Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Tampa Tarpons home games

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of John F. Germany

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Every villain is a hero in his own mind.”

― Tom Hiddleston

Trivia

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 Tampa park can you find the famous Jose Gaspar pirate ship used during the Gasparilla Pirate Festival?

A) Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

B) Lettuce Lake Park

C) Al Lopez Park

D) Ballast Point Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The major Tampa Bay estuary known for its diverse marine life is C) Tampa Bay Estuary

News

💼Business

Tampa woman's company sells artisan sourdough bread. (link)

Tampa museum picks builder for multimillion-dollar expansion. (link)

🏒Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles is glad to have safety Jordan Whitehead back with the team following two years away with the New York Jets. (link)

🏦Finance

Tampa Bay among the nation's leaders in luxury home sales. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Tampa Tarpons vs. Daytona Tortugas
George Steinbrenner Field Tampa, FL
Friday August 9 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

⚾ Tampa Tarpons vs. Daytona Tortugas
George Steinbrenner Field Tampa, FL
Saturday August 10 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Aurelio Voltaire "The Halloween Forever" Tour in Tampa
New World Music Hall 810 E Skagway Ave Tampa,
Friday August 9 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Freestyle Explosion Throwback Jam
Amalie Arena Tampa, FL
Saturday August 10 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Family Friendly

🎭 Countdown Improv Festival Matinee for Kids and Families
HCC Performing Arts Ybor City 1411 East 11th Avenue Tampa,
Saturday, August 10 · 12 - 2:30pm EDT | (more info)

Image of the Week

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

This week, I typed in “Tampa where traditional and digital art forms merge in public spaces.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Tampa Historical Events

1999: The final closure and demolition of the old Tampa Stadium (The Big Sombrero).

In 1999, Tampa bid farewell to an iconic landmark with the final closure and demolition of the old Tampa Stadium, affectionately known as ""The Big Sombrero."" The stadium held a special place in the hearts of Tampa residents and sports enthusiasts, having hosted numerous memorable events, including football games, concerts, and other major gatherings. However, by the late 1990s, it had become outdated and could no longer meet the modern demands of sports and entertainment.

The closure and demolition of ""The Big Sombrero"" marked the end of an era for Tampa's sports scene. It paved the way for the construction of Raymond James Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that would become the new home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a popular venue for major events, including Super Bowls and college football championships. The transition from the old stadium to Raymond James Stadium represented Tampa's commitment to modernizing its sports infrastructure and providing fans with a world-class experience.

While ""The Big Sombrero"" is no longer standing, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who attended events there and in the rich sports history of Tampa Bay. The demolition of the old stadium signaled Tampa's readiness to embrace the future while preserving its sporting traditions, ultimately contributing to the continued growth and success of the city's sports culture.

Famous People From Tampa

John F. Germany (1913–1998): Lawyer and founder of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System.

Early Life and Education (1913-1931)

Born in 1913 in Plant City, Florida, John F. Germany grew up in a time of significant cultural and economic change in the United States. He pursued his education with a strong focus on law, laying the groundwork for his future career. Germany's formative years were marked by a growing interest in public service and community development.

Legal Career Beginnings (1932-1945)

After completing his legal studies, Germany began practicing law in Tampa, establishing himself in the local legal community. His early legal career was distinguished by a keen understanding of law and a dedication to community service. This period marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to the law and to public welfare.

Rising Influence in Tampa (1946-1955)

Germany's influence in Tampa's legal and civic affairs grew during this time. He became known for his expertise in various legal areas and for his involvement in community projects. His work during this time laid the foundation for his future contributions to the city.

Advocacy for Public Libraries (1956-1965)

Recognizing the need for a robust public library system in Tampa, Germany became a driving force behind the development of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System. He advocated for the importance of public libraries as essential resources for education and community engagement. His efforts led to the establishment of new libraries and the expansion of library services in the area.

Founding of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System (1966-1975)

Germany played a pivotal role in the founding of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, which significantly improved access to educational resources. Under his guidance, the library system grew to serve a wider community, offering diverse and inclusive services. His vision for the library system transformed it into a cornerstone of the Tampa community.

Continued Legal and Community Work (1976-1985)

Even as he worked on library initiatives, Germany continued his legal practice, gaining recognition for his professionalism and expertise. He remained actively involved in various community projects, contributing to Tampa's growth and development. His commitment to both his legal career and community work exemplified his dedication to public service.

Later Years and Honors (1986-1998)

In his later years, Germany's contributions to Tampa and its public library system were widely recognized and honored. He received numerous accolades for his community service and his role in enhancing Tampa's educational landscape. Germany passed away in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of civic leadership and dedication to public welfare.

Connection to Tampa

John F. Germany's deep connection to Tampa was evident throughout his life. As a lawyer and community leader, he played a central role in the development of the city's public library system. His impact on Tampa's educational and cultural development was profound and lasting.

Personal Life and Characteristics

Germany was known for his intellect, dedication to the law, and unwavering commitment to community service. His personal life was marked by a strong sense of civic duty and a commitment to improving the lives of Tampa's residents. Germany's leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping Tampa's public resources and community services.

Key Achievements

• Instrumental in founding the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, transforming access to educational resources in Tampa.

• Maintained a successful legal career while dedicating himself to numerous community projects.

• Received widespread recognition for his contributions to public welfare and community development in Tampa.

Summary

John F. Germany's life was marked by his significant contributions to Tampa, especially in the realm of public libraries and education. As a dedicated lawyer and a visionary community leader, he played a pivotal role in the founding and development of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System. His legacy as a champion of public resources and community welfare continues to influence and inspire, reflecting his profound impact on the city of Tampa.

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

Poll