When President Franklin D. Roosevelt rolled out Social Security in the depths of the Great Depression, his goal was simple — to lift seniors out of poverty. Alongside Medicare, introduced three decades later, it worked.
But as Social Security marks its 90th anniversary this month, talk of a looming financial crisis and a less favorable political climate is growing louder. Today, nearly 60 million U.S. retirees rely on monthly benefits, yet concerns about the program’s future are mounting.
How much longer can retirees count on this income? Could Donald Trump’s second term shake things up? And will younger workers, who now contribute 12% of their wages, ever see those contributions come back to them?
On Thursday, Aug. 14, the Tampa Bay Times, in partnership with AARP Florida, will host a free community event — “Securing the Future: Social Security at 90” — as part of the Spotlight Tampa Bay forum series.
“No initiative has done more to keep elderly Americans out of poverty than Social Security,” said Conan Gallaty, chairman and CEO of the Tampa Bay Times. “In its 90-year history, it has become one of the most popular federal benefits — and the third rail of politics. Our expert panelists will take on that challenge and talk about where the program is headed and how it might be strengthened.”
The panel will feature:
Tony Coelho, retired U.S. Congressman
Rufus Hawkins, financial adviser, Suncoast Investment Services
Edward Longe, director, Center for Technology and Innovation at the James Madison Institute
Les Rubin, founder and president, Main Street Economics
Elisa Walker, government affairs director of Social Security, AARP
The discussion, moderated by Graham Brink, Tampa Bay Times viewpoints editor, begins at 6 p.m. and will include audience questions.
During the first hour, attendees can connect with community resources from groups like AARP Florida, Feeding Tampa Bay’s S’Well Program, SHINE Senior Connection Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, League of Women Voters of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties, Meals on Wheels, Hillsborough County Department of Aging Services, and United Way Suncoast.
“As Social Security turns 90, we’re not just celebrating history — we’re stressing the urgent need to protect it,” said Jeff Johnson, AARP Florida state director. “Here in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties, nearly half of residents 65 and older depend on Social Security for at least half their income. This is a deeply local issue.”
📍 Event Details:
When: Thursday, Aug. 14, 6 p.m.
Where: Feeding Tampa Bay, 3624 Causeway Blvd., Tampa
Cost: Free admission and parking
Register: tampabay.com/spotlight