TAMPA (September 12, 2018) – On Monday, October 1, 2018, Downtown Tampa’s Special Services District (the “SSD” or “District”) will expand for the first time since it was created in 1994. The SSD was created to provide enhanced safety, maintenance, business development, beautification, planning and urban design, transportation, marketing, and other management services (the “Special Services”) in Tampa’s Downtown.
“Tampa Heights is an important gateway into Downtown Tampa with its own eclectic vibe and personality,” said Lynda Remund, Acting President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “We are looking forward to bringing our full suite of services to this area just north of Downtown.”
In 2017, property owners in Tampa Heights requested the provision of Special Services be extended into their area. In response to these requests and the growth of Tampa’s Downtown and adjacent neighborhoods, City Council approved the expansion on Thursday, August 23, 2018.
“The Tampa Heights North Franklin Street business district, the Yellow Brick Row, is eager for its October 1 st inclusion into the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s SSD expansion. This revitalized business community looks forward to working together with the Partnership to improve the design, safety, beautification, and accessibility for the varied destinations, celebrations and events Yellow Brick Row continues to host,” said Maureen Ayral, property owner of 1701 N Franklin St. in Tampa Heights, home to The Hall on Franklin and the Hip Room Dance Studio. “Tampa Heights is proud to share with their patrons the many benefits and economic vitality that accompany the SSD expansion. With the support of the Partnership, this emerging urban cultural and community corridor will continue crafting its vision that defines the Heights District’s unique character.”
The SSD was initiated by property owners and is funded by a special assessment on properties located within the District. Through a contract with the City of Tampa, the Tampa Downtown Partnership provides the Special Services in the SSD. The District will continue to be funded in the same manner the SSD has been historically funded. The assessment formula for funding the District is based on relative property values. In 1996, property owners set the SSD rate to 1.1 mill or $1.10 per $1,000.00 of assessed property value, which it remains at today.
