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Thursday, June 18 EPC Commission Meeting
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Friday, June 19 Closed in Observance of Juneteenth
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Friday, July 3 Closed in Observance of Independence Day
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Thursday, August 27 EPC Commission Meeting
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Waste Division Updates
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Ronald (Ron) Cope has retired from the EPC after 35 years of dedicated service in our Waste Division. Ron most recently served as the Senior Environmental Manager for the Solid and Hazardous Waste Department, also overseeing the brownfield and abandoned landfills programs. In addition to the regulatory responsibilities of his position, public education played a significant role in his work. We wish Ron all the best in his retirement. |
Nicole Garcia has been promoted to Senior Environmental Manager over the Solid and Hazardous Waste Department. She brings over 25 years of experience across several roles within our Waste Division including Old Landfill Redevelopment Coordinator, NEPA-Compliant Environmental Investigator, and Petroleum Cleanup Hydrologist. Nicole has also served as a Sterling Examiner for the Agency and is strongly committed to process improvement. |
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Allison Amram is retiring from her role as the Brownfield Coordinator after 10 years of dedicated service with EPC. She built strong relationships with regulatory partners and consultants, elevating our Brownfield Program’s reputation statewide, and was frequently invited to participate in expert panels. Beyond her Brownfields work, Allison served as the agency representative for Tampa Bay Water and the Restoration Advisory Board for McDill Air Force Base. We are grateful for her many contributions and wish her the very best as she begins a new chapter. |
Charles E. Dowman V will be transitioning into the role of Brownfield Coordinator. Charles has served EPC for over 10 years as a Professional Geologist in the Petroleum Cleanup Department. His experience includes training and supervising petroleum cleanup site managers, overseeing complex remediation projects, and serving as the countywide site rehabilitation closure specialist. Charles is known for his strong commitment to customer service, mentorship, and community outreach participation. |
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Legal Department Update
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Andy Zodrow has transitioned from EPC Senior Attorney to General Counsel. In this role, he will provide legal representation to the EPC Commission and the Executive Director, participate in strategic planning for the Agency, and supervise the Legal Department and its budget.
Andy has dedicated over 26 years of service to the EPC. He frequently serves as a panel expert at Hillsborough County Bar Association conferences on land use and environmental matters. We look forward to Andy's continued support of our staff, the Agency's core functions, and the citizens of Hillsborough County in his new role.
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Hurricane Season
The 2026 Hurricane Season officially began June 1st and runs through November 30th.
In the event of severe weather, EPC’s On-Call staff will be available at 813-627-2600 to receive reports from the public regarding emergencies such as sewage and oil spills, illegal burning, and other jurisdictional issues.
During a hurricane, EPC’s Emergency Response team will work closely with Hillsborough County to address public needs as they arise.
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Stay informed by signing up for alerts from Hillsborough County and EPC.
Did you know that Hillsborough County evacuation zones changed for the 2026 hurricane season?
Fertilizer Use Awareness
Protecting our waterways is important year-round, but the rainy season is a particularly sensitive time.
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Rainstorms can wash pollutants into our ground and surface waters, including streams, canals, and the open bay. Excessive nutrients in our waterways adversely affect the environmental, recreational, cultural, and economic well-being of Hillsborough County residents, as well as public health.
Under EPC’s Chapter 1-15 Rule, fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorous cannot be applied, except for certain exempt activities, when any of the following conditions apply:
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- If it is raining at the application site.
- Within the time period during which a flood watch or warning, or a tropical storm watch or warning, or a hurricane watch or warning is in effect for any portion of Hillsborough County, issued by the National Weather Service.
- Within 36 hours prior to a rain event greater than or equal to 2 inches in a 24-hour period is likely.
Hillsborough County’s Fertilizer Ordinance places additional restrictions on fertilizer use within Unincorporated Hillsborough County, including “no fertilizers containing nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) may be applied to landscapes between June 1 and September 30 unless exempted in Ordinance 21-42.”
Toastmasters Welcomes You
EPC has proudly hosted the Hillsborough County (HC) Chapter of Toastmasters International© for over 20 years. The club is open to employees and members of the community. Meetings are held the first, second, and fourth Thursdays of every month from 12-1 p.m. at the EPC building. The goal of Toastmasters is to provide a supportive and positive environment where members can build confidence in public speaking. If you're in the area, stop by and join us! For more information, please visit the club's official website or the club's Facebook Page.
You may contact Brittney Glennon, President at GlennonB@epchc.org for additional questions.
This year's Clean Air Fair theme, Stars and Stripes Forever... Celebrating Clean Air Together, highlighted our community's commitment to clean air while also honoring our nation's 250th anniversary.
The Fair took place on Thursday, May 7th at Poe Plaza in Downtown Tampa. The success of the Clean Air Fair would not be possible without the generous support of our contributing partners, exhibitors, and hundreds of visitors.
Local middle and high school students participated in EPC's Annual Clean Air Month Photography Contest. The contest winners and honorable mentions had their artwork displayed at the Clean Air Fair. We congratulate all winners and honorable mentions and extend our sincerest thanks to every student who submitted their photos for consideration.
  
Philanthropy
EPC's Philanthropic Committee supported the Michael S. Merrill Pet Resource Center (PRC) in March. This event is made possible through the annual For the Love of Boostani Fundraiser, which collects both monetary donations and essential pet supplies for the animals staying in the PRC shelter. This year, our staff contributed $400.00 along with pet food, blankets, and towels. Our staff also volunteered their time to make enrichment treats and toys for the shelter's dogs and cats.
Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony at E.L. Bing Elementary School
On April 21st, staff members were joined by EPC Chair, Commissioner Gwen Myers, at E.L. Bing Elementary School to celebrate National Arbor Day with a tree-planting ceremony. The school selected a Southern Magnolia tree to plant near the recreation area. Students participating in the ceremony showcased their paper-tree artwork and shared their favorite facts about trees. EPC extends its thanks to the Florida Forest Service for awarding the grant funds that made this celebration possible.
Environmental Outreach Events
This spring, we participated in several outreach events centered on community engagement, environmental stewardship, science, and education.
 EPC is grateful for the many community partners who host these public events and provide opportunities for us to connect with the residents we serve. Among these partners are Hillsborough County Public Schools, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, MOSI, Port Tampa Bay, and Tampa International Airport.
May is American Wetlands Month
This year, we celebrated Wetlands Month with two guided Wetland Walks across our beautiful County Parks. EPC scientists shared their knowledge about hardwood swamp forests at Lettuce Lake Park on May 2nd and mangrove forests at Upper Tampa Bay Park on May 16th. We’re grateful to all the guests who joined us in recognizing the importance of our local wetlands!
 During the April 16th EPC Meeting, EPC Vice Chair, Commissioner Harry Cohen, read the May is Wetlands Month Proclamation declaring May as American Wetlands Month in Hillsborough County.
Commissioner-Hosted Town Hall Meetings
EPC staff regularly attends County Commissioner town hall meetings alongside several County Departments. We enjoy meeting residents and answering questions at these events.
 The next scheduled Town Hall meeting is hosted by Commissioner Myers and will take place on Tuesday, June 16th at the Love First Christian Center in Riverview at 6:30 p.m.
Recent County Commissioner Town Hall meetings we attended:
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February 17 All People's Life Center in Tampa hosted by Commissioner Gwen Myers
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March 10 Hillsborough County Fire Starion #46 in Riverview hosted by Commissioner Chirs Boles
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March 24 Jeff & Penny Vinik Family Center in Winston Park hosted by Commissioner Gwen Myers
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April 13 Victor Crist Community Center in Tampa's University Area hosted by Commissioner Gwen Myers
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May 19 Emanuel P. Johnson Center Recreation Center in Progress Village hosted by Commissioner Gwen Myers
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May 27 Riverview Public Library hosted by Commissioner Joshua Wostal
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