ABOVE: Mayor Jane Castor attends Tampa Pride 2019, photo via Castor’s Facebook page.
TAMPA | Jane Castor reflected on her historic first year as mayor in a video May 1, touting the city’s accomplishments and looking toward its future.
Castor was historically sworn into office one year prior, becoming the city of Tampa’s 59th and first openly LGBTQ mayor. The ceremony began with a procession of Mayor Castor and her family, including longtime partner Ana Cruz and sons Sergei and Seely.
“As I said when I was appointed as the chief of police, I didn’t want to be remembered as the first female or the first LGBTQ chief,” Castor shared with Watermark ahead of her win. “The same thing holds true as the mayor.
“I don’t necessarily want to be remembered as the first; I want to be remembered as a good mayor for all citizens,” she continued. “With that being said, the significance of being the first openly LGBTQ mayor is not lost on me.”
Castor’s video reflecting on her first year details her dedication to serving all of Tampa’s citizens. It highlights new traditions, work on the city’s infrastructure and her fight for a brighter tomorrow.
That fight included her executive order directing the city to officially recognize LGBT-certified businesses in contracting opportunities, officials advised in a press release. Castor announced the plan Aug. 14 last year during the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 International Business & Leadership Conference.
“As a lifelong resident, it has been my greatest honor to lead our city over the past year,” Castor said in a statement. “We’ve already made major strides towards Transforming Tampa’s Tomorrow, and this is just the beginning.
“Even now as we face this global COVID-19 crisis, I have never been more hopeful for our city’s future,” she continued. “Because if there’s one thing I know to be true, it’s that Tampa has grit. We still have roads to pave, big dreams to fulfill, and unforgettable memories to make together.”
Watch her full video below:
Castor also celebrated the occasion after its release with Cruz. “My partner Ana brought by this fun anniversary cake, topped with a photo from my swearing in ceremony!” she shared via social media. “This has been such a special year for me & my family. I am deeply honored to serve as Mayor to the City of Tampa, the greatest city in the nation!”
