HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County is actively seeking public feedback on an ambitious proposal to relocate and modernize the Bakas Equestrian Center.
The plan involves exchanging the current Bakas property on Race Track Road for a new, state-of-the-art equestrian facility to be developed at the nearby County-owned Northwest Equestrian Park at 10711 S. Mobley Rd., Odessa.
The Bakas Equestrian Center has served the community for over two decades, but the current site is facing limitations that restrict future growth, officials say.
With only 9.26 usable acres and access constrained by a surrounding residential neighborhood, the County believes modernization and expansion are necessary. The proposed new site, approximately 2.3 miles away, offers a better opportunity for an updated facility that prioritizes improved operational efficiency, expanded programming, and enhanced public accessibility, according to Hillsborough County officials.
The transition will be managed through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process where the County plans to exchange the current Bakas property for the construction of the new facility. The County has guaranteed there will be no disruption to current Bakas programs during the move.
Public Input Opportunities Now Open
Residents are encouraged to weigh in on the proposal, with several opportunities provided to collect feedback:
- Virtual Engagement: Comment is open from Thursday, Oct. 23, to Tuesday, Oct. 28, on the Hillsborough Engagement & Education Hub. Residents can participate by visiting HCFL.gov/HCEngage.
- Community Meetings: The County will host two in-person meetings, both at the Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa, FL 33626:
- Thursday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 6 p.m.
The decision on the property exchange will hinge significantly on the feedback gathered during this public engagement period.
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