Florida’s Sunset To Rise Again

The Tampa Sports Authority board of directors voted Sept. 12 to continue the two-day EDM fest at Raymond James Stadium over the objections of Mayor Bob Buckhorn and others, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

“With our partners, we will continue to work together to create and maintain a safe environment at next year’s festival and for many years to come,” Sunset Music Festival owner John Santoro said in a statement reported by the paper. “And as we learn about better or safer ways to do things, we are committed to continuing to improve.”

The mayor begged to differ.

“These are promoters in pursuit of profit and they could care less for the health, safety and welfare of attendees,” Buckhorn said, adding the city and festival are “far from partners.”

Sunset Music Festival has taken place at Raymond James Stadium every summer since 2012 and this year attendance saw a 6 percent increase to more than 51,000. Security was also increased with 473 security guards, 199 off-duty police and 72 off-duty emergency medical techs, according to the Times.

The sports authority also submitted to the city a list of best practices for adoption prior to the next festival, with suggestions including an increase in onsite medical personnel, more free hydration stations and water bottles for distribution, expanded capacity in cooling tents and shaded areas, and addition of more undercover patrols and police dogs.