Tampa leaders announced new Ybor City safety upgrades after a deadly crash last fall, drawing mixed community reaction.
TAMPA, Fla. — City leaders say new safety measures are coming to one of Tampa’s busiest entertainment districts following a deadly crash last fall that claimed four lives.
“I was out here that night. It was a horrific crash scene,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw Lieber said.
In response, the city immediately began looking at changes to improve pedestrian safety.
“We don’t wait for these things to happen, but when they do, we make sure to put extra attention on those areas where they are occurring,” Mobility Director Brandon Campbell said.
The plan includes repaving, which is already underway, portions of 7th Avenue to narrow lanes, adding nearly 45 on-street parking spaces and installing two bus bays. On the stretch between Nebraska Avenue and Nuccio Parkway, 36 of those spaces will narrow the roadway — a design intended to slow drivers. Speed limits along the corridor will also be reduced.
“The longer term or intermediate term, we will be continuing to partner with the community redevelopment agency and look for thoughtful opportunities to add to their rebricking effort with the potential for speed-rated bollards and further protect those sidewalks,” Campbell said.
The project will cost about $40,000 and is funded by the mobility department.
“A lot of families come here. A lot of people enjoy the nightlife here. We want to make sure people feel safe and are safe,” City Council Member Guido Maniscalco said.
In Ybor, some say the changes are needed.
“Something that even happened today is we have the lights that signal people to slow down and stop so we can cross the street, and some people still ignore that,” said Kayla Holloway, who lives near Ybor.
But not everyone believes infrastructure is the main concern.
“My first initial reaction to that is that’s not our problem down here in Ybor, pedestrian safety. It’s deeper than that,” said Aryes House, who lives near the district.
Others say behavior, especially at night, still plays a role.
“I feel like more law enforcement too — that would help with people feeling more safe,” said Saniyah Abram, who also lives near Ybor.
Mayor Jane Castor says overall safety in the district remains strong.
“You have additional police officers, more than you would have in any other area. So the safety of Ybor City is really not in question. It’s just the perception,” Castor said.
The paving work is expected to wrap up within the next two weeks, with additional upgrades rolling out later this year.