Tampa leaders consider requiring security in Ybor City parking lots to reduce crime

Ybor City Parking Safety

Ybor City neighbors said they are fed up with loud parking lot parties and the crime they bring. They want the City Council to reduce crime by requiring security guards in private parking lots.

TAMPA – Ybor City neighbors are fed up with parking lot parties and crime on private land in their neighborhood. They want the council to make a change, requiring security guards in pay and display car parks.

The city’s public car parks are already equipped with them.

“Currently, Ybor continues to be plagued by trash-filled, poorly maintained and crime-ridden surface parking lots,” said Ybor resident Stephanie Harrison Bailey.

“As a resident, I can personally tell you about the problems we are seeing. Partying, drinking and loud music are not happening in city lots,” said Chris Curry, another neighbor.

On Thursday, the city council discussed code changes that would put private lots on an equal footing with public lots in the city.

TPD data shows there were 167 crimes in 2022 and 2023 on these private lands, including stolen cars, assaults and rapes.

“There are three times as many public parking spaces in Ybor City parking lots as there are in private parking lots and yet there is more crime,” another neighbor said.

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TPD data showed there was less crime in the city’s parking lots, which have security guards. They say requiring private parking could go a long way toward reducing crime in Ybor.

“As crime experts, we say this can be accomplished with security personnel, as has been proven,” said Maj. Eric DeFelice.

Representatives of these parking operators asked the council to wait.

“You can’t distinguish between paid and unpaid lots. The regulations should apply to all of them,” said Steve Michelini.

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Some parking operators have said they support increased security, but they believe it should be the city’s job.

“We are not in favor of police officers playing that role,” DeFelice said.

Another public hearing on the proposed change will be held in July.

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