The University of South Florida (USF) is launching a major redevelopment, transforming the former Claw golf course into the Fletcher District — a vibrant, mixed-use hub designed to uplift campus life and the surrounding neighborhoods.

 

The first phase covers 27 acres and features new housing for students, faculty, and staff, along with a hotel, research center, retail, dining, and green spaces for recreation.

 

Vice Chair Michael Griffin described the project as potentially transformational for both USF and the broader area, which has long awaited economic revitalization.

 

Some local residents, however, worry about environmental impacts and the loss of wildlife habitats.

 

USF has emphasized that development is restricted to the golf course area, while the nearby Forest Preserve remains untouched.

 

Through ongoing community meetings, USF is working to ensure that the Fletcher District enhances Tampa while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and public input.

Tampa has rapidly become recognized as one of America’s safest cities, thanks to focused, joint community initiatives rather than mere luck.

 

The Tampa Police Department (TPD) has led these efforts through strong community-oriented policing, building trust with residents and collaborating closely with local organizations.

 

In 2022, Tampa secured a $1.5 million federal grant to launch a Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative, prioritizing gun violence prevention and proactive support for at-risk youth.

 

Further reinforcing engagement, the TPD C.A.R.E.S. grant program provided $45,000 to local groups in 2025, backing initiatives from youth mentorship to education programs.

 

Tampa’s approach is delivering concrete results: the first half of 2025 saw violent crime drop by 19%, overall crime fall by 22%, and homicides decrease an impressive 63%.

 

The city’s public safety gains reflect deep collaboration between police, organizations, and residents, setting a model for urban safety improvement everywhere.