YBOR CITY, Fla. — There are several Tampa Bay projects in Florida’s $116 billion budget that Gov. Ron DeSantis recently gave the green light.

What You Need To Know

  • New security cameras for Ybor City have been approved in this year's state budget by Gov. Ron DeSantis

  • A little more than $470,000 has been approved for the historic district to install the cameras
  • A deadly shooting that resulted in two deaths and dozens of injuries last October is what prompted the state in granting Ybor money for the new cameras
  • Local business owners say they welcome the idea of having added security with the new surveillance cameras

One of those projects includes money for the installation of new security cameras in Ybor City. Gov. Ron DeSantis approved just under half a million dollars for the historic district. And it comes at a time where safety is one of the concerns for the area. 

Inside the Las Vegas Tattoo Company, owners Tony "Doc Dog" Baker and Michele "Belle" Amoroso have been greeting customers for 20 years and counting.

But in October, something happened they did not think possible — a shooting in downtown that left two people dead and dozens injured.

“It was a rarity,” said Amoroso. “I mean, I didn’t feel like this is something that goes down all the time, and I’ve been here for 20 years.”

Officials say that shooting is what prompted the state to grant Ybor City around $470,000 for new security cameras in this year’s state budget.

“The more security, just the more better off it is,” said Baker. “We are the party place, so we get a little extra of the traffic of the rowdy people occasionally, and stuff like that.”

There are a few security cameras already installed in locations like traffic intersections

“We feel better when we know that we’re in a safer environment, right?” said Amoroso. “So, regardless of what happens on a day-to-day, people that come and visit our city are going to come to the historic district, and they’re going to know that they feel safe.”

With continued tourism and reliable clientele, both Baker and Amoroso said added security could only help the city.

“Ybor, man, this place is so old down here that it’s got some of the old ghosts hanging around,” Baker said. “We’re kind of special down here in Ybor, but I see it getting bigger and busier.”