The Ybor City Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) is excited to announce the launch of new-and-improved Ybor YES! Team. These improvements are in partnership with Block by Block, a Louisville, Kentucky-based company. This new program enhances the current Ybor Environmental Services (Y.E.S.) Team with more resources and services provided.
The Ybor YES Team
The original Y.E.S. Team was first established in December 2000 by the City of Tampa. It was created to address clean-up and aesthetic maintenance in the Ybor City Historic District. According to CRA Manager Courtney Orr, Ybor City requires additional services to stay clean and attractive. Especially as it grows into its role as one of Tampa’s most popular visitor attractions and centers for entertainment.
“In our most recent Ybor City Resident and Worker survey, the community expressed a need to elevate the importance of safety, security, and cleanliness in the historic district,” said Orr. “Block by Block is a national company providing exactly what our residents and business owners want. They will be of great benefit to our community.”
The Ybor City CRA previously managed an ambassador team and a separate cleaning crew. “Now with the help of Block by Block, we are uniting these services into one,” said Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak, who serves as CRA Board Chair. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Ybor City as we aim to increase safety and cleanliness.”
Making improvements in Ybor
What the enhanced Ybor YES! Team will do for the CRA:
- Greet pedestrians and provide general help, maps and/or directions, and information on things to do within the Ybor area
- Interact directly with the City of Tampa Police Department (TPD) as well as property and business owners to build a network enhancing safety and security within the Ybor area
- Discourage aggressive solicitation, educate the public on ordinance violations, report crimes to the proper authority, and provide information and support to Ybor City CRA and the TPD as it relates to improper behavior in the district.
- Provide the public with general assistance and circulate the area to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for visitors and residents of Tampa and Ybor City.
With Block by Block’s large national footprint, they understand the importance of keeping a community safe and clean to preserve the Historical District. And attract interest from visitors and residents alike.
“We promote the Historic District with great pride. And it has become one of the most desirable live, work, and play areas in our urban core,” Mayor Jane Castor said. “We are grateful for the work of our Ybor City CRA and believe the selection of Block by Block will provide important services to keep our community clean, safe, and secure. After all, Ybor City is the Heart of Tampa!”
