Celebrating 10 Years of Transformative Change in North Tampa’s University Area Community

Ross Fabian has lived in the University Area for decades. He recalls the first time he met Sarah Combs, a non-profit leader working to uplift the community. Back then, he and other long-time residents would sit outside, reminiscing about the neighborhood’s struggles, with drug activity rampant due to abandoned lots.

“Every time we saw her car driving through, we were curious,” Fabian said. “Finally, she stopped and introduced herself. In a community where trust is hard to build, she did something few others would.”

Combs, who was then the director of the University Area Community Development Corporation, became a familiar face. She learned that Fabian coached local youth football and encouraged him to move his team to the University Area.

This led to the creation of the Uptown Eagles, which changed its name from the Bay Area Eagles in 2021. They now practice at Mort Park and Harvest Hope Park, both spaces that the University Area CDC has developed to foster community interaction and activities. The addition of a turf practice field, funded by a local development grant, has made a significant impact.

When Combs first looked at the land where Harvest Hope Park now stands, the area’s crime rate was concerning. “One sheriff told me, ‘I wouldn’t even send my officers there at night,’” she recalled. Despite warnings, Combs saw potential. She believed if they didn’t make changes, no one would. Today, since Harvest Hope’s opening, crime has decreased by 65%.

The park’s community garden, playground, and splash pad have become neighborhood staples, drawing families out. A recent visit by Fabian showed just how bustling the area has become, with children playing and families enjoying the outdoors.

Uptown Eagles football, along with basketball and soccer programs, have provided structured activities for local children, helping to unite the community. Fabian, now on the University Area CDC board, emphasizes that these initiatives, alongside affordable housing and wellness programs, aim to strengthen community ties.

Combs’s journey began in 2010 when she worked with Best Buddies, an organization supporting people with intellectual disabilities. A chance inquiry about the University Area CDC sparked her interest in the underserved community. “It felt like a community that had been frozen in time,” she said. Recognizing the need for advocates, she decided to get involved.

After several roles within the organization, including interim CEO, she became the permanent leader in 2015. Combs quickly prioritized engagement with residents. “We needed to get out there, talk to them, and understand their real needs,” she said. Their feedback revealed a deep desire for ownership and agency in their community.

From this groundwork, the University Area CDC began acquiring land for community use, launching the Harvest Hope Properties initiative in 2017. Although a park wouldn’t generate income, Combs knew it was essential for rebuilding trust. “Giving them something tangible was crucial,” she stated.

Funding through a grant and community fundraising enabled the park’s creation, which became a symbol of hope and unity. The impact is visible in projects like affordable housing, including a partnership with Habitat for Humanity that built ten homes, and the upcoming Uptown Sky apartment community.

The focus on wellness is also critical; the “Get Moving!” program addresses local health issues in an area once marked as a food desert. Activities range from cooking classes to exercise sessions, fostering connections among residents.

As Combs prepares to leave for a new role, she reflects on her years in the University Area. The changes she’s seen remind her of the power of community spirit. “Witnessing firsthand how hard work, kindness, and dedication can transform lives has been a true blessing,” she said.

For more insights into the impact of community-driven initiatives, consider exploring resources from the University Area Community Development Corporation and similar organizations.

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