AARP Eye Center
Tampa Bay is "moving" towards a more livable future! AARP is happy to announce that The City of Tampa is one of ten winners of this year's Community Challenge Grant program — a meaningful contribution towards transforming the city's transportation system.
Developed in 2019 by Tampa Bay Mayor Jane Castor, the Tampa Bay M.O.V.E.S (Mobility, Opportunity, Vision, Equity, and Safety) program is a comprehensive plan to refurbish all forms of transportation over the next 30 years, making the city more accessible and equitable for its residents.
AARP's Community Challenge Grant will be assisting the City of Tampa Bay by filling in a nearly-800 ft. sidewalk gap in historic Ybor City. Located near two prominent income-based senior living communities, this renovation will allow residents to move freely around the area. Additionally, nearby highways will be renovated to provide direct access into Ybor City — another transportation win — and improving the sidewalk will increase pedestrian safety.
"Winning this grant truly felt like our entire plan was falling into place," explains Josh Blackman, the City of Tampa's Vision Zero Team Leader. "The city is completing a .5-mile protected bike path connecting Ybor to East, Downtown, and West Tampa and, in addition to the reconstructed roadway, we're also building a shared-use path nearby. Both these amenities will be accessible via the new sidewalk, ensuring that even individuals with limited mobility can reach and enjoy them with just a short walk."
AARP Florida will be following up with The City of Tampa in a few months to see how their efforts are progressing! Stay tuned for more, and visit AARP.org/FLLivable for more information on the Community Challenge Grant program.
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