TAMPA -- Once again, Tampa's rising rents and housing shortage takes center stage at a Thursday City Council meeting.
After a session of public comments devoted almost entirely to the housing crisis, Tampa City Council voted unanimously to investigate an apartment complex where residents have reported ongoing problems, from mold and rodents, to unexpected rent increases and worse.
Councilman Luis Viera says they've tried to get state government involved, but Tallahassee doesn't seem to be interested in the problems reported by tenants at Timber Falls. "We've had... numerous attempts and outreaches to the state of Florida, with very very limited success on positive favorable outcomes."
City legal staff will explore whether any ordinances have been violated. The city also plans to send a letter of "outrage" to the apartments' management.
Tampa Council also voted to go ahead with buying five parcels of land in east Tampa, to build up to 100 affordable housing units. At the suggestion of Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak, the council will also look into scheduling a workshop early next year to look at how to increase more "medium density" housing.
See some of the Council's discussion of housing issues below.
Photo: Canva