Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially declared August 1st as “Hulk Hogan Day” in honor of the late WWE legend, who passed away on July 24 at the age of 71. The tribute includes lowering the American and Florida flags to half-staff at the state capitol and in Pinellas County, where Hogan lived for the last 13 years of his life.
In a statement released Thursday, DeSantis praised Hogan—born Terry Bollea—for his impact on popular culture and his deep roots in the Sunshine State.
“Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, first in 2005 and again in 2020 as a member of the New World Order. His larger-than-life personality will be missed, as the ‘Hulkster’ was an icon for many who grew up in the 80s and 90s as well as today,” DeSantis wrote. “He was a true Floridian through and through.”
DeSantis also paid personal tribute to the wrestling icon on X, posting simply: “Rest in peace, brother.”
Though Hogan was born in Augusta, Georgia, he grew up in Tampa, Florida, and maintained a lasting connection to the state throughout his life. His beachside business, Hogan’s Beach Shop, became a landmark in Clearwater for wrestling fans and tourists alike.
Hogan died of a heart attack, according to records from the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center. The report also revealed he had atrial fibrillation and a history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a slow-growing form of cancer that affects white blood cells.
In remarks on the day of Hogan’s passing, DeSantis reflected on his own childhood memories of the wrestling superstar.
“The fact that he was from the Tampa Bay area when I was growing up there, it was like, ‘Oh my gosh,’” DeSantis said. “I was really sad to see that [he died], and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and people throughout this region of Florida.”
Hogan rose to international fame in the 1980s as the face of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), becoming known for his signature “Hulkamania” and inspiring millions with his charisma, catchphrases, and iconic leg drop. He went on to star in movies, launch television shows, and even co-found wrestling promotions—cementing his legacy as one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment history.
As Florida celebrates his legacy with a day of remembrance, fans across the state—and the world—are reflecting on the man who once told them to “say your prayers and take your vitamins.” Whether as a wrestling icon, entertainer, or hometown hero, Hulk Hogan left an outsized mark on the American cultural landscape.
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