Tampa Republic

The downtown Tampa area is expected to see an influx of more than 30,000 people on Saturday, December 9, due to several large-scale events coupled with road closures and on-going construction projects, making navigating in and out of downtown more challenging.

The City of Tampa Mobility Department is encouraging those who plan to travel downtown on Saturday to continue taking advantage of the multitude of alternative transportation options available.

The upcoming events/event locations include, but are not limited to:

Amalie Arena
Comedian Nate Bargatze performing two shows (3 pm & 7 pm)

Curtis Hixon Park

Annual OnBikes Wonder Ride (2 pm – 11pm)

Winter Village (10 am – 10 pm)

Tampa Convention Center

Champions League: All Star Cheerleading (9 am – 7:30 pm)

Allstate Hot Chocolate 5K Race Registration (Packet pickup is from 10 am – 5:30 pm. Actual race is Sunday 12/10)

USAA Holiday Party (7 pm – 11 pm)

Straz Center

Multiple performances (2 pm-11 pm)

Armature Works

Seven different events (11am – 12 am)

ROAD CLOSURES

The following downtown road closures in effect Saturday include but are not limited to: 

• Brorein Street from S Florida Avenue to Bayshore Boulevard
• Bayshore Boulevard from W Brorein Street to W Bay to Bay Boulevard
• N Ashley Drive (SB Lanes Only) from W Cass Street to W Kennedy Boulevard
• Ashley Drive from Kennedy Boulevard to Brorein Street

View an interactive map of the upcoming road closures and detours. 

WAYS TO GET AROUND

Due to the expected high volume of vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians, the City of Tampa Mobility Department recommends downtown visitors consider using alternative methods of travel. Other options include:

• Parking in Ybor City and riding the FREE TECO Streetcar to your destination. 
• Hailing a ride through DASH, which services Tamps seven downtown neighborhoods, or one of many ride-share services (Uber, Lyft).
• Using public transit (HART Buses)
• Hopping on the Pirate Water Taxi, which has multiple stops along the Riverwalk.
• Taking an e-scooter, bicycle or simply walking.

 ADDITIONAL TIPS

• Drivers should expect delays in and out of downtown Tampa to be longer than usual.
• Drivers should plan to arrive early for their event, allotting extra time to find parking.
• Remember where you parked by taking a picture of the location as a reminder.
• Take a picture of your children. If they get lost in the crowd, a photo will assist law enforcement with locating them.
• As always, be alert and use extra caution when navigating large crowds, paying careful attention to the many pedestrians in the area.

Original source can be found here.