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Council to advance honorary street name for Officer Morris Lopez after staff presentation
Summary
Council directed staff to return with an ordinance for an honorary street sign for Officer Billy (Morris) Lopez near Centennial Park in Ybor City; members praised his 1949 act of bravery and staff noted the case remains unsolved.
The Tampa City Council voted to return a proposal for an honorary street‑name ordinance recognizing Officer Billy (Morris) Lopez, who was mortally wounded in the line of duty on July 9, 1949, and who reportedly pushed a paperboy out of harm’s way during the attack.
Mallory Legasse of the real estate department presented the staff report and recommended placing an honorary street‑name sign at the southeast corner of East 9th Avenue and North 18th Street adjacent to Centennial Park in Ybor City. Legasse said the mobility department conducted due diligence and that the location is highly visible to pedestrians in the historic neighborhood.
Council members and attendees recounted the historical details that staff presented: news reports from 1949 described four witnesses to the shooting, staff said the murder remains unsolved, and family and community members connected to the nominee were present or referenced. A council member noted that the nominee’s grandson and other family members remain active in local public service.
A council member moved that staff return with an ordinance for first reading on May 21; the motion was seconded by Councilman Miranda and approved by voice vote. Staff and family representatives were invited to speak at the ordinance’s return; the chair said it would be appropriate for a police chief or departmental representative to appear at the subsequent consideration.
The proposal is ceremonial and limited to installing an honorary sign. Staff indicated the city would return with the ordinance for first reading on or after May 21, 2026.
