The City of Tampa is once again taking a close look at safety in Ybor City following a deadly car chase and crash last month that left four people dead and several others injured.
The tragic incident has renewed urgency around protecting residents, visitors, and businesses in one of the city’s busiest entertainment districts.
City Council members are expected to finalize plans today for a community town hall scheduled for December 16, where the mayor and multiple city departments will hear directly from those who live, work, and spend time in Ybor City.
The goal is to gather feedback not only on current safety efforts but also on new features residents want to see implemented.
One of the major ideas is the installation of automatic or permanent bollards—barrier posts designed to block vehicles from entering pedestrian-heavy areas. Those bollards could protect outdoor bars, cafés, and any space where large groups gather.
Newly elected District 5 Councilwoman Naya Young, who proposed the town hall, said the city has already received a significant amount of community input.
“I want to have the listening sessions so we can hear what everyone has to say—not just people who frequent, people who live in the area, the business owners, hear from everybody,” Young said. “Then we can do our research and see what is working well in other parts of the state or even nationally, and incorporate that here.”
When asked how optimistic she is about securing funding for new safety measures, Young said it’s still early in the process, but emphasized that the City Council remains committed to making safety in Ybor City a top priority.
In addition to exploring new ideas, the city is continuing work on its Vision Zero initiatives in Ybor City. Current upgrades include high-visibility crosswalks, improved street lighting, pedestrian islands and enhanced signage.
One option the city has ruled out for now is closing 7th Avenue to vehicle traffic, an idea that has surfaced periodically during discussions about pedestrian safety.
The town hall on Ybor City Safety happens on December 16 at 6pm, at Centro Asturiano de Tampa 1913 N. Nebraska Avenue.