Tampa Bay Heart Walk 2025 Unites Thousands at Raymond James Stadium

Over 20,000 community members gathered at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, November 15, for the 2025 Tampa Bay Heart Walk. The morning was a powerful display of unity, inspiration, and commitment to cardiovascular health. This year’s walk celebrated survivors, honored lost loved ones, and raised critical funds to fight heart disease and stroke.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Tampa Bay and across the country. The Heart Walk addresses this by raising vital funds for research and education, while equipping thousands of residents with lifesaving CPR skills. The initiative supports the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which aims to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030.

Nearly 350,000 people suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year, and nearly 90% do not survive. Immediate bystander CPR can double or even triple the chance of survival. That’s why this year’s Heart Walk focused not only on fundraising, but also on expanding CPR education across the region — a key step toward longer, healthier lives for all.

Leading this year’s effort were Rhea Law, President of the University of South Florida, and Frank Morsani, prominent philanthropist and business leader, who served as co-chairs of the 2025 campaign. Their leadership helped rally local businesses, leaders, and community teams to take part in the Association’s life-saving mission.

“I am honored to be back chairing the Heart Walk after more than 20 years — I first chaired in 2004 — and this time I am rejoining this incredible effort to both save lives in our community and support a cause that is now deeply personal to me.” said Rhea Law.

Frank Morsani added, “At 94 years old, I am proud to walk alongside our incredible participants, volunteers, and sponsors. I am deeply inspired by the collective action and generosity of the Tampa Bay community. Every step we take, every dollar we raise, and every story we share brings us closer to a world free from cardiovascular disease.”

The morning began with a powerful opening ceremony where a young heart hero was caped and celebrated as the true superhero she is. Soon after, the streets of Tampa Bay were flooded with walkers, united in their commitment to heart health. The event concluded with a moving moment as survivors were honored by walking through Survivor Lane, cheered on by the community that stands beside them every step of the way.

This year’s Tampa Bay Heart Walk raised over $2,300,000, supporting heart disease and stroke research, community CPR awareness and AED access, blood pressure education programs, and initiatives that strengthen communities throughout the region.

“This year’s Tampa Bay Heart Walk was a powerful reminder of what our community can accomplish when we come together with purpose,” said Nina Morgan, Executive Director of the American Heart Association Tampa Bay. “Thanks to the leadership of Rhea Law, Frank Morsani, and our Executive Cabinet — and to the thousands who walked, donated, and volunteered — we were able to advance lifesaving research, expand CPR awareness, and promote health and wellbeing across our region. Every step taken and every dollar raised brings us closer to a future of longer, healthier lives for all.”