BOCC Land Use - 2026-03-10
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Hillsborough County BOCC Land Use meeting on March 10, 2026 approved a major modification to the Energy Innovation Park (EIP) allowing up to 1,200 residential units on a former phosphate mine site south of the CSX railroad, with extensive environmental testing conditions (5-1 vote). The board also approved a rezoning at Lithia Pinecrest Road from ASC-1 to BPO despite planning commission denial (6-0), and initiated a new community plan for the Lithia area (5-1). Multiple mobile home park and commercial modifications were approved unanimously.
Key Decisions (13)
Vacate of Balm Waimama Road right-of-way
Hillsborough County initiated vacate of approximately 1.582 acres of public right-of-way known as Balm Waimama Road, south of County Road 672 and west of Balm Boyette Road in Balm. The vacate supports a proposed master plan for Balm Park and Recreation Center, combining with existing 9.3 acre and 5.6 acre park sites for a roughly 16 acre park.
US Foods truck maintenance facility expansion
Pierce application 26-0177 approved to increase building size for existing truck maintenance facility from 10,034 square feet to 13,100 square feet on a 4.4 acre parcel west of Warren Road between Slide Avenue and Hills East Hills.
US 301 flex space modification
Pierce application 26-0112 approved to modify PD on east side of US 301 east of Duncan Road, increasing entitlements from 77,800 to 81,690 square feet, increasing storage units from 60 to 75, removing car wash, and allowing modified mix of entitlements for more non-retail commercial uses.
Community residential home bed increase at Providence Road
Pierce application 26-0300 approved to increase bed count from 70 to 100 at existing Type C community residential home on 3.56 acre parcel at Northeast Corner of Province Road and Providence Ridge Boulevard.
Mini warehouse condition removal at Liminal Avenue
Pierce application 26-0387 approved to remove requirement regarding single family residence occupancy prior to development approval for additional mini warehouse entitlements at South Northwest Corner of Liminal Avenue and Bill Shows Boulevard.
East Lake Orient Park mobile home/park model rezoning
Rezoning P25-0809 approved for 10.15 acre parcel on west side of Cluis Avenue south of US 92, allowing development with mix of 93 home units and/or park models (RV-type units with 120-day stay requirements). Applicant Homes of America to remove existing units and connect water/sewer.
Energy Innovation Park residential modification
Major modification 25-0810 approved for PD south of State Road 60 between Dover and Turkey Creek Road, adding option for up to 1,200 residential units in pocket E (southwest of CSX railroad), plus hotel uses in pocket A. Applicant: University Energy Park. Extensive environmental testing conditions required due to former phosphate mine use.
Duncan Road mobile home park modification
Major modification 25-0849 approved for PD on east side of Duncan Road south of US 301, adding second development option for 16-unit mobile home park. Currently approved for commercial, office, daycare, and residential uses. Applicant: Deamon Properties LLC.
Brandon ALF bed increase and use modification
Major modification 25-1247 approved for PD at Northeast Corner of Patterson Road and Blue Middle Avenue, transferring residential units to increase community residential beds from 101 to 121, adding restaurant and personal services to community center. Applicant: Hill Ward and Henderson for existing ALF.
Lithia Pinecrest Road rezoning to BPO
Standard rezoning 25-1350 approved for 2.5 acre parcel on west side of Lithia Pinecrest Road north of Brooker south of Lumsden, from ASC-1 to Business Professional Office. Planning commission and hearing master recommended denial citing incompatibility with Garden Estates character district of Brandon Community Plan. Applicant: Todd Pressman.
Sheldon Road multifamily modification
Major modification 25-1354 approved for 0.77 acre parcel on west side of Sheldon Road north of Moore Road, changing from approved office use to 15-unit multifamily. Maximum height 45 feet/three stories. Right-of-way preservation required for future Sheldon Road widening to six lanes.
Muk Pond Road intersection improvements MUFASA
Mobility fee alternative satisfaction agreement approved for 250,000 square foot warehouse distribution project at southwest corner of Muk Pond Road and McIntosh Road. Developer to build northbound left turn lane on McIntosh Road and eastbound/northbound lanes on Muk Pond Road.
Lithia Community Plan initiation
Commissioner Miller motion approved directing staff to begin the process of developing a community plan for the Lithia area, citing fast growth and need for thoughtful planning reflecting community vision for land use, transportation, environmental preservation, infrastructure, and community character.
Zoning Changes (5)
West side of Cluis Avenue south of US 92, East Lake Orient Park
Todd Pressman for Homes of America
South of State Road 60 between Dover and Turkey Creek Road (pocket E)
Jake Kramer/David Smith for University Energy Park
East side of Duncan Road south of US 301
Brian Ochs for Deamon Properties LLC
West side of Lithia Pinecrest Road north of Brooker south of Lumsden
Todd Pressman
West side of Sheldon Road north of Moore Road
Patricia Ortiz
Development Activity (10)
Balm Park and Recreation Center
Roughly 16 acre park combining vacated 1.582 acre right-of-way with existing 9.3 acre and 5.6 acre park sites, will provide expanded recreational amenities and public water/wastewater services
US Foods Truck Maintenance Facility Expansion
Expansion from 10,034 square feet to 13,100 square feet on 4.4 acre parcel
US 301 Flex Space Development
81,690 square feet entitlements, 75 storage units, flex space condominium development with two of four buildings already constructed
East Lake Orient Park Mobile Home/Park Model Community
10.15 acres, up to 93 units or 80 units with park models, existing mobile homes to be removed, water/sewer connection planned
Energy Innovation Park Residential Development
Up to 1,200 single family residential units at 3 dwelling units per acre density, 8 acre community gathering space, three roundabout access points on Dover Road, 100-foot buffer along southern property line with 6-foot berm
Energy Innovation Park Hotel Addition
Hotel/motel uses added to northern portion of EIP along State Road 60
Duncan Road Mobile Home Park
16-unit mobile home park as second development option
Brandon ALF Expansion
Increase from 101 to 121 assisted living facility beds, adding restaurant and personal services to existing clubhouse, no new external construction
Sheldon Road Multifamily
15 apartment units, maximum 45 feet/three stories, replacing previously approved 6,300 square foot medical office on 0.77 acres
Muk Pond Road Warehouse Distribution
250,000 square foot warehouse distribution facility with intersection improvements including northbound left turn lane on McIntosh Road
Market Signals (7)
Housing Demand
Energy Innovation Park represents the largest undeveloped developable property within the urban service boundary, indicating significant pressure to add residential capacity in the I-4 growth corridor.
Housing Demand
Lithia area identified as one of the fastest growing areas in Hillsborough County, prompting initiation of a new community plan to manage growth.
Infrastructure
Lithia Pinecrest Road described as 'the worst road in the county' and planned for widening to four lanes, suggesting infrastructure investment following development pressure.
Infrastructure
Sheldon Road planned for widening to six lanes per corridor preservation plan, with developers required to preserve right-of-way.
Housing Demand
Mobile home parks and park model communities continue to receive approvals as affordable housing options, with policy support acknowledging manufactured housing as viable affordable housing.
Sentiment
Plant City community survey results indicate residents do not want additional development, citing inability to keep up with current growth rate and road capacity concerns.
Commercial Demand
Flex space and warehouse distribution facilities continue to receive approvals in the US 301 corridor and Muk Pond Road area.