Gwen Henderson

Hillsborough County will hold a special election on Sept. 9, 2025, to fill Tampa City Council's District 5 seat.

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.