapon of mosquito management is effective, easy-to-understand public education. Hillsborough’s mosquito management team is always working on public education to help residents learn how they can protect themselves.

Where does the mosquito safety education team go to teach Hillsborough residents about protecting themselves? Literally all over the county.

1. At the parks, teaching kids at summer camp about how to protect themselves
2. In neighborhoods, working with HOAs to teach residents (request the public education team to visit your neighborhood)
3. On the road in their popular public education trailer at mosquitofish giveaways or other public events
4. In the schools, talking to late elementary and middle school students about how they can interrupt a mosquito’s life cycle and protect students’ family and neighbors
5. At the State Fair (or any number of other fairs and festivals that go on throughout the year where the team can share information)

The most important takeaway for residents, educators say, is to empty out all of the standing water on your property and cover or remove items that collect rainwater.

This simple activity will wipe out most of the mosquito threat on your property before they get big enough to fly and bite.

A great way to keep safe this summer is to spread the word to family, friends, and neighbors about how they can protect themselves from dangerous mosquitoes.