Bloomingdale to Remain in District 4, But Brandon Split

Hillsborough County Commission District 4, including Brandon, Valrico, Lithia and Riverview, will shift to the south, dividing Brandon into two districts.

That was the decision of the Hillsborough County Commission Monday night following a public hearing on redistricting.

The county is divided into four single-member districts, each represented by a county commissioner. There also are three commissioners who represent the entire county.

Under a U.S. Department of Justice mandate, Hillsborough County is one of five Florida counties that must undergo redistricting following the completion of U.S. Census, every 10 years, to reflect population shifts and ensure minority representation on the commission.

Public meetings were held around the county during the past two months to get residents’ input into proposed redistricting maps. In all, 10 maps were drawn with different configurations of the districts.

Among them was a map proposed by County Commissioner Kevin Beckner known as Map I, or the People’s Map. That map would have revamped the boundaries of District 1 to include a larger Hispanic population.

A large contingent of Hispanic residents came to the public hearing to voice their support of that map.

“This is the only map proposed by residents of Hillsborough County,” said Lydia Madrano of Tampa. “It’s based on communities of interest and gives voice to residents when they are together. The People’s Map is based solidly on census data, not partisan politics.”

The People’s Map had the support of Sun City residents as well because it consolidated south Hillsborough County into one district, District 4. Currently Apollo Beach and other south county coastal areas are part of District 1, which includes South Tampa.

Janet Wilson of Sun City Center argued that the existing district map diluted south county’s representation.

But Brandon residents also were on hand to argue against the People's Map, which would have divided Brandon into three districts.

“I don’t think the People’s Map is really the People’s Map," said Terry Kemple of Valrico. “It would change the district in a politically partisan way.”

“It’s obvious gerrymandering,” said Brandon resident Stacy Snow Feiler of the gainst People’s Map. “I don’t believe Hispanics just live in West Tampa."

She said she favored Map G is the way to go, which shifted District 4 boundaries to State Road 60.

In the end, county commissioners agreed, voting 6-1 for Map G. Beckner voted against the motion.

“There is no perfect map,” said Commissioner Mark Sharp. “But the problem is, by addressing one issue, you divide Carrollwood and Brandon. I believe Map G is the best compromise. Objective 1  should be no regression in regard to District 3. I believe dividing Brandon is a mistake. Maps I and J divide Bramdon. Brandon needs to stay whole as best as possible.”

Commissioner Les Miller Miller was originally in favor of Map J, which would have expanded his minority district, District 3. But he said he could see it wasn’t going to get the commission’s support.

“I don’t think any map satisfies everybody,” he said. “But Map G has no regression so I’ll support Map G.”

Victor Crist said he didn’t think the People’s Map truly favored the Hispanic population because it would dilute the Hispanic vote.

"The highest percentage (of Hispanics) is 32 percent in Maps G and I. I support G," he said.

Commission Ken Hagan agreed.

“I very much appreciate that redistricting is not an exact science. But having been born and raised in Carrollwood, I  can’t emphasize enough that Carrollwood and Brandon should not be divided,” he said.

The commission has until July 15 to submit the preferred map to the U.S. Justice Department for approval.