Tampa Bay Commemorates 18th Anniversary Of 9/11 Attacks

TAMPA BAY, FL — Communities throughout Tampa Bay will observe the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Here are some events taking place:

Palm Harbor

Through Tuesday, Sept. 10, two vertical beams of light, similar to those at the 9/11 Twin Towers memorial in New York City, will shine from Curlew Hills Memory Gardens to honor those killed in the 9/11 attacks.

These iconic twin beams of light will shine from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and will be visible for a five-mile radius, serving as a beacon of reflection and remembrance for 2,997 victims Sept. 11, 2001 and the service men and women who have died since in the war on terrorism.

The 9/11 Memorial at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens is a one-of-a-kind memorial featuring a 150-pound piece of rusted steel beam salvaged from the debris of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers. The memorial is constructed with nearly 30 tons of American granite and features an eternal flame at its base.

The twin beams are a preview to Curlew Hills Memory Gardens' 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, one of the largest ceremonies in Tampa Bay.

Featuring keynote speaker Patrick Anderson, a 9/11 survivor, the ceremony will be held at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens, 1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m.

Events highlights:

• Mark Wilson, Fox Channel 13 anchor will be master of ceremonies.
• Patrick Anderson, 9/11 survivor, will be the keynote speaker.
• Florida Sen. Ed Hooper and Florida Rep. Chris Sprowls are scheduled to speak.
• Sonya Bryson-Kirksey, retired from the Air Force and the national anthem singer for the Tampa Bay Lightning, will present the national anthem.
• A 9-11 art display will feature 500 pieces of artwork with the theme "What 9-11 Means to Me" by students from Curlew Creek Elementary, Ozona Elementary, Westlake Christian School and Kings Highway Elementary.
• The middle school student essay contest winner will read his/her winning essay with the theme "How Did 9-11 Impact Our Nation."

The program also will include honor guards, a Pinellas County Sheriff's Office flyover, a U.S. Coast Guard flyover and a performance by the Tarpon Springs Leadership Conservatory for the Arts and the Palm Harbor University High School After-School Specials, an a capella singing group.

Guests attending the 9/11 ceremony are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating. The event will be held outside. Water will be provided.

Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County invite the community to a Patriot Day: 9/11 Remembrance event on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m. The ceremony will be held at the Veterans Resource Center on the grounds of Veterans Memorial Park and Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins Jr., Veterans Museum, 3602 U.S. 301 N. in Tampa.

First-responders and military members will lead the tribute to lives lost and sacrifices made as a result of the attacks on America Sept. 11, 2001.

In addition to keynote speakers from U.S. Central Command and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, the ceremony will include a solemn escort and procession of a piece of a steel beam salvaged from the World Trade Center twin towers. The 135-pound section of solid steel is part of the Veterans Museum collection.

Hosted by Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and the Veterans Council, the ceremony also will feature:

• A unified honor guard comprised of fire service members from multiple agencies
• A traditional fire service bell ceremony, rifle salute and taps
• A giant American flag hoisted by ladder trucks
• Patriotic music

Tampa

Tampa Fire Rescue will host a 9/11 Observance Ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. at the Tampa Firefighters Museum, 720 E. Zack St., Tampa.

General seating is from 8:35 to 8:55 a.m. Members of the Tampa City Council and representatives from local fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies are scheduled to attend.

Fire Chief Nick LoCicero will be the master of ceremonies.

Madeira Beach

American Legion Post 273 will host a 9/11 Patriot Day of Remembrance Ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Causeway Park, 150th Avenue in Madeira Beach. Current and past honor guard members will participate.

St. Petersburg

Remember Honor Support will host its seventh annual Patriot Day Memorial Breakfast Wednesday, Sept. 11 at the historic St. Petersburg Coliseum from 7 to 9 a.m.
Guest speaker Gregory J. Mertz will recount his story of search and rescue at Ground Zero.

Register here.

Gulfport

Join City of Gulfport officials along with the Gulfport Fire Department and the Gulfport Police Department on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. for a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the base of the Williams Pier, 5400 Shore Blvd. S. The Williams Pier flag will be lowered at 8:46 a.m. in remembrance of the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

New Port Richey

New Port Richey will host its annual 9/11 Memorial in Sims Park Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be Anne Koster who was on the 81st floor in the North Tower when the plane hit. This event is being organized by Heather Fiorentino, board member of the West Pasco Historical Society and Rao Musunuru, MD Museum and Library.

Clearwater

On Wednesday, Sept. 11 Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department personnel will honor
those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks 18 years ago.

At 9:50 a.m., firefighters will pull their vehicles out of the bay at all
Clearwater fire stations. Nine minutes later, a moment of silence and radio
call will be observed in memory and honor of those who lost their lives in the
attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City and other locations. That
is the same time that the South Tower collapsed after two hijacked planes
slammed into the buildings.