Hillsborough considers sprucing up Bayshore Blvd. before Republican convention

TAMPA — Bayshore Boulevard could get a quick facelift in time for the Republican National Convention.

Hillsborough County commissioners told the county staff Thursday to come back with a report outlining how much it would cost to repave and spruce up parts of Bayshore. No one said what price would be a deal breaker for the idea.

The decision comes a couple of weeks after Tampa City Council member Harry Cohen publicly complained that the road — likely to be a backdrop setting in national news coverage — isn't ready for its close-up.

Bayshore is a county-maintained road in the city limits. Hillsborough County gives money to Tampa for routine items, such as filling potholes, but is responsible for major capital projects. Currently, Bayshore's next repaving project isn't scheduled until 2014.

County Commissioner Sandy Murman brought up the issue.

"It's an iconic street adjacent to where the convention is being held," said Murman. "I guess I'm concerned that the asset we own is not going to have its best foot forward."

The vote to investigate the cost was 5-1, with Commissioner Les Miller dissenting. Miller said he didn't think it was fair to prioritize Bayshore over other roads.

"I'm not in favor of moving up one street … and neglecting those ahead of it," he said.

The other commissioners supported a later request by Miller to ask the staff look at other county roads and determine if any of them also needed to be moved up the list.