Friday traffic near New Tampa's Lake Forest neighborhood turned into a headache after Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies shut down the community's entrance and exit during an unfolding investigation. The closure drew a noticeable law enforcement presence and quickly backed up nearby roads as deputies worked the scene. Residents and motorists were urged to steer clear of the area while investigators did their jobs.
Hillsborough deputies secure scene
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office confirmed that an investigation was underway and that the entrance and exit to the Lake Forest community were closed, asking people to avoid the area, according to WTSP. The outlet reported that a photo from the scene was credited to the sheriff's office and that the story was filed by reporter Andrea Chu.
"The entrance and exit of the Lake Forest community are closed," the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office told WTSP, repeating the request that people stay away while deputies investigate. Officials did not immediately release additional information about what led to the shutdown.
Close to USF and major roads
Lake Forest sits roughly one mile northwest of the University of South Florida's Tampa campus, near the intersection of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Lake Forest Drive, an area that sees a steady mix of student housing and commuter traffic. The university lists its Tampa campus address, and nearby property listings show homes on Lake Forest Drive close to Bruce B. Downs, underscoring the neighborhood's proximity to campus, according to Redfin and the University of South Florida.
Limited information so far
As of Friday afternoon, officials had not released further public details about the investigation. The responding agency is the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. This story will be updated if authorities share more information.
