TAMPA, Fla. – Motorists in South Tampa and Downtown should prepare for temporary road closures and traffic delays tomorrow morning, Thursday, April 17, as law enforcement officers participate in the 2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run. The Tampa Police Department issued an advisory today detailing the event, which benefits athletes competing in the Special Olympics of Florida.
The run is scheduled to take place between approximately 9:00 AM and 12:00 noon. Around 50 runners, primarily law enforcement personnel, will carry the “Flame of Hope” through city streets.
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The event kicks off at the Bayshore Gate of MacDill Air Force Base at 9:00 AM. The route proceeds north on Bayshore Boulevard, with segments turning onto Interbay Boulevard (to Ballast Point Park), then continuing north on Bayshore past Bay to Bay Boulevard and the Tarpon Weigh Station. The final leg takes runners north on Bayshore to Platt Street, east on Platt Street to Franklin Street, and finally south on Franklin Street, concluding at the Tampa Convention Center’s Front Circle Drive around noon.
To ensure runner safety and manage traffic, the Tampa Police Motor Unit will implement rolling roadblocks along the route. This means traffic ahead of the runners will be temporarily stopped and allowed to resume once the runners have passed.
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Organizers have planned brief breaks for the runners at Ballast Point Park, the intersection of Bayshore and Bay to Bay Boulevards, and the Tarpon Weigh Station. These pauses are intended to allow runners to rest and help normalize traffic flow intermittently along the busy corridor.
The Tampa Police Department urges motorists traveling in the affected areas during this time to exercise caution, expect delays, and consider using alternative routes.
Drivers are also encouraged to show patience and support for the participants running for this important cause. Allowing extra travel time is highly recommended.
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