TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 25, 2026 —
Hillsborough County is inviting everyone to say thank you in person this Veterans Day. The county's Veteran Community Services and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County will host the 62nd Annual Veterans Day Tribute at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 N. U.S. 301 in Tampa.
What's on the program
The county says this year's outdoor tribute, held in commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, will feature:
- A JROTC color guard and Veterans Council Awards
- A sing-along salute to all military service branches
- Special guests retired U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Steve Poulin and retired U.S. Army Col. Roland Tiso
- Refreshments and fellowship after the ceremony
- Resources for veterans and military families from James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, the YMCA Military Program and Hillsborough County Veteran Community Services
Admission, parking and veteran resources are free, according to the county's event page.
Why Hillsborough?
Hillsborough has a lot of people to thank. Citing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the county says that as of September 2026 it remains the largest veteran-populated county in Florida, with 94,334 veterans and a local economic impact of $1.4 billion.
The park itself has national recognition. For the 10th consecutive year, the VA's national Veterans Day Committee has named it an official Regional Veterans Day Site.
Stay and explore
After the ceremony, the park and monuments are open until 5 p.m. The county encourages visitors to tour its monuments, including the new Buffalo Soldiers Memorial and Gold Star Memorial. The park's memorial list also includes Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Vietnam, World War I and World War II, among others. On a regular day, the park is free and open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with walking and fitness trails along the Bypass Canal.
More ways to mark the day in Tampa
- A free museum visit. The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Ybor City is offering free admission to veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring a valid military or veteran ID.
- Plan around closures. All City of Tampa offices will be closed on Veterans Day, and the city says to check its solid waste calendar for any pickup changes.
Need help with benefits?
The county's Veterans Resource Center sits on the park grounds in building 3610 and is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed on holidays. For tribute details, call (813) 635-8316.
Bring a lawn chair, a flag and a few kind words. It's a morning for the whole family.
Sources
- Hillsborough County news release, Oct. 14, 2026: https://hcfl.gov/newsroom/2026/10/14/hillsborough-county-to-honor-veterans-with-62nd-annual-veterans-day-tribute
- Hillsborough County, "Annual Veterans Day Tribute" event page: https://hcfl.gov/events/annual-veterans-day-tribute
- Hillsborough County, "Veterans Memorial Park & Museum": https://hcfl.gov/locations/veterans-memorial-park-and-museum
- City of Tampa, FMoPA Veterans Day free admission event: https://www.tampa.gov/events/honor-our-veterans-free-admission-veterans-day/195916
- City of Tampa, Office Closures calendar: https://www.tampa.gov/calendar-group/office-closures
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