Tensions between Tampa City Council member Lynn Hurtak and Mayor Jane Castor flared at a meeting Thursday.
Hurtak, who announced her campaign for mayor in February, said Castor told her during a recent briefing that council members could no longer join city workers like police officers and firefighters for ride-alongs during “campaign season.”
“The decision by this administration to block our access to city government is anti-democratic, and, I believe, personally targeting me as someone who has taken these responsibilities seriously,” Hurtak said. “This policy was not put in place during the last election cycle, so it’s clear that it’s arbitrary and capricious.”
City spokesperson Adam Smith confirmed that the administration “expect(s) to limit ride-alongs during this campaign year.” He said Hurtak was not singled out.
“Separately, the administration is formulating a policy for ride-alongs and informational meetings for candidates for city office, given the well over a dozen people who have announced campaigns or potential campaigns,” Smith said. “We want to be fair to everyone and be mindful of employees’ time, as they are busy serving the public.”
Hurtak said from the dais that she often shadows law enforcement and other city teams to better inform her decisions.
“We, as a body that determines how money is spent, should be able to see how money is spent,” she said, adding that she does not publicize the visits for political gain.
Hurtak is the first elected official to join the mayoral contest. In a video announcing her campaign last month, she said she joined the City Council four years ago and “immediately got busy figuring out how this city really works, doing ride-alongs with departments like code enforcement, police, solid waste and fire rescue, to see how those who serve us can be better served.”
Several other candidates have filed their paperwork, with prominent names — including former Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Tampa City Council member Bill Carlson — expected to join the race soon. The election is on March 2, 2027.
Council member Guido Maniscalco said he has followed police and fire workers during two fatal incidents.
“It sticks with you,” he said. “It gave me greater appreciation for what police and fire go through.”
Council member Luis Viera, who is campaigning for a seat in the Florida House, said he has visited “God knows how many fire and police stations” since announcing his bid last April.
“So long as there’s no abuse of it, I fail to see the reason for such a rule,” he said.
Smith said the mayor told Hurtak “that council members need be more cognizantof city employees’ time, and city staff members no longer can spend hours in council meetings or writing memos about issues council members’ aides can research themselves.”
After several minutes of discussion, the council unanimously approved a motion requesting that the administration “rescind their position.”
Access to city facilities and workers, they said, “ensures fiscal responsibility and transparency amongst the decision-makers in the city of Tampa.”