Florida Park to be Named After Mass Shooting Victim Harrison Boontoppel

Honoring Harrison Boontoppel

• 🎯 A park in New Tampa is being named after Harrison Boontoppel, a 20-year-old victim of the 2023 Ybor City mass shooting.
• 🗓️ The decision was made during a Tampa City Council meeting, marking a step towards honoring his memory.

A Life of Overcoming Challenges

• 🧠 Harrison Boontoppel's life story was presented to the council, highlighting his unique journey.
• 🏥 He overcame significant challenges, including being a premature baby, wearing leg braces, needing a cochlear implant, and attending weekly therapies.
• ✅ His life was described as a victory, demonstrating resilience and the value of care and understanding.

An Inclusive and Sensory-Friendly Playground

• ♿ The park, currently known as the New Tampa All Abilities Playground, will be renamed in Harrison's honor.
• 🧩 It is designed to be fully inclusive and sensory-friendly, featuring wheelchair-accessible areas and sections for children with autism and other disabilities.
• ✨ Naming the park after Harrison brings joy to his family, as it aligns with his own experiences growing up.

Next Steps

• 🖼️ City staff are developing designs for a plaque with Harrison's picture and new park signage.
• 🗳️ City council members are expected to hold a final vote on the park's renaming at a future meeting.