TAMPA, Fla. — With Florida reopening and more people getting out, there’s a local push for something called “open streets” across Tampa Bay.
You may be asking, what is an open street? It’s exactly what it sounds like. Shut the street down to cars, and open it up for people, bringing more of a community feel to the area.
In cities like New York, Chicago and San Francisco open streets are common. In videos like this one, you’ll see examples of people having a great time outdoors in the middle of what normally would be a busy road that is instead closed to cars so people can enjoy the activities.
Local community advocacy group, Walk Bike Tampa is pushing for similar options right here in our area.
“Now more than ever, people are saying they need to get out to get that stress release,” board member April Ingram said.
In this video posted on Twitter, the non-profit citizens-based advocacy group said they’re working to make Tampa Street, from W. Columbus Drive in Tampa Heights, south to downtown Tampa an open street. Ingram says a neighbor brought it to their attention.
“She envisioned food trucks and a fresh market and opportunity for neighbors to get out and socialize and play. We think that’s a great idea.”
The goal is to create more of a community atmosphere while also promoting pedestrian safety.
“In order to do that we need to make it safe for them, which means we need to create opportunities for them to be able to be outside safely; create opportunities for them to be outside,” Ingram said.
Walk Bike Tampa made a similar request to the Tampa City Council for Bayshore Boulevard over the summer, but that plan was put on hold.
Now city transportation engineers are developing a study to see the potential impact an open street format would have.
What other people are reading right now:
- Pinellas, Hillsborough counties report record-breaking first day of early in-person voting
- Watch parties: How to celebrate the Rays across Tampa Bay
- Welcome to 'Champa' Bay: Can the Rays, Bucs keep the streak going?
- 7.5 magnitude earthquake hits Alaska, no word any tsunami threat for Washington
- Polls suggest Biden, Trump neck and neck in Florida
- What you need to know about the 6 constitutional amendments on Florida ballots
►Breaking news and weather alerts: Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter