Queen Elizabeth’s Death: Tampa Bay Residents Mourn The UK Monarch

TAMPA BAY, FL — Following Thursday’s death of Queen Elizabeth II, Great Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Tampa Bay officials, business owners and expatriates have expressed their condolences, honoring her life and leadership.

Her reign over the United Kingdom began in 1952 and she spent 70 years on the throne.

“Today, the city of Tampa joins cities and communities across the world to mourn the loss of one of the world’s most iconic leaders,” Mayor Jane Castor said in a statement released Thursday by the city. “Queen Elizabeth II made an incredible mark in our world’s history, dedicating her life to a unique and demanding role, with countless responsibilities and duties that crossed geographical boundaries and made her a universally prominent and remarkable figure. Undoubtedly, her name and legacy will live through the ages. From our corner of the world, we send our deepest sympathy to the royal family, her followers, and her country.”

Former U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, the Democratic candidate in Florida’s gubernatorial race and a St. Petersburg native, tweeted Thursday, “The first British monarch to visit Florida and a singular figure in world history, Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered for her lifetime of public service and her devotion to duty. My thoughts are with the Royal family, the United Kingdom and all who admired the queen.”

• Also Read: Queen Elizabeth II Dead At 96 After 70 Years On The Throne

On social media, the University of Tampa recalled the queen’s visit to its campus more than 30 years ago. She and her husband, Prince Philip, who died last year, visited the city on May 20, 1991.

They “were greeted by former UT President Bruce Samson and his wife, Ada Jean, at a reception, where they were honored by city of Tampa Mayor Sandy Freedman. The reception took place in Plant Hall’s Fletcher Lounge,” the university wrote in a Facebook post.

Freedman, who served as Tampa’s mayor from 1986 to 1995, told Fox 13, "You could just tell she was very down to earth, and she connected with people, and she did look them in the eye. You meet a lot of famous people, and they're looking over their shoulder and who they're going to meet next. And she wasn't like that at all."

Queen Elizabeth arrived in the area on the royal yacht, which sailed into Tampa Bay. It docked at Harbour Island, the city said.

Retired Navy Captain Bob Rochford helped the city prepare for her visit.

“It took about eight months to coordinate her visit,” Rochford told WFLA. “When we entered the channel, there were hundreds of thousands of people that just were lining this channel all the way. It was just a spectacular sight. I mean, she’s such a popular icon back then.”

She also made a stop at MacDill Air Force Base during her time in Tampa. There, the queen knighted Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, reports said.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, who is seeking re-election and serves the Tampa Bay area, tweeted Thursday, “I am saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II who epitomized grace, strength and devotion. On behalf of the Tampa Bay community, I send condolences to the people of the United Kingdom. We cherish the memories of the Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Tampa in 1991 and pledge to stay true to our special relationship.”

Owners of British-themed pubs and businesses in the region expressed their condolences for the queen’s death on social media, as well.

“RIP Queen Elizabeth II. We are deeply saddened by this news and send our heartfelt condolences to all,” The Pub Tampa at International Plaza posted.

The Horse and Jockey in South Pasadena posted Thursday, “Terribly sad news: Queen Elizabeth II has died.”

On Friday morning, the restaurant said it would celebrate her life “by screening proceedings from the UK live all day.”

The Studio Public House in St. Petersburg posted to its Facebook page that guests are invited to sign a book of condolences, which will be open for 10 days of mourning following the queen’s death.

Meanwhile, the London Pride British Shop, a specialty grocery store in Largo, also expressed condolences, posting a painting of the queen on Facebook, writing, “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Farewell, lovely lady.

Jillian Frers, the owner of The Chattaway in St. Petersburg, a native of England, shared her memories of seeing the queen in person.

In a video interview with 10 Tampa Bay, Frers, who married an American, said that after reading about an appearance by the queen during a visit home, she decided to attend the event.

“She’s smiling and everybody was happy that day,” she said. “Even the weather was nice, and I was so glad I got the opportunity to do it, because I was coming back (to Florida) and I’ve been here ever since.”

And John Charles, a native of North Wales with the Tampa Bay British group, recalls seeing the queen during her Silver Jubilee tour in 1977. The image of her “getting out of her black jaguar wearing her yellow dress and yellow hat” is forever imprinted on his mind, he told Patch.

“Like many expatriates in Dunedin and Tampa Bay we have only known her as our monarch,” he said. “With her passing, it feels like part of our life is gone. She led an amazing and inspiring life. Her dedication and commitment to the crown and commonwealth cannot be surpassed. She will be dearly missed, though, as many of us say, she gets to be with her duke again.”