HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — South Hillsborough County has experienced some significant growth since the last U.S. Census in 2010. 

What You Need To Know

Several cities like Brandon, Riverview, Ruskin, and Valrico are divided among several district lines, but it wasn't always that way. 

Residents are concerned that the trend may continue when District maps are re-drawn this year. 

"I learned how to ride my bike off of Big Bend when I was 5 years old," said Noelle Licor.

Licor grew up in south Hillsborough County, went to Riverview High School, and is now raising her own family in Ruskin. 

"I've really seen it change. Especially in the last 20 years, it's been the biggest," she adds. 

Every decade the U.S. Census is completed to get an accurate population count. From those numbers, local governments, including Hillsborough County, adjust district lines. 

"We had tremendous growth in certain parts of the county," said Hillsborough County District 4 Commissioner Stacy White. "Like in my own district in Southern and Eastern Hillsborough County. So, these maps could change pretty significantly!" 

The county is awaiting U.S. Census Data that was delayed because of the pandemic. That data is due to arrive on August 16, then the county will begin the process called redistricting. 

"We have to draw the four single county districts in such a way that we have equal county population in each of the four districts," said Commissioner White. "I would like to see community boundaries respected and that we try to keep communities within the same County Commission district." 

How those boundaries will be set is concerning to residents like Licor. 

"Ruskin, Apollo Beach, and Riverview are all part of District 1 which is also in South Tampa and those are totally two different worlds," she adds communities in rural areas vs. downtown Tampa have different needs. "Ruskin used to be all in one district and then they split us. I'm not a fan of that." 

Licor lives in District 4 of Ruskin and fears that redistricting could re-group her neighborhood into District 1 [Tampa]. 

"I hope they do the best they can to keep communities together and not split us between two to three commissioners," said Licor. 

Commissioner White says citizens will have the opportunity to get involved and present their maps and recommendations to Hillsborough County. 

"This is a once every 10-year opportunity for the citizens," he said.

The Commissioner told Spectrum Bay News 9 that ultimately county staff have a legal obligation when it comes to making sure those maps are accurate. 

"The legal theory is one person, one vote," said Commissioner White. "We have to make sure that the districts are drawn in such a way that we don't skew voting towards any one group." 

According to the Hillsborough County Charter [Sec. 4.06. - Reapportionment] the county will have 120 days to finalize new maps once U.S. Census 2020 data is certified.