Taking a peek at Tampa's new heat resilience playbook

It’s not just you , these Tampa Bay summers are getting steamier and steamier every year. In fact, last July was the hottest July ever recorded in Tampa — with an average high temperature of 93.3°.

That’s why the City of Tampa is rolling out its first Heat Resilience Playbook this week. The guide details plans for policies, projects, and programs to keep vulnerable communities safe from the heat.

Researchers at the University of South Florida + Resilient Cities Catalyst worked with the city to create the playbook — which hones in primarily on East Tampa — and outlines 18 key steps to increase access to places of refuge, including heat resistance in projects, and improvements to the tree canopy.

“The dangerously high temperatures we are experiencing make heat resilience one of our most urgent matters,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “Tampa’s first Heat Resilience Playbook will be a great resource as we enhance our strategy to provide long-lasting, as well as immediate, relief, particularly within our most vulnerable communities.”