The Hillsborough River is undoubtedly an essential part of Tampa’s history, so is the iconic riverfront and its authentic art. For years, various rowing teams from around the country have chosen to come to Tampa to hold their spring training while their home waters are frozen over. This honor, that our city has held for many years, has served as an inspiration for not only observing colligate rowers but also for aspiring colligate rowers. The tags are symbols of the hard work, determination and comradery shared on these teams.

  During the city council meeting held Aug. 21, it was unanimously voted to remove the “graffiti.” Councilwoman Mulhern and “Friends of the Riverwalk” have been spearheading the movement for the removal of the river art; conveniently “Friends of the Riverwalk” are offering to cover half of the hefty cost of $40,000 for this removal project. Meanwhile, those who want to defend the art are mostly college students and high school rowers.

  In the end, it comes down to the economic impact, and all that matters to some is how much can we make off the river? Frankly, it’s sad to think that the city in which I grew up is becoming someone else’s cash cow. Honestly, it makes me wonder if the lawmakers care about young people’s opinions or just making a buck?

  Many of these tags have been fixtures on the riverfront from well before many of us were even born, some as early as the 1940s. It’s a disgrace to Tampa’s history and to our rowing community. This is tantamount with removing Tampa’s historical and world-renowned cigar factories because they are now deemed unsightly.

  Currently, all that is being removed is the 600-ft section from Curtis Hixon Park to the Kennedy Street Bridge, but the foot is already in the door. The removal of the river art is beginning with this 600 feet and who knows what will be left?

  Sadly, the piece that has been chosen for removal is undoubtedly the centerpiece of Tampa’s River art, as it features tags from schools such as Rutgers, Princeton, and USF.

  The rowing tradition of tagging the sea wall is also popular in other major metropolitan cities such as Boston and Philadelphia, and regrettably, the art may only remain in the Northeast. Remember ladies and gentlemen: “Keep Tampa authentic while we can, before it fades away.”