Hillsborough County Commission

The Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners voted to end its contract with the company that operates the Cross Bay Ferry early.

Hillsborough County and HMS Ferries have operated the service between St. Petersburg and Tampa since 2021. An unexpected change of vessel could lead to the service ending permanently.

Because both referendums address public schools, voters may feel like they have to choose between the two taxes.

This year, affordable housing efforts will get only $2 million, with the remainder being reallocated towards reduced property taxes, sidewalk repairs, and other investments.

In a last minute budget change, Hillsborough County commissioners could vote to siphon affordable housing dollars toward nonhousing related projects. The final budget hearing is on Sept. 19.

If you're a Hillsborough County resident, there are three commission races worth watching in Tuesday's primary election.

A circuit judge has ruled twice in favor of the school board, but county leaders are still pursuing an appeal to take the tax referendum off of November's ballot. The court indicated it will have a final ruling by Aug. 19.

County leaders are refusing to place the school district's property tax question on the November ballot even after a judge's ruling telling them to comply. The district says it will fight back.

A judge ruled in favor of the school district, which filed a lawsuit after county commissioners voted to delay the referendum until 2026.

Hillsborough commissioners selected a company to redevelop the 67 acres around the museum. The proposed plan is a multiuse development, and the county also wants to add an indoor sports complex.

Schools will still be part of the Community Investment Tax, but their share will be cut significantly, potentially impacting future capital projects. Voters must renew the CIT in November.

The Hillsborough County Commission said it wanted to cut Craig Latimer's budget because of declining voter rolls.