TAMPA, Fla. — Wednesday, Sept. 11, will mark 23 years since 2,977 people were killed in terror attacks at the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon outside of Washington, D.C., and United Airlines Flight 93 in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
Thousands more were injured and hundreds of first responders have suffered lingering health issues due to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The events also launched the nation's longest war.
Their lives will not be forgotten, and memorials across the Tampa Bay area allow locals to pay their respects.
Here's a list of 9/11 memorial events happening across the Tampa Bay area:
Where: Al Lang Stadium, St. Petersburg
When: 8 a.m. Sept. 11, 2024
What: "The Rowdies are honored to open Al Lang Stadium again for our 4th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in memory of the first responders and members of the military who made the ultimate sacrifice in the tragic events of September 11, 2001." Click or tap here to register.
From 8-10 p.m. Sept. 10 and 11, Curlew Hills Memory Gardens in Palm Harbor will display two beams of light projected from its 9/11 memorial site. People are encouraged to bring family to drive by the gardens to witness the tribute.
Where: 1750 Curlew Rd. in Palm Harbor
Patriot Day in Hillsborough County
When: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11
Where: Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 U.S. Hwy. 301 N., Tampa, FL 33619
"In honor of Patriot Day, first responders, military Veterans, and civic leaders aim to inspire a generation too young to recall the historic events of 9/11 with the spirit of service and duty. Students, teachers, parents, neighbors, and Veterans are invited to attend a ceremony featuring:
- A giant American flag hoisted by ladder trucks
- A traditional fire service ringing of the bell
- A solemn escort of the beam: a solid 135-pound section of steel salvaged from New York’s Twin Towers that resides at Veterans Memorial Park, representing the supreme sacrifices on 9/11 "
The Pasco County International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 4420 is hosting its 2nd annual 9/11 Memorial Golf Tournament.
When: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11
Where: Plantation Palms Golf Club, Land O' Lakes
The Madeira Beach Fire Department will host a 9/11 Day of Remembrance Ceremony to honor the 2,977 lives lost in 2001. On Monday, firefighters and city staff placed American flags at the 9/11 memorial to signify each life lost.
When: 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11
Where: 250 Municipal Dr, Madeira Beach, FL, United States, Florida 33708
Sarasota County Fire Department 9/11 Commemoration
The Sarasota County Fire Department will host a ceremony to "honor the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, never forgetting their valor, service, and sacrifice."
When: 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11.
Where: Sarasota County Fire Department Station 23, 1930 N. Tamiami Trail, Nokomis.
Venice 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Venice will hold a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at Patriots Park. The park includes a 2-ton steel beam from the World Trade Center wreckage and a piece of rubble from the Pentagon attack.
When: 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11
Where: Patriots Park, 800 Venetia Bay Blvd, Venice