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News Archive 2019

2019 Press Releases And Alerts
December 2019
South Tampa Business Community Launches “Gifting on Gandy”

For Immediate Release
December 16, 2019

South Tampa Business Community Reminds You to Shop Gandy

“Gifting on Gandy” Encourages Support of Local Gandy Businesses

Tampa, Fla. – This Holiday season the Shop Gandy! business support campaign encourages residents and shoppers to gift more thoughtfully by shopping local at the hundreds of businesses along Gandy Boulevard for their holiday purchases.

Shoppers can stock up on holiday beverages from Fine Wine & Spirits or treat someone special with a gift certificate for Manis and Pedis from Daba Nails. The gift of a Youfit Gym year-long membership is perfect for the fitness guru in your life. Gift cards from 81Bay Brewing Company, Marcos Pizza, Twistee Treat, and Outback Carrabas Express are just a few items that make great stocking stuffers or gifts for family, friends, or employees. This is the season to make an even greater impact on the South Tampa community by shopping locally and supporting Gandy Boulevard businesses.

Gandy Boulevard is one of South Tampa’s main hubs of commerce with hundreds of small and large businesses that are dedicated to providing goods and services to our community,” said Kelly Flannery, President & CEO of the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce. “ As one of the founding partners of the Shop Gandy! business support campaign, we are committed to helping these businesses by encouraging local shoppers to #ShopLocal and #ShopGandy at businesses along the Gandy corridor for all of their holiday shopping needs.”

Shop Gandy! is a business support campaign that was developed to help market and promote Gandy-corridor businesses before, during and after the construction of the Selmon Extension roadway project and is a partnership between the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce and the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority.

"I welcome shoppers, residents, and commuters to visit my studio this month to take time for themselves and purchase a reflexology session or take home a gift certificate for reflexology or massage for your loved ones,” said Sam Belyea, owner of The Foot Whisperer Reflexology Institute on Gandy Boulevard.

Shoppers and local residents can visit www.shopgandy.com/business-directory/ for our Shop Gandy Business Directory with a complete listing of businesses to shop on Saturday and throughout the holiday season. Holiday gift suggestions and ideas can also be found on the Shop Gandy! website www.ShopGandy.com.

For more information on the Selmon Extension Project, please visit http://selmonextension.com.

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Christmas Holiday 2019 Hours Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes

Christmas Holiday 2019 Hours
Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes

Tampa, December 16, 2019 – For the Christmas Holiday, on Tuesday, December 24, 2019, at 6:00 AM, the Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes (REL) will be open westbound from Brandon to the downtown area (Normal Operation). At 10:00 AM on the same day, traffic will be reversed on the REL to the eastbound direction from the downtown area towards Brandon. The REL will remain in this configuration until 6:00 AM on December 26, 2019. At that time normal hours of operation will resume, and all traffic will be reversed to the westbound direction from Brandon to the downtown area.

On December 31, 2019, at 1:00 PM, the REL will be open eastbound direction from the downtown area towards Brandon (Normal Operation). The REL will remain in this configuration until January 2, 2020, at 6:00 AM when all traffic will be reversed to the westbound direction from Brandon to the downtown area.

Motorists are advised that the hours of operation on the Reversible Express Lanes are subject to change without notice for construction/maintenance work.

For more information, call 813.272.6740 or email info@tampa‐xway.com.

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November 2019
Thanksgiving Holiday 2019 Hours Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes

Thanksgiving Holiday 2019 Hours
Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes

Tampa, November 25, 2019 – For the Thanksgiving Holiday, on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at 1:00 PM, traffic will be reversed on the Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes (REL) to the eastbound direction from the downtown area towards Brandon. The REL will remain in this configuration until 6:00 AM Monday, December 2, 2019. At that time normal hours of operation will resume, and all traffic will be reversed to the westbound direction from Brandon to the downtown area.

Motorists are advised that the hours of operation on the Reversible Express Lanes are subject to change without notice for construction/maintenance work.

For more information, call 813.272.6740 or email info@tampa‐xway.com.

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Click here to download this media alert.

August 2019
Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Wins 2019 Toll Excellence Award for Selmon Extension Project

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Wins 2019 Toll Excellence Award for Selmon Extension Project

 

Tampa, FL. (August 26, 2019) – The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) announced The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) as the winner of the 2019 Toll Excellence Award for Customer Service and Marketing Outreach. THEA garnered the international recognition for innovative excellence in community outreach during the construction of the Selmon West Extension.

“THEA is honored to receive this international award and recognition. The indispensable work we do partnering with our community is a major pillar of our work. We recognize that for any construction project to be successful, we must have continuous transparent dialogue with those that it affects. We accept this award on behalf of the entire Tampa Bay community who have been so integral to this effort,” said Joe Waggoner, Executive Director and CEO of THEA.

“We are thrilled IBTTA is awarding THEA with the Toll Excellence Award for Customer Service and Marketing Outreach,” said Vincent J. Cassidy, THEA’s Board Chairman. “THEA is invested in the betterment of our community, and the communication’s team multi-faceted outreach effort exemplifies THEA’s commitment to the health and growth of our region.”

The Selmon West Extension is a 1.9-mile toll lane currently under construction in the median of Gandy Boulevard, which will give drivers the option to access Gandy Boulevard for local destinations or use the Selmon Extension for a direct connection to the Selmon Expressway or the Gandy Bridge.

THEA’s marketing and communications team worked hand-in-hand with members of the surrounding communities, and residents and business owners along the Gandy corridor to ensure all stakeholders were well-informed and involved before construction began. THEA’s team developed and executed a multifaceted local campaign that was innovative and community-centric. One initiative was Shop Gandy!, which was created to draw more customers to the businesses along the Gandy Blvd. corridor by using social media posts, earned media opportunities, and locally hosted events to help local businesses thrive during the construction of the Selmon Extension.

“Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority’s work on the Selmon Extension Project has led to greater engagement of the community in order to find creative solutions to help reduce congestion on Gandy Boulevard in Tampa while supporting businesses and residents,” said Patrick Jones, Executive Director and CEO of IBTTA. “This type of innovative solution and creative problem-solving through harnessing technological advancements and best practices are exactly what embodies a 2019 Toll Excellence Award winner. On behalf of the transportation community, we congratulate the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority on this well-deserved recognition.”

THEA along with the rest of this year’s Toll Excellence Award Winners will be honored during IBTTA’s 87th Annual Meeting & Exhibition that takes place on September 15-17, 2019 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

To see the full list of winners you can visit: https://www.ibtta.org/toll-excellence-awards.

About THEA:
The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is a user-financed public agency led by a board of local citizens. Operating with no tax dollars, THEA develops and owns toll highways, including Lee Roy Selmon Expressway. THEA also owns and maintains non-tolled roads, including Brandon Parkway and Meridian Avenue, and the Selmon Greenway, a bicycle and pedestrian path through downtown Tampa. All tolls collected by THEA are reinvested into projects in Hillsborough County. For more information, visit www.tampa-xway.com.

About IBTTA:
The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) is the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that serve tolling. Founded in 1932, IBTTA has members in 23 countries on six continents. Through advocacy, thought leadership and education, members are implementing state-of-the-art, innovative user-based transportation financing solutions to address the critical infrastructure challenges of the 21st Century. For more information, please visit www.ibtta.org or join us on Twitter @IBTTA or #TollRoads.

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Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes Labor Day Schedule

On Friday, August 30, 2019, the Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes (REL) will open eastbound from 1 p.m. and remain heading eastbound until Tuesday, September 3rd at 6 a.m. At that time, the REL will open westbound and will resume normal operations.

Motorists are advised that the reversible lane hours are subject to change without notice for maintenance and construction work.

For more information, call 813.272.6740 or email [email protected].

Click here to download this media alert.

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June 2019
Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes Independence Day, 2019 Schedule

Media Alert     

 June 27, 2019                                                                                                                                                                 

Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes Independence Day, 2019 Schedule

Due to the Independence holiday, the Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes (REL) will open eastbound at 1 pm, Wednesday, July 3, 2019, and will remain eastbound until 6:00 am, Friday, July 5, 2019. At that time, the REL will be open in the westbound direction from Brandon to the downtown area, resuming normal operation hours.

Motorists are advised that the REL hours are subject to change without notice for maintenance and construction work.  Please check www.tampa-xway.com for updates.

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Download this Independence Day 2019 media alert here.

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Unveils Statue Honoring Tampa Icon Lee Roy Selmon

Tampa, Fla. – On June 7, 2019, the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) dedicated a statue honoring football icon and community leader Lee Roy Selmon.  The bronze statue, sculpted by Joel Randell, is located on the Selmon Greenway and will forever serve as a community memorial honoring one of Tampa’s greatest champions.

“Lee Roy Selmon is an icon of the community – a leader wrapped in an unpretentious personality that exuded warmth and respect for every person he met,” said THEA CEO Joe Waggoner. “Future generations to come will be reminded of Mr. Selmon’s commitment to education and his community, and our hope is that they- and each of us- will continue to learn from him and be inspired to do our part in making our community a better place.”

Mr. Selmon, the first-ever draft pick in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history, played all nine years of his career with Tampa Bay, garnering a host of awards and recognitions that culminated in enshrinement in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the NFL Football Hall of Fame. After his professional football career, he became Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations with Barnett Bank. He later joined the University of South Florida’s Athletic Department in 1993 and was instrumental in building USF’s Football program.

Mr. Selmon continued to give back to the Tampa Bay community, and in conjunction with THEA, founded the Selmon STEM Scholarship (S3) Program, aimed at providing young scholars with opportunities and exposure to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in the form of a bridge building competition, monetary scholarships at USF, and paid internships at THEA. The S3 program continues to this day.

About the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority  
The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is a user-financed public agency led by a board of local citizens. Operating with no tax dollars, THEA develops and owns toll highways, including Lee Roy Selmon Expressway.  THEA also owns and maintains non-tolled roads, including Brandon Parkway and Meridian Avenue, and the Selmon Greenway, a bicycle and pedestrian path through downtown Tampa.  All tolls collected by THEA are reinvested into projects in Hillsborough County. For more information, visitwww.tampa-xway.com.

Follow the THEA on Twitter: @THEASelmon 
Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TampaHillsboroughExpresswayAuthority/

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May 2019
Collections Notice Clarification from THEA

THEA Invoices sent by our Collections agent were for unpaid Toll-By-Plate tolls that are no longer being invoiced through the FDOT CCSS system.

Per the CCSS business process, when Toll-By-Plate invoices are not paid within 60-days they are removed from the CCSS system and returned to THEA for collections. These tolls still need to be paid. THEA wanted our customers to have another chance to pay those tolls without fees.

In March, the Governor directed that CCSS invoices will not include fees until June 1, 2019.  THEA’s invoice complies with – and adds another month to – the Governor’s directive.  THEA will accept payment of the invoices we sent until July 1, 2019 – without any fees. 

THEA sent the Collection invoices because the CCSS system could not provide the option. Using our collections agent now was the only means we had to give our customers extra notice and opportunity to pay without fees.

The THEA collection notice asks payment for only the past-due tolls.  An insert was included with the Collections invoice that very clearly indicated that no fees are included on this Collections invoice. (see below).

The Collection invoices THEA sent are for unpaid tolls that would otherwise sit dormant until normal collection efforts resume this summer.  When normal collection efforts resume for unpaid tolls, late fees will be added.  THEA’s Collections invoice gives our customers another reminder to pay before fees are added.   

Of note, all of the customers we are invoicing have received at least three invoices from the CCSS system and have not paid the tolls due. Most have received more than three notices. Over 40% of the customers we have invoiced with this effort were already in our collections process for past-due tolls prior to the CCSS system starting over a year ago, in June of 2018.

Rather than wait for a later notice with fees, we wanted to give our customers who still have unpaid tolls another chance to pay without fees.  This is an additional notice and opportunity for them to pay past due tolls that could not be provided under the CCSS invoicing system.

Since before the CCSS system went live in June 2018, THEA always encouraged and helped Toll-By-Plate customers to convert to SunPass transponders.  THEA offers free SunPass-mini transponders to Toll-By-Plate customers that are looking to ease the process of paying tolls – and to save money for themselves.  The SunPass program not only allows customers to automatically pay and audit toll transactions but also provides savings in discounted toll rates.

To inquire about a free SunPass-mini transponder, courtesy of THEA, please email us at [email protected] .   

Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes Memorial Day, 2019 Schedule

Media Alert
May 24, 2019 

Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes Memorial Day, 2019 Schedule

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes (REL) will open eastbound at 1 pm, Friday, May 24, 2019, and will remain eastbound until 6:00 am, Tuesday, May 28, 2019.  At that time, the REL will be open in the westbound direction from Brandon to the downtown area, resuming normal operation hours.

Motorists are advised that the REL hours are subject to change without notice for maintenance and construction work.  Please check www.tampa-xway.com for updates.

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Download this media alert.

Media Advisory

For Immediate Release

May 21, 2019
Contact: Sue Chrzan
Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority
[email protected]
813-272-6740 ext.130

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority to Unveil Statue of Tampa Icon Lee Roy Selmon

Tampa, Fla. –  On June 7, 2019, the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) will host a statue dedication ceremony honoring Lee Roy Selmon, an outstanding community leader, and football giant. The statue of Mr. Selmon will be in the Lee Roy Selmon Park, located along the Selmon Greenway and under the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway.

The program will include remarks by family members, community leaders and close friends will begin at USF CAMLS.  Guests will then be escorted across the street to the location of the statute, which is on the corner of Florida Ave and Brorein Street.

The statue is part of the Selmon Greenway, a 2-mile pedestrian and bicycle path that meanders through downtown Tampa under the Selmon Expressway.  The initial Greenway was part of a joint THEA and City of Tampa’s Riverwalk TIGER grant in 2013. THEA has since invested over $5 million by upgrading the Greenway with hardscapes, landscaping, lighting, wayfinding, and public art.

The statue of Mr. Selmon will be “Iconic” size and is being made by renowned sculptor, Joel Randell.  Mr. Randell also sculpted the statues in the City of Tampa’s Percy Harvey Jr. park.

Members of the media will be given an opportunity to set up for the statue unveiling after the remarks and before the unveiling begins.

Date:  Friday, June 7, 2019

9:30 am – 10:00 am – Introductory Remarks at USF CAMLS
10:15 am – 10:30 am – Statue Unveiling on the Corner of Florida Ave and Brorein St.
10:30 am – 11:30 am – Reception at USF CAMLS

Location:  USF Health, CAMLS
124 S. Franklin St.
Tampa, FL 33602

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April 2019
Friday, April 19, 2019 is a holiday for the City of Tampa

Friday, April 19, 2019 is a holiday for the City of Tampa. The following is a schedule for the reversals of the REL on April 19, 2019.
At 6:00 AM please reverse all traffic to the west bound direction from the Brandon entrance to the downtown area.
At 10:00 AM please reverse all traffic to the east bound direction from the downtown area to Brandon.

March 2019
Lane Closures on the Selmon Expressway

Tampa, FL (March 5, 2019) – The right lane of the westbound and eastbound Selmon Expressway, between Bay-to-Bay Boulevard and Euclid Avenue, will be closed Wednesday, March 6 through Friday, March 8 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

These lane closures are in place to perform pavement cores.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause our customers. The staff and crews of the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority appreciate everyone's patience during this time.

Motorists are cautioned to drive carefully through the construction area.

For more information, call 813.272.6740 or email info@tampa‐xway.com

February 2019
Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes Schedule for the weekend of March 8, 2019

Tampa, FL (February 28, 2019) - The Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes (REL) will be closed from 8 pm Friday, March 8 until Monday, March 11 at 6 am. At that time, the REL will open westbound and then resume its normal operations.

The Selmon Expressway local lanes will be closed from I-75 to 301 on Saturday, March 9 from 6 am until 6 pm. Eastbound travelers will exit the Expressway at 301. Westbound travelers may use SR 60 or Causeway to Falkenburg.

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Hosting 4th Selmon Extension Virtual Town Hall Meeting

MEDIA ADVISORY

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Hosting 4th Selmon Extension Virtual Town Hall Meeting

Tampa, FL – The Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) will be hosting the 4th Virtual Town Hall Meeting for the Selmon Extension on Thursday, February 21, 2019, at 6:30 PM. This virtual town hall meeting will give residents along Gandy Blvd the opportunity to learn and ask questions about the construction of this project.

THEA will present an update on the progress of the project with a look-ahead to upcoming milestones. Afterward, there will be a question and answer forum with project team members.

You can register for the Selmon Extension Virtual Town Hall Meeting at http://bit.ly/Selmon2019VTHM.

Who: Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority and Selmon Extension Project Team

What: 4th Selmon Extension Virtual Town Hall Meeting

When: Thursday, February 21, 2019, at 6:30 PM

Where: http://bit.ly/Selmon2019VTHM

For more information on the Virtual Town Hall Meeting or the Selmon Extension please visit https://selmonextension.com/.

ABOUT THEA:
A public agency led by local citizens and operating with no tax dollars, the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) provides safe, reliable and financially sustainable transportation services to the Tampa Bay region while reinvesting customer-based revenues back into the community. From being the owner and operator of the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway to offering real-time testing and showcasing of connected vehicle and autonomous vehicle technologies, to the designing and operating the world’s first reversible all-electronic toll road, THEA continues to drive the conversation on cutting-edge transportation solutions. For more information, visit www.tampa-xway.com.

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January 2019
Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Sponsors University of South Florida – Selmon Expressway Bridge Competition

Tampa, FL., January 28, 2019 – Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) announces its sponsorship of University of South Florida (USF) College of Engineering’s 27th annual Bridge Competition. The competition will take place at USF’s Engineering Expo on February 16th, 2019 and is open to all Hillsborough and Pinellas County middle and high school students.

The USF-SE Bridge Competition began in the 1980’s as a student-run project to connect the University with area under-represented middle and high school students and provide a fun, extra-educational enrichment opportunity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) philosophies. The competition’s theme of Design It, Build It, Break It! allows teams of three students to design and build balsawood model bridges and test their load capacities.

Teachers and student teams are encouraged to watch workshop videos on the competition’s webpage (https://usfbalsabridge.weebly.com/workshop-videos.html), which provide an opportunity to prepare for the competition, and then develop lesson plans that incorporate the fields of engineering and design with math and science through bridge building.

Through its partnership with USF, THEA seeks to provide mentorship, encourage the STEM mindset, and raise educational opportunities for Tampa Bay area students. The USF-SE Balsa Bridge Competition is a branch of THEA’s Selmon STEM Scholarship Program, which supports through education and exposure to transportation careers, USF engineering students who are graduates of Hillsborough County high schools.

For more information on the USF-SE Balsa Bridge Competition, visit https://usfbalsabridge.weebly.com/. For rules and regulations, or to register for the competition, visit https://usfbalsabridge.weebly.com/registration.html.

ABOUT THEA:
A public agency led by local citizens and operating with no tax dollars, the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) provides safe, reliable and financially sustainable transportation services to the Tampa Bay region while reinvesting customer-based revenues back into the community. From being the owner and operator of the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway to offering real-time testing and showcasing of connected vehicle and autonomous vehicle technologies, to the designing and operating the world’s first reversible all-electronic toll road, THEA continues to drive the conversation on cutting-edge transportation solutions. For more information, visit www.tampa-xway.com.

ABOUT USF’s Engineering Expo:
USF's Engineering Expo seeks to educate K-12 students on the importance of math, science, engineering, and technology within their lives. The Engineering Expo is a free event that provides students with an opportunity to meet local engineers and engineering student organizations at USF. The Expo also features hands-on exhibits and shows that help encourages more students to pursue fields in science and mathematics. The 48th Annual USF Engineering Expo will take place February 15 and 16th, 2019 at the USF College of Engineering, 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620.

Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes Hours of Operation for Martin Luther King Day, January 21, 2019

Media Alert
January 16, 2019

Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes Hours of Operation for
Martin Luther King Day, January 21, 2019

On Monday, January 21, 2019, Martin Luther King Day, the Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes (REL) will operate under normal hours, opening westbound at 6:00 a.m. At 10 a.m. the REL will be reversed eastbound and remain eastbound until 6 a.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at which time the REL will resume normal operating hours.

Motorists are advised that the REL hours are subject to change without notice for maintenance and construction work.  Please check www.tampa-xway.com for updates.

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Click here to download this media alert.

Media Contact
Sue Chrzan
Communications Director
813-272-6740 ext 130

[email protected]om

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