Tampa Republic

As high temperatures blanket the Tampa Bay region, residents seek ways to stay cool during the hottest months of the year. The City of Tampa has unveiled its first Heat Resilience Playbook, created in collaboration with researchers at the University of South Florida and Resilient Cities Catalyst, a nonprofit organization that aids cities in advancing resilience work. The playbook outlines policies, projects, and programs aimed at protecting vulnerable communities from extreme heat.

Focusing primarily on East Tampa, the playbook includes 18 actionable steps to increase access to spaces of refuge, enhance and protect the tree canopy, and integrate heat resilience components into various projects. While heat impacts residents citywide, some neighborhoods are disproportionately affected due to differences in physical infrastructure and concentrations of at-risk groups such as seniors, children, outdoor workers, and individuals with underlying medical conditions like asthma.

"The dangerously high temperatures we are experiencing make heat resilience one of our most urgent matters," said Mayor Jane Castor. "Tampa's first Heat Resilience Playbook will be a great resource as we enhance our strategy to provide long-lasting, as well as immediate relief within our most vulnerable communities."

The playbook notes that since 2016, Tampa’s heat index has consistently exceeded 100 degrees for over 45 days per year. This number spiked in 2022 when Tampa experienced 89 dangerous days with a heat index exceeding 100 degrees. In July 2023, Tampa recorded its hottest July on record with an average high temperature of 93.3 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 79.7 degrees Fahrenheit.

To assist decision-makers in targeting neighborhoods facing significant heat-related challenges, researchers at the University of South Florida's Florida Center for Community Design and Research developed the Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI). This assessment tool combines several data points to help city leaders determine which areas require the most investment and assistance.

"Although the playbook was created through a lens of equity," said Whit Remer, Sustainability and Resilience Officer for the City of Tampa. "The policies and tools included can be applied to all areas of the city while educating residents citywide with tips and programs to keep themselves cool."

To launch Tampa's Heat Resilience Playbook on Friday, July 12th, 2024, a community event will be held at 2106 E. Osborne Ave., from 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M., featuring interventions such as tree-shaded sidewalks and hydration stations along North 22nd Street.

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