Osprey Observer 2017-1 Bloomingdale/FishHawk by Osprey Observer

January 2017

Page 43

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Year in Review- Updates on the Top Stories from 2016 County Delays Bloomingdale, Culbreath Intersection Improvements Until After Holidays

$3.1M FishHawk Sports Complex Expansion Slated For June Completion

improve traffic flow for the Bloomingdale Avenue and Culbreath Road intersection. The public information meeting held early December was in an open house format at the Bloomingdale Regional Library’s brand new meeting room at 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Hillsborough County Public Works officials and engi- Valrico, and explained the neers talk to residents about the upcoming specifics of the $1.4 million conBloomingdale and Culbreath intersection project. struction as well as the reason for the County’s decision to delay As anticipated, 2016 saw a wide the project start until the beginning of the range of traffic related improvements new year. with many more to come. One of such “We have decided to wait with conprojects was the Culbreath Rd. and struction until after the holidays,” said Bloomingdale Ave. intersection Bayside Engineering Transportation improvements, which took place earliProject Manager, Jordan Caviggia. er in the year, after years of delay. Caviggia added that it seemed best The project focused on signalizato hold off the project for another month tion improvements, as well as adding due to the extra traffic during the holidays an eastbound right turn lane and a along with the current construction on second westbound left turn lane on Bloomingdale Avenue in connection with Bloomingdale Ave.; northbound dedithe Walmart Supercenter just west of the cated left and right turn lanes and Bloomingdale and Culbreath intersection. southbound right turn lane on “This job has been under design and Culbreath Road into the Campo YMCA consideration for the past five years,” he located South of Bloomingdale Ave. said. “We are looking at starting construcMotorists are generally pleased with the improvements although some tion in the second week of January 2016.” Officials ensured residents that traffic expressed the need to pay close attenflow will remain open during construction tion to the consistent and at time in both directions on Bloomingdale heavier traffic flow in and out of the Avenue, but that closing of one-lane in YMCA facility, and the nearby baseball each direction will be necessary for workand softball fields. ers’ safety. Original Story printed Jan 2016 Work is expected to be completed in Area residents recently had a chance to meet with County public works officials, mid-2016. Information presented at the engineers and project managers to get an meeting is also available at www.Hillsborough County.org. update on the status of the project to

www.hillsborough county.org. Original Story printed June 2016 After years of planning and months of construction, FishHawk and surrounding area residents are only days away from witnessing the completion of FishHawk Sports Complex expansion project. County officials presented their expansion plans An aerial view of the FishHawk Sports Complex expan- in connection with the comsion gives residents a better perspective of the size and plex, located at 16120 location of the nearly completed project. FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia, nearSince its completion in 2008, the FishHawk Sports Complex has seen a ly five years ago. The existing complex was built in 2008 with eight ball fields, steady growth of use, becoming one of the largest and most congested ath- four multi-purpose fields, concession stand, restrooms and parking. letic facilities in the County. By 2012, the facility was facing a In 2011, FishHawk area residents problem of overcrowding with teams fightbegan planning to expand the coming for fields and often playing late into plex which then boasted of 12 total the night. fields, concession stand, restrooms “We are 95 percent done with the and parking. project, opening in June,” said Project After five years of planning and a Manager Chris Postiglione, land swap deal between Hillsborough The construction by QGS County and local developer, Newland Communities, the addition of four new Development Inc., totaling $3.1 million, included several elements including the multi-purpose fields, along with new expansion of the existing sports complex lighting, 200 additional parking, new concession, and much more was final- with four additional multi-purpose Bermuda grass practice fields. ly completed this past summer. The initial planning phase of the The land swap cost Newland expansion raised some concerns among $150,000 due to necessary work to Starling residents, just west of the comprepare the new tortoise habitat. plex. Newland worked with the county County officials are promising to and residents to develop a gopher torhold an official opening ceremony in toise habitat to satisfy concerns. Visit January or early February, 2017. www.hillsboroughcounty.org. For more information visit

By Tamas Mondovics

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