On October 28, Mayor Jane Castor will join City Council Chairman Guido Maniscalco and local fire and police chiefs to commemorate National First Responders Day by showcasing the contributions of the Community Investment Tax (CIT) to public safety in Tampa. The event will feature emergency vehicles from the Tampa Police Department and Tampa Fire Rescue, which have been vital during recent hurricane emergencies, specifically Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These vehicles and the equipment needed for effective emergency responses were funded through CIT revenue, reinforcing the importance of this tax in local public safety. Since its establishment in 1996, the CIT has supported various public safety and infrastructure projects throughout Hillsborough County, enhancing the capabilities of emergency services. Local media will hear firsthand accounts of how this funding has positively influenced Tampa’s ability to serve its residents effectively.

Video footage showcasing first responders in action during Hurricane Milton is available on social media platforms for Tampa Police and Tampa Fire Rescue. For more details on CIT projects and their impact, residents can visit Tampa. gov/CIT. This initiative underlines the city's commitment to investing in public safety for the welfare of its community.