HART Invites Community to Help Shape the Future of Transit in Hillsborough County

HART is inviting residents to help shape the future of public transportation in Hillsborough County. Beginning Monday, March 2, through Friday, April 3, 2026, community members can participate in an online survey and attend in-person Vision Workshops to share their ideas and priorities for transit improvements over the next decade.

HART is updating its Vision Plan in 2026 to establish a list of strategic priorities that will guide how and where public transportation grows in the years ahead. The plan will explore potential service frequency improvements, new routes, alternative service types, and enhancements to the overall rider experience.

While many of the proposed projects identified in the Vision Plan may currently be unfunded, public input will play a critical role in shaping HART’s long-term direction and future investment priorities.

Take the Survey

The primary way to participate is by completing the online survey at HARTVisionPlan.com between March 2 and April 3, 2026.

At the end of the survey, participants may enter for a chance to win a $150 gift card.

Attend a Vision Workshop

In addition to the survey, HART will host 10 interactive Vision Workshops throughout March and early April. These sessions will provide opportunities for deeper discussion and feedback tailored to specific communities across the county.

All workshops will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the following locations:

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library

2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33610

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Everglades University, Tampa Campus

5010 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33609

Thursday, March 12, 2026

North Tampa Branch Library

8916 N. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33604

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Victor Crist Community Center Complex

14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa, FL 33613

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Town ’N Country Regional Public Library

7606 Paula Dr., #120, Tampa, FL 33615

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

HCC SouthShore Campus

551 24th St. NE, Ruskin, FL 33570

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Brandon Regional Library

619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon, FL 33511

Monday, March 30, 2026

Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center

5855 S. 78th St., Tampa, FL 33619

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Tampa Firefighters Museum

720 E. Zack St., Tampa, FL 33602

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library

3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, FL 33611

Help Create the Vision

HART encourages residents, businesses, community leaders, and stakeholders to participate and help create a clear, community-driven vision for transit improvements.

To take the survey or learn more, visit HARTVisionPlan.com.

 

HART Welcomes Ronrico “Rico” Smith to the Board of Directors

HART is pleased to announce the appointment of Ronrico “Rico” Smith to the HART Board of Directors, representing Hillsborough County.

A third-generation Tampa native, Rico brings deep community roots and a steadfast commitment to public service. With several years of successful experience in sales and product management, he has effectively advocated on behalf of medical device companies before federal, defense, and state officials on critical healthcare issues. His professional background reflects a strong understanding of policy, strategy, and stakeholder engagement—skills that will serve HART and the community well.

Rico also brings valuable board-level leadership experience in both government and healthcare. He currently serves on the Corporate Board for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tampa Bay and previously served as Board Treasurer for the Hillsborough County Hospital Authority. During his tenure, he played a key role in overseeing land use at Tampa General Hospital and approving a transformative $550 million capital improvement plan—demonstrating his ability to guide complex initiatives with long-term community impact.

Committed to service beyond the boardroom, Rico enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserves in 2016 and was commissioned in 2022 as a Finance Officer. In this role, he assists with formulating program policy, allocating manpower resources, and managing budgeting efforts for Total Force Integration. He earned his associate’s degree from the Community College of the Air Force and his bachelor’s degree from Trident University.

Rico remains actively involved in the community, volunteering with local veterans’ organizations and serving on the Congressional Veterans’ Advisory Committee for Congressman Gus Bilirakis. He also mentors junior investors in real estate and retirement planning. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and traveling with his family and friends.

HART looks forward to Rico’s leadership and perspective as the agency continues advancing safe, reliable, and innovative public transportation solutions for the residents of Hillsborough County.

Please join us in welcoming Ronrico “Rico” Smith to the HART Board of Directors.