Gary Hartfield Officially Launches Campaign for Mayor of Tampa

TAMPA, FL — Nearly 300 Tampa residents, business owners, community leaders and supporters gathered Thursday, Aug. 20, as entrepreneur and community leader Gary Hartfield formally kicked off his campaign for Mayor of the City of Tampa.

The evening marked a significant milestone for Hartfield’s campaign, bringing together a diverse cross-section of the community for a program focused on his background, leadership and vision for Tampa’s future.

Hartfield, a longtime Tampa business leader, mentor and community advocate, entered the mayoral race earlier this year. During his kickoff address, he outlined a campaign centered on ensuring Tampa’s continued growth creates opportunities for residents while addressing challenges surrounding affordability, neighborhood stability and the pressures facing local small businesses.

The event also provided a more personal introduction to Hartfield through remarks from people who have known and worked alongside him throughout different stages of his career.

In the spirit of the start of football season, Super Bowl Champion BJ Daniels, NFL Alum Sam Barrington and Wes Lyons served as co-hosts for the evening, guiding the program and sharing their perspectives on Hartfield’s leadership, commitment to community, and investment in others. Additional speakers included Beth Cahill and Bo Pheng, local entrepreneurs and business leaders.

The nearly 300-person turnout offered an early indication of the interest surrounding Hartfield’s candidacy. Guests spent the first portion of the evening networking and connecting with campaign supporters before gathering for the formal program and Hartfield’s remarks.

Endless Cuisine sponsored and provided the catering for the campaign kickoff.

For Hartfield, the kickoff represents the beginning of a more public phase of the campaign. In the months ahead, the campaign plans to continue engaging Tampa residents, neighborhood stakeholders, business owners, and community organizations as Hartfield further develops and communicates his priorities for the city.