Late last night into early morning today, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and members of the Tampa Police Department, who had received information on a planned street takeover in Tampa, responded to several locations and shut the event down.
The locations were:
- Busch Blvd. and Florida Ave.
- Temple Terrace Winn Dixie (U.S. Hwy 301)
- Fletcher Ave. and Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
Each scene involved large groups of individuals and vehicles mingling. At both the Temple Terrace Winn Dixie and the Busch and Florida Ave. locations, law enforcement prevented the event from beginning before any street racing or dangerous driving behavior occurred. However, at Fletcher Ave. and Bruce B. Downs, Troopers were able to identify those vehicles and individuals participating in street takeover activities and stunt driving.
Troopers from Special Operations, Tampa District, Pinellas District, and Brooksville District engaged the vehicles, and several short pursuits ensued. As a result of this operation, four drivers were charged with felonies, six passengers were charged with street racing and takeover under Section 316.191, Florida Statutes, four vehicles were impounded with 30-day holds, and two firearms were recovered.
The success of this operation, which prevented those in the community from being placed in dangerous situations while on Florida roads, was due to information that was intercepted by law enforcement before the event took place. Equally important were the collaborative efforts of multiple jurisdictions, including Temple Terrace Police Department and Tampa Police Department, which played a crucial role in the operation’s success.
If you encounter street racing, stunt driving or a roadway takeover while you are on the road:
- Remain calm
- Do not engage
- If possible, safely pull over to the side of the road
- Report it by calling *FHP or 911 and you will be immediately routed to the nearest dispatch center.
If you have information regarding an upcoming event or can identify participants, please email StopRacing@flhsmv.gov and send any corresponding screenshots or documentation. To learn more about street racing, stunt driving or illegal roadway takeovers visit: Street Racing/Takeovers, Stunt Driving – Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
