Intersection of Grand Central Avenue and Henderson Boulevard

The intersection of Grand Central Avenue and Henderson Boulevard, looking west on Grand Central

Intersection of Grand Central Avenue and Henderson Boulevard, looking west on Grand Central. 1959. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

Intersection of Kennedy Boulevard and Henderson Boulevard, looking west on Kennedy, 2020. © Chip Weiner

In 1959 signs at this intersection speak to a different time. Interstate 275 and the Howard Franklin Bridge were not opened until the mid-1960s. Bearing left on Henderson Boulevard, took drivers to the Gandy bridge, built in 1924, to get to St. Petersburg. Going straight took them to Clearwater via the Courtney Campbell Causeway, built in 1934.

Until 1964, West Kennedy Boulevard was known as Grand Central Avenue. As the highway ran west of the city limits at Howard Avenue, it was known as Memorial Highway. The Tampa City Council voted to rename the highway in 1964 for Pres. John F. Kennedy, following his assassination. His motorcade traveled part of the highway in 1963 when he was visiting Tampa.

From Burgert Brothers: Look Again, Vol.2