While Buckhorn's own political future is as yet unclear, it is abundantly clear that quite a few public figures would love to succeed him.
The latest to formally declare interest in the 2019 mayoral race is David A. Straz, whose name you might recognize from a lil' arts and entertainment venue in downtown Tampa (kidding; the Straz Center is one of the biggest complexes of its kind south of the Mason-Dixon). Via a spokesperson, he announced his potential candidacy in 2019 on Friday.
Straz is a gajillionnaire former banker/ambassador who in 2009 put his name on what was the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
"There are a number of city business and political leaders that have been trying to convince me to run," he told veteran political journalist William March in August. "I've had a number of meetings with them. I told them I would think seriously about it and try to reach a decision by the end of the year."
And he's got a lot of help.
Earlier this week, Tampa City Council Chair Yvonne "Yolie" Capin announce she won't run for Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandy Murman's seat despite an announcement earlier this year that she was planning to do so.
But she is going to be a part of Straz's committee, as are several other notables, including Tampa City Councilman Frank Reddick and former council candidate Tommy Castellano.
Tampa's 2019 candidate roster should fill out over the next year, even if all eyes will be on the 2018 midterms just a few months prior to the mayoral election.
Among those believed to be looking at running to succeed Buckhorn are former Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor and City Councilman Mike Saurez.
This article appears in Sep 28 – Oct 6, 2017.