Tampa’s New Mayor, Bob Buckhorn | By Ronda M. Parag

Husband, father and now Tampa’s newly sworn in 58th Mayor, Bob Buckhorn is humbled, exhilarated and ready to lead Tampa for the next four years. “It was a long campaign and I knocked on over 25,000 doors,” said Buckhorn. “The days have been long and intense, but the response from all over the community is great. The people are ready for change. I’m excited. It has been almost a year of campaigning and days without a lot of sleep. With the exception of 6 days in July, I have worked every day since last May. It has been a physical and emotional challenge.” Buckhorn says that running for mayor was an all in, high stakes game. It was a risk he was willing to take again, after an unsuccessful attempt in 2003. “By being elected, I have the opportunity to “shape this city.” His motto: “Don’t fear failure.”

Having served Tampa and Hillsborough County in various capacities since 1987, Buckhorn has a passion for public service and making a difference in the community instilled to him by his parents, the late Bob Buckhorn and his mother, Rita. “As a parent of two young daughters, Grace and Colleen, I have an obligation to leave this city better than when I take it over.”

When asked how he wants to be referred, he says, “I’ll always be just ‘Bob’, but adds that his most important title, outside of 9 to 5 is “Dad.”

Metro: What do you feel makes Tampa a great city?

Buckhorn: Everything. We have unlimited potential. Diversity is a strength. Natural environment. Our building blocks are fairly strong. We have god-given and man-made talents to drive the entire Southeast.

M: What are some of your hobbies?

B: I use to fish a lot. We have a boat and l love to go in the Gulf of Mexico and flats. I love spending time with my kids.

M: What makes you laugh?

B: Anything. Life is very amusing. Everyday humor keeps us going.

M: What are a few favorite foods and places to dine?

B: I like seafood and Italian. There is Ella’s on Nebraska and The Refinery. For established places, I like Mise en Place and Thai Island, on Davis Islands.

M: Any summer vacation plans?

B: None until we get the budget to bed. Historically, we always go as a family to the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, NC. Families have been going for years, we are relative newcomers at 7 years. It is an amazing tradition.

M: What type of music do you like?

B: Irish music. Country Music, a few favorites are Rascal Flatts, Clint Black and George Straits. Also, a lot of Gospel. My playlist is diverse depending on my mood.

M: What are you reading?

B: A novel by Marcus Luttrell – Lone Survivor. It is story of survival and the heros of a Navy Seal team that went down in an Afghanistan village. Due to Afghan customs, the villagers are obligated to help “strangers in need.” They refused to give them over to the Taliban.

M: Who would you like to meet in history?

B: Nelson Mandela. Just look at his story - being incarcerated for 27 years by the white South African people. He is so forgiving and then leads the country out of apartheid. What an uplifting story and he shows all the goodness of a human being.

M: Five words that describe you.

B: Loyal, tenacious, forgiving, calm and optimistic.