TAMPA - Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is reflecting on a year in office.

A lot has changed since she was sworn in May 1, 2019.

Before the coronavirus, the city was enjoying an economic boost. But the virus hit the community hard.

Mayor Castor said her time in law enforcement has helped her to lead while dealing with the threat of COVID-19.

"You just have to act," Castor said. "You don't have time to sit back and wonder what if."

At the height of the pandemic, Castor was commended for her actions of relentlessly pushing for a safer at home order before the state initiated one. But some have been confused about the rules set by the city and county. And just recently, Castor has been criticized for voting against rescinding the county's safer at home order now that the governor has come up with a plan.

"I see no purpose in this," Castor said when voting against rescinding the order.

Mayor Castor has supported the Governor's Phase One reopening plan.

Currently, she is working on additional reopening plans for the city.

The mayor said she will close off some streets to help restaurants and retail stores add more seating when they open their doors to limited capacity Monday. ​Thirteen city park trails will open for exercise and recreational use as well. 

Mayor Castor believes Tampa is poised to bounce back from COVID-19 quicker than other communities.

She said one reason why is because of construction. The industry has provided a number of jobs during the pandemic. Once the construction is complete, the mayor said there will be even more jobs available.

"This is clearly a test for us," Castor said. "As I've said before, we're going to come out stronger."