TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa’s Acting Chief of Police Brett Owen said the department is stepping up patrols in Ybor City and throughout Tampa Halloween weekend to make sure things don’t get too scary.
“We’ll have a heavy presence out there; we’re bringing in additional officers this year,” he said.
It was just three years ago in Ybor city when a mass shooting left two dead and 16 injured.
To ensure the city doesn’t get used to those kinds of tragedies, Owen said drones will be used as an added security measure.
“It gives us the ability to move block by block quite a bit faster. Obviously, with an elevated view like that, you can see what’s happening on the ground versus what somebody’s actually looking at looking down the street,” he said.
Local bars like Gaspar’s Grotto said they’ll be playing their part too.
“Sure, we’re always going to be on top of it making sure that everyone is keeping an eye out, we have security here all night so no one feels unsafe or anything like that,” said Laura Adamczyk.
Acting Chief Owen also said in addition to Halloween being on a Saturday, the clocks falling back and giving people an extra hour is something they’re taking into consideration to keep the city safe.
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