TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Police held one of its front porch roll call meetings in the Ybor Heights neighborhood Thursday night.

The meetings are a chance for community members to meet with the officers who will be patrolling their neighborhood at the beginning of their shifts to let them know about any concerns or issues.

Community Partnership Liaison Anthony Hopkins told those in attendance that the program is coming up on its 70th meeting.

What You Need To Know

  • Tampa Police held a front porch roll call meeting in Ybor Heights Thursday night

  • The meetings are a chance for residents to speak with officers patrolling their neighborhoods at the beginning of their shifts to let them know about any issues

  • Ybor Heights residents asked officers to keep an eye on a former Walgreens on North Nebraska Avenue that's become a concern since the store closed

  • Citizens can reach out to the department to set up a front porch roll call in their community

One of the main topics at the Ybor Heights gathering was the meeting's location.

It was held at the former Walgreens on North Nebraska Avenue. Mimi Martinez, president of the Ybor Heights Neighborhood Association, said the property has been a concern since the store closed last year.

"It's also on a prime corner where it can attract suspect activity because it's vacant now," Martinez said. "So, we just really want to make sure that the police are aware to surveillance this area and to keep it clean and free of any crime."

Hopkins said about three front porch roll calls are held every month. He stressed the roll calls are a community-driven effort and it's up citizens to reach out to get the process started.

Anyone interested can reach out to Hopkins at anthony.hopkins@tampagov.net.