Tampa Mayor Says Super Bowl Revelers Without Masks Were Exception

TAMPA, FL — Bucs fans didn't shy away from cameras Sunday when they hit the streets to celebrate following the hometown team's win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

And now those images are being used by the Tampa police to identify people who violated the city's coronavirus mandates.

Despite the city and Tampa General Hospital handing out 2,000 free masks prior to the Super Bowl, excited fans took to the streets around Raymond James Stadium, South Tampa, downtown Tampa, the Channel District and Ybor City sans masks and social distancing to celebrate the Bucs' 31-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan, who just returned to work after contracting the coronavirus, didn't hold back expressing their dismay over the recklessness of celebrants during a deadly pandemic.

Castor was quick to add, however, that the rule breakers were in the minority.

"I thank everyone who celebrated responsibly," said Castor. "We had literally tens of thousands of people come out to share in the excitement of the Super Bowl win. And the majority of them did it very, very peacefully. The majority of individuals understood the significance of wearing a mask. They also understood their level of personal responsibility, and we couldn't have been successful without that."

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had nothing but praise for the efforts the city and the Tampa Bay Super Bowl IV Host Committee took to ensure that the NFL Super Bowl Experience, the big game and all other NFL-sponsored events complied with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention coronavirus protocols.

"At this event a year ago, I don't think any of us would have imagined the challenges that we've had to face," Goodell said during a news conference. "The can-do attitude of the people up here (the Super Bowl LV Host Committee, Castor and Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan) and so many others behind them was really an extraordinary effort. We always say, 'It's a team game.' This was a great team up here. They really found a way to find solutions to difficult problems and really showed that this community is a 'can do' community who can make things happen."

But the city had no control over the impromptu celebrations that sprang up all over the city after the Bucs' win.

Tampa police and Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies were out in force to keep rowdy fans under control and remind them of the penalties for violating the coronavirus protocols, which Castor extended to outdoors in designated Super Bowl entertainment zones until Feb. 13.

"It is a little frustrating because we have worked so hard in cooperation with the NFL and the county and just a number of different entities, putting the executive order in place that masks had to be worn in specific areas that we knew groups would be congregating," said Castor.

Efforts included public safety announcements featuring members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and other celebrity athletes like Tampa resident Titus O'Neil, billboards and signs reminding residents and visitors of the mask mandate, using an army of volunteer hosts to remind those enjoying the festivities to abide by the mandates, handing out the COVID-19 Playbook and broadcasting messages recorded by the mayor on the intercom system at Tampa International Airport with reminders to mask up.

Organizers even found a clever way to ensure social distancing at the big game. They allowed people who were unable to score a ticket to the Super Bowl to purchase cardboard cutouts bearing photos of themselves for $100. The virtual fans were seated between the real fans to keep them apart. Proceeds from the sales went to the nonprofit NFL Foundation.

Courtesy City of Tampa

"Yes, we did see some videos," Castor said. "We did see some individuals that weren't wearing a mask. And at this point in dealing with COVID-19, there is a level of frustration when you see that. It can be passed on to those individuals who are least likely to recover safely from it.

"There just has to be that level of personal responsibility. You can supply everyone with a mask, advise them of the science behind it and expect that they are going to abide by the mask order," she said. "Again, you're gonna find a few that don't. I'm proud to say the majority that I saw were wearing masks."

Dugan conceded there were some isolated incidents of raucous crowds pouring into the streets after the game to celebrate.

In some areas, the crowds shut down traffic and then threw traffic cones at cars that dared to honk to get through the wall-to-wall celebrants.

Videos showed fans standing on the hoods of cars, chanting quarterback Tom Brady's name. There were reports of revelers destroying street signs as well.

The police didn't issue citations to those violating coronavirus protocols Sunday night but do plan to use videos and photos posted on social media sites to identify those who damaged city property.

"We want the entire Tampa Bay community to celebrate the historic achievement of our Tampa Bay Buccaneers," Dugan said. "But we also need everyone to conduct themselves responsibly. Wear your masks and remain socially distant, for your health and the health of our community."

Nevertheless, the scenes on social media spread across the country, casting a shadow on what was otherwise a positive experience, Castor said.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the scenes from Tampa even concerned President Joe Biden.

"He is of course concerned when there are pictures and photos - we all are - that show many, many people without masks in close distance with one another at the height of a pandemic," Psaki said during a new conference.

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