Kennedy Boulevard Live Cam
Represents the northern boundary of South Tampa
The Origins
Long before Kennedy Boulevard bore the name of a US president, this arterial road began as Buffalo Avenue in the late 19th century, a dusty track linking the newly founded city center of Tampa to its western outskirts. Platted in 1881 by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant, the route was originally intended for horse-drawn carriages and early electric trolleys, serving nascent neighborhoods of craftsmen, dockworkers, and citrus grove owners. Over time, Buffalo Avenue evolved into a paved boulevard, reflecting Tampa’s shift from frontier port to bustling urban hub.
Renaming and Commemorative Vision
In 1964, following the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Buffalo Avenue was officially renamed Kennedy Boulevard. Civic leaders saw the renaming as a way to bind the city’s past to a hopeful future. Granite markers, placed at key intersections, bore the presidential seal and the year of dedication. The medians were re-landscaped with native sabal palms and coontie ferns, symbolizing Florida’s resilience and the nation’s capacity for renewal.
Alignment and Early Expansion
Originally spanning from downtown Tampa’s waterfront to the western city limits, Kennedy Boulevard underwent several realignments to accommodate growth. Bridges were constructed over the Hillsborough River’s east and west branches, linking Plant Park’s academic precincts to the commercial districts beyond. By the 1920s, the boulevard featured brick pavers, decorative lampposts, and trolley tracks embedded in the center, creating an urban promenade frequented by shoppers and promenaders alike.
