Key Developments at the University of South Florida on August 31, 2025

TAMPA, Fla., August 31, 2025 - Today brought heightened tension and spirited enthusiasm to the University of South Florida (USF) Tampa campus, as law enforcement responded to a reported shooting scare and the Bulls men’s soccer team prepared for its first home match of the season.

False Active-Shooter Alert Triggers Campus Evacuation

Shortly before midday, USF’s AlertUSF system triggered as students and faculty reported hearing what they believed to be gunfire in the campus library. Witnesses described seeing campus police “with guns out” and a helicopter circling overhead, prompting an orderly evacuation of the building and shelter-in-place orders across adjacent facilities. Tampa Police and USF Campus Police immediately converged on the library, scanning floors and surrounding areas. After a 45-minute sweep, authorities concluded that no shots had been fired and no individual with a firearm was present. “There is no threat to campus,” the official AlertUSF message reassured once the all-clear was given, attributing the incident to a false alarm.

Men’s Soccer Hosts FGCU in Season Opener

As campus life resumed, USF Athletics shifted focus to Corbett Stadium, where the Bulls men’s soccer team (1-0-2) welcomed Florida Gulf Coast University (1-1-0) at 7:00 p.m. for their Opening Night home contest. Promoted as “Bark in the Park,” the event featured a giveaway of 250 vuvuzelas and invited fans’ canine companions to join the crowd. Fans could follow live coverage on ESPN+ as USF sought to build on its early-season momentum following a 1-1 draw with UNC Greensboro in its home opener at Al Lang Stadium.

Student Life and Engagement

Beyond athletics, student organizations continued active recruitment and campus engagement. Tonight from 8:00-10:00 p.m., the Splatoon esports club held tryouts for its Fall 2025 competitive teams, inviting participants to represent USF in regional and national tournaments.

  • Additional details will be updated as the university releases further statements.