Tampa officials to visit homes Friday — Do not forget to open the door

With more rainfall expected across the Tampa Bay region and over 200 dengue cases reported in Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa is stepping up efforts to prevent the mosquito-borne disease from spreading.

Beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, October 9, city employees will visit homes in several neighborhoods to provide residents with information about dengue, its symptoms and ways to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Florida Department of Health.

According to city officials, outreach teams will visit Southeast Seminole Heights, North Hyde Park, West Tampa, Forest Hills and Sulphur Springs. These neighborhoods were selected because dengue cases have been reported there by state health authorities.

The door-to-door campaign comes as officials prepare for additional rain, which could create more standing water and increase mosquito breeding opportunities.

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted primarily through infected mosquitoes. Symptoms can include fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, nausea and skin rashes. Although many people recover, some infections can become serious and require medical attention.

Tampa officials are encouraging residents to remove standing water from their properties, use mosquito repellent and take precautions to avoid bites.

The city is also addressing another problem that can contribute to mosquito populations: illegally discarded tires.

According to the City of Tampa, its Neighborhood Enhancement Department, also known as Code Enforcement, has intensified efforts to remove abandoned tires and other objects capable of collecting rainwater.

Over the past three months, city crews have removed approximately 23 tons of discarded tires.

Officials are currently monitoring 85 locations across Tampa, and two have received citations.

City employees have also been working with business owners to ensure commercial properties are free of materials that could become mosquito breeding sites.

The city says these measures are part of an ongoing effort to reduce dengue transmission and protect residents as wet weather continues across the region.

Residents experiencing symptoms of dengue are encouraged to contact a healthcare professional, particularly if symptoms worsen or include warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or unusual bleeding.

Source: City of Tampa — Official Public Health Announcement, October 8, 2026.

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