Tampa Celebrating 130 Years Young
Tampa’s has a very long history of being a shipping port that had encompassed an Indian Tribes settlement back in 1600-1800’s (now Ft. Brooke’s Parking garage). A population of then 188 inhabitants. Tampa early translation known as “sticks of fire.” Today the U.S. census has Tampa at 355,000 residents.
The early commercial fishing trade waters around Tampa were plentiful. The catch were smoked and often taken back to Cuba for sale. Later after the Civil War, shipping progress developed. The steamship trading to other country ports increased with products of fruit, cattle and phosphate.
The 1880’s had the Tampa Board of Trade bring cigar businesses owned by Vincent Martinez Ybor to Tampa from Key West to make cigars. The land deals were set. The first buildings were built in Ybor City. All he needed was workers that led to immigration of Spaniards, European, German, Bahamians and Cubans to work and hand roll the cigars. Tampa was then growing big in tobacco and in 1929 Tampa produced over 500 million cigars that year.
Tracks were laid for trains to run to the west coast of Florida from the already Flagler owned train routes on the east coast by entrepreneur Henry B. Plant. Plant also had a big stake in the Tampa steamship industry. Plant built 3 hotels in Tampa. The most famous Is the Henry B. Plant’s Tampa Bay Hotel which was built as a $2.5 million luxury resort for the northern well to do tourists and distinguished government officials, (now the University of Tampa). The other 2 hotels were built in Old Port Tampa City. where he had built train lines, St Elmo’s Inn and Port Tampa Inn.
Many famous people stayed in Tampa including not yet President Teddy Roosevelt in the fighting battles of the Spanish American War. Tampa was a military headquarters.
Crime organizations in the old Tampa City Hall. From early crime organizations having pay rolled many city and county officials. The secret crime society still is around Tampa. Infamous players include Charlie Wall, Santo Trafficante, Sr & Santo Trafficante, Jr, Angelo “the Hammer” LoScalzo and Frank “Francesco” Diesidue in the 1920’s through today. Many great stories and books are available locally.
Tampa also known for its sports heritage. Greyhound Dog tracks, Jai Alai, horse racing, baseball, soccer, football and hockey professional teams. Did you know Babe Ruth hit his longest home run at the University of Tampa ball diamond?
From Tampa’s first Mayor Joseph B. Lancaster to today’s Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tampa’s known diversity and progress still stands tall.
With being known for a tourist area with multitude of activities including Busch Gardens, Lowry Park Zoo, Straz Performing Arts Center, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NY Yankees Training Camp, Cruise ship sailing port, Tampa Bay Rays, Riverwalk, Tampa Bay boating and fishing, Ybor City Nightlife and all the great historical residential communities in and around Tampa. And don’t forget our Great Local Educational Schools and Universities also.
Happy 130 Years )ld Tampa! A Place where People Proudly Call Home!
SHAZAM
The balcony at Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor City is always a Great Time! Especially on SUNday FUNdays! Tea Cup makes a special Party Cocktail called the SHAZAM!!! This Sunday plan on come over and check out the NEW Sunday Brunch, stay for the 1:30 Drag Show. Them party the afternoon way with your friends and a SHAZAM!!!
Gay Days at Busch Gardens
https://www.facebook.com/BigGayBuschGardens/
1,000’s of Photos just released!!!
Calling all Tampa History buffs. There are several large Tampa Photo History Collection available on line. Everyday there are more photos being uploaded. We just found this interesting photo. The gentleman in the center is Judge Leo Stalnaker. He was the former owner of our home. One collection not mentioned is the USF Special Collections at the Library. here you will find many LGBT photos that we have donated.
http://wfla.com/2017/07/10/thousands-of-old-photos-of-tampa-released-to-public/
From Al Ferguson
BREATHTAKING: Rock Hudson, Cuba, Edward Sotomayor and Santiago Hermes: just today I receive a postcard written at the Havana Cruise ship terminal on April 14. It is addressed TO AMERICA. The stamp was Rock Hudson. The famous actor that lived his life in the closet loved and adored by men and women. HE DIES OF AIDS. It is the ONLY stamp I could buy. IN CUBA. We worried it would not deliver. It was the 1 year anniversary of Eddie S in Cuba. To the day. Hudson stamp represents gay hiding and Cuban artist Santiago Hermes comes to Sarasota for Eddies funeral and paints “Top Hat Eddie” about the gay community in hiding. One year later Santiago sails as first Cuban ever on a cruise (as guest) from Havana. To the day. With a Rock Hudson stamp and the following post card message… to America… “it’s April 14, 2017 NOT 2016. Today, 1 year ago… today… I am with Eddie in Cienfuegos, Cuba. (We have just sailed from Havana) He meets Santiago Hermes. Today, 1 year later Santiago is the first Cuban in history to board a cruise in Havana. He is with me. BOTH are with me. The History is not lost on me. This anniversary and today’s history. I just wish “Top Hat Eddie” was with me. Love, Al”. Then the top 🎩 with “do all the good you can”. TODAY IT IS DELIVERED. Is the universe, God, or whatever… at work? YES. I’m listening.
https://www.facebook.com/al.alandchuck.ferguson
Thank you Al for sharing this.
Bern’s Steak House
Everything is BIGGER in South Tampa! That included the new wine decanter at Bern’s. Actually it is very FABOULOUS!!! The rare imperial decanter from Penfolds. Visit Burn’s facebook page and watch DLynn Proctor, global ambassador for Penfolds assemble this work of art.
https://www.facebook.com/BernsSteakHouse/
Meet Kevin Boyer
Have you ever dreamed about living in Ybor City or Gary Town? If yes then you will want to make a call to Kevin Boyer 813 853 3070 today. Kevin is a specialist in our urban communities. He has that special talent of knowing before when a property is coming on the market. When not out working hard Kevin can be found a his favorite watering hole is Bradley’s on 7th.
https://www.facebook.com/kevinboyer813
Ybor City Barber Shop is moving
From The MC Film News Bag
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Metro provides a variety of health and wellness services and programs inclusive of everyone in the Tampa Bay community. Our services include extensive programming for Youth, Transgender, and SAGE (older adult) populations, HIV Prevention and Community Outreach, HIV Healthcare & Education Services, LGBTQ focused Primary Care to those in Community throughout Tampa Bay. Our locations include: St. Petersburg and Tampa Community Centers, LGBT Welcome Center on Central Ave next to our Thrift Store. Medical Services are provided in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
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