Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• The history of Ybor City

• The Bolts look to tie the series against the Panthers

• Tampa Heights YMCA Redevelopment Set for 2025

• And more…

Fun Fact of the Week

MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa was initially established in 1939 as Southeast Air Base in response to the growing need for strategic military bases in preparation for potential involvement in World War II. The base was named after Colonel Leslie MacDill, a World War I aviator who died in an aircraft accident.

The Top Tampa News

💼 Business:

Tampa Heights YMCA Redevelopment Set for 2025:

The Tampa Heights YMCA has achieved a significant milestone by securing the necessary approvals to start construction.The project is slated to break ground in 2025, marking a new chapter in the area's development and offering enhanced facilities and services to the residents of Tampa Heights.

🏈 Sports:

Lightning Begin Playoff Series against In-State Rival Panthers:

The Tampa Bay Lightning kick off their Stanley Cup run against the Florida Panthers, looking to tie the series at 1 game apiece Tuesday night in Broward County. The Bolts will be in action on Thursday and Saturday evening at Amalie Arena as they try to advance to the next round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

🏦 Finance:

Tampa Woman Complains About Cost of Living:

Sammy, a server in Tampa, shared a viral video expressing her struggles with living costs, revealing that after taxes, rent, and car payments, she's left with just $2,500 a month for other expenses. Her plight underscores a broader issue, as a recent Pew Research Center survey found over 90% of Americans are concerned about rising food and consumer goods prices. Additionally, a USDA report highlighted that 12.8% of American households were food insecure in 2022, a noticeable increase from previous years.

Upcoming Events

Sports Events:

🏒 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers

• Date: Thursday, April 25th, 7 PM

• Location: Amalie Arena

• Details: The Tampa Bay Lightning host their first playoff game against in-state rival Florida Panthers

• Tickets: Check Ticketmaster

🏒 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers

• Date: Saturday, April 27th, 5 PM

• Location: Amalie Arena

• Details: The Tampa Bay Lightning are back in playoff action Saturday night!

• Tickets: Check Ticketmaster

Other events in Tampa:

🌍 Breakaway Music Festival

• Date: April 26-27, 2024

• Location: Raymond James Stadium

• Details: Breakaway Music Festival is a 2-Day All Ages event featuring your favorite artists in Electronic, Hip-Hop, and Pop music. General Admission to the event includes access to the Main Stage, Silent Disco tent, local food trucks and vendors, and Sponsor activities.

• Tickets: Breakaway website​

🍇 TASTE at the Straz

• Date: Saturday, April 27th, 5 PM

• Location: The Straz Center, Riverwalk

• Details: Join us for Tampa Bay's first and longest-running culinary benefit at The Straz. Enjoy an all-inclusive evening with access to the Bay area's best food, craft brews, cocktails, and more. This signature fundraiser supports the Straz Center’s productions and arts education, having raised over $3 million to date.

  Tickets: Straz Center website

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Tampa historical figure was known as the "Cigar City Mafia" boss during the early 20th century?

A) Ignacio Haya

B) Vicente Martinez-Ybor

C) Santo Trafficante, Sr.

D) Charlie Wall

Last week’s answer:

Which Tampa museum is dedicated to the works of Spanish artist Salvador Dalí? 

Answer: The Dalí Museum

AI Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, a modernized version of Ybor City in its prime as a cigar hub:

Ybor City: The Birth of Tampa's Cigar Empire

Introduction: A Vision of Prosperity

In the late 19th century, Tampa was a sleepy backwater with little economic activity. This all changed when Vicente Martinez-Ybor, a Spanish-born cigar manufacturer, decided to relocate his operations from Key West to Tampa in 1885. Ybor's vision was to create a thriving cigar industry in Tampa, leveraging the area's favorable climate and good transportation links. This move marked the beginning of what would become the world-renowned "Cigar City."

The Cigar Boom

The establishment of Ybor City, a new company town designed specifically for the cigar industry, catalyzed a massive economic boom in Tampa. By the turn of the century, the area was home to hundreds of cigar factories, producing millions of cigars each year. This influx of industry brought thousands of immigrants from Cuba, Spain, and Italy, each contributing to the burgeoning local economy and cultural diversity. Ybor City quickly became a bustling hub of activity, filled with shops, restaurants, clubs, and other businesses catering to the cigar workers and their families.

Cultural Expansion and Influence

With its unique blend of Cuban, Spanish, and Italian influences, Ybor City became a cultural melting pot. This diversity was reflected in the music, food, and festivals of the community, contributing to a vibrant, lively urban culture unlike anywhere else in the United States. The most notable cultural export from this era was the Tampa sandwich, or "Cuban sandwich," which became a culinary symbol of the city's mixed heritage.

Challenges and Evolution

Despite the prosperity, the cigar industry in Tampa faced numerous challenges over the years, including labor disputes, economic recessions, and the eventual decline of cigar smoking in mainstream culture. However, Ybor City adapted, shifting towards other industries and becoming a historic and cultural landmark. The area is now a popular tourist destination, known for its rich history and preserved heritage.

Impact and Legacy: Preserving a Unique Heritage

The legacy of Vicente Martinez-Ybor and the cigar industry has left a lasting imprint on Tampa, shaping it into a vibrant and culturally rich city. Efforts to preserve the historic buildings of Ybor City and the traditions of its early inhabitants continue, highlighting the importance of this era in shaping modern Tampa. Today, Ybor City stands as a testament to the transformative power of industry and immigration, and it remains a beloved and integral part of Tampa's identity.

Famous People in Tampa History

Lee Roy Selmon (1954–2011): Tampa Bay's Football Legend

Introduction: Lee Roy Selmon - A Pillar of Strength and Skill

Lee Roy Selmon, born on October 20, 1954, in Eufaula, Oklahoma, became an iconic figure in Tampa’s sports history. Known for his extraordinary talent and sportsmanship on the football field, Selmon was the first-ever draft pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1976. His impressive career in the NFL, coupled with his contributions to the community, left an indelible mark on Tampa Bay, both as a player and a person.

Early Career: From College Star to NFL Prodigy

Selmon’s journey to professional football stardom began at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned All-American honors and helped his team secure two National Championships. His prowess on the field led to his selection as the first overall pick in the 1976 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This choice not only set the stage for his legendary career but also signaled the beginning of a new era for Tampa’s NFL team.

Professional Achievements: Dominance on the Defensive Line

During his tenure with the Buccaneers, Selmon transformed the team’s defense into one of the most formidable units in the league. His strength, agility, and strategic mind earned him six consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 1979. Selmon’s leadership was pivotal in leading the Buccaneers to their first playoff appearance and the NFC Championship game in the 1979 season.

Community Impact and Post-Career Endeavors

Off the field, Lee Roy Selmon was equally impactful, embodying the spirit of community and philanthropy. He was deeply involved in Tampa’s youth sports programs and educational initiatives, consistently advocating for the importance of sportsmanship and education. After retiring from professional football in 1984, Selmon continued to serve his community by working in various roles that supported local development and youth engagement.

Legacy and Impact: Tampa’s Homegrown Hero

Lee Roy Selmon’s legacy in Tampa extends far beyond the football field. His name adorns various landmarks, including Lee Roy Selmon’s Expressway and a popular restaurant chain that celebrates his contributions to the city’s culture and community. The respect and admiration he garnered throughout his life are reflected in his posthumous induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995.

Major Achievements:

• First draft pick and Hall of Famer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

• Six-time Pro Bowl selection and 1979 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995.

Lee Roy Selmon’s remarkable contributions to Tampa Bay as both a football player and a community leader continue to inspire and resonate with the people of Tampa, making him a beloved figure in the city’s sporting history and a role model for aspiring athletes.

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-Matthew Larsen