Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• En Vogue comes to Tampa

• The origin of the historic Don CeSar

• Record breaking condo sale in Tampa

• And more…

Fun Fact of the Week

In the early 20th century, Tampa was home to one of the first commercial flight services in the United States. The St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line, established in 1914, operated the world's first scheduled airline service, using a Benoist XIV biplane flying between downtown St. Petersburg and downtown Tampa.

The Top Tampa News

💼 Business:

Tampa Bay Residents Gain Convenient Access to South Carolina with New Breeze Airways Flights

Tampa Bay residents now have easier access to South Carolina thanks to two new nonstop flights by Breeze Airways. These flights, operating through Tampa International Airport, started on May 10, according to a statement. One flies to Myrtle Beach on Fridays and Mondays, while the other serves the Tampa-Greenville-Spartanburg route, also on Fridays and Mondays, though it's a seasonal service.

🏈 Sports:

Tampa Bay Rays' Latest Ballpark Proposal Sparks Controversy Over Funding and Revenue Sharing

The Tampa Bay Rays' ongoing quest for a new ballpark has taken another turn with their latest plan for a $1.3 billion stadium, which involves requesting over $700 million in public funding. However, this proposal has drawn criticism from a group known as 'No Home Run' - they're urging the team to pay rent, share revenue with the city and county, and acquire the land at a price closer to market value.

🏦 Finance:

Record-Breaking $11.6 Million Condo Sale at Tampa's Ritz-Carlton

A recent condo sale at the Ritz-Carlton in Tampa has made headlines by setting a new record. The impressive sale price surpasses the previous record set by Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik, who purchased his unit at the Tampa edition for $8.34 million in February. This latest transaction underscores the luxury real estate market's strength in Tampa and highlights the allure of the city's premier properties.

Upcoming Events

🎶 En Vogue

• Date: Friday, May 10th, 6:30 PM

• Location: Hard Rock Casino

• Details: En Vogue will perform in the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa on Wednesday, May 15 at 8 p.m.

• Tickets: Link

💐 Posie’s Flower Truck at Hyde Park Village

• Date: Wednesday, May 15th, 12-3 PM

• Location: Hyde Park Village

• More info: Link

🍇 Sunset Series: Sundown Sips

• Date: Thursday, May 16th, 6 PM

• Location: Water Street

• Details: Enjoy an evening with wine, cocktails, mocktails and unique beverages.

• Tickets: More info

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!

1. What year did Tampa officially become a city?

   A) 1849

   B) 1855

   C) 1875

   D) 1887

Last week’s answer:

Which Native American tribe was reported to have inhabited the area around modern-day Tampa before the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century?

Answer: Tocobaga

The Don CeSar Hotel: A Storied Icon of Florida's Gulf Coast

Introduction: A Palatial Retreat Amidst Coastal Splendor

Nestled along the pristine shores of St. Pete Beach, the Don CeSar Hotel stands as a timeless testament to luxury and elegance on Florida's Gulf Coast. Originally conceived as a visionary masterpiece by Thomas Rowe, this iconic pink palace has captivated visitors for nearly a century with its grandeur, charm, and unparalleled seaside vistas. From its inception to the present day, the Don CeSar has played a pivotal role in shaping the region's hospitality landscape and has become a beloved symbol of coastal refinement.

Dreams and Ambitions: The Vision of Thomas Rowe

The story of the Don CeSar begins in the early 20th century with the ambitious vision of Thomas Rowe, a man enamored by the romance and allure of European architecture. Inspired by the legendary romance of a Spanish opera he witnessed in London, Rowe set out to create a lavish Mediterranean-style resort that would evoke the splendor of a bygone era. In 1928, after years of meticulous planning and construction, Rowe's dream became a reality as the Don CeSar opened its doors to guests, ushering in a new era of opulence on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Glamour and Prestige: A Haven for Celebrities and Socialites

From its earliest days, the Don CeSar quickly gained a reputation as a playground for the rich and famous, attracting Hollywood celebrities, dignitaries, and socialites from around the world. With its lavish ballrooms, world-class amenities, and idyllic beachfront setting, the hotel became synonymous with luxury and sophistication, hosting extravagant parties, elegant soirées, and glamorous affairs that dazzled guests and captured the imagination of the public.

War and Resilience: A Beacon of Hope During World War II

During World War II, the Don CeSar was requisitioned by the U.S. Army and transformed into a military hospital, serving as a haven of healing and solace for wounded servicemen returning from the battlefield. Despite the challenges of wartime, the hotel remained a symbol of hope and resilience, providing comfort and support to those who had sacrificed so much for their country. After the war, the Don CeSar resumed its role as a premier destination for luxury and leisure, welcoming back guests with open arms and reaffirming its status as an enduring symbol of grace and hospitality.

Revival and Restoration: Preserving a Historic Treasure

In the decades that followed, the Don CeSar underwent several renovations and expansions, evolving with the times while preserving its timeless charm and architectural splendor. Today, the hotel continues to enchant guests with its classic elegance, modern amenities, and warm Southern hospitality, offering a luxurious retreat where memories are made and dreams come true. As a cherished landmark on Florida's Gulf Coast, the Don CeSar remains a beacon of sophistication and style, inviting visitors to experience the magic of seaside serenity and the allure of old-world glamour in an unforgettable setting.

Famous People in Tampa History

Thomas Rowe (1870–1940): Architect of Elegance and Visionary of Luxury

Introduction: Thomas Rowe - Architectural Visionary of St. Pete Beach

Thomas Rowe, born in 1870 in England, emerged as a pioneering force in the development of St. Pete Beach's iconic Don CeSar Hotel, leaving an indelible mark on Florida's Gulf Coast. Rowe's vision, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence transformed a dream into reality, establishing the Don CeSar as a symbol of opulence and grandeur that continues to captivate guests from around the world.

Early Life and Education: A Journey of Innovation

Rowe's journey began with a passion for architecture and design, nurtured during his formative years in England. After studying engineering and architecture in London, Rowe embarked on a transatlantic voyage to the United States, drawn by the promise of new opportunities and the allure of the burgeoning American landscape. It was during this time that Rowe's vision for the Don CeSar began to take shape, inspired by the romance and elegance of European architecture.

The Don CeSar: A Vision Takes Flight

In 1924, Thomas Rowe acquired the land on which the Don CeSar would be built, setting the stage for one of the most ambitious architectural projects in Florida's history. Inspired by the Moorish and Mediterranean influences of Spanish architecture, Rowe envisioned a grand resort that would evoke the splendor of a bygone era, transporting guests to a world of luxury and refinement. With meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for design, Rowe oversaw every aspect of the Don CeSar's construction, ensuring that his vision was brought to life with unrivaled precision and craftsmanship.

Elegance and Luxury: A Jewel of the Gulf Coast

When the Don CeSar opened its doors to guests in 1928, it instantly became a beacon of elegance and luxury on Florida's Gulf Coast. From its distinctive pink facade to its lavish interiors adorned with exquisite furnishings and ornate decorations, the hotel exuded a sense of opulence and sophistication that captivated visitors from near and far. Under Rowe's guidance, the Don CeSar quickly established itself as a premier destination for discerning travelers seeking an unparalleled experience of seaside splendor and indulgence.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Although Thomas Rowe passed away in 1940, his legacy lives on through the timeless elegance and enduring charm of the Don CeSar Hotel. For nearly a century, the hotel has remained a beloved landmark on St. Pete Beach, enchanting guests with its classic beauty, unmatched hospitality, and timeless allure. Rowe's vision and dedication to excellence continue to inspire generations of visitors, ensuring that his legacy as an architectural visionary and pioneer of luxury hospitality will endure for years to come.

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-Matthew Larsen