Tampa Bay
Heart Walk 2025
Thousands Unite At
Raymond James Stadium
TAMPA BAY, FL — Over 20,000 community members came together 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 loved ones lost, 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 combats 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. This year, the Heart Walk placed a special focus 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 support the Association’s life-saving mission.
“I am honored to chair the Heart Walk again after more than 20 years — I first chaired in 2004 — and this time I rejoin this incredible effort to save lives in our community and support a cause that has become deeply personal to me,” said Rhea Law.
“At 94 years old, I am proud to walk alongside our incredible participants, volunteers, and sponsors,” added Frank Morsani. “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 an inspiring opening ceremony where a young heart hero was celebrated as a true superhero. The streets of Tampa Bay soon filled with walkers united in their commitment to heart health. The event concluded with a moving moment as survivors were honored while 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 across the region.
“This year’s 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, our Executive Cabinet, and the thousands who walked, donated, and volunteered — we were able to advance lifesaving research, expand CPR awareness, and promote health and wellbeing throughout our region. Every step taken and every dollar raised brings us closer to a future of longer, healthier lives for all.”
