Christopher Columbus Park, Bayshore Blvd., Tampa

Columbus Memorial at Bayshore Boulevard and Platt Street, with downtown Tampa to the northeast . 1954. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

Christopher Columbus Memorial Park, 300 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL. 2021. © Chip Weiner

The Christopher Columbus Memorial statue on Bayshore Boulevard was dedicated in 1953 during a three-day ceremony. It was sculpted by Albert Sabas and dedicated to Paul Pupello Longo, founder of the Columbus Association of Tampa. The monument is a life-sized bronze of Columbus with a 16-foot limestone pedestal naming his three ships, Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria, vessels historically thought to have brought Columbus to North America. It also reads, “Erected by Contributions from Patriotic Americans.” When the park opened, it featured a large concrete area surrounded by grass and a few shrubs. It is now shaded by oak and palm trees. A reflecting pool replaced the mosaic-covered fountain.

For decades, Columbus has been a source of controversy for Native Americans and Florida Indigenous Rights organizations, citing Columbus’ mistreatment of natives. Some states have replaced Columbus Day, historically celebrated in October, with Indigenous Peoples Day. In Tampa, along with recent public outcries and vandalism, protesters have demanded the statue’s removal. For several weeks in 2020, the Tampa Police Department stood vigil in the park to prevent damage as protests increased.

In 2023, the city began a restoration project starting with repairing leaks, lights, and the fountain and pump in the reflecting pool. The inside was painted blue, while the outside was fitted with metal blocks to prevent skateboard damage. It was painted white. Mulch, plants, and landscaping plants were added around the pool area, along with sprinklers. The fountain and lights in the pool are once again operative.

© Chip Weiner. All Rights Reserved.

From Burgert Brothers: Look Again Vol. 2