The Sunset Music Festival will be allowed to continue — with a slew of new safety measures, the Tampa Sports Authority voted Monday.

  • Organizers agreed to list of safety improvements
  • Two people died after attending event last May
  • Deaths were drug-related

In May, two people died after attending the Memorial Day weekend event. Coroners determined their cause of death to be drug-related.

In addition, 57 people were transported to a hospital during the festival for heat and drug-related issues.

Sports authority board members met Monday to discuss the event's future.

"I want to be clear: Protecting the health and safety and welfare of our community and our fans is our top priority," said John Santoro with the Sunset Music Festival.

Organizers agreed to a long list of safety improvements, including adding more water stations, additional law enforcement officers and K-9 narcotics teams, an expanded footprint for the festival at Raymond James Stadium and a focus on educating people attending the festival on how to stay safe.

"There are a significant number of steps, but you're going to cater your security plan and your safety plan for each type of event," said Eric Hart, president and CEO of the Tampa Sports Authority, speaking to event organizers at the meeting.

Festival organizers said they are committed to making the event safe for years to come.

"This is something we should all be proud of," Santoro said. "It's a great festival, and we work hand in hand with our community. I'm very proud of it."