Unity, Downtown Development Focus of State of the City Address

A standing-room only crowd gathered at the Kress Building in downtown Tampa on Tuesday to bolster with applause a State of the City address made by Mayor Bob Buckhorn that touted job creation, downtown development and unity among local officials around Tampa Bay.

During the 25-minute address, Buckhorn, who took office in the spring of 2011, discussed crime reduction, a community coalition to reduce it and the importance of the completion of the downtown Riverwalk project, saying that while much work had been done in the city, more was required to ensure Tampa becomes one of "America's greatest cities."

"Our future is going to be decided by us," Buckhorn said. "I didn't run for this office to be. I ran for this office to do."

Buckhorn said City of Tampa and Hillsborough County ties are stronger than ever, which he deemed necessary to continue Tampa Bay's forward momentum.

"I'm not playing second fiddle to Miami," Buckhorn said. "It's our turn."

The address, which was open to the public, began around 11 a.m. in the historic Kress Building. Things kicked off with the city's gospel choir, wearing all black ensembles with kinte cloth draped on their shoulders, singing two songs before a prayer, Pledge of Allegiance and short video presentation about Tampa Bay's recent progress.

At times, the crowd of a few hundred people clapped their hands or nodded their heads while Buckhorn spoke.

Buckhorn thanked city employees for their work, and elaborated on the importance of unity in Tampa Bay.

"We don't care anymore who is Democratic or Republican, who is rural or urban, who is Pinellas or Hillsborough. We are in this together."

While the uptick of economic development - Buckhorn cited residential towers being built downtown and renovations to the federal courthouse as examples - was key in the address, Buckhorn said the recession's effect on the city's budget is still an issue.

Buckhorn said the deficit this year is close to $20 million, compared to $34 million when he took office in 2011. Cuts in previous years were made without laying off city employees or raising taxes, Buckhorn said.

"We've got some tough decisions ahead of us," he said. "There is no low-hanging fruit."

Saying that downtown Tampa was "booming like it was decades ago," Buckhorn wrapped up his address with talk of the region's diversity.

"I don't care what gods you worship or who you love," he said. "We are in this together."

Did you watch the address? What did you think? Tell us in the comments.