| The Ruskin
community is situated on the shores of Tampa Bay, the Little Manatee
River and the Ruskin Inlet, approximately 16 miles southeast of Tampa.
It is approximately 21 square miles including 1,148 acres designated as
Natural Preservation with significant land along the Little Manatee
River. In 2000 the Ruskin Community Plan Area had 5,632 dwelling units
and a population of 9,518 people. By the year 2025, over 9,000 homes
will be in the area with an expected population in excess of 22,000
effectively doubling the number of people in the community. Anticipating
growth and effectively planning for the future of Ruskin is an example
for the larger Tampa Bay Region. The Ruskin Community plan was developed by dedicated and enthusiastic
individuals who volunteered their time for the future of their
community. The plan was developed under the County’s Community-Based
Planning program which was formed to empower citizens to better
understand and participate in planning for their neighborhoods and
communities by providing them with access and involvement in the growth
management process.
The number one goal focuses on revitalizing an older Downtown area
promoting mixed commercial and residential uses that respects and places
emphasis on its waterfront access. The plan calls for a town square for
strolling, sitting, music concerts, art shows and pedestrian walkways
that interconnect with boardwalks and greenways along the Ruskin Inlet
waterfront. Other goals outline appropriate locations for a diversity of
housing types and provide guidelines for building successful
neighborhoods with integrated schools and parks.
On August 8, 2005, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners
unanimously approved adopting the plan into the
County’s Comprehensive
Plan. |
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