Here are some key facts about Hillsborough County, Florida, based on available information:
Location and Geography: Hillsborough County is situated in the west-central portion of Florida, along the Gulf Coast. It has a total area of 1,266 square miles, with 1,020 square miles of land and 246 square miles (19.4%) of water, including about 158.27 miles of shoreline on Tampa Bay. The county is not technically landlocked due to a narrow strip extending west to the Gulf of Mexico along the Tampa Port Shipping Channel.
Population: As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Hillsborough County had a population of 1,459,762, making it the fourth-most populous county in Florida and the most populous outside the Miami metropolitan area. A 2021 estimate raised this to 1,512,070, with a growth rate of 1.34% annually, surpassing the population of 12 U.S. states based on 2019 estimates.
History: Established on January 25, 1834, from parts of Alachua and Monroe Counties during Florida’s U.S. territorial period, the county was named after Wills Hill, the Earl of Hillsborough, a British Secretary of State for the Colonies (1768–1772). Its boundaries once spanned a much larger area, but the last major change occurred in 1911 when Pinellas County was separated.
County Seat and Major City: Tampa serves as both the county seat and largest city. Hillsborough County is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Demographics: The county is a diverse community with a median age of around 37–37.6 years. In 2022, the population was approximately 1.47 million, with ethnic breakdowns showing 46.3% White (Non-Hispanic), 15.5% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), and 29.9% Hispanic (including White Hispanic, Two+ Hispanic, and Other Hispanic groups). About 18.6% of residents were born outside the U.S., and 25.41% spoke a language other than English as their primary language in 2010.
Economy and Income: In 2022, the median household income was $70,612, a 10% increase from $64,164 in 2021, slightly above Florida’s median. The per capita income was around $43,194, and the poverty rate was 13.3%, with 9.1% of families and 12.5% of the population below the poverty line.
Education: Hillsborough County is home to a robust education system, including the University of South Florida, University of Tampa, and Hillsborough Community College. The public school district is the eighth largest in the U.S., with 206 schools serving a diverse student population.
Natural Features: The county features parks like Alafia River State Park and Hillsborough River State Park, as well as Lithia Springs, one of Florida’s largest natural springs, and the C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir.
Historical Significance: On January 1, 1914, the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line launched the world’s first scheduled commercial airline service from St. Petersburg to Tampa, marking a milestone in aviation history.
Political Trends: Hillsborough County has historically leaned Democratic in presidential elections, voting for the statewide winner from 1964–2012. It supported Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, but Donald Trump won it narrowly in 2024, ending a Democratic streak since 2004. It’s part of the critical I-4 Corridor, a swing region in Florida politics.
Infrastructure: The central portion of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Egmont Key lie within the county, enhancing its connectivity and coastal identity.
These facts highlight Hillsborough County’s role as a growing, diverse, and historically significant part of Florida.
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The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is a premier event in Hillsborough County, Florida, renowned for its quality and scale. Here are the details for the 2025 festival:
Dates: March 1-2, 2025.
Location: Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa, offering a scenic backdrop along the Hillsborough River.
Event Overview:
This festival is one of the largest and most prestigious fine arts events in the Southeast, attracting over 300 artists from around the nation and beyond. These artists compete for awards across various categories like sculpture, painting, jewelry, photography, and more.
It's not just an art exhibition; it's a celebration …
In a significant policy move, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has endorsed the idea of abolishing property taxes in the state, which would necessitate a constitutional amendment. Property taxes in Florida are managed locally, and any changes to eliminate or even reform them would require 60% voter approval through such an amendment. The proposal has sparked discussions on how the state would address the resultant shortfall in revenue, as property taxes fund various local services and infrastructure.
In Collier County, Florida, residents would be directly affected by this potential change. However, no specific …
In the United States, K-12 schools spend about $612.7 billion annually. This is about $12,612 per pupil. Federal, state, and local governments spend about $720.9 billion annually or $14,840 per pupil. The federal government provides 7.7% of funding, state governments provide 46.7%, and local governments provide 45.6%. On average, the U.S. spends $15,908 per pupil on postsecondary education and $33,063 per pupil on graduate and postgraduate education.
The USA Depatment of Educations has 4,400 employees and a buget of $238 billion in 2024.
Simply place a full glass of water inside of your microwave before turning the machine on. Let the microwave operate as steam is generated within the machine. The steam will soften stains which will allow you to quickly and easily wipe the remaining residue away from the surface.
This non-toxic method is perfect for those seeking a natural pest control solution. Start by popping some popcorn, then crush it into thick dust. Mix the crushed popcorn with grated soap and baking powder (or baking soda). Scatter the mixture in areas where you’ve seen pests.
The smell of popcorn attracts pests. When they eat it, the baking powder and soap disrupt their digestion, effectively eliminating them. This way, you get rid of mice and cockroaches in your house for good.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing for immigration reforms in Florida, including cutting in-state tuition for undocumented students.
Lawmakers are being called back to the Capitol for a special session on January 27, and one of the governor's key goals is to curb immigration and assistance to undocumented people.
The law providing undocumented students with in-state tuition rates was signed by former governor and fellow republican Rick Scott. It was originally proposed by DeSantis' Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez in the 2014 legislative session.
But now, DeSantis wants it gone.
Astrid Rodriguez was an undocumented student when she was able to graduate from Seminole State College while paying the in-state rate. She wants the law to remain in place and reflected on the fight to pass the law in 2014.
"Now we were fighting, we were marching, and we were calling our representatives to try and get this passed. And it finally did pass, and that was amazing. I went from taking one class to taking five so I would be able to finish out my education," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said the in-state tuition made it possible for her to earn her degree faster and launch her career in the insurance business. "We pay our taxes. I bought my home, and it's a well-being for everyone as well. It's an investment for the future of Florida as well," she said.
This clever trick holds the latch back, preventing the door from catching and closing. It's the perfect assistant for those busy days or when your hands are full, making life just a little easier.
Recent social media discussions have highlighted the contentious debate over Homeowners Associations (HOAs). While some individuals criticize HOAs for high costs, restrictive rules, and potential maintenance issues in new constructions, others appreciate the community upkeep and property value maintenance they provide. This discourse comes at a time when new regulations in some states, like Florida, are adding financial burdens on homeowners through mandatory inspections and repairs.
While you can use our website, our app gives a smoother experience and offers you a much better way to interact with HOA Bulletin Board