Visually impaired tourists and Tampa Bay locals alike will soon have a better chance of navigating the city, thanks to a partnership with a local tech startup.
The city of Tampa has teamed up with Lazarillo, a Chilean-turned-Tampa-based startup. Physical and app-based maps will be available to the community at large, with the maps offering a tool for the visually impaired that can help them navigate city parks and buildings through audio.
"I was really excited; it was the first time the city tried something like this, so it was quite new for them," Rene Espinoza, Lazarillo's CEO and founder, said. "They needed to do it from the ground up and for our team, it was really important because our objective is to improve the city’s accessibility and inclusivity."
The pilot will span 15 months and be implemented in city buildings, Julian B. Lane park and a mural within the park. Anyone can utilize the app and map for free and leave feedback for further improvement.
"One of the biggest battles faced by people with disabilities is the struggle for increased access," Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said in a statement. "Access for people with disabilities improves access for everyone. By implementing Lazarillo, the city of Tampa is taking the next big step in expanding opportunities for diversity and inclusion across city facilities."
Lazarillo first moved to the region after participating in the Tampa Bay Wave TechDiversity accelerator program in 2019.
"The city itself is pushing innovation and between Tampa and St. Pete; they're creating an ecosystem," Espinoza said. "And in terms of population, Florida is one of the biggest states with disabilities and older age. And Tampa has so many great attractions where our technology could be valuable."
Lazarillo has previously worked with the city of Detroit on a similar program and itstechnology is utilized in 240 buildings across the nation. The app can be used far beyond city buildings, including malls, hospitals, museums and transportation. Espinoza hopes to have 1,000 projects by the end of next year.
"It's really insightful how our tools can help in multiple ways like how to experience a park and access public places," Espinoza said. "Our main idea is how to create a suite of solutions so a company can improve accessibility, but it's also for general way-finding."
Espinoza launched the company in 2016 after creating the first version of the app for his thesis project in 2013. The company now has 29 employees — all remote — but with the hopes to boost its local presence in Tampa Bay.
Espinoza has buoyed the company with grants and his own funding but is now closing a $1 million seed round and a Series A by the end of next year.
