SOUTH TAMPA, Fla. —  According to the City's Planning Director, about 80% of South Tampa is considered a Coastal Hazard Area, which means it's vulnerable to flooding. 

With the area seeing so much growth and development, the City is now taking steps to mitigate future potential problems. 

A map of South Tampa shows the areas (marked in red) that are at greater risk of a storm surge and sea level rise. 

A map of South Tampa shows the areas (marked in red) that are at greater risk of a storm surge and sea level rise.

According to the City, over the past 10 years this area has seen a 15% jump in new homes. 

"We know the rate of growth is going up, and that is what is driving this initiative, to take a look at, because the peninsula is vulnerable and because the comprehensive plan says that there are limited opportunities for growth. What do we need to do to deliver on that commitment vision that has already been expressed?" said Director of Planning Stephen Benson. 

One resident says he is so concerned about the new development that he is moving out of the area. 

"This a main attraction for South Tampa — this park has been here for over 130 years," said Ross Steinaker about Ballast Point Park. 

Since retiring from his job at National Gypsum eight years ago, Steinacker enjoys fishing three to five times a day. 

"You can go fishing when you want and go home when you want," he said. 

He lives just two miles from the park and Hillsborough Bay. Throughout his more than 60 years of living in his community, he has noticed more flooding. 

"The park gets completely flooded and a lot of the streets flood, too," he said. "The Interbay Peninsula is low-lying. It's probably 10 feet about sea level at the highest point." 

Still, Steinaker says that hasn't slowed down the population growth. 

"People are moving to Tampa because they like it so much, but it's become overcrowded bad in the last 10 years," he said. 

Steinaker says he would like to see the City of Tampa issue some type of moratorium. 

"Stop letting people move in," he said. 

To avoid crowds, he's also strategic about when he visits the pier for fishing. 

"It gets real busy," he said. 

Steinaker says over-fishing is also happening because of the increased population.

"I'm gonna wind up moving out of South Tampa and moving to the country," he said. "Hopefully, I can find something on a lake."

Residents can share their concerns directly with the City of Tampa at a community forum. 

The next meeting for the Palmetto Beach area is scheduled for June 30 at 6 p.m. at Iglesia Restauracion Cristiana located at 2237 Linsey Street.