The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved a budget amendment appropriating over $1.4 million from the previously awarded Staffing Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant to help address the need for more first responders. Fire Rescue has realized a significant increase in call volume and call time in recent years due to the county's rapid growth. The SAFER grant will help fund 34 entry-level firefighter positions over a three-year period between March 2023 to March 2026, improving public safety.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved more than $127,000 from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program to fund construction and planting of a hydrological restoration project at the County’s Stacy R. White Nature Preserve. These funds supplement the County’s existing $1.5 million budget for the 93-acre project, which is currently in the design and permitting phase. Acquired in 2021, the 471-acre preserve provides a significant wildlife corridor between the adjacent Balm-Boyette Scrub and Balm Scrub Preserves while also serving as the headwaters of Little Bullfrog Creek. When restored to its historic condition, the preserve will offer visitors a more authentic nature experience when hiking along Little Bullfrog Creek and adjacent upland areas.

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