Hillsborough County, Florida

Hillsborough County, Florida
The Hillsborough County courthouse, in May 2010.

Flag
Logo
Map of Florida highlighting Hillsborough County
Location in the state of Florida
Map of the United States highlighting Florida
Florida's location in the U.S.
Founded January 25, 1834
Named for Wills Hill, Earl of Hillsborough
Seat Tampa
Largest city Tampa
Area
 • Total 1,266 sq mi (3,279 km2)
 • Land 1,020 sq mi (2,642 km2)
 • Water 246 sq mi (637 km2), 19.4%
Population (Est.)
 • (2013) 1,291,578
 • Density 1,205/sq mi (465/km²)
Congressional districts 12th, 14th, 15th, 17th
Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Website www.hillsboroughcounty.org

Hillsborough County is a county located in the State of Florida. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,229,226,[1] making it the fourth-most populous county in Florida. Its county seat and largest city is Tampa.[2]

Hillsborough County is included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Hillsborough County was created on January 25, 1834, from Alachua and Monroe counties,[3] during the U.S. territorial period (1822-1845). It was named for Wills Hill, the Earl of Hillsborough, who served as British Secretary of State for the Colonies from 1768 to 1772.[4]

The county's 1834 boundaries were much wider and included eight other present-day counties: Charlotte County, DeSoto, Hardee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota County.[5]

The last significant change in Hillsborough County's borders was the separation of its western section to create Pinellas County, in 1911.

On New Year's Day in 1914, the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line initiated the first scheduled commercial airline service in history, from St Petersburg to Tampa.[6]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,266 square miles (3,280 km2), of which 1,020 square miles (2,600 km2) is land and 246 square miles (640 km2) (19.4%) is water.[7] There is approximately 158.27 miles (254.71 km) of shoreline on Tampa Bay.

The county's unincorporated area approximately 888 square miles (2,300 km2), or more than 84 percent of the total land area. Municipalities account for 163 square miles (420 km2). The modern boundaries of the county place it midway along the west coast of Florida.

A narrow strip of Hillsborough County extends to the west to the Gulf of Mexico roughly along the Tampa Port Shipping Channel. This has the effect of keeping Hillsborough County from being landlocked. The central portion of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is in Hillsborough County as is Egmont Key at the entrance to Tampa Bay. This narrow strip of land effectively separates Pinellas County from Manatee County.

Hillsborough is home to Alafia River State Park and Hillsborough River State Parks, as well as the C. W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir and Lithia Springs, the largest natural spring in Florida.

Adjacent counties

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1840452—
18502,377425.9%
18602,98125.4%
18703,2167.9%
18805,81480.8%
189014,941157.0%
190036,013141.0%
191078,374117.6%
192088,25712.6%
1930153,51973.9%
1940180,14817.3%
1950249,89438.7%
1960397,78859.2%
1970490,26523.2%
1980646,96032.0%
1990834,05428.9%
2000998,94819.8%
20101,229,22623.1%
Est. 20131,291,5785.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]
1790-1960[9] 1900-1990[10]
1990-2000[11] 2010-2013[1]

As of the census of 2010,[12] there were 1,229,226 people residing in the county. The racial makeup of the county was 71.28% White, 16.68% Black or African American, 0.39% Native American, 2.20% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 5.01% from other races, and a 3.15% from two or more races. 24.95% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. The county is the thirty-second most populous county in the nation.

There were 391,357 households out of which 31.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.70% were married couples living together, 13.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.80% were non-families. 26.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.07.

The age distribution was as follows: 25.30% were under the age of 18, 9.30% from 18 to 24, 31.70% from 25 to 44, 21.70% from 45 to 64, and 12.00% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 95.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $40,663, and the median income for a family was $48,223. Males had a median income of $34,111 versus $26,962 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,812. About 9.10% of families and 12.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.20% of those under age 18 and 10.00% of those age 65 or over.

Level of Education
Level Hillsborough Co. Florida U.S.
College/Associate Degree 29.0% 28.8% 27.4%
Bachelor's Degree 16.7% 14.3% 15.5%
Master's or Ph. D. 8.4% 8.1% 8.9%
Total 54.1% 51.2% 51.8%

Source: U.S. Census[13]

Politics and government

Hillsborough County has voted for the Republican candidate in most presidential elections for the past four decades. However, In 2008, Barack Obama won the county by seven points, the first Democrat to capture the county since Bill Clinton's reelection victory in 1996.[14] Obama won Hillsborough again in 2012 over Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney by roughly the same margin.

Presidential Election Results 1960-2012
Year Democrat Republican
2012 52.71% 286,467 46.04% 250,186
2008 53.05% 272,963 45.94% 236,355
2004 46.23% 214,132 53.01% 245,576
2000 47.06% 169,576 50.17% 180,794
1996 46.80% 144,266 44.33% 136,656
1992 37.13% 115,282 42.07% 130,643
1988 39.49% 99,014 59.89% 150,151
1984 35.31% 86,230 64.67% 157,926
1980 42.99% 88,271 51.71% 106,160
1976 54.01% 94,589 44.82% 78,504
1972 29.71% 45,305 70.13% 106,956
1968 32.24% 45,848 34.77% 49,441
1964 58.48% 71,289 41.52% 50,616
1960 56.01% 62,240 43.99% 48,887

A Home Rule Charter for Hillsborough County was approved by voters in a county-wide referendum held in September 1983, and the first County Commissioners elected under this new charter took office on May 28, 1985.

The Home Rule Charter divides the power of county government between legislative and executive branches. The Board of County Commissioners, which composes the legislative branch, sets overall policy by means of ordinances, resolutions and motions.

The executive powers of county government are vested in the County Administrator, appointed by County Commissioners and charged by the charter to faithfully implement the powers of the Board. The charter provides for a County Attorney, to be hired by the County Administrator with the advice and consent of the County Commissioners. The charter contains a provision for a Charter Review Board appointed by County Commissioners every five years to conduct a study of county government and propose amendments to the charter. These amendments must be presented to voters for approval. One amendment was approved in November 2002, adding the position of County Internal Performance Auditor to the government structure. This position reports directly to the County Commission.

There are seven members of the Board of County Commissioners for Hillsborough County. Four are elected from single-member districts, and three are elected county wide. The Board approves the County's operating and capital budgets and the County's capital improvement program. It may take action on any programs for the improvement of the county and the welfare of its residents.

There are also five countywide elected positions which have specific responsibilities under the county charter:

Under a Charter Ordinance that went into effect May 1985, County Commissioners are directed to perform legislative functions of government by developing policy for the management of Hillsborough County. The County Administrator, a professional appointed by the Board, and the administrative staff are responsible for the implementation of these policies.

The Board also serves as the Environmental Protection Commission. Individual Board members serve on various other boards, authorities, and commissions such as the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Tampa Bay Water, Aviation Authority, Expressway Authority, Sports Authority, Port Authority, Arts Council of Hillsborough County, Children's Board, Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Council of Governments.

Hillsborough County charges a discretionary sales tax of 1% on top of Florida's 6%. It is only collected on the first $5000 of any large purchase.

Economy

In the early 20th century Hillsborough's economy was predominantly based on cigar making and agriculture. In 2012, Hillsborough had the second largest agricultural output among Florida's Counties. As of 2010, the average annual employment in Hillsborough County was 563,292. The percentages of total employment by industry was:

[15]

Agriculture

In 2011, sales of all agricultural commodities produced in Hillsborough County were over 832,410,300 dollars. The largest crop by value was strawberries at over 388 million dollars.[16] Values of various crops included:

Hillsborough County Agricultural Production 2011
Crop Sales in Dollars Acreage
Strawberries $388,125,702 11,625
Vegetables $150,000,000 13,092
Ornamental Plants $139,232,407 3,977
Aquaculture $23,546,112 876
Beef Cattle/Pasture $18,934,207 91,904
Citrus $18,893,572 10,750
Poultry $18,701,100 22
Sod $7,438,855 2,286
Dairy $6,433,206 1,500
Blueberries $5,500,000 591
Hay $2,374,195 635
Forestry $1,000,000 108,634
Bees/Honey $598,767 45
Goats $154,177 518
Miscellaneous $51,478,000 3677
Total $832,410,300 255,532

List of companies with headquarters in Hillsborough County

Education

Hillsborough County Public Schools operates public schools in the county. Hillsborough County has the eighth largest school district in the United States consisting of 206 schools (133 elementary schools, 42 middle schools, 2 K-8 schools, 27 traditional high schools and 4 career centers; 73 additional schools including charter, ESE, etc.).[18] In 2013, twelve out of Hillsborough County's 27 public high schools were ranked in Newsweek's list of America's Best High Schools.[19] In 2012 and 2013, all 27 public high schools were included on the Washington Post's list of the 2000 most challenging schools in America.[20]

School enrollment

source Tampa Tribune

Museums and libraries

These libraries are part of the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative:

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue services the unincorporated areas of Hillsborough County. Fire service began in the 1950s as an all volunteer force consisting of about a dozen loosely associated community-based organizations. The first full-time career firefighters were hired in 1973. The department now has 1,019 career uniformed and support personnel which continue to set the pace in Fire and Emergency Medical Response making it the third largest department in the state. Since the 1997 consolidation of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the department has placed paramedics on each career, front-line apparatus: 28 Rescues, 42 Engines, 4 Ladder Trucks and 4 Special Operations Units operating out of 43 Fire Stations throughout Unincorporated Hillsborough County. As nearly 85% of the department's more than 90,000 emergency responses require some level of medical care, having paramedics assigned to each unit assures that the citizens of Hillsborough County are receiving rapid Advanced Life Support care.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and the Board of County Commissioners has implemented a plan to continue placing new fire rescue stations in areas where growth is occurring or gaps in coverage may exist. Fire Chief Ron Rogers leads a Senior Staff of two Deputy Chiefs (Operations and Administrative branches), the Fire Marshal and the Emergency Manager. All fiscal functions, facilities maintenance and supply, apparatus/equipment procurement, Emergency Dispatch Manager, Personnel Chief, and Training Chief are under the direction of the Deputy Chief of Administration. The three Shift Commanders, as well as the Rescue Chief and the Special Operations Chief, report directly to the Deputy Chief of Operations. The Operations Chief is responsible for the overall response readiness of all front line personnel. The Emergency Manager oversees all Office of Emergency Management (OEM) planning and operations of the EOC.[21]

Law enforcement

Several law enforcement agencies operate within Hillsborough County, Florida. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is headquartered in the Ybor City District of Tampa and is responsible for Law Enforcement services in the unincorporated areas of the county as well as operation of two jail facilities and courthouse security for the 13th Judicial Circuit. Each of the three incorporated places has its own police agency (Tampa Police Department, Plant City Police Department, and the Temple Terrace Police Department respectively). Tampa International Airport and the University of South Florida also have police departments.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Office of Emergency Management

The Office of Emergency Management is a division of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue that is directly responsible for planning and coordinating the evacuation and sheltering of all county residents in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. This agency is also responsible for planning, orchestrating and coordinating response actions and continuity of government in the aftermath of a major disaster. Preston Cook has been the Emergency Manager since 2011

The Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool (HEAT) has been created to assist residents of Hillsborough County by providing evacuation and sheltering information in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster. This interactive program was designed to assist the public in easily determining if they are in one of the five evacuation zones. It also provides information on shelters, hospitals, fire stations and sandbag locations.

The Office of Emergency Management also provides information to the public on the following: Hurricane Information, Procedures for Hazardous Materials Spills, Flooding Preparedness, Tornado Preparedness, Wildfire Preparedness, and Terrorism Preparedness.

Transportation

The Sunshine Skyway (I-275), which connects Pinellas to Manatee counties. The middle span is in Hillsborough County.

Airports

The county's primary commercial aviation airport is Tampa International Airport in Tampa. Other important airports include the Tampa Executive Airport near Brandon, Peter O. Knight Airport near Downtown Tampa, and the Plant City Airport near Plant City.

Major highways

Public surface transportation

Hillsborough County is served by Hillsborough Area Regional Transit buses.

Nationally-protected areas

Parks

Communities

County subdivisions in Hillsborough County. Incorporated cities in bold; unincorporated CDPs in small font.

Cities

Census-designated places

Despite its large population most of the area of the county is unincorporated and falls under the jurisdiction of the Hillsborough county board of Commissioners.[22]

Unincorporated communities

Historic towns

  • Bullfrog Corner
  • Bone Valley
  • Branchton
  • Callsville
  • Chataocolea
  • Chicora
  • Clarkwild
  • Coronet
  • Cork (Now Dover, not to be confused with two other Cork's)
  • Cork (Now Plant City)
  • Cosme
  • Dillon
  • Diston
  • Drew Park, absorbed by Tampa
  • East Cove
  • Edeson
  • Flora
  • Fort Brooke
  • Fort Foster
  • Fort Sullivan
  • Gardenville
  • Gary
  • Gulf City
  • Harney
  • Hillsboro
  • Ichipucksassa, aka Ichepucksassa, Hitchipucksassa (now Plant City)
  • Idlewild Park
  • Jackson Springs
  • Keystone Park
  • Knights Station
  • Knowles
  • Lake Fern
  • Lighthall
  • Lillibridge
  • Magdalene
  • Magnolia
  • Mangrove Point
  • Manhattan (absorbed by Tampa)
  • Marvinia
  • Midway
  • Mullins City
  • Nicholls
  • Oliphant
  • Orient
  • Peck
  • Pelot
  • Peru
  • Prairie
  • Riverhead
  • Rocky Point
  • Sparkman
  • Stemper
  • St Helena
  • Trapnell (absorbed by Plant City)
  • Welcome
  • Weldon
  • Willow
  • Youmans[25]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
  2. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  3. ↑
  4. ↑ Publications of the Florida Historical Society. Florida Historical Society. 1908. p. 31.
  5. ↑ Hillsborough County's origins
  6. ↑ http://www.space.com/16657-worlds-first-commercial-airline-the-greatest-moments-in-flight.html
  7. ↑ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  8. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
  12. ↑ http://censusviewer.com/county/FL/Hillsborough
  13. ↑ 2004 U.S. Census
  14. ↑ U.S. Election Atlas
  15. ↑ http://www.eflorida.com/profiles/CountyReport.asp?CountyID=54&Display=all
  16. ↑ http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/6140
  17. ↑ "Contacts." Delhaize Group. Retrieved on May 17, 2012. "Sweetbay Supermarkets, 3801 Sugar Palm Drive Tampa – FL 33619 - U.S.A."
  18. ↑ Hillsborough County Public Schools
  19. ↑ America's Best High Schools
  20. ↑ http://apps.washingtonpost.com/local/highschoolchallenge/schools/2013/list/national/
  21. ↑ Hillsborough Fire Rescue Summary
  22. ↑ Hillsborough County Government Online - BOCC
  23. ↑ http://www.hillsborough.communityatlas.usf.edu/upload/documents/HILLSBOROUGH_COUNTY_Historic_Resources_Excerpts_Knights.pdf
  24. ↑ http://www.hillsborough.communityatlas.usf.edu/upload/documents/HILLSBOROUGH_COUNTY_Historic_Resources_Excerpts_Turkey%20Creek.pdf
  25. ↑ http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/maps/galleries/county/hillsborough/index.php

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hillsborough County, Florida.

Government links

Special districts

Judicial branch

Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension

Tourism links

History

 Pasco County
Pinellas County Polk County
   Hillsborough County, Florida  
Manatee County Hardee County

Coordinates: 27°55′N 82°21′W / 27.91°N 82.35°W