Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced today at a press conference in Clearwater, Florida, that a portion of the Clearwater Trail will be officially dedicated to the memory of the late wrestling legend Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea). The announcement was made at Hogan’s Hangout and was attended by Hogan’s son, Nick Hogan, and wrestling manager Jimmy “The Mouth of the South” Hart.
Hogan passed away in July 2025 at the age of 72, which led to a worldwide outpouring of tributes from fans and peers. Following his passing, Governor DeSantis declared August 1st “Hulk Hogan Day” in the state of Florida. Today’s announcement is a further effort to create a lasting memorial in the community Hogan called home.
Hulk Hogan is widely regarded as one of the most recognizable stars in wrestling history. He rose to superstardom in the 1980s, leading the “Hulkamania” boom that propelled the then-WWF into a global pop culture phenomenon. As a multi-time WWF Champion, he main-evented numerous WrestleMania events, including his historic match against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III. He later reinvented himself in the 1990s in WCW, turning heel to form the New World Order (nWo) as “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan.
Governor DeSantis, who grew up in the area, stated that the trail is a “fitting tribute” to Hogan’s famous message of “training, saying your prayers, eating your vitamins”. “We are officially establishing the Hulk Hogan trail on a two-mile portion of the Clearwater trail between Oak Avenue and Coronado Drive,” DeSantis announced. The trail will feature red and yellow exercise stations, such as pull-up bars.
DeSantis also spoke on Hogan’s enduring legacy, recalling how his own elementary school-aged children are familiar with Hogan’s career. “I don’t think you’re going to ever find somebody that’s going to be able to eclipse him in terms of the star power that he brought to professional wrestling,” the Governor stated.
Hogan’s son, Nick, spoke on behalf of the family, thanking the Governor for the honor. “This is something that my dad would be so so proud of, because Clearwater was always home for him,” Nick Hogan said. “This trail isn’t just a dedication. This is a living legacy on behalf of my father that can carry that spirit forward for everybody that’s outdoors, exercising, trying to become the best version of themselves in his name”.
Jimmy Hart also shared his thoughts, noting that Hogan was a supporter of the Governor and would have loved the tribute. “I know the Hulkster is up in heaven right now. He’s looking down here on this little beach bar, and he’s with Andre the Giant. And of course, he’s with Macho Man, Randy Savage, Roddy Roddy Piper,” Hart said. “And they’re saying, ‘Look, man, you got a State Trail named after you'”.
The trail will serve as a permanent fixture in Clearwater to celebrate the life and career of Hulk Hogan, who was a longtime resident of the Tampa Bay area.
