A controversial plan to redesign El Prado Boulevard is sparking plenty of pushback in South Tampa. Neighbors packed a community meeting Wednesday night as the city defends the multimillion-dollar project. FOX 13’s Blake DeVine reports.
TAMPA, Fla. – A controversial plan to redesign El Prado Boulevard drew a packed crowd on Wednesday night at the Jan Platt Library in South Tampa.
The backstory:
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The city of Tampa plans to overhaul a 2.2-mile stretch of El Prado Boulevard, reducing parts of the roadway from four lanes to two while adding bike lanes, sidewalks and crosswalks.
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An online petition opposing the project has already gathered more than 1,110 signatures.
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Some neighbors argued the redesign could create heavier traffic and safety concerns.
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Trina Bertoldi strongly opposes the project.
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What they’re saying:
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“I think it’s insane,” Bertoldi said. “The traffic needs both lanes. It’s very dangerous what they are proposing.”
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Former Tampa Mayor Sandra Freedman — who has lived in a house along El Prado Boulevard for the last 38 years — criticized the crowded meeting.
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“It’s absolute chaos, there is not a chair for anybody to sit down,” Freedman said. “There is not a microphone for the gentlemen who are running the meeting to answer questions.”
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The other side:
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Other residents support this project, believing that these changes will improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians.
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Emily Hinsdale says biking through the neighborhood can present problems.
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“I’m really excited for this project,” Hinsdale said. “I actually biked over to this meeting today, and it was a difficult route, trying to wind my way through the neighborhood.”
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By the numbers:
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City Mobility Director Brandon Campbell defended the road redesign. Citing 2024 traffic data showing between 4,000 and 8,900 vehicles travel along El Prado Boulevard daily.
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Campbell also addressed the project’s more than $6 million cost.
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“The bulk of that expense is for milling and resurfacing the road,” Campbell said. “Adding sidewalks on the north side.”
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Despite the backlash, city officials promise the project will move forward.
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Stephen Michelini, representing the South Howard Business Alliance, criticized the city’s plan.
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“I think it’s poorly conceived and poorly executed,” Michelini said. “It will cause more problems than it will solve.”
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What’s next:
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Construction is slated to start on June 1. City officials expect the roadwork to take 10 months to complete.
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The Source: Information for this story came from statements from the city of Tampa Mobility Department, interviews with South Tampa residents and previous reporting on FOX 13 News.
