TAMPA, Fla. — In the historic district of Ybor City, a group of volunteers in yellow shirts patrol the streets looking for any signs of a crime or something that needs to be cleaned up. The group is called YES! Also known as the Ybor Environmental Services.

What You Need To Know

  • YES! volunteers patrol Ybor City offering help to businesses and patrons     

  • The group helps to clean up trash around the community
  • Volunteers also reports crimes to police     

Yes! was established in 2000 and some volunteers have become fixtures in the community, including 83-year-old Bob Alorda, who has volunteered with the organization for 17 years. He patrols the area at night and visits with business owners.

“I’ll come in and get a glass of water, then they start rapping with you," he said. "If they don’t, everything is cool and I keep going."

As he strolls the sidewalks, he makes it a point to shake hands with strangers.

“Enjoy life and you got to enjoy life with people,” he said.

Alorda says he has a deep love for the community and speaks about Ybor City with pride, calling his volunteer work a way to give back.

Residents and business owners say the work Yes! does doesn’t go unnoticed. Miguel Melendez, who works in the area, says he loves the idea of having extra eyes on the lookout or if someone just needs help.

“It helps a lot of people — people that need directions, advice, help, you know how it is,” he said.