#United States #Tampa #Latter-day Saints #Tampa Temple #Elder Andersen

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Tampa Florida Temple

On August 23, 2025, a momentous event took place in Tampa, Florida, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, alongside government officials and community leaders, gathered for the long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony of the Tampa Florida Temple. Presiding over the event was Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who has a deep personal connection to the area. Elder Andersen expressed his heartfelt dedication for the temple through an uplifting prayer, emphasizing the spiritual impact it is set to have on both Latter-day Saints and the broader community.

More than 500 people attended this historic ceremony held at a 12-acre site on Camden Field Parkway in Riverview. Esteemed guests included Florida State Representative Michele Rayner, Reverend Dr. Glenn Dames from the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and several leaders from local charitable organizations, including Metropolitan Ministries. The gathering exemplified a collective hope for the future, with all attendees reflecting on the temple's potential to enrich lives and enhance the community.

During the prayer, Elder Andersen asked blessings upon the land, stating, "We ask that Thou might bless this land and this sacred house once constructed, that it might be a light and strength to the Latter-day Saints and to all the community." His reflections were complemented by his wife Kathy, who reminisced about her upbringing in Florida, recalling how the church has flourished in the Tampa area over the decades.

The temple will serve more than 27,000 Latter-day Saints in Southwest Florida and is seen as a vital element in the growth of the church, which has been expanding since the first congregation was established in the region back in 1897. Elder Andersen highlighted the significance of temples, stating that they are considered houses of the Lord, where sacred ceremonies take place, such as eternal marriages and proxy baptisms for the deceased.

Local member Ikwo Dinah Ibiam shared her thoughts on the temple's presence, stating, "Having a temple in this area sends a message that this is a place where people are striving to be good, and serves as a reminder to everyone to live better lives."

The announcement of the Tampa Florida Temple was made by President Russell M. Nelson in April 2022, who noted the positive spiritual momentum generated by worship within temple walls. He remarked that as individuals engage in temple worship, they would gain a deeper understanding of the profound blessings available to them.

Florida is not new to temples; it already has several in operation or under construction, including those in Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tallahassee. However, the Tampa Florida Temple will hold a special place for local congregations, acting as a hub for spiritual growth and community service.

Overall, this groundbreaking not only signifies the beginning of construction, but also the deep commitment the Church and the local community share towards fostering a positive and uplifting environment for generations to come. The aim is to create a space filled with faith that will actively support a multitude of initiatives enhancing the community's moral and spiritual landscape.

The construction of the Tampa Florida Temple heralds a new chapter for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the region. It stands as a beacon of hope and strength, promising to touch countless lives and inspire collective progress towards greater goodness and faith in the community.