In a ceremony held today, the Tampa River Center at Julian B. Lane Park was officially renamed in honor of former Mayor Bob Buckhorn. The facility will now be known as the Bob Buckhorn River Center. The event was attended by Mayor Jane Castor, community leaders, local elected officials, city staff, and the Buckhorn family.
The renaming acknowledges Buckhorn’s significant contributions to the city’s development, particularly his efforts to reconnect Tampa with the Hillsborough River and revitalize the West Tampa riverfront. “It’s only fitting to give this building, the beating heart of our waterfront, a name that honors the man who brought it to life,” said Mayor Castor during her remarks.
Under Buckhorn’s leadership from 2011 to 2019, Julian B. Lane Park transformed into a cultural and recreational hub. The park now hosts numerous events and activities for residents and visitors alike. Mayor Castor highlighted some recent achievements of the center: “210 events hosted in the last year,” “$600,000+ in event revenue,” “$1.25 million in catering sales fueling the local economy,” “welcoming more than 500 daily visitors and 100 children a week in summer camps,” and being “home to 4 high school rowing teams, 3 dragon boat teams, and a community team.”
Former Mayor Bob Buckhorn expressed his gratitude: “Serving as mayor of this city I love was the greatest privilege of my life… To now have my name on a place that embodies community, joy, and everything good about Tampa is deeply humbling.”
The ceremony concluded with a proclamation declaring June 25, 2025, as Bob Buckhorn River Center Day in Tampa. Attendees witnessed the unveiling of new signage bearing the center’s new name.
This tradition continues in Tampa where current mayors honor past mayors who have significantly contributed to shaping the city. Other landmarks named after former mayors include Pam Iorio Garage, William F. Poe Garage, Curtis Hixon Park, Lloyd Copeland Park, Nick Nuccio Parkway, Sandra W. Freedman Tennis Complex, Dick Greco Plaza, and Julian B. Lane Park.
