Tampa waives pool fees as heat index hits 112 degrees
Tampa weather | Thursday morning forecast
FOX 13 Meteorologist Dave Osterberg says Thursday will have another heat blast with storms moving inland in the afternoon. The high temperature will be 92 degrees.
TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa officials are waiving entrance fees for all 12 city-operated public pools on days when heat advisories are active, providing families relief as heat index values reach 112 degrees.
Tampa waives pool fees
What we know:
Tampa residents can enter any of the city's seven public pools free of charge during normal operating hours starting Aug. 19 whenever a heat advisory is in effect.
The seven pools are Bobby Hicks, Copeland, Cyrus Greene, Danny Del Rio, Interbay, Loretta Ingraham, and Roy Jenkins.
Additionally, Tampa operates nine splash pads that remain free every day.
Unanswered details on heat
What we don't know:
City officials have not specified an end date for the heat advisory pool program, nor have they listed which specific pool lanes are reserved for local high school swim teams.
Mayor urges extreme heat precautions
What they're saying:
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the health risks associated with the recent weather conditions.
"Extreme heat can be dangerous, and we want to make sure our residents have safe, accessible places to cool down this summer," Castor said. "Opening our pools free of charge during heat advisories gives families another option for relief. We encourage everyone to take the heat seriously, stay hydrated and check on neighbors who may be especially vulnerable."
Staying safe during hot days
What you can do:
Check current operating schedules for facilities at tampa.gov/pools and splash pad locations at tampa.gov/splashpads before heading out. Limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours, stay hydrated and regularly check on children, older adults, neighbors and pets.
Residents can text HEATSAFE to 888-777 for safety updates.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from official city statements and quotes provided by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, as well as public pool and splash pad guidelines provided by the city of Tampa.