Thank you for writing. Some news organizations and websites are spreading misleading information, including a video from the February 8, 2021 press conference that was spliced to make it appear Mayor Castor was referring to identifying and possibly arresting people for not wearing masks. That is not accurate, and in fact, Mayor Castor was responding to a question about large crowds getting out of hand and doing property damage. Mayor Castor made her remarks about the “bad actors” and the police “handling it” in response to that question.
The Mayor continues to encourage everyone to celebrate safely and wear their masks, but she is not threatening arrest for those who do not do so.
Castor's office replied with this...
Dear Concerned Citizen,
Thank you for writing. Some news organizations and websites are spreading misleading information, including a video from the February 8, 2021 press conference that was spliced to make it appear Mayor Castor was referring to identifying and possibly arresting people for not wearing masks. That is not accurate, and in fact, Mayor Castor was responding to a question about large crowds getting out of hand and doing property damage. Mayor Castor made her remarks about the “bad actors” and the police “handling it” in response to that question.
The Mayor continues to encourage everyone to celebrate safely and wear their masks, but she is not threatening arrest for those who do not do so.
Regards,
Bridgett McCormick
Executive Assistant to the Mayor
City of Tampa
306 E. Jackson Street, Tampa FL 33602