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Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Stanley Martin Homes Expands Through Tampa

• Upcoming Missy Elliot concert

• A deep dive into the life of Hernando De Soto

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.”

– John Wooden

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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!

What Tampa Bay area beach is consistently ranked among the top beaches in the United States?

A) St. Pete Beach

B) Clearwater Beach

C) Treasure Island

D) Caladesi Island

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The annual event in Tampa famous for its boat parade and blessings of the fleet is A) Gasparilla Pirate Festival

News

💼Business

Tampa nonprofits focused on community well-being join forces. (link)

TGH Cancer Institute receives transformational gift from Sykes family. (link)

🏒Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Legend John Lynch Named One of NFL's Greatest Safeties. (link)

Jacob Kmatz drafted by Tampa Bay in 5th round. (link)

🏦Finance

Stanley Martin Homes Expands Through Tampa with $60 Million in New Land Deals. (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. Clearwater Threshers
George Steinbrenner Field Tampa, FL
Tuesday July 23 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

⚾ Tampa Tarpons vs. Clearwater Threshers
George Steinbrenner Field Tampa, FL
Wednesday July 24 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸Asia: The Heat of the Moment Tour
Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center Tampa, FL
Monday July 22 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤Missy Elliott
Amalie Arena Tampa, FL
Wednesday July 24 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family Friendly

🎸Affordable Family Fun Skate
7510 Paula Dr St A, Tampa, FL
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 | (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 “Futuristic Tampa with a focus on sustainability and renewable energy.” 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

1984: The establishment of the Tampa Bay Bandits in the United States Football League.

In 1984, the Tampa Bay Bandits joined the United States Football League (USFL), marking an exciting addition to Tampa's sports scene and giving football enthusiasts in the city a new team to rally behind. The USFL was a professional football league that provided an alternative to the National Football League (NFL), and the Bandits quickly became a source of pride for Tampa residents. Their arrival added a sense of anticipation and excitement to the city's sports calendar.

The Tampa Bay Bandits, under the leadership of head coach Steve Spurrier, brought a competitive spirit and memorable moments to Tampa Stadium (later known as Raymond James Stadium). The team's orange and silver colors became iconic in the city, and their presence boosted Tampa's profile in the world of professional sports. Although the USFL folded after three seasons, the Bandits left a lasting legacy in the hearts of Tampa football fans, and their impact is still remembered fondly by those who supported them during their brief but spirited existence.

The establishment of the Tampa Bay Bandits in 1984 was a testament to Tampa's passion for sports and its willingness to embrace a new football franchise. While the USFL may have been short-lived, the Bandits' presence contributed to the city's sports culture and set the stage for the Tampa Bay area's future successes in professional football, notably with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL.

Famous People From Tampa

Hernando De Soto (c. 1500–1542): Explorer

Early Life and Beginnings (c. 1500-1519)

Hernando De Soto was born around 1500 in Jerez de los Caballeros, Spain, during a period of intense exploration and conquest. His early life in Spain was shaped by stories of the New World and the riches it held, fueling his ambitions for exploration. De Soto's formative years were spent in an environment brimming with tales of discovery and adventure.

First Expeditions and Military Service (1520-1532)

De Soto began his career in exploration and military service by joining expeditions to Central America. He served under Francisco Pizarro during the conquest of Peru, gaining experience in exploration and tactics. This period was marked by his participation in significant military campaigns and expeditions.

Acquisition of Wealth and Return to Spain (1533-1537)

De Soto accumulated wealth from his exploits in the New World, particularly from the conquest of Peru. He returned to Spain as a wealthy and successful man, garnering attention and respect. His return to Spain marked a turning point, where he began planning his own expedition to North America.

The Florida Expedition and Landing Near Tampa (1538-1540)

De Soto led a large expedition to explore Florida, which was then a vast and largely unknown region. It is believed that De Soto and his expedition landed near present-day Tampa Bay in 1539, beginning their exploration of the southeastern United States. This expedition was significant for its scale and ambition, though it was fraught with challenges and hardships.

Exploration of the Southeastern United States (1540-1541)

De Soto and his men embarked on a rigorous exploration of the southeastern United States, searching for gold and riches. They traversed a vast area, encountering various indigenous communities and enduring numerous hardships. De Soto's expedition was one of the first European explorations of this region, though it yielded little in terms of material wealth.

Mississippi River Discovery and Continuing Challenges (1541-1542)

The expedition made a significant discovery in 1541: the Mississippi River, a major North American river. De Soto and his men were the first Europeans to document and cross the Mississippi. Despite this discovery, the expedition continued to face difficulties, including conflicts with indigenous peoples and the harsh environment.

Final Days and Death (1542)

Hernando De Soto's health declined as the expedition struggled with the demands of their journey. He died in 1542 near the Mississippi River, never achieving his goal of finding a rich kingdom to conquer. De Soto's death marked the end of an ambitious but ultimately tragic expedition.

Legacy and Impact on Exploration

Hernando De Soto's explorations contributed to the European understanding of the southeastern United States. His journey, while unsuccessful in finding gold or establishing a colony, provided valuable information about the geography and indigenous peoples of the region. De Soto's legacy is complex, marked by both his role as an explorer and the impact of his expedition on indigenous communities.

Connection to Tampa

De Soto's connection to Tampa is significant due to the belief that he landed near Tampa Bay during his expedition. This landing is a notable event in the history of Tampa, linking the city to early European exploration in North America. The exploration beginning near Tampa is a part of the city's historical narrative, contributing to its cultural heritage.

Key Achievements

• Led a major expedition to explore the southeastern United States.

• Was one of the first Europeans to cross the Mississippi River.

• Contributed to the European understanding of North American geography and indigenous cultures.

Summary

Hernando De Soto's life was a journey marked by ambition, exploration, and the quest for discovery. As the leader of a significant expedition to the southeastern United States, he played a crucial role in early European exploration of the region, including the discovery of the Mississippi River. His believed landing near Tampa Bay links him to the early history of Tampa, marking him as a figure of historical significance in the exploration of North America.

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-Matthew Larsen

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