Although the mayor 's office is nonpartisan , Martinez was known to be a Democrat . However , in 1983 , he changed his party affiliation to Republican after meeting with Ronald Reagan when the president was in Tampa to give a speech , causing some dismay among local supporters and leading to speculation that he may eventually run for higher office . Martinez 's national profile increased in 1984 , when he delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention , and in 1985 , when he was elected to the board of directors of the National League of Cities
Republican National Convention
1984 Republican National Convention
Bob Martinez