As storm approaches, Tampa re-pitches flood fee

TAMPA – You've probably heard the phrase before: strike while the Iron is hot.

Well, the City of Tampa is about to hit while the ground is soaked.

On the very day a tropical system is set to dump a lot of rain on Tampa Bay, the city of Tampa has scheduled a vote on a storm fee aimed at fixing its flooding problems.

A similar fee idea narrowly rejected last year by a vote of 4-3.

“It's been years,” said Amy Ward, referring to how long the stretch of Dale Mabry Highway in front of her store has flooded.

But it doesn't have to be that way, say city leaders who support the idea of pushing for a flood fee again, $250 million worth of infrastructure projects to finally address the problem.

“We literally have been fixing these pipes with duct tape and spit,” said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn who says it’s become a necessity to pass.

“Because, if we don't, I tell you what we saw last summer, and what we may see over the next couple of days is going to continue to happen. And businesses will be flooded, homes will be flooded, cars will be ruined, and the quality of life for people who live in these areas will be negatively impacted,” said Mayor Buckhorn.