Latest news with #Bercaw
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Yahoo
‘Making a huge impact': Tampa Police roll out teen job training workshop to curb summer crime
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The school year isn't over, but students are already looking ahead to their summer break. The Tampa Police Department is partnering with the Hillsborough County Public School District to help at-risk teens focus on their careers. The Shielding Our Teens program is helping students transition from the classroom to the working world. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw kicked off the three-week initiative at Freedom High School Monday. Students will receive one-on-one coaching to write a resume, prepare for an interview, and ultimately land a job. 'We went from a juvenile that was on sanctions with a curfew to now a summer job,' said Chief Bercaw. 'It's making a huge impact in our community and it's another reason why our crime is continuing to go down.' About 50 students from three high schools have been selected to participate in the program. The Tampa Police Department offers additional free summer programs for youth. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Tampa leaders discuss safety plans ahead of Women's Final Four events
The Brief Tampa Bay leaders discussed their safety plans ahead of the Women's Final Four events this weekend. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said there will be an elevated presence of law enforcement throughout Tampa, but especially in places with large crowds. With the influx of people coming to the area, Bercaw emphasized that the roads will be backed up, so people should plan accordingly. TAMPA - Tampa Bay leaders shared their plans on Wednesday afternoon to keep everybody safe during all the Women's Final Four events this weekend. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said there will be an elevated presence of law enforcement throughout Tampa, but especially in places with large crowds. With the influx of people coming to the area, Bercaw emphasized that the roads will be backed up, so people should plan accordingly. What they're saying "As with any major event, we anticipate increased traffic," Bercaw said. "There will be more vehicles and pedestrians downtown, and we encourage everyone to allow extra time for planning and for traveling and coming up with alternate routes." Law enforcement will be out in full force on foot, boat, bike, horseback and in the air. READ: $5,000 bonus checks sent out to new law enforcement officers across Florida As we move towards the summer and with high temperatures expected this weekend, Tampa Fire Chief Barbara Tripp said that people need to think about hydration when outside for long periods of time. "We want everyone to make sure they stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids while you're here," Tripp said. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was provided by the Tampa Police Department and Tampa Fire Rescue. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
Tampa teen arrested after bringing loaded handgun to high school, police say
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Tampa teenager was arrested after police said she brought a loaded handgun to her high school on Thursday. The Tampa Police Department said a student told the school resource officer at Middleton High School that a 15-year-old girl had the gun in her possession. During an administrative search, the SRO found a loaded .22 caliber handgun. Police said the girl did not make any threats toward the school, staff members or other students. 'The safety of our students is our top priority,' said Chief Lee Bercaw. 'Bringing a firearm onto school property is a serious offense that will not be tolerated. We commend the student who came forward and the swift action of our School Resource Officer.' The girl was arrested and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center. She was charged with possession of a weapon on school property. 'This quick resolution reinforces the fact that strong partnerships between a vigilant student, school officials, and an engaged School Resource Officer keep our school campuses safe and that situations are addressed immediately,' Bercaw said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Yahoo
TPD touts crime reductions in Friday's 2024 Annual Report release
The Brief The Tampa Police Department released its 2024 Annual Report on Friday. The report detailed how officers kept people safe during last year's Gasparilla season and evacuated residents during the hurricane season, as well as statistics on the city's overall crime rates. Moving into 2025, TPD says it will prioritize illegal street racing and street takeovers, which rose last year, and improve its neighborhood watch groups to get more residents involved in reducing crime. TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Police Department released its 2024 Annual Report on Friday. "It's all about the hard work of our police officers and the community working together," Police Chief Lee Bercaw told FOX 13. READ: Man shot & killed in neighborhood, Pasco deputies searching for suspect The 36-page report details how officers kept pirates safe during last year's Gasparilla season and how they evacuated residents during what was a historic hurricane season. The backstory It gives residents an idea of where the city stands on crime. "One big highlight on there is we kept pushing out last year is not to leave your guns in your cars. We're seeing a 25% decrease of guns being stolen from cars, which is attributing also as a factor in our reduction in violent crime, which is huge," Bercaw said. READ:Police urge residents to remove guns from cars after spike in burglaries Big picture view According to the report,Tampa saw a much bigger decline in overall violent crime (8.4%)—including robbery and murder—than the average decline in other major cities (5.2%). Bercaw added that homicides and non-fatal shootings are also down 10% and 27%, respectively. "That's because of our cops working hard out there," Bercaw said. "And it's because of the engagement with the community. We have town hall forums." Dig deeper However, TPD admits the city did see a "significant rise" in illegal street racing and street takeovers last year. Two people were arrested after a car was making donuts at the intersection of Kennedy Blvd and MacDill Ave in March 2024. Another street takeover occurred near the Tampa Convention Center during Labor Day weekend in September 2024. An 18-year-old was arrested. READ: Clearwater crash sends bicyclist to hospital: Police What's next In its annual report, Tampa police noted that new laws, which went into effect last year, introduced harsher penalties for street racing and felony charges for repeat offenders. These types of crimes will remain a priority for TPD again this year. "It's getting the message out that we're out here and that we're going to be in full focus on it," Bercaw said. "We're making an arrest on it. We're holding those accountable. Not only that, we're going to seize your car." This year, Bercaw added that the department will enhance and improve its neighborhood watch groups to get more residents involved in their mission to reduce crime. To read TPD's 2024 Annual Report, click here. The Source FOX 13's Ariel Plasencia collected the information in this story. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Yahoo
'Violent rampage': 1 pedestrian killed, several hurt in hit-and-run spree in Florida
One pedestrian was killed and several pedestrians and officers were hurt by a driver who allegedly drove into people in multiple intentional hit-and-runs in Tampa, Florida, Sunday night, police said. "Tonight was a tragic night involving an extremely dangerous suspect" who was fatally shot by police, ending the "violent rampage," Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said at a news conference. MORE: Car plows into Eagles fans in Philadelphia after NFC championship game The incidents began just before 8:30 p.m. when officers responded to a report of a driver blocking someone's car at a Dollar General, Bercaw said. The two drivers argued and eventually the victim left, the chief said. Then, the victim noticed the suspect was following him to his house, and the two drivers threw items at each other, Bercaw said. The suspect then "reversed out, hitting the victim with the car twice," the chief said. "While this was happening, a friend of the victim was firing at the suspect in an attempt to stop this violent act." That first victim was listed in stable condition, the chief said. MORE: What Los Angeles fire victims can expect from their insurance adjuster At 8:33 p.m., the suspect drove his white Honda in circles and then struck and killed a man in an apparently intentional act, police said. The suspect fled and then struck another pedestrian, who survived, police said. At 8:39 p.m., the suspect was seen driving toward pedestrians on a sidewalk, police said. The driver struck another man who was hospitalized with serious head injuries but is expected to be OK, Bercaw said. At 10:16 p.m., another call came in reporting that the driver intentionally veered into people, striking another person, Bercaw said. Police chased the suspect and eventually stopped his car, Bercaw said. "The suspect was getting out of the car, reaching for what [officers] believed was a weapon, and then shots were fired," Bercaw said. "The suspect did not survive." Three officers were injured in that incident; none of their injuries are life-threatening, Bercaw said. The 47-year-old suspect, whose name was not released, had an "extensive violent criminal history" and was released from prison about two years ago, the chief said. "This was a violent night," the chief said. "Our thoughts are with the family of the man who was killed," he added. 'Violent rampage': 1 pedestrian killed, several hurt in hit-and-run spree in Florida originally appeared on
