TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has signed Executive Order 2021-07 requiring the use of face coverings outdoors within specific locations in the City of Tampa defined as Event Zones and Entertainment Districts.
The Order is intended to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at sites where large crowds of people are likely to congregate for Super Bowl-related activities, with limited ability to remain socially distanced from each other.
“We are incredibly excited to host a fun and safe Super Bowl here in Tampa—but we need everyone to do their part. We want fans to feel confident knowing that when they come out to celebrate Super Bowl LV, they can do so safely in a city that takes this pandemic seriously,” says Tampa Mayor, Jane Castor.
“In football terms, it’s simple—masks are the right defense. Don’t let COVID-19 intercept your ability to make unforgettable memories or keep your loved ones safe. We are grateful to the NFL and the Host Committee for being amazing partners and going above and beyond to implement strict COVID-19 safety precautions. Now, we need everyone to take personal responsibility to keep themselves, others fans, and our Tampa Bay community safe.”
The “Event Zones” impacted by Executive Order 2021-07 include areas of Downtown Tampa and the area surrounding Raymond James Stadium.
“Entertainment Districts” include the Ybor City Historic District, the South Howard Commercial Overlay District, the Central Business District, and the Channel District, as those areas are defined in City of Tampa Code Chapter 27.
Exceptions to the order include:
- Children under 5 years of age
- Persons (including their family members or companions) when outdoors at their personal residence, provided they comply with CDC guidance
- Persons working in a business or profession where use of a face covering would prevent them from performing the duties of the business or profession
- Persons for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition
- A person communicating with a hearing-impaired individual who needs to see that person’s mouth in order to communicate.
This Executive Order becomes effective immediately and will remain in effect in the City of Tampa until February 13, 2021, unless otherwise modified, repealed, or earlier terminated.
Those who do not comply with this order, could face a fine of up to $500.
In addition, Executive Order 2020-42 (which was adopted on August 19, 2020) remains in effect, requiring the use of face coverings at most indoor locations.