After serving 31 years with the Tampa Police Department, Jane Castor became the 59th and first openly LGBTQ mayor of the city of Tampa this year.
She worked her way from a beat cop to the first female Chief of Police. Castor helped reduce major crime by 70% citywide, oversaw the security plan for Super Bowl XLIII and led the Department of Homeland Security’s Tampa Bay Urban Area Security Initiative. It was announced this year that Super Bowl LV will return to Tampa in 2021, its fifth time.
Community outreach has always been a cornerstone of Castor’s career. As a cop, Jane knew the families, business owners and community leaders in her neighborhood and as Chief, she expected every officer to do the same. Under her watch, everyone was to be treated with dignity and respect.
On a national and local level, Castor is recognized for her leadership in law enforcement and community involvement. In November, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) awarded her the Courage in Government Award for her dedication to equality.
In August, she announced an executive order that the city of Tampa would recognize LGBT-certified businesses in contracting and procurement opportunities. Castor has also received the USF President’s Distinguished Citizen Award, Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Woman of Influence Award and more.
Under her leadership, Tampa has also received several recognitions. Reports found in 2019 that Tampa Bay was amongst the top areas for woman-owned business growth and that Tampa was one of the Top 10 metro areas for startup businesses. Tampa also ranked as the best small tech market in North America and the fifth best city for recreation. The city also received its fifth consecutive score of 100 in the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index in November.
Jane is a proud born and raised Tampanian and the city is proud of her.
