Stormwater relief project begins this month in south Tampa neighborhood

South Tampa residents who have grown accustomed to slogging through flooded streets on rainy days will soon get some relief, starting with a major thoroughfare in the El Prado neighborhood.

This week, city officials announced the launch of a $6.9 million stormwater mitigation project along South Manhattan Avenue, from West Vasconia Street to West Obispo Street.

The project will involve increasing stormwater pipes in that span from 24 inches wide to 54 inches wide and include installation of new pipes in some areas and inlets at every intersection to collect and drain as much rainwater as possible, officials said.

Water main upgrades along that corridor will also be installed to increase volume.

Construction is expected to begin in mid-October and be completed in late 2026. At least one lane of South Manhattan Avenue will remain open for northbound traffic during construction and will open up for more access as construction progresses. Access to homes and businesses in Bel Mar Gardens and Fair Oaks-Manhattan Manor should remain unobstructed.

"Next year can't come soon enough for the residents of these surrounding neighborhoods to finally see the benefits of this long-awaited stormwater improvement project," Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said in a statement. "But it does not stop here. Across the city we are working to strengthen this vital system that keeps us safe during rain events.”

That stretch of South Manhattan Avenue is home to the El Prado Stormwater Garden, an urban oasis of native plant species designed to not only capture but naturally treat rainwater and runoff before entering Tampa Bay.

Since 2019, the city of Tampa has invested approximately $350 million in maintenance and major stormwater improvement projects like the work planned for the El Prado neighborhood.

A large portion of the project will be funded through federal grants, with nearly $1 million coming from community priority grants sponsored by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor and $2.75 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, according to the city. The rest of the money will come from the city’s Water and Wastewater department budgets, as well as the Stormwater Improvement assessment tax — an annual non-ad valorem assessment that funds new capital projects within the city’s Central and Lower Improvement Area of south Fletcher Avenue. 

"This project has been a priority for the neighborhood and the City of Tampa for years, and we need to do everything we can to modernize our stormwater system, protect homes and businesses, improve water quality in Old Tampa Bay, and support one of South Tampa’s most important corridors,” U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor said in a statement. “By investing in resilient infrastructure, we are safeguarding our neighborhoods, lowering costs and building a stronger, safer future for Tampa residents.”