Twitter is my favorite social media account because it often breaks news before most traditional channels can create and post stories. While you probably follow celebrities and athletes – because their tweets are so outrageous they usually are the news – you can also follow local accounts for the same reason. Our local police and government do a great job at keeping us safe, and keeping us in the know of everything happening in the city. Follow these five accounts to stay on top of the news anyone else can break it.
Tampa Fire Rescue (@FireRescueTampa)
Few accounts better cover breaking fire news in the area than Tampa Fire Rescue. They post when they arrive on the scene, update followers as they contain the flames, and post articles recapping the event when they know the cause.
TFR crews working a 2 alarm fire at 900 block E Grant Ave pic.twitter.com/IE2VUzream
— Tampa Fire Rescue (@FireRescueTampa) April 26, 2014
If there’s a fire in Tampa, or TFR get a call in the middle of the night, the Twitter will be updating. This account regularly breaks news before most channels can write a story or tweet about it themselves. They also retweet reporters and fans who tag them about events. This means they can report updates on what’s going on even if they’re not there.
Tampa Police Department (@TampaPD)
The Tampa PD does a great job of connecting with the community in person and on Twitter. Police Chief Jane Castor is well-known around town and was lauded after the Republican National Convention for leading the TPD and 3,500 officers brought in from around the state for extra security. On Twitter, she is a common sight, posing at the IIFA Awards and working with students.
Tampa’s top cop and some of her officers take a break to check out the incredible show! @IIFA #showtime pic.twitter.com/w3Fd0YhOUP
— TampaPD (@TampaPD) April 27, 2014
This account is more than a photo booth for the TPD. They regularly post updates about accidents and crimes in the area, and often ask followers for help identifying suspects. On New Year’s Eve, they posted phone numbers of cab companies and DD services and encouraged people to save them instead of driving drunk. This account is a great resource for Tampa locals looking to stay abreast of crime in the area – and looking to stay out of it.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (@HCSOSheriff)
The counterpart to the city’s police department is the HCSO, which posts throughout the day about traffic accidents, community opportunities like distracted driving classes, and tips to stay safe when on the road.
TRAFFIC: Lane closure(s) possible tonight, I-275 S/bound west of SR 60 to the east end (Tampa side) of Howard Frankland Bridge. 10pm-5:30am
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) April 30, 2014
HCSO has a smaller following and fewer tweets than TPD, but it’s just as important and growing fast. During an emergency, these groups can turn to Twitter to communicate immediately and answer questions instead of waiting for traditional media. Social media has become so influential and useful for police departments that many criminology bachelor’s degrees have started incorporating media training into the curriculum.
Follow HCSO today, because you’ll appreciate their updates if there’s ever a city-wide emergency.
Hillsborough Schools (@HillsboroughSch)
Those of you who grew up in the north remember turning on the TV or radio and listening to them list off counties and schools that were cancelled for snow days. Floridians remember the same tradition, except with Hurricane Days. Today, parents and students can check the Hillsborough Schools account to see if classes are called off or on track.
The massive FCAT mishap did NOT affect Hillsborough County Public Schools. Online testing went awry in dozens of districts, but not HCPS.
— Hillsborough Schools (@HillsboroughSch) April 22, 2014
A few weeks ago, Pasco County had issues with computer-based FCAT exams and had to postpone the testing for a few hours. Hillsborough assured parents that everything was running smoothly for its students and proceeded to thank teachers and administrators for their help. Anyone with a child in the HCPS school system will want to closely track this account.
Hillsborough County Government (@HillsboroughFL)
The last account to follow the news before the news is the Hillsborough government itself. On top of posting updates from the HCPS system and events happening downtown, this account posts updates from different branches of government that might not be the lead story on Bay News 9. For example, it posts information on controlled burns from the Parks and Recreation department. Residents smelling smoke during the day would want to know that they’re safe, and this account lets them know what’s happening.
Parks, Recreation and Conservation will conduct a prescribed burn today at Lower Green Swamp Preserve in Plant City. Info at 813-672-7876.
— Hillsborough FL (@HillsboroughFL) April 25, 2014
Turn to the government account to learn about road closures and parking options for major events like the recent IIFA and Gasparilla. Overall, it’s a helpful resource for all things happening in the county each day.
When you follow these accounts, you’ll be on top of everything that’s happening in Tampa, and probably become a news source for your friends. Thanks to everyone in who works to keep us safe and help our kids in school, and thanks to the anonymous names running these useful accounts.
About the Author
Amanda Dodge is half of the marketing team at Hat Trick Theatre, a local non-profit theatre group about to enter its 10th season. She is the anonymous name behind @HatTrickTheatre, and follows all of these accounts to stay abreast of possible traffic and events downtown.
Leave a Reply