TAMPA, Fla. – A special election will take place in September to fill the Tampa city council seat now open due to Gwen Henderson’s death.
Henderson, who held the seat for District 5, died unexpectedly last week at 60 years old.
A special election to fill the seat will be held on Sept. 9. The deadline to register to vote is Aug. 11.
What You Need To Know
- A special election will take place September 9 to fill the Tampa city council seat now open due to Gwen Henderson’s death
- The deadline to vote is Aug. 11
- District 5 covers Tampa, including downtown, Ybor City, East Tampa and part of West Tampa
- PREVIOUS STORY: Hundreds gather for Tampa City Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson's funeral
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District 5 covers Tampa, including downtown, Ybor City, East Tampa and part of West Tampa.
Her death is being called a hard hit to the community.
At her funeral Tuesday, it was standing room only inside of Allen Temple AME Church in Tampa. Lifelong friends, community members and elected officials from all over the Tampa Bay area attended.
People shared stories about how Henderson created programs for students, fought for neighborhoods to be treated fairly and her love for history and books.
Former state senator and civil rights activist, Arthenia Joyner, was Henderson’s sorority sister, mentor and friend.
“They’re losing a powerhouse of a woman,” Joyner said. “Who stood up, spoke up and never backed down for what she believed in.”