Upcoming Events and Achievements in Tampa: FDOT Meeting, Wade Boggs Award, and Starbucks Union Victory

FDOT to Host Meeting on Busch Boulevard Project

TAMPA — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Seven is set to host a crucial public meeting regarding the proposed modifications to the medians along SR 580 (Busch Boulevard). This online meeting will take place on Thursday, June 26, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., providing an opportunity for community members to engage in the planning process.

Participants can register for the meeting at this link using Webinar ID 388-441-467. Detailed materials related to the project are available on the project website here.

The proposed project aims to enhance safety and traffic flow along Busch Boulevard, featuring several key modifications:

• Reconstruction of existing medians into raised concrete medians from North Dale Mabry Highway to Nebraska Avenue.
• Closure of eight full medians and two partial median closures to streamline traffic.
• Improvements to pedestrian safety at intersections.
• Enhanced sidewalk connectivity on the south side of SR 580.
• Extension of the right turn lane from westbound SR 580 to southbound North Dale Mabry Highway.
• Reduction of travel lane width from 12 feet to 10 feet.
• A decrease in the speed limit to 35 mph within the project limits.
• Construction of dual left-turn lanes from eastbound SR 580 to northbound Nebraska Avenue.
• Upgrades to corridor lighting and traffic signals, including a new signal at Rome Circle and upgrades at Florida Avenue and Nebraska Avenue.

Construction is anticipated to commence in 2026, marking a significant step towards improving the safety and efficiency of this vital roadway.

County Presents Wade Boggs Award to Sickles Star

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY — The Hillsborough County Commission celebrated local athletic talent on June 18 by presenting the 19th annual Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award to three outstanding student-athletes, along with two Honorable Mentions.

This year’s award winner, Jordan Yost from Sickles High School, has made a remarkable impact on the baseball field. With a batting average of .420, Yost recorded four home runs, 42 hits, and 26 runs batted in, while also scoring 42 runs for the Gryphons. Beyond his athletic prowess, Yost is recognized as the Sickles Scholar Athlete for the 2024-25 school year, consistently achieving Principal’s and Honor Roll status.

Yost’s commitment to community service is equally commendable, with over 50 hours volunteered at a local food pantry serving the homeless. His talent has earned him a full scholarship to the University of Florida, and he is expected to be a high pick in the upcoming 2025 Major League Baseball Draft.

Honorable Mentions were awarded to Ja’Marques Benton of Jefferson High School and Cash Strayer from Plant High School, highlighting the depth of talent in Hillsborough County.

Tampa Starbucks Baristas Win Union Vote

TAMPA — In a significant victory for workers’ rights, baristas at the Starbucks located in the Shoppes of Carrollwood have voted to join Starbucks Workers United. This decision aligns the Carrollwood location with over 600 Starbucks shops across 45 states and the District of Columbia that have successfully unionized.

Will Knight, a barista with four years of experience, expressed the relief felt by many employees: “Winning this election has been a breath of fresh air and a huge sense of relief for many of us, as we have been dealing with understaffed shifts, unmaintained equipment, and lackadaisical management. This win will ensure that we improve not only our conditions but also the conditions for our customers.”

The unionization comes amid a wave of activism, with Workers United filing over 100 unfair labor practice charges recently. More than 2,000 baristas at over 150 stores, including the SoDo Reserve location in Seattle, participated in walkouts demanding fair contracts and improved working conditions.

This victory marks a pivotal moment for workers at Starbucks, as they seek to secure better staffing, hours, pay, and protections necessary for their roles.