Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn says if it were up to him, the Sunset Music Festival would not be welcomed back to town.

The numbers are in, and it shows first responders and police had a busy weekend with the event.

  • 2 died and many more were taken to the hospital
  • Officials say drugs were a major part of the chaos
  • Mayor Buckhorn says Tampa might not invite Sunset Music Festival back

Fire Chief Thomas Forward says crews were called to the event, located at Raymond James Stadium, more than 80 times.

More than 50 people were taken to the hospital, and two died of suspected drug overdoses.

“Clearly, this was an event that we as a community really need to reconsider,” said Buckhorn.

Chief Forward says he staffed the event much like a Bucs game, but that there were far more calls for service than a Bucs game. In the end, the mayor says, there were more calls for service and arrests than Gasparilla.

“If it is going to continue, there’s an obligation on the part of the promoter to take more aggressive steps to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” said the mayor.

The Tampa Sports Authority has not commented on whether the festival will be welcomed back next year. This was the festival's fifth year in Tampa.

The number of arrests this year were actually down from years past, according to Tampa Police.

Promoters issued this statement:

“We take every measure to create a safe environment at our events. Any loss of life is a tragedy and we extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those affected.”