Public Safety

Police, fire, emergency and public safety news

Tampa Starts $27 Million Conversion of Vacant Howard Avenue Warehouse Into Police Forensics and Evidence Hub

Work has begun at 5005 N. Howard Ave., where an empty city-owned warehouse is being rebuilt into the Tampa Police Department's labs, evidence vaults and impound lot. The city expects to finish in May 2028.

Aug 133 min read

Public Safety

More Tampa School Zones Get Speed Cameras Before the Aug. 10 First Day. Here's the List and the Fine.

Tampa City Council voted unanimously July 16 to expand automated speed enforcement from 12 school zones to 18, including four in New Tampa. Fines are $100, but only after a 30-day warning period the city has not yet dated.

Jul 274 min read

Public Safety

FHP Launches Weeklong Speed Crackdown on Tampa Bay Roads: 'Slow Down, or Expect a Ticket'

Troopers kicked off Operation Southern Slow Down at a Tampa news conference, promising heavy enforcement on local interstates and highways through the week. Drivers clocked over 100 mph can be arrested on the spot.

Jul 144 min read

Public Safety

A Parasite Behind "Explosive" Diarrhea Is Turning Up in Summer Produce — 7 Cases Now in Tampa Bay

Florida has confirmed 49 cases of cyclosporiasis this summer, including seven across the Tampa Bay region, and health officials still can't pin the outbreak to a single food. Here's how to keep the produce in your kitchen safe.

Jul 104 min read

Public Safety

A Toddler Drowned at Pasco's SunWest Park During the Scallop Fest — and Families Want to Know Who Was Watching the Water

A 3-year-old boy died after drowning at SunWest Park in Hudson during the Scallop and Music Festival. As the county sends condolences and its investigation continues, parents are asking what water-safety steps are in place before the festival's next weekends.

Jul 74 min read

Public Safety

Toxic Tire Chemical Found in Every Sample of Tampa's Hillsborough River, First-of-Its-Kind Study Finds

Researchers detected 6PPD-Quinone — a chemical born from ordinary car tires — in all samples pulled from the Hillsborough River near downtown Tampa, with levels spiking after summer storms. It's the first time the pollutant has been documented in Florida waters.

Jul 45 min read