City Of Tampa, Community Members Host Historic Juneteenth Ceremony

TAMPA, Fla. - Dozens plan to gather at Tampa's Old City Hall to witness a historic flag-raising today, June 18. Mayor Jane Castor, City Councilman O

TAMPA, Fla. – Dozens plan to gather at Tampa’s Old City Hall to witness a historic flag-raising today, June 18. Mayor Jane Castor, City Councilman Orlando Gudes and the Tampa Bay Juneteenth Coalition will raise the Juneteenth flag over Old City Hall during an outdoor ceremony at the downtown municipal building.

The ceremony is taking place a day before the 156th anniversary of Juneteenth, also known across the nation as Freedom Day.

This is the first time the City will fly the Juneteenth flag on June 19, the anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States in 1865. The flag will remain hoisted over Old City Hall until June 20.

The City is also shining red, yellow, and green lights at Old City Hall, Curtis Hixon Park and its downtown bridges to further commemorate the importance of Juneteenth. The facilities will shine in traditional Pan African colors from June 18 to June 19 during the evening hours.

Earlier this week, Mayor Castor shared a message announcing the flag raising and encouraging community members to support Juneteenth celebrations taking place within the city.

This message from Mayor Castor: