Another community leader has entered the special election race to represent District 5 on Tampa’s City Council. Fran Tate, a longtime East Tampa resident, says her deep roots and dedication to service make her the right choice.
Tate is a retired Moffitt Cancer Center employee with 31 years of service. She describes herself as a military widow but says her proudest accomplishments come from her community work.
“We are a very underserved community and our healthcare matters and I’m so glad that they decided to do this in Tampa,” said Tate, referring to the transformation of The Well Tampa, a former nightclub turned wellness hub.
Tate serves on the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and is the president of the Jackson Heights Neighborhood Association. She says her advocacy has led to tangible progress, but there’s still work to be done.
“In our community, a lack of attainable housing, we know that we don’t master or hold the highest paying jobs,” she said.
Affordable housing, food insecurity, education, public safety, and transportation have been top priorities for Tate in her leadership roles. She has lobbied for covered bus stops in East Tampa—and says it’s personal.
“I see seniors sitting on a bench waiting for a bus in the heat and rain. I want covering for all bus stops in my area,” said Tate.