Tampa Unveils Bob Buckhorn River Center, Celebrates City’s Growth!

Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Tampa, USA - In a heartfelt ceremony held on June 25, 2025, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor officially renamed the Tampa River Center at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park to the Bob Buckhorn River Center. This significant gesture honors former Mayor Bob Buckhorn for his unwavering dedication and vision in revitalizing the city, particularly its connection to the Hillsborough River. The River Center, nestled in a sprawling 25-acre park in northwest downtown Tampa, has become a thriving hub, hosting over 200 events and generating more than $600,000 in revenue in the past year, as reported by Tampa Bay Times.

The park, named after former Mayor Julian B. Lane—who played a pivotal role during desegregation—provides a backdrop for a variety of activities that cater to the community. From weddings to children’s summer camps, the center buzzes with life, attracting over 500 daily visitors. Buckhorn, who served as mayor from 2011 to 2019, has indeed left an indelible mark on the city, as recognized by Castor during the ceremony. She declared June 25, 2025, as Bob Buckhorn River Center Day to celebrate his contributions. He is also rumored to be a potential candidate for the 2027 mayoral race.

Impact of the Tampa Riverwalk

The renaming of the River Center coincides with the ongoing transformation of Tampa, driven significantly by the Tampa Riverwalk. This 2.6-mile-long open space and pedestrian trail has opened up the Hillsborough River to residents and visitors alike, effectively linking various neighborhoods from Channelside to Tampa Heights. Tampa Magazine elaborates on how the Riverwalk has become a magnet for developers, leading to significant investments in the area. New residential options, luxury accommodations, and vibrant commercial spaces are sprouting up along this picturesque route.

The Riverwalk has not only elevated property values—from $275 million in 2015 to over $1 billion today—but also fostered community initiatives. Buckhorn noted that its development has spurred new affordable housing opportunities and attracted new businesses, such as a Publix opening later this year in West Tampa. As investments continue, the enviable “Riverwalk effect” encourages more patrons to explore the bustling downtown scene, with attractions like the Tampa Convention Center and Amalie Arena easily accessible.

A Vision for the Future

Moving ahead, plans are in place to further extend the Riverwalk to Ybor City and expand its waterfront presence, with completion expected around 2030. Major development projects, including the ambitious $300 million Rome Yard in West Tampa, are already on the drawing board. With continued support and funding, including a $25 million federal grant dedicated to the next phase of extension, the future of the Riverwalk looks bright.

As Buckhorn himself stated, the Riverwalk’s benefits have transformed Tampa’s landscape and lifestyle. He expressed hope for a continuous loop linking Bayshore Boulevard, a vision that could redefine the city’s connection to its waterways. The recent changes highlighted by the renaming of the River Center stand as a testament to where Tampa is headed—a community that recognizes and builds upon its past while looking toward a vibrant and integrated future.

In conclusion, honoring Bob Buckhorn through the renaming of the Tampa River Center is a celebration of progress and potential. It marks a milestone in Tampa’s rapid redevelopment, making the city not only more connected but also more inviting, as it embraces the beautiful Hillsborough River.