Screenshot via X/@GovRonDeSantis
Audio By Carbonatix
Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared another honor for Florida’s Lord Hulk Hogan.
On Friday, DeSantis announced that a two-mile stretch of the Clearwater Trail in Pinellas County will now be called the “Hulk Hogan Trail,” in honor of the late wrestling icon. Picture yourself jogging along a serene tree-lined path as the sun filters through the foliage, only to come upon a decidedly loud, large yellow and red sign with a photo of Hogan’s famous pose: one outstretched arm and a flexed bicep.
“We also said, ‘What would be the most fitting with Hulk’s persona of training, saying your prayers, eat your vitamins?’ and so we thought about this Clearwater portion of the Clearwater Trail that we could dedicate in Hulk’s memory,” the governor said at a press conference at Hogan’s Hangout in Clearwater.
DeSantis added that the trail will also get exercise stations in Hogan’s signature red and yellow colors. (If you combine your physical activity with an optimal dose of roids, like the ones Hogan finally admitted to taking in 1994, you might even achieve something resembling his imposing physique.)
“I think it’s something that is exciting,” DeSantis said of the trail. “It shows that his memory is going to live a long time. I mean, it was always said Hulkamania is going to live forever.”
Hogan’s son, Nick Bollea, praised the governor following the announcement.
“I’d also like to recognize Gov. Ron DeSantis for his leadership and everything he has done for the people of Florida and the state of Florida because myself, my father, our entire family, are huge supporters of Gov. DeSantis and his vision that he has for Florida, so thank you, Gov. DeSantis,” he said.
The 71-year-old, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died on July 24 after suffering a heart attack at his home in Clearwater. As news broke about Hogan’s death that morning, DeSantis commemorated the pro wrestling legend when a protester interrupted to call the governor out about Alligator Alcatraz.
“You bow down to a fucking pedophile! You are a fucking pedophile. All of you are fucking Nazis! Fuck you all! Fucking Nazis,” the man yelled as two police officers escorted him out.
A week later, DeSantis declared August 1, 2025, “Hulk Hogan Day” in Florida and ordered Pinellas County and Clearwater officials to lower flags to half-staff in honor of Hogan.
“His larger-than-life personality will be missed, as the Hulkster was an icon for many who grew up in the 80s and 90s as well as today,” DeSantis’ memo reads. “He was a true Floridian through and through.”
While DeSantis went to great lengths to honor Hogan, he was noticeably silent on the death of Florida State Rep. Joe Casello of Boynton Beach, who died following a massive heart attack six days before Hogan’s death. The governor initially marked the vacancy only by announcing special election dates, without acknowledging the death of the former firefighter and South Florida representative or lowering flags in his honor. He finally ordered the flags to be flown at half-staff on August 18, a month after his death.
