Mayor Nick Nuccio Statue, Centennial Park

Nick Chillura Nuccio was born in Ybor City in 1901. He was the son of Vincenzo and Rosalia Nuccio, Sicilian immigrants who came to Ybor City in the late nineteenth century.  Nuccio began his political career in 1928, he served eight years on the City Council and then 20 years as a county commissioner. In 1956, he became the first Latin to be elected mayor of Tampa.

He served two terms as Mayor of the City of Tampa, 1956 to 1959 and 1963 to 1967. He was an extremely popular politician, known for his warm handshake and lively conversation. Nuccio especially loved children, and always kept small toys in his pockets to give to youngsters.  Nick Nuccio died in 1989.

Click below to read the inscriptions on the pedestal.

Legendary Mayor Nuccio

St. Pete Times 1999 article on the statue unveiling