TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn played a key role in the construction of the Tampa River Center during his time in office. On Wednesday, Mayor Jane Castor rewarded her predecessor with the distinction of having that event and community venue renamed in honor of Buckhorn.

“It’s always nice to be recognized. I had the chance to do it for Mayor (Pam) Iorio. I know how much that meant to her,” Buckhorn said.

In a proclamation, Castor called Wednesday “Bob Buckhorn River Center Day.” It’s not unusual for a sitting mayor to honor their predecessor. It’s a tradition in Tampa.

“I’m really appreciative of what Mayor Castor did for me,” Buckhorn said.

The River Center is located just outside downtown Tampa at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. It’s an area that once housed cigar factories and workers and it was an area home to many Black families. During a speech, Buckhorn mentioned the historical significance of the property.

“This was sacred ground, and we understood that,” Buckhorn said. “We sat with the neighborhood and asked them what they wanted, what they wanted for their children, what types of facilities they wanted for their children.”

Community activist Connie Burton, who is involved with the NAACP as well, questions whether the venue and its renaming pay tribute to those workers and families.

“Who truly benefits from a facility such as this?” Burton asked. “It’s not really significant to working-class people.”

Buckhorn also confirms he hopes to represent those working-class people, once again, who Burton mentioned.

“It’s probably the worst-kept secret in Tampa,” Buckhorn said. “I’m going to do it. We can’t afford to miss this window.”

He specifically mentioned stormwater, potholes, and traffic as some of the problems to tackle because of Tampa’s growth.
This effort to return to his old job is the reason Castor said this mayoral tradition of dedicating a property or facility, which is often done later in the term, needed to happen well before 2027.

“Usually, it’s done at the end of a term, but I didn’t want to get involved in any of the politics,” Castor said.

Councilman Bill Carlson is considering a run for office, among others. Community Activist Alan Henderson is the first to officially file for the city’s mayoral seat.