Florida Proclaims August 1, 2025 as 'Hulk Hogan Day'

A statewide tribute to a wrestling icon#

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis officially declared August 1, 2025 as “Hulk Hogan Day in Florida” in honor of the legendary wrestling star Terry Gene “Hulk Hogan” Bollea, who passed away on July 24, 2025 at the age of 71 from a heart attack at his Clearwater residence. To mark the tribute, DeSantis ordered that state and U.S. flags be flown at half‑staff at the Florida Capitol and across Pinellas County, where Hogan lived for over a decade.

Governor’s remarks and Hogan’s local legacy#

DeSantis described Hogan as a “true Floridian through and through,” lauding his “larger‑than‑life personality” and his cultural influence among generations who grew up watching him during the 1980s and 1990s. In live remarks at a press conference, the governor emotionally recalled growing up in West Central Florida and viewing Hogan—first as Thunderlips in Rocky III, then as the face of “Hulkamania”—as a local superhero for Gen X children.

Tribute marred by protest interruption#

The event took a dramatic turn when a protestor disrupted the proceedings, yelling slogans criticizing DeSantis over his controversial Alligator Alcatraz immigration project and calling him a “pedophile,” prompting removal by security personnel. DeSantis quickly resumed, maintaining composure as he reflected on Hogan’s significance and their personal connection—he even shared that he and his children had met Hogan face-to-face earlier in the year.

Hulk Hogan: A Local Legend with Global Impact#

• Florida roots: Although born in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan was raised in Tampa and spent much of his adult life in Clearwater, becoming deeply entwined with Florida culture.
• WWE fame: Hogan’s career spanned decades; he headlined the very first WrestleMania in 1985, became a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, and helped propel wrestling into mainstream pop culture.
• Public controversies and politicization: Later in life, Hogan made headlines beyond the ring—especially for his high-profile speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention in support of Donald Trump, and for publicizing his relationships with political figures like DeSantis and former President Trump.