Tampa Beefs Up Security On Land, Water, In Air For Super Bowl

TAMPA, FL — While the fans focus on the big game, Tampa Bay law enforcement agencies will be keeping an eye out from land, sea and air to make sure that residents and visitors stay safe Super Bowl weekend.

The FBI announced that it has activated its Joint Terrorism Task Force to share intelligence and respond to any threats surrounding Super Bowl LV.

The FBI’s Joint Operations Center is the nerve center for Super Bowl security.

The FBI established the JOC to manage resources and coordinate an investigative response to threats, federal crimes, and critical incidents.

The JOC houses more than 70 agencies involved with the security of the Super Bowl. Having all the agencies (federal, state and local) in one room makes it easier to share information and intelligence in a seamless operation.

While the FBI stressed during a news conference this week that there have been no threats to Super Bowl LV, the FBI has a team of intelligence analysts in the Joint Operations Center to process information 24/7 to make sure it receives the latest intelligence on possible threats.

Inside the JOC are dozens of computer work stations for each agency, three-dimensional models of the Tampa Bay area and four wall monitors. The monitors showing surveillance camera views of the stadium, television news broadcasts, and Law Enforcement Online’s Virtual Command Center website that tracks security incidents and can be accessed remotely by any law enforcement member.

Participants include members of the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Air Marshals and U.S. Air Marshals, Federal Aviation Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Naval Criminal Investigative Services, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, U.S. North American Air Defense Command, U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Secret Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

While the FBI's role is to protect and defend against terrorist threats, the Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, joined by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other Tampa Bay law enforcement agencies, have been working on its security plan for more than a year, studying best practices from previous Super Bowls and putting together a detailed plan to ensure the safety of fans.

In all, 17 federal, city, state, local and private sector partners are involved in Super Bowl security.

The U.S. Coast Guard is already on the job, patrolling safety zones Garrison Channel, the Seddon Channel Turning Basin and the Hillsborough River near downtown Tampa through Sunday.

All boaters will be required to transit the safety zone at a steady speed and may not slow down, stop or anchor except in the case of unforeseen mechanical failure or other emergency. Any boat forced to slow or stop in the zone should immediately notify the Coast Guard via VHF channel 16.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said the sheriff's office will have a marine presence as well, making sure that fans obey speed zones on the water, don't drink while boating and have the appropriate life vests and safety gear on board their boats. reminded those visiting and living in Tampa Bay not to behave recklessly on the water. This includes refraining from speeding, never driving impaired, and ensuring there are life vests aboard for all boat passengers.

Meanwhile, members of police and sheriff's mounted posses and bicycle teams will patrol areas around Raymond James Stadium and Super Bowl entertainment sites to assist in crowd control and ensure that Super Bowl celebrations don't become rowdy.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office officially launched its 18-member Bicycle Response Team this week, serving as extra eyes on the ground for proactive patrol and crowd control.

Equipped with their own Volcanic Bike and bike mount for their patrol vehicles, deputies will be able to navigate swiftly through narrow and congested city streets and large crowds. The bikes are built to be easily maneuverable and can handle all patrol-related duties, allowing for quick and efficient response times.

Over the past year, members have undergone extensive, certified training to build resistance and learn useful techniques, like riding up and down stairs, in the event of an emergency. The team meets regularly for group rides that can last up to 12 hours. Members have learned how to ride in formation, and have experience riding at night and during inclement weather.

"We are excited to launch the Bicycle Response Team right on time for the nation's largest sporting event that has taken over Tampa Bay," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Combined with our existing specialty teams, we are fully prepared to keep our community safe during this exciting occasion."

Law enforcement is also deploying bomb-sniffing and drug-detecting K-9s throughout downtown Tampa and on the water.

While law enforcement focuses on thwarting criminal activity, the Tampa Neighborhood Enhancement Division is preparing to have all 43 of the city's code enforcement officers and supervisors out in venues around Tampa every day leading up to the Super Bowl to ensure the all coronavirus protocols are met.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has issued an order mandating the wearing of face masks at all Super Bowl outdoor events.

"We need to educate everyone on the importance of wearing their mask and get them to comply on their own," said Code Enforcement Manager Keith O'Conner. "Obviously, there's not enough of us to be everywhere at all times. We want everyone to enjoy the event and obey the rules because, in the end, we're all going to be better off."

It's a message conveyed to visitors the moment they deplane at Tampa International Airport. A recording of Castor speaking about the mask mandate can be heard on the airport's intercom system. The message is accompanied by message boards throughout the airport.

"Wherever they go, they're going to see the signage so there's really no way to not know that this is a mask-mandated city," O'Connor said.

While law enforcement will have an obvious presence throughout Tampa Bay this week, police and deputies can't be everywhere, said Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan. To aid police in their efforts, the Tampa Police Department has launched the SafeTampa app to allow residents and visitors alike to quickly "Say something if they see something."

The app is free to download from the Google Play and Apple stores. It was created in partnership with Citizen Observer.

For convenience, the Tampa Police main webpage has a “SafeTampa” banner which, when clicked, will take users to the appropriate download site if they are on a cellular device. If working from a desktop computer, the banner link will re-route the user to an online portal to submit a tip.

Tips can also be sent via SMS by texting the keyword SAFETAMPA to 847411 (TIP411), followed by the information to be shared with the police department.

The app allows for two-way communications, sharing of photos and video, and receiving customizable public safety alerts from the Tampa Police Department.