Clearwater Mayor Reflects on Hulk Hogan’s Local Legacy: “He Was One of Us”
Following the death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan at age 71, Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector joined The Ryan Gorman Show to reflect on the impact Hogan had on the Clearwater Beach community and the Tampa Bay area. Rector remembered Hogan not just as a global superstar, but as a down-to-earth local who was deeply embedded in the community. “Terry—we knew him as Terry, not Hulk Hogan—was a real guy. He loved to tell stories about growing up in Tampa and coming out to Clearwater Beach as a kid,” Rector said.
Mayor Rector recalled first meeting Hogan at Clearwater Beach Fitness, where he worked out regularly around lunchtime. “He used to bring in other celebrities to work out with him, but sometimes it was just him and me talking for 30 minutes about old beach parties and his high school days.” Hogan was a familiar sight around town, often spotted at Island Way Grill or cruising the beach in one of his antique cars.
Beyond his fame, Hogan was an active supporter of local events and charities. “He was always there for Clearwater for Youth, showing up at events to help raise money for scholarships,” said Rector. “And Hogan’s Hangout became a major draw for both tourists and locals, especially on karaoke nights where people flew in from all over the country just to see him.” Hogan’s presence, Rector emphasized, played a key role in boosting small businesses on Clearwater Beach.
“He was accessible, generous with his time, and truly loved Clearwater,” Rector added. “We’ll miss him not just for who he was on TV, but for how he lifted up this community.”
For more of Mayor Bruce Rector’s reflections and stories about Hulk Hogan’s life and legacy, listen to the full conversation on the podcast.