When the world remembers Hulk Hogan, they’ll think of the red and yellow.
The signature handlebar mustache. The larger-than-life persona that helped define professional wrestling in the 1980s and beyond.
But to many in Florida, especially in Clearwater, Hulk Hogan wasn’t just an icon. He was a neighbor. A businessman. A fixture of the community.
Terry Bollea, better known to the world as Hulk Hogan, made Clearwater Beach his home for decades.
And while his fame stretched around the globe, it was the Gulf Coast’s powder-white sands and laid-back lifestyle that kept him grounded.
Florida wasn’t just a place to live; it was his sanctuary, his headquarters, and in many ways, his final legacy.
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Clearwater: The Beach That Became a Backdrop to a Legend
Long before Clearwater Beach became a regular on “best beaches in America” lists, Hulk Hogan had already chosen it as his home base.
Located along Florida’s Central Gulf Coast, Clearwater is known for its turquoise waters, breathtaking sunsets, and welcoming small-town vibe.
For someone like Hogan, whose life had been defined by screaming fans, sold-out arenas, and cameras constantly in his face, Clearwater offered something invaluable: peace.
Yet Hogan never truly faded into the background. He was a familiar face around town, seen driving his custom rides along Gulf Boulevard, hanging out with fans, or stopping into local restaurants.
He embraced Clearwater, and in turn, Clearwater embraced him.
A Wrestler Who Loved the Water
It’s no surprise Hogan gravitated toward Florida’s coast. A Florida native himself, he was born in Augusta, Georgia, but moved to Tampa at a young age.
He attended high school and college in the Tampa Bay area, and long before he stepped foot in a wrestling ring, he was just another Florida kid who loved the beach.
Even at the height of his fame, Hogan often spoke about his love for boating, fishing, and jet skiing, all of which Clearwater Beach offers in abundance.
Florida wasn’t just where he rested between shows; it was where he recharged.
Hogan’s Hangout: A Clearwater Beach Landmark
Perhaps the most tangible way Hogan left his mark on Florida was through Hogan’s Hangout, a restaurant and bar he opened right on Clearwater Beach.
What started as a celebrity-backed dining spot quickly became a fan favorite, not just for its food and drinks, but for the larger-than-life personality baked into every inch of the venue.
Walls adorned with wrestling memorabilia. Hulkamania merchandise on display. Giant TVs playing classic WWE matches.
And on many occasions, the man himself, casually walking around, greeting fans, and posing for pictures.
Hogan’s Hangout wasn’t just another tourist trap. It became a hub for wrestling fans, locals, and curious vacationers alike.
Trivia nights, karaoke, and pay-per-view watch parties brought people together, while the regular “Hogan sightings” added a unique thrill you couldn’t find at any other beach bar in Florida.
Following Hogan’s passing, fans have already begun gathering at Hogan’s Hangout to pay their respects, turning the restaurant into a place of tribute as well as celebration.
This, a reminder of how deeply he was loved not just by wrestling fans, but by his local community.
One of the first times I visited Hogan’s Hangout was during Covid
More Than a Celebrity
Hogan’s presence in Clearwater went beyond just name recognition. He was an active member of the community.
He participated in local fundraisers, supported area businesses, and frequently appeared at charity events throughout the Tampa Bay region.
Despite the highs and lows of his personal life, and there were many, Hogan never strayed far from his Florida roots.
He kept a residence in Clearwater for much of his adult life, and even after selling his lavish beachfront mansion years ago, he stayed in the area, proving that Clearwater wasn’t just a phase. It was home.
Photo Credit: Hulk Hogan Facebook
A Florida Icon, On and Off the Screen
Wrestling fans remember the glory days: the slams, the feuds, the unforgettable moments in the ring.
But in Florida, the image that stands out might be different. Maybe it’s Hogan sipping a cold drink on a hot afternoon at his own restaurant.
Or taking a stroll along Pier 60. Or giving a wave to kids who spotted him on the beach.
Florida wasn’t just a place where Hogan lived, it was a place he helped shape.
In Clearwater Beach, he wasn’t just Hulk Hogan, the legend. He was Terry from around the corner.
The Future of Hogan’s Hangout
With his passing, one question on many minds is what will happen to Hogan’s Hangout.
While no official announcements have been made, locals and fans are hopeful that the venue will remain open as a living tribute — a museum-meets-bar that honors his life and career.
There’s even talk of potential memorial events, wrestling nights in his honor, or dedicated sections for fans to leave tributes.
Whatever its future holds, Hogan’s Hangout is now more than just a restaurant; it’s a piece of Florida history.
Photo Credit: Hulk Hogan Facebook
Remembering the Man Behind the Muscles
As tributes pour in from across the world, Clearwater Beach stands a little quieter today.
The loss of Hulk Hogan is more than the loss of a wrestler; it’s the loss of a neighbor, a friend, and a local icon.
From the roar of stadium crowds to the gentle crash of Gulf Coast waves, Hogan’s life was full of energy, charisma, and love — for his fans, his family, and for Florida.
And while the wrestling world may never see another star quite like him, Clearwater will always carry his spirit.
In every sunset over the pier, every cheer at Hogan’s Hangout, and every memory shared by the water, the legacy of the Hulkster lives on.
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Booking a last-minute trip to Florida?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Florida – Viator
Top Hotels In Florida – Booking.com
Looking To Get Around In Florida?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
