Tampa in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

John F. Kennedy in Tampa

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, June 28, 2014

1. John F. Kennedy in Tampa Marker

Inscription. On November 18, 1963, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, arrived in Tampa. The President's day-long visit thrilled the thousands of people who lined his 28 mile motorcade route.

He arrived at MacDill Air Force Base, home of the U.S. Strike Command, and was greeted by U.S. Representative Sam Gibbons, U.S. Senator George Smathers and Tampa Mayor Nick Nuccio.

At Al Lopez Field President Kennedy spoke about U.S.-Cuban relations at an occasion commemorating the 50th anniversary of Tony Jannus' Airboat Line flight from St. Petersburg to Tampa.

In his speech at Fort Homer Hesterly Armory in Tampa, before 4,500 guests of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Kennedy said:

"And if we can work in harmony if we can understand each other's problems and position if we can respect each other's roles and responsibilities, then surely the business of mankind will prosper and we will move ahead in a secure world, one where there is opportunity for all."

Four days later, John F. Kennedy was in Dallas, Texas.

Erected 2013 by Hillsbourgh County Historical Advisory Council JFK in Tampa Project.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is November 18, 1963.

Location. 27°

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56.867′ N, 82° 27.484′ W. Marker is in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. Marker is at the intersection of Kennedy Boulevard (Florida Route 60) and North Franklin Street, on the left when traveling east on Kennedy Boulevard. Marker is in Lykes Gaslight Square Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tampa FL 33602, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Rough Riders Passed By Here (here, next to this marker); The Salvation Army (within shouting distance of this marker); Tampa's First Paved Sidewalk (within shouting distance of this marker); Tampa POW/MIA (within shouting distance of this marker); Courthouse Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. Col. Frank S. Adamo, M.D. (within shouting distance of this marker); William F. Poe Plaza (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Capt. James McKay, I (1808 - 1876) (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tampa.

Also see . . . President John F. Kennedy visits Tampa, Miami and Miami Beach, Florida (YouTube, 6 min.). "President John F. Kennedy arrives at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa. His first stop is Al Lopez Field, where he delivers a speech. He then travels to the State Chamber of Commerce meeting and delivers another speech at a meeting at the Fort Homer Hesterly Armory. Then he

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, February 19, 2017

2. John F. Kennedy in Tampa Marker

flies to Miami to speak at a Democratic rally at the airport and at the Inter-American Press Association in Miami Beach. He returns to Washington late in the evening." (Submitted on October 8, 2020.)

John F. Kennedy image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, June 28, 2014

3. John F. Kennedy

Credits. This page was last revised on October 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,195 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 7, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.