The Tampa Police Department is launching a Special Event Zone on Friday in the downtown area. The zone is in response to the rise of teen takeovers across the region.
In a Special Event Zone, you can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence, all traffic fines doubled, and vehicles impounded for violations.
As of Friday morning, 10 Tampa Bay News observed warning signs posted around the area, which includes the intersections of Ashley and Polk, Ashley and Zack Street, Ashley and Twiggs Street, Ashley and Madison Street ending at Ashley Drive and Kennedy Blvd.
On Facebook, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said “If you choose to participate in an unsanctioned gathering, a street takeover, or large crowd event that creates unsafe conditions… you will be held accountable.”
“We are taking a zero-tolerance policy on this,” said Chief Bercaw.
According to The Tampa Police Department’s Facebook post, similar Special Event Zones may be launched as needed to protect public safety. “We are taking a zero-tolerance policy on this.”
The zone comes one day after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s visit in Largo, joining local officials in exploring stricter legal consequences for those involved in teen takeovers.