City of Tampa
Recent News About City of Tampa
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City of Tampa Seeks Area-Specific Residents for Community Benefits Advisory Council
The City of Tampa is on the lookout for residents to join its Community Benefits Advisory Council (CBAC), a non-partisan board tasked with advising officials on the implementation of development projects. The program, approved by the City Council in 2023, aims to ensure that upcoming development plans take into account the social and community impact, particularly for projects receiving public funds.According to the announcement, members of the council will play a crucial role in advising various stakeholders on how best to impact the community with ongoing development...
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Tampa Police Department to Host Annual Memorial Ceremony
The Tampa Police Department is set to host its Annual Memorial Ceremony on May 1, 2024, to honor the fallen officers. Mayor Jane Castor and Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, along with the Tampa Police Memorial Committee, will lead the tribute in front of the Monument to Fallen Officers at One Police Center.During the ceremony, various tributes will be paid, including a 21-Gun Salute, a Riderless Horse, and performances by the St. Andrew's Pipes & Drums of Tampa Bay. Additionally, a flyover by the Tampa Police Aviation Unit will take place to commemorate the fallen officers....
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SOF Week Military Demonstration Returns to Tampa Convention Center
The highly anticipated military capabilities demonstration at SOF Week is set to return to the Tampa Convention Center, with the event scheduled to take place from May 6-10. As reported by the event organizers, the demonstration will showcase the military operations of 10 different nations by land, air, and sea, featuring helicopters, drones, and ships. The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will host the "Battle in the Bay" Capabilities Demonstration on Wednesday, May 8 at noon.According to the announcement, the public is invited to view the demonstration...
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Rebuilding Tampa's Foundation
TAMPA, Fla. (April 30, 2024) -- One hundred and seventy-five years after Tampa's incorporation, the city is undergoing the biggest infrastructure overhaul in its history. Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the importance of this period in Tampa's history, stating, "When historians write about this era of Tampa history, they will tell our grandchildren this was a period when city leaders fully understood infrastructure is the lifeblood of any city."The city has been focused on rebuilding its foundation to pave the way for economic growth and prosperity. The Progressive...
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SOF Week Military Demonstration Returns to Tampa Convention Center
SOF Week, a national convention dedicated to Special Operations Forces (SOF), is returning to the Tampa Convention Center, including the highly anticipated military capabilities demonstration, which is open to the public. The convention will take place May 6-10 at the convention center in Downtown Tampa.The event is expected to draw more than 16,000 attendees to the City of Tampa, including military and government attendees from nearly 80 nations. This event has an estimated economic impact of more than $12 million for the city.The popular “Battle in the Bay”...
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Our Children Need Their Village
Chief Lee Bercaw, in an op-ed piece, addressed the pressing issue of gun violence among youth in Tampa, emphasizing the need for the community to come together to prevent such tragedies. Reflecting on recent incidents involving juveniles and gun crimes, Chief Bercaw expressed his concerns about the national trend and its impact on innocent lives.Chief Bercaw highlighted the importance of creating safe and empowering environments for children, urging for proactive measures to prevent guns from reaching the hands of young individuals. He commended the efforts of the Tampa...
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Tampa Police Investigate Infant Death
Tampa Police responded to a distressing scene near McKay Hall at the University of Tampa on April 28, 2024, where they discovered the body of a deceased infant. The newborn female was found wrapped in a towel and placed in a garbage bin. The authorities have since transported the infant's body to the Medical Examiner's office for further investigation to determine the cause of death and developmental stage.Chief Bercaw expressed, "The loss of a child is always a tragedy," highlighting the somber nature of the situation. As the investigation unfolds, the mother of the...
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Internal Audit Department Releases Report on Construction Services Division
The Internal Audit Department recently released its findings on the Construction Services Division - Inspections in a report labeled Audit 24-08. The report, which delves into the operations of the division responsible for providing building permit and inspection services for property development in the City of Tampa, is now available for public viewing on TampaGov.net.The Construction Services Division - Inspections plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance and quality in property development within the city. The report, although brief in detail, sheds light on the...
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Tampa Police Make Arrest In Laser Strike Investigation
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw expressed his gratitude for the efforts that led to the arrest of a suspect involved in a series of laser strikes targeting commercial aircraft approaching Tampa International Airport. Chief Bercaw emphasized the seriousness of the incidents, stating, "These laser strikes are not only illegal but also incredibly reckless behavior that could have resulted in a tragic accident."The suspect, identified as 47-year-old Douglas Sollenberger, was apprehended by Tampa Police Officers after being observed pointing a laser directly at an incoming Jet...
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Cheerleading Competition Bringing 26k+ Attendees to Tampa Convention Center April 25-28
Varsity Spirit is returning to the Tampa Convention Center for the second year in a row, bringing more than 26,000 attendees. As the event organizer states, “The Youth Summit, The Recreation Summit, and The Celebration will take place at the Tampa Convention Center April 25-28.”The upcoming cheerleading competitions will result in increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic near the Tampa Convention Center, with events scheduled from 8am to 10pm Thursday and Friday, 8am to 8pm Saturday, and 7am to 4pm Sunday.The economic impact of this event on the City of Tampa is...
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Tampa Police Charge Four Suspects Following Pursuit
On April 22, 2024, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Tampa Police officers were involved in a pursuit that led to the apprehension of four suspects following a reckless driving incident. The incident unfolded when officers observed a 2020 Nissan Rogue traveling westbound on E Hanna Ave approaching N 43rd St at a high rate of speed.As the officers tried to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle stopped briefly, and the occupants inside fired shots towards the officers before fleeing again. The pursuit ensued, with officers eventually catching up to the suspects in the area of N...
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Tampa Police Seek Community Help in Solving 14-Year-Old's Shooting Death
Tampa Police Detectives are seeking assistance from the community to solve the tragic shooting death of 14-year-old Jevario Buie. Chief Lee Bercaw expressed, "This is a senseless tragedy that has taken a young life." The Chief added, "Jevario's family is heartbroken, and our detectives are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice."On the fateful day of April 17th, officers responded to reports of gunfire near the 1400 block of W. Busch Blvd. Jevario was found near the railroad tracks between Busch Blvd. and Rome Ave, where he succumbed to his injuries....
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Tampa Turns Blue: Lightning Playoff Banner Drop Planned for Friday
Tampa is buzzing with anticipation before Game 1 of the Playoffs. To ignite the fervor among fans, the City of Tampa, in partnership with the Lightning, will host a banner drop on Friday outside Old City Hall.The public, along with members of the media, are invited to join in the electrifying kickoff to the playoff season, which will feature an appearance from beloved mascot, ThunderBug, along with the energetic Blue Crew, esteemed Lightning Alumni, and Lightning executives.In addition to the banner drop, Old City Hall, alongside other city structures, will be bathed in...
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City of Tampa Implements DOJ Grant to Reduce Violent Crime
The City of Tampa has entered the implementation phase of a $1.5 million grant awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to reduce violent crime in the community. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the University of South Florida (USF) and Safe & Sound Hillsborough, focuses on addressing gun violence and supporting youth in the area.Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the importance of community safety, stating, "The safety of our community is our top priority. This grant allows us to put a thorough plan into practice that addresses both crime reduction and...
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Tampa Police Investigate Suspicious Items In Vehicle After Suicide
Tampa Police Chief Bercaw expressed concern over a recent incident where a man took his own life after making threatening statements and displaying suspicious behavior. The events unfolded at 11201 McKinley Dr. in Tampa on Wednesday afternoon. According to Chief Bercaw, the situation had the potential for a more tragic outcome, and investigators are now focused on determining the motives behind the man's actions.Officers from the Tampa Police Department responded swiftly to the scene after receiving reports that a male individual had threatened to detonate a bomb and...
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Travel Advisory - Carnivals and Concerts this Weekend in Tampa
Tampa, Florida - As event season continues to roll on in Tampa, residents and visitors are in for a bustling weekend filled with parades, concerts, and carnivals. With a lineup of diverse events taking place in and around downtown, organizers are advising attendees to plan ahead for potential traffic congestion and limited parking options.One of the key recommendations for attendees is to consider utilizing alternative transportation methods. As stated by event organizers, "We encourage everyone to arrive early to their event and consider using alternative transportation...
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Tampa Police Investigate 'Bank Jugging' Theft
The Tampa Police Department is investigating a bank jugging theft that took place on the afternoon of Friday, April 5th, 2024. According to reports, the suspect followed the victim from a bank on W. Kennedy Blvd. and later broke into the victim's truck to steal the cash.In a statement released by the Tampa Police Department, it was explained that "‘Bank jugging’ is a term used when criminals target people who withdraw cash from banks or ATMs. These criminals watch for individuals leaving with bank envelopes or bags, then follow them to steal the money."The suspect,...
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Tampa Police Conduct Death Investigation on Julie St.
Tampa Police Detectives are currently investigating a shooting incident that tragically resulted in the death of an adult white male in his early 40s. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, April 15, 2024, took place in the 6500 block of Julie St.According to Tampa Police, officers responded to a report of a shooting just before 2:00 am. Upon arrival at the scene, they discovered the victim with upper body trauma. The victim was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. At this time, next of kin notification is...
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Mayor Jane's Tree Giveaway Providing 500 Free Trees To Residents Tomorrow
Mayor Jane Castor of Tampa has announced the upcoming Mayor Jane's Tree Giveaway event, where 500 free trees will be distributed to residents of the city. The event, scheduled for tomorrow, April 13, from 9-11 a.m., will allow each resident to receive up to two free trees from a selection of six species."Tampa prides itself on a world-class urban tree canopy, but we must continue to do everything we can to protect and replenish it. You can help us by taking home a tree or two," Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining Tampa's...
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Tampa breaks ground on state-of-the-art East Tampa Recreation Complex
Tampa City officials, Skanska representatives, and community members gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of the East Tampa Recreation Complex at Fair Oaks Park. Mayor Jane Castor highlighted the significance of the $34.7-million project, emphasizing the much-needed overhaul of the outdated park."Fair Oaks Park has served the community for generations, but it is small, outdated, and long overdue for a complete overhaul," Mayor Jane Castor expressed. "Once we are done, East Tampa will be home to one of the city's most magnificent parks, serving the young and the young...