TAMPA, Fla. – DRMP’s Chinaberry Drive at Baywood Drive Drainage Improvement Project design received the American Public Works Association (APWA) Florida Project of the Year Award in the Environment Category. The project was formally recognized during the APWA Florida Public Works Expo on April 8.
This marks the project’s second APWA honor. Last month, it received the APWA West Coast Branch Award in the Environment Category. The latest recognition represents a statewide achievement.
“The APWA Florida state awards are highly competitive each year, and we are extremely proud that our project stood out among so many exceptional entries,” said DRMP Vice President Scott Garth, PE, LEED AP, ND, who served as the project manager. “This award reflects the expertise of the entire DRMP project team and the difference our work makes for the residents who have endured flooding in this area for decades.”
For more than 60 years, residents of Temple Park in Temple Terrace, Fla., have endured chronic flooding caused by inadequate drainage. Since the neighborhood was first built in the 1960s, rainstorms frequently transformed streets into ponds. Chinaberry Drive would routinely flood, making access to homes difficult and creating stagnant water that led to mosquito breeding. Additionally, the intersection of Temple Park Drive and Baywood Drive would often flood, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.
That changed with the Chinaberry Drive at Baywood Drive Drainage Improvements project, completed in December 2025. Hillsborough County tasked DRMP with solving the decades-old drainage issues through engineering analysis, modern stormwater management techniques, and infrastructure upgrades. The system was designed to meet appropriate service-level criteria and ensure reliable performance during extreme rainfall.
The project included designing and installing enhanced storm drains, regrading roadways, and upgrading underground infrastructure, including replacing aging asbestos concrete water mains with durable PVC. These improvements reduced flooding, improved access for residents and emergency services, and provided a resilient, environmentally responsible solution for the neighborhood. By incorporating erosion controls and attention to water quality, the project also minimized standing water and supported the surrounding watershed.
Through smart planning, phased construction, and clear communication with residents, DRMP maintained access to homes throughout the project and delivered a long-term solution that addresses decades of flooding while prioritizing safety, environmental protection, and community well-being.
About DRMP
Since 1977, DRMP has earned a reputation as a trusted multidiscipline engineering firm that approaches challenges differently. What began as a small Florida-based firm has grown into a Southeastern powerhouse with over 700 employees across 23 offices. We partner with clients to deliver smart, sustainable infrastructure that helps communities thrive.
Ranked among Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms in the United States, DRMP is known for solving complex challenges through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration.
We value connection, creativity, and a welcoming, engaging culture that empowers employees to grow their careers. As we continue to expand, we remain committed to the principles that have guided us from the start.
