Mayor, chief to join Seminole Heights trick-or-treaters

TAMPA (FOX 13) - In the wake of three unsolved murders, residents in Seminole Heights will have plenty of officers and even the mayor on hand Halloween night.

The city of Tampa says Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Interim Police Chief Brian Dugan plan to celebrate Halloween on Tuesday evening by handing out candy at Giddens Park and joining kids for trick or treating in the southeast Seminole Heights area.

Three people have been killed in that area in the last month.  Investigators say the crimes are connected, but have few leads.

Last week, investigators released new surveillance video showing a person of interest running from the scene of one shooting, and officers have been going door to door looking for clues.  Meanwhile, the Tampa chapter of the Guardian Angels has been out walking the streets while residents carry on with the season’s festivities.

Tuesday night, Tampa police say, there will be increased patrols, including officers on horseback.  Florida Highway Patrol troopers will also be in the area.