Don't Throw This Away: Tampa To Mail Out Re-Entry Passes

TAMPA, FL -- After one of the most destructive hurricane seasons in Florida history, the city of Tampa announced a program designed to make the recovery process faster, safer and more efficient when there's a mass evacuation.

With the official hurricane season still three months away, the city is taking steps now to prepare. Starting on Monday, March 4, the city will begin mailing out envelopes with color-coded hang tags to more than 70,000 residents and businesses in the areas most likely to be evacuated in a major storm.

"We will need the assistance of the public for this program to work," said Police Chief Brian Dugan. "If you live in the affected area, please keep an eye out for the envelope. Don't throw it away. Put it in the glove box of your vehicle. That way it will be where you need it when you need it."

Tampa has had close calls in recent years, such as Hurricane Irma in 2017, but has not experienced a major hurricane in more than 90 years.

"It is going to happen at some point. We need to be prepared," said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.

The goal of the new Hurricane Re-Entry Program is twofold: It is designed to make it easier for residents and business representatives to re-enter the area after evacuation orders have been lifted - and to prevent gawkers and potential criminals from entering the area.

During a catastrophic hurricane event, public safety officials will screen vehicles attempting to re-enter the impacted area. In an effort to avoid long lines, the vehicle Re-Entry Hang Tag will allow public safety officials to quickly identify vehicles approved to re-enter. Those vehicles will be waved through, bypassing the normal public screening required to enter the affected area.

The Re-Entry Hang Tag Program will enhance safety and speed up the recovery process by getting residents and business representatives in - while keeping criminals out.

"This plan is something we have been working on in one form or another for a while,'' said Tampa Fire Chief Nick LoCicero. "Considering what Florida has faced over the last two hurricane seasons, I'm pleased that we are able to implement this re-entry program now. It just adds another layer of preparedness for the city."

The city is working with organizations and community groups to get the word out regarding the re-entry program.

"We're looking forward to working with the city and TPD in implementing the new hurricane re-entry program for our residents and business owners to ensure their safe and swift return into downtown in the event of an emergency," said Lynda Remund, president and CEO for the Tampa Downtown Partnership.

Highlights:

On Monday, March 4, the city will begin mailing out color-coded hang tags to residents and businesses in the areas most likely to face an evacuation during a hurricane event. That includes neighborhoods south of Interstate 275 and Interstate 4.

Residents will be asked to keep an eye out for the white envelope with the words "CITY OF TAMPA HURRICANE HANG TAG ENCLOSED." When it arrives, they are urged to remove the hang tag and immediately place it in their primary vehicle.

In the event of an evacuation, the hang tags will enable residents to get back to their homes or businesses quickly and safely. Those without hang tags will still be able to re-enter the area, but they will be asked to produce identification or a utility bill to show that they have a reason to enter the neighborhoods.

A web page with maps and answers to frequently asked questions can be found here.

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