The City of Tampa is set to solidify the legacy of the Levy brothers, J Leonard and George, in the urban fabric of their hometown. According to City of Tampa announcement, the intersection of North Himes Avenue and West Ohio Avenue will soon bear the name “J Leonard and George Levy Ave." The dedication is scheduled for tomorrow December 5, 2025, acknowledging the brothers' pivotal role in promoting Tampa as a prime destination for professional sports.
Located strategically close to Raymond James Stadium, the chosen site for the street naming pays homage to the brothers' long-standing efforts. Tampa has been greatly shaped by the presence of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an NFL franchise attracted to the locale through J Leonard Levy's tenacity when negotiating with the NFL's then-Commissioner Pete Rozelle. J Leonard's vision to further elevate Tampa manifested in the execution and hosting of five Super Bowls from 1984 to 2021. George Levy's legacy intertwines, contributing to the city's progress through his business endeavors and service on numerous civic boards, and both brothers collectively played a role in establishing sports franchises such as the Tampa Bay Rowdies, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Tampa Bay Rays.
The City Council members, including Charlie Miranda and Guido Maniscalco, are expected to speak at the ceremony, alongside D.C. Goutoufas, who initiated the honorary street naming, and Richard Barrett, Leonard Levy's son-in-law. The ceremony is to not only reflect on the brothers' achievements but also etch their memory into the walkways of the city they helped shape. Beyond their sports-related pursuits, the brothers were recognized for their community work, with George Levy receiving accolades such as the Tampa Citizen of the Year in 1999 and the Tampa Sports Club's Citizen of the Year in 1998.
J Leonard Levy, a United States Marine Corps Captain and University of Florida journalism alumnus, passed away on September 18, 2022. His twin brother George, a United States Army veteran and founder of a top tier award business, passed away on September 27, 2016.
