As Tampa gears up to be on the world stage during Super Bowl LV, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has ordered the use of face coverings within specific outdoor locations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
In a tweet, Castor said, “Let’s each do our part in keeping our community and visitors safe. Masks are the right defense. Masks and simple health habits will go a long way in ensuring a fun, safe #Super Bowl LV experience for all.”
Besides being the host city for this year’s Super Bowl, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be the first team in NFL history to play the game in its home stadium.
The Bucs take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 7. Kickoff at Raymond James Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m. A host of activities surround the game, bringing large crowds to many venues.
In her executive order, Castor requires the use of face coverings within specific outdoor locations, within the City of Tampa — namely in areas defined as Event Zones and Entertainment Districts.
The Event Zones are defined as areas of downtown Tampa and surrounding Raymond James Stadium.
The Entertainment Districts include the Ybor City Historic District, the South Howard Commercial Overlay District, the Central Business District, and the Channel District.
The city also has a mask order in effect that requires that a facial covering be worn by anyone working, living, visiting or doing business in an indoor location — other than their residence — when not able to maintain social distancing from other person, excluding family members or companions.
There are some exceptions to the city’s mask ordinance, including children under age 5, people with health conditions and people working in a business that doesn’t require interactions with others, or allows social distancing to be maintained.
Masks are not required while people are eating or drinking.
Also, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced it will establish a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) to prohibit drones around Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7, and around the Tampa Riverwalk for the NFL Super Bowl Experience during the days leading up to Super Bowl.
Drones will be prohibited within a 30-nautical-mile radius of the stadium up to 18,000 feet in altitude on game day, according to the FAA. The TFR will be in place from 5:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Drones also are prohibited for 1 nautical mile around Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. until the TFR for the game takes effect.
The FAA will restrict drone flights for roughly 2 nautical miles around Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park up to an altitude of 2,000 feet through Feb. 6, during event hours.
Pilots and drone operators who enter the TFRs without permission could face civil penalties that exceed $30,000 and potential criminal prosecution for flying drones in the TFR.
Drone pilots should check the FAA’s B4UFly app to determine when and where they may fly.
Published February 03, 2021
