Gwen Henderson

Only registered voters who live District 5 are eligible to vote in the Sept. 5 election. Henderson, who died last week at age 60, was elected in 2023.

Each council member shared their own tribute to Henderson at Thursday’s Tampa City Council meeting. Many said the same — Henderson was a tough force, but she had a good heart.

After Henderson died Tuesday, fellow council members and the owner of a neighboring Tampa Heights business remember the impact she had on the community.

The longtime activist was hailed as a champion for Black culture and a “powerhouse in the community” that brought passion, empathy and historical knowledge to all her roles.