2024 Annual Report

LETTER FROM MAYOR JANE CASTOR, CITY OF TAMPA

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MESSAGE FROM MARYBETH WILLIAMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk,

As we reflect on 2024, I am filled with gratitude and pride for what we have achieved together. This year has been one of growth, innovation, and strengthened connections within our community. Thanks to your unwavering support, the Tampa Riverwalk has continued to thrive as a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike, embodying our shared vision of a dynamic and inclusive space.

In 2024, we celebrated remarkable milestones. Our signature events, including Riverwalk Trick or Treat, the Holiday Spectacular, Tampa Riverfest, and the July 4th Boat Parade & Blessing of the Fleet, brought thousands of families and friends together. These free, family-friendly events have not only enriched our community’s cultural fabric but have also demonstrated the power of public spaces to unite us all.

This year also marked significant progress in enhancing the Riverwalk experience. From the expansion of our “Paving the Way” program, which now honors even more loved ones and special moments through personalized granite pavers, to the publication of the updated Tampa Attractions & Riverwalk Brochure, we’ve ensured that every visitor can fully appreciate the beauty, history, and excitement our Riverwalk has to offer.

Additionally, we’ve deepened our commitment to accessibility and sustainability. Through partnerships and grant funding, we’ve initiated projects to improve lighting, landscaping, and infrastructure along the Riverwalk, making it a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

None of this would have been possible without you—our supporters, volunteers, and community partners. Your belief in our mission fuels our work and inspires us to dream bigger. As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to build on this momentum. Plans are already underway for new events, enhanced amenities, and initiatives that will further establish the Tampa Riverwalk as a premier destination.

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. Together, we are creating a legacy for future generations to enjoy. I invite you to continue walking with us, sharing in the joy, connection, and possibilities that the Riverwalk brings to our city.

With heartfelt gratitude,

MaryBeth Williams
Executive Director
Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk

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LETTER FROM ANTHONY DERBY, FoR BOARD CHAIR

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Partners,

As Board Chair of the Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk, I am honored to reflect on another extraordinary year of progress and community impact. The Tampa Riverwalk has not only continued to serve as a vibrant centerpiece for our city but also as a space where residents and visitors alike connect, celebrate, and enjoy the best Tampa has to offer.

This year, we have made incredible strides in advancing our mission to active, develop, and promote the Riverwalk. From enhancing the Riverwalk experience to hosting a record-breaking number of community events, the Riverwalk remains a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration and shared vision.

We are particularly proud of our efforts to expand accessibility and inclusivity. Whether it’s through programming that highlights Tampa’s rich cultural diversity or initiatives aimed at improving the Riverwalk’s infrastructure, we’ve worked to ensure that everyone feels welcome and inspired in this space.

Our achievements this year would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our donors, and the commitment of our partners in both the public and private sectors. To each of you, I extend my deepest gratitude. Together, we have strengthened not just the Riverwalk, but also the bonds of our community.

As we look ahead, we are excited to build on this momentum. With several transformative projects in the pipeline, including the construction of the West Riverwalk, we are poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in the Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk. It is your passion and dedication that fuel our work and ensure the Riverwalk remains a beloved asset for generations to come.

With gratitude and optimism,
Anthony Derby
Board Chair, Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk

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FINANCES

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MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Website

FACEBOOK

Other

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RIVERWALK RECOGNITION

• USA TODAY: Top 10 Riverwalks in the Nation
• USA TODAY: Top 10 Best Public Holiday Lights Display
• Fodor's Travel: 15 Best Riverwalks in the United States
• TIME Magazine: World’s Greatest Places
• Guide to Florida Recreation Places: Best of Florida Regional Winners
• City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor: “The Tampa Riverwalk has substantially transformed the downtown waterfront into a vibrant setting, making our Hillsborough River the center of the city.”

Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency on GuideStar

SIGNATURE EVENTS

2024 RIVERFEST

The 8th Annual Tampa Riverfest, a free two-day public event, took place on May 3–4, 2024.

• Festival Highlights:
  • The event spanned over half of the Riverwalk, including several parks, and featured family-friendly activities showcasing Tampa's cultural institutions, local musicians, and restaurants.
  • Signature attractions included the Taste of Riverwalk on Friday night and TacoFest on Saturday.
• Entertainment:
  • Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park hosted a full concert series headlined by Arrested Development on Saturday night, complemented by a stunning balloon glow on both evenings.
  • The Water Works Park Stage featured music curated by the Gasparilla Music Foundation on Saturday, with performances by local bands and the Pride Band.
• Market & Activities:
  • The 2024 event brought back the popular market at Water Works Park, featuring over 30 local vendors selling a variety of goods.
  • Additional activities included a wiener dog derby, a lantern parade, yoga sessions, and a paddle invasion.
• VIP Experience:
  • VIP attendees enjoyed exclusive access to a private tent, a reserved section near the main stage, all-inclusive food and drinks, and private restrooms.
• Attendance & Vendors:
  • The festival attracted approximately 25,000 attendees, with over 50 local vendors participating.
• Sponsors:
  • Generous support was provided by 101 N Meridian, 1905 Family of Restaurants, Armature Works, Ashley, Barrymore Hotel, Busch Gardens, Clear Channel, Coca-Cola Florida, Diamond View Studios, Gobioff Foundation, Holidays Network Group, iHeart, Lay’s, Leaf Filter, Marriott Water Street Hotel & JW Marriott, Matt Law, Mosaic, Novel Beach Park, Pepin Distributing, Publix Super Markets, Splitsville, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays & Rowdies, Tampa Well, Teachers Federal Credit Union, Tito's, Ultimate Medical Academy, Urban Kai, Valley Bank, Verizon, Wade Trim, Westgate Marketing, and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

2024 July 4th Boat Parade & Water Ski Show

The 4th Annual July 4th Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet took place on July 4, 2024, offering a free, family-friendly celebration of Independence Day along Tampa’s waterfront and Riverwalk.

Event Highlights:

• The event provided a safe and festive opportunity for families to enjoy the holiday, the Riverwalk, and the waterfront.
• Sparkman Wharf Activations:
  • Featured a VIP area with food, beverages, and bleacher seating for prime views of the parade and fireworks.
  • Included interactive elements such as a game zone, photo opportunities, a cool-down area, and a DJ to keep the energy high.
  • Hosted eight vendors: Uncle Sam, 360 Focus Events, the Tampa Bay Lightning, Ashley, Busch Gardens, Whatever Pops, and Splitsville.

Boat Parade & Festivities:

• Pre-Parade Show:
  • The Tampa Bay Water Ski Team dazzled spectators with a water ski show in front of Sparkman Wharf.
• Boat Parade:
  • Hundreds of festively decorated boats participated in the parade, with many decked out in patriotic red, white, and blue themes.
  • Ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneer Dexter Jackson served as the grand marshal.
  • Boats competed for prizes, including a trophy for the Most Patriotic Boat.
• Blessing of the Fleet:
  • A blessing station, led by Fathers Mike Jones, Zack Elliott, and Steve Kluge from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, offered blessings to participating boats for a safe and enjoyable boating season.
  • This cherished tradition, rooted in fishing and boating communities worldwide, continues to bring meaning to the event.

Spectator Experience:

• Thousands of spectators safely lined the Riverwalk, neighboring parks, restaurants, and attractions from Sparkman Wharf to Armature Works.
• Judging & Prizes:
  • In partnership with the Jr. Bucs Club, eight children served as judges for the boat competition.
  • Numerous boaters received prizes, with the Most Patriotic Boat earning a trophy and additional awards.
• Fireworks Finale:
  • A stunning fireworks display above Sparkman Wharf concluded the evening, delighting the crowd.

Attendance & Community Support:

• Attendance:
  • Approximately 9,500 attendees enjoyed activities at Sparkman Wharf throughout the day.
  • Nearly 21,000 boat parade spectators lined the Riverwalk and parks, based on Placer.ai data.
• Sponsors:

The event was supported by 13 sponsors, including 101 N. Meridian, Barrymore Hotel, Diamond View Studios, Florida Avenue Brewing, Hotel Tampa Riverwalk, Marriott, Pirate Water Taxi, Splitsville, Straz, UNation, Water Street, Yacht StarShip, and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners

2024 RIVERWALK TRICK OR TREAT

The 8th Annual Riverwalk Trick or Treat was a free, family-friendly community event that brought Halloween excitement to Tampa’s Riverwalk. 

Event Highlights:

• Treat Stations & Activation:
  • The event featured 53 treat stations spanning 1.6 miles along the Riverwalk, from Water Works Park to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
  • Both parks were activated with entertainment and activities for attendees.
  • 3,000 trick-or-treat bags were distributed to attendees.
• Attendance & Atmosphere:
  • The event attracted an estimated 25,000 attendees.
  • DJs in both parks provided lively entertainment, while food trucks offered refreshments.
  • Two Halloween-themed photo stations were set up along the trick-or-treat route for memorable snapshots.

Activities & Entertainment:

• Featured Activities:
  • Movie on the Lawn: Families enjoyed a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas, presented in partnership with BayCare Kids.
  • Pumpkin Patch & Painting: Reeve’s Pumpkins sponsored a festive pumpkin patch and painting station.
  • Thriller Flash Mob: Performers thrilled crowds with energetic flash mob performances in both parks.
• Costume Contests:
  • Kids & Pets: A costume contest featured four age groups for children and two categories for pets (small and large). Three winners were selected in each category.
  • Judges for the contests were students from Tampa Preparatory School.
  • The Kids Wish Network generously provided over 200 free costumes for participants.

Sponsors & Support:

• Event Sponsors:
  • The event was made possible with the support of Banko Overhead Doors, Barrymore Hotel, BayCare Kids, Busch Gardens, Clear Channel, Diamond View Studios, Florida Avenue Brewing, Grow Financial, iHeart Media, Imagine Pediatrics, Liquid Death, Manthey Hospitality, Prime Hydration, Tampa Bay MOR-TV, Ultimate Medical Academy, and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

2024 HOLIDAY HARBOUR TREE LIGHTING

The 4th Annual Holiday Harbour Tree Lighting took place on Sunday, December 1, 2024, officially kicking off the Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular.

Event Highlights:

• Mayor’s Involvement:
  • Mayor Jane Castor addressed the crowd before boarding a Pirate Water Taxi to light both Riverwalk holiday trees:
    • The iconic 35-foot-tall LED tree floating in the Convention Center basin.
    • The new 30-foot-tall RGB panel tree, synchronized to music and placed on land along the Riverwalk in front of The Sail Pavilion.
• Entertainment:
  • A DJ emceed the event and entertained attendees throughout the evening.
  • Santa Claus was onsite, delighting families with photo opportunities.
  • Tampa City Ballet performed scenes from The Nutcracker along with other dances, adding a magical touch to the festivities.
• Treats & Hospitality:
  • Complimentary cookies were served to guests as they enjoyed the holiday atmosphere.

Sponsors:

The event was made possible with the generous support of Grow Financial, Mosaic, Pirate Water Taxi, Russell Coaching for Students, Tampa Convention Center, Tampa General Hospital, Yacht StarShip, and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

2024 HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR

6th Annual Holiday Spectacular on the Tampa Riverwalk
Presented by Mosaic, the 6th year of the dazzling holiday lights display along the Tampa Riverwalk delighted visitors with the following features:

Key Displays:

• Christmas Trees:
  • A stunning 35-foot-tall LED lighted Christmas tree floating in the Convention Center basin.
  • A mesmerizing 30-foot-tall RGB lighted panel Christmas tree synchronized to music, located on land in front of The Sail Pavilion.
• Selfie Stations:
  • Two holiday-themed selfie stations at Laurel Street Plaza and Water Works Park.
• Decorations Along the Riverwalk:
  • Lighted garlands and red bows adorning the Riverwalk light poles.
  • A festively decorated gazebo in Water Works Park.
  • A 12-foot lighted Christmas tree displayed on the Water Works Park boat dock.
  • Thousands of twinkling white lights illuminating the grand oaks in Water Works Park.
• Floating Displays:
  • A gingerbread-themed lighted display in the river by Laurel Street Park.
  • A toy train, teddy bear on a toy horse, and two pirate ships (14’ and 22’ in length) floating near Water Works Park.
  • A 21-foot Pirate Sword Fight lighted display and a Pirate with Spyglass and Treasure Chest display floating in the river near Water Works Park.
  • Two lighted pine tree forests floating near Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
  • An 18-foot igloo with a whimsical trio of penguins sliding inside, floating near Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

Sponsors:

The Holiday Spectacular was made possible with the support of:
Barrymore Hotel, Diamond View Studios, Florida Avenue Brewing, Grow Financial, Kroger, Mosaic, Pirate Water Taxi, Sparkman Wharf, Tampa General Hospital, Teacher’s Federal Credit Union, UNation, Yacht StarShip, and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

Event Duration:

The spectacular holiday display ran from December 1, 2024, through January 2, 2025, creating a magical experience for locals and visitors alike.

2024 HOLIDAY LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

On December 21, 2024, Friends of the Riverwalk hosted another highly successful Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, presented by Yacht Starship and Pirate Water Taxi.

Event Highlights:

• Family-Friendly Fun:
  • The event provided a free and safe opportunity for families to enjoy the festive boat parade, waterfront views, and the Riverwalk’s holiday atmosphere.
• Participation & Spectacle:
  • Over 100 boats registered, with several hundred festively decorated vessels cruising along the route.
  • This year’s grand marshals were Santa Claus and Frozen’s beloved characters, Anna and Elsa.
• Spectator Experience:
  • Thousands of spectators lined the Riverwalk and parks to witness the dazzling lighted boat parade.
  • The parade was live-streamed on social media by WTSP, extending its reach beyond the Riverwalk.
• VIP Experience:
  • Splitsville Tiki + Social hosted a VIP section at Sparkman Wharf, offering premium seating, food, and beverages for guests to watch the parade in style.

Awards & Recognition:

• Judging Panel:
  • Judges for the event were pairs from Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, adding a community-focused touch.
• Prizes & Swag:
  • Trophies and prizes were awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place best-decorated boats.
  • Boaters received swag bags during the Captain’s Party, sponsored by American Social.

Sponsors:
The Holiday Lighted Boat Parade was made possible with the generous support of:
American Social, Armature Works, Diamond View Studios, Jackson’s Bistro, Marriott Water Street, Sparkman Wharf, Splitsville, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

2024 Riverwalk Clean-up Facts

Friends of the Riverwalk hosted several Riverwalk clean-ups this year in partnership with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.  Trash caught in our waterways tends to wash up on the Riverwalk shoreline specifically around USF Park and Cotanchobee Park where there is plentiful mangrove vegetation.  Riverwalk volunteers work tirelessly to keep our Riverwalk, waterways and shorelines free of trash and debris.  Consider volunteering at our next clean-up and make a difference! 

Stats  
-4 clean-ups 
-167 volunteers
-501 hours
-181 bags of trash collected
-634 pounds of trash removed from Riverwalk

Partners
-Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful
-Church at Channelside
-Dance Tampa Bay
-Hidden Springs Ale Works
-Ulele
-The Rotary Club
-Florida Aquarium

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PROGRAMS

BANNERS

Friends of the Riverwalk continued its successful corporate program in 2024. Corporate members and local businesses promoted their business and special events with the corporate banner program. Foot traffic along the Riverwalk exceeds 100,000 visitors each month.  Banners are displayed along the Riverwalk year-round to enhance the brand of the Tampa Riverwalk, as well as to promote our supportive members.

There are 107 light poles along the Tampa Riverwalk with 188 available banner spaces. 41 organizations advertised using Riverwalk banner space during 2024.

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RIVERWALK SPECIALTY CUPS

This program allows individuals to exit a licensed premise within the Riverwalk Specialty Center and possess and consume their alcoholic beverages anywhere within the confines of the Riverwalk open container area between the hours of 11 AM and 1 AM.

Participating vendors include:

• 3 Corners Pizza
• Anchor and Brine at Tampa Marriott Water Street
• Columbia Café located in Tampa Bay History Center
• Four Green Fields Irish Pub
• Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
• Lost Pearl
• Malio’s Prime Steakhouse
• Pearl Tampa
• Pirate Water Taxi
• Publix Super Market at Water Street Tampa
• Sail Pavilion
• Straz Center for the Performing Arts
• Ulele Restaurant and Brewery

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PERSONALIZED RIVERWALK PAVERS

Friends of the Riverwalk continued its successful Paving the Way program in 2024. The Paving the Way program has raised funds for the organization.  It also adds to the identity and sense of place on the Riverwalk, allowing residents and visitors to commemorate special occasions, honor loved ones or share their love of Tampa on a personalized 12”x12” granite paver.

In 2024, 185 personalized pavers were engraved on the Tampa Riverwalk. Many marriage proposals, new additions to families, significant conferences and major events were memorialized on the Riverwalk.  If you have a special Riverwalk paver story, we would love to hear it!

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HISTORICAL MONUMENT TRAIL

Nestled along Tampa’s Riverwalk, the Historical Monument Trail of beautiful bronze and marble busts and monuments tells the story of many noteworthy people and the significant events that have shaped the history of Tampa and Hillsborough County. It is many things: an educational tool for children and adults, for visitors and residents alike; a commemoration of our ancestors that have contributed so much to our life and culture today; and an inspiration to our entire community.

To make the Historic Monument Trail a reality, The Friends of the Riverwalk, in collaboration with the Tampa Bay History Center, established an esteemed group of local honorees and experts to designate Tampa’s ancestors. There are a total of thirty honorees that were designated from 2012 through 2017.

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TAMPA ATTRACTIONS & RIVERWALK BROCHURE

Friends of the Riverwalk once again produced the #1 brochure pulled in racks throughout the Tampa Bay area in 2023. This publication provides great awareness of what our beautiful city has to offer including local attractions and entertainment, hotels, restaurants, transportation options and exciting community events. The brochure is printed twice a year, once in the spring/summer and again in the fall/winter.  More than 150,000 of these brochures are distributed around Tampa, the region and the state.

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2024 Tampa Attractions & Riverwalk Brochure Corporate Membership

DIAMOND

Visit Tampa Bay

PLATINUM

Manthey Hospitality – YSS, PWT, Riverwalk Rentals, Craft, Lost Pearl, Bay Rocket
Busch Gardens
Florida Aquarium
Glazer Children's Museum
Splitsville/Jotoro
Straz Center
Tampa Marriott Water Street & JW
Tampa Museum of Art

GOLD

American Social
Barrymore Hotel
Malio's
Sparkman Wharf
ZooTampa
Tampa Theatre
Hampton Chocolates
Jackson's Bistro
Tampa Bay History Center

SILVER

Aramark/Sail/Big Rays
GOGO Charters Tampa
Hilton Downtown Tampa
Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
National Charter Bus Tampa
Tampa Charter Bus Company
American Victory Ship
H.B. Plant Museum

2024 CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP

DIAMOND

1905 Family of Restaurants
Barrymore Hotel
Diamond View Studios
Florida Avenue Brewing
JNR Family Foundation
Margaritaville at Sea
Visit Tampa Bay

PLATINUM

Teachers Federal Credit Union

GOLD

Beck Group
Redstone
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Rays & Rowdies
Valley Bank

SILVER

Hill Ward Henderson
Tampa Downtown Partnership
Tampa General Hospital

BRONZE

Cushman Wakefield
Florin Roebig
Partners in Printing
Regions Private Wealth Management
Sunset Events
Tampa Bay Chamber

PEARL

Ybor Chamber

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MISSION

Working in partnership with the city to develop, activate and promote Tampa’s downtown waterfront.

VISION

To be America's Iconic Riverwalk.

PURPOSE

• Support further expansion and development that increases community access to the waterfront, improves mobility and connectivity and increases people-oriented uses and experiences along the Riverwalk.
• Create an inviting outdoor destination showcasing downtown parks, museums, attractions, and businesses through outdoor public events and programming.
• Build a stronger sense of community for everyone.

STAFF