TAMPA — One day after Mayor Bob Buckhorn announced that Eric Ward will replace retiring Police Chief Jane Castor, the department unveiled her plans to run a nonprofit that will "start its work where the city budget stops."
Police said Friday the nonprofit, Rise Tampa — Our Police Foundation, will raise money for advanced training, specialty equipment and new technology within the department that the city budget cannot fund. The foundation will also fund community outreach initiatives for at-risk children in Tampa's most challenged neighborhoods, officials said.
Tonight, Castor will be the subject of a comedy roast featuring comic Murv Seymour, former assistant police chief Bob Guidara and others during a roast at the T. Pepin Hospitality Center, which officials said is expected to draw more than 400 business executives and investors and raise more than $100,000 for the department.
More information about the foundation can be found at risetampa.org.