Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Bucs’ Madden ratings revealed - Mike Evans rated 91 overall

• Tampa Bay business bankruptcies surge

• The story of Jose Gaspar

• And more…

Fun Fact of the Week

On January 1, 1914, Tampa became the site of the world’s first scheduled commercial airline flight. Pilot Tony Jannus flew a Benoist XIV biplane from St. Petersburg to Tampa, covering the 21-mile journey across Tampa Bay in about 23 minutes. This pioneering flight marked the beginning of the commercial aviation industry, revolutionizing transportation and connecting distant places.

The Top Tampa News

💼 Business:

Altura Bayshore, a South Tampa luxury condominium tower, is complete

South Tampa condo tower Altura Bayshore completes construction and is now welcoming residents. The luxury tower, located in the heart of South Tampa, offers stunning views of Bayshore Boulevard and Tampa Bay. This milestone marks the culmination of years of planning and development, bringing upscale living to one of Tampa’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

🏈 Sports:

Bucs’ Madden ratings revealed

Four-year tackle Tristan Wirfs leads the team with a 94 overall rating. Winfield Jr. follows with a rating of 92 after a sensational 2023 campaign consisting of three interceptions, four fumble recoveries, and six forced fumbles. The tenured Bucs receiver Evans grades out at 91 after posting his 10th 1,000-yard season, tying Hall-of-Famer Randy Moss for the second most in NFL history. Linebacker Lavonte David and nose tackle Vita Vea both tally ratings of 90.

🏦 Finance:

Tampa Bay Business Bankruptcies Surging Past Pre-Pandemic Levels

Local bankruptcies are spiking despite the generally positive outlook for this region’s economy in 2024. This trend highlights underlying financial challenges facing businesses in the area, raising concerns about the stability and resilience of the local market amidst broader economic optimism.

Upcoming Events

👟 Armature Works Run Club

• Date: Wednesday, June 19th, 6:30 PM

• Location: Armature Works

• Details: Join us at Armature Works for a 5k on the Riverwalk followed by great food and drinks within Heights Public Market. A short warm up will begin at 6:30pm.

• More info: Link

🎙️ Heather McDonald: The Juicy Scoop Experience

• Date: Thursday, June 20th, 8 PM

• Location: Seminole Hard Rock Casino

• Details: Stand-up comedian, actress and author Heather McDonald will perform live at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center on June 20, 2024.

• Tickets: Link

🛥️ Brunch Buffet Cruise

• Date: Saturday, June 22nd, 12:30 PM

• Location: Starship Yacht

• Details: Come aboard Yacht StarShip for the ultimate weekend brunch experience featuring $10 bottomless mimosas. Set sail as you sip on endless mimosas and enjoy a specially-prepared brunch with friends and family.

• Tickets: Link

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!

In which year did the University of South Florida in Tampa open its doors to students?

A) 1956

B) 1960

C) 1965

D) 1970

Last week’s answer:

What year did the first Gasparilla Pirate Festival take place in Tampa?

Answer: 1904

The 1898 Spanish-American War: Tampa's Transformation into a Military Hub

Introduction: Tampa on the Brink of War

In the spring of 1898, Tampa found itself thrust into the national spotlight as the United States prepared to engage in the Spanish-American War. This pivotal conflict not only marked a significant chapter in American history but also transformed Tampa from a sleepy port town into a bustling military hub, forever altering its trajectory.

Mobilization and Preparation: Tampa’s Strategic Importance

As tensions with Spain escalated, Tampa’s strategic location and excellent rail connections made it an ideal staging area for U.S. forces destined for Cuba. The city’s port became a hive of activity, with ships arriving daily loaded with troops, horses, and supplies. Camp Tampa, a sprawling military encampment, sprang up almost overnight, housing thousands of soldiers eager to embark on their mission.

The City Awakes: Economic and Social Impact

The influx of military personnel and resources brought an unprecedented economic boom to Tampa. Local businesses thrived as soldiers and support staff poured into the city, seeking food, lodging, and entertainment. Hotels, bars, and shops experienced a surge in business, while the local population swelled with the arrival of military families and war correspondents.

The Departure: A City Bids Farewell

By late June, the streets of Tampa were lined with cheering crowds as soldiers marched to the port, boarding ships bound for the conflict in Cuba. The departure of the military contingent was a grand spectacle, filled with patriotic fervor and hope. For many Tampa residents, it was a moment of immense pride and unity, as their city played a crucial role in a significant national endeavor.

A Lasting Legacy: Tampa’s Evolution

The brief but intense period of military activity left a lasting legacy on Tampa. The city’s infrastructure had been expanded and improved, and its economy had experienced a considerable boost. More importantly, Tampa had gained a new sense of identity and importance on the national stage. The experiences of 1898 laid the groundwork for future growth, as Tampa continued to evolve into a major urban center.

Today, the echoes of the Spanish-American War can still be felt in Tampa’s historic districts and landmarks, serving as a reminder of the city’s pivotal role in a defining moment of American history. The transformation sparked by those tumultuous months in 1898 helped shape the vibrant, dynamic city that Tampa is today.

Famous People in Tampa History

Jose Gaspar: The Legendary Pirate of Tampa Bay

Introduction: The Mythical Marauder of Tampa Bay

Jose Gaspar, the infamous pirate who terrorized the waters of Tampa Bay in the early 19th century, remains a captivating figure in local folklore and history. Known as "Gasparilla," this swashbuckling character has become synonymous with Tampa's vibrant pirate culture and the city's enduring spirit of adventure and celebration.

Early Life and Infamy: From Naval Officer to Pirate Captain

Legend has it that Jose Gaspar was born in Spain and later joined the Spanish Navy, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his tactical prowess and bravery. However, disillusioned with the strict discipline and seeking the allure of treasure and freedom, Gaspar mutinied against his commanding officers and turned to a life of piracy in the waters of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.

Reign of Terror: Gaspar's Raids and Notoriety

Gaspar and his crew of cutthroats became notorious for their daring raids on merchant ships and coastal settlements, including along the shores of Florida. Tampa Bay, with its strategic location and bustling trade routes, became a favored target for Gaspar's plundering expeditions. His reputation as a ruthless pirate grew, with tales of his cunning tactics and the black flag of the Jolly Roger striking fear into the hearts of sailors and settlers alike.

The Enduring Legacy: Gasparilla Festival and Cultural Icon

Despite the mythical nature of Gaspar's exploits, his legacy continues to thrive in Tampa through the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival, a celebration that honors his memory and Tampa's seafaring heritage. Since its inception in 1904, the Gasparilla Festival has grown into one of the largest and most anticipated events in the region, drawing thousands of revelers each year for parades, parties, and festivities inspired by the pirate king himself.

Conclusion: Gaspar's Spirit Lives On

Though Jose Gaspar's true identity and historical accuracy remain shrouded in mystery, his legend as the "Last of the Buccaneers" lives on in Tampa's collective imagination. As Tampa Bay embraces its pirate past with pride and whimsy, Gasparilla stands as a testament to the city's adventurous spirit and enduring fascination with the tales of the high seas.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen