Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Bucs repeat history after 49ers loss.

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Stephen M. Sparkman

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Power is always dangerous. Power attracts the worst and corrupts the best.”

—Edward Abbey

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!

Which Tampa Bay sports team plays professional baseball at Tropicana Field?

A) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

B) Tampa Bay Rays

C) Tampa Bay Lightning

D) Tampa Bay Rowdies

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic Tampa hotel known for its Moorish and Byzantine styles is D) The Henry B. Plant Hotel

News

💼Business

Midtown Tampa office building backfills South State's space with another bank.(link)

Meet Tampa International Airport’s next CEO.(link)

🏒Sports

Repairs to Tampa Bay Rays' Tropicana Field from Hurricane Milton put at $55.7 million.(link)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers repeat NFL history in a very ugly way after Sunday's loss to 49ers.(link)

🏦Finance

Bluerock Real Estate Pays $103M for Tampa Community.(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

🏀 South Florida Women's Basketball v Jacksonville University
Yuengling Center Tampa,
Wednesday November 20 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Blood Incantation
Orpheum Theatre - Tampa
Tuesday November 19 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Babyface
Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center Tampa,
Wednesday November 20 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family Friendly

🎨 Kids Drawing - Develop Your Vision
Creative Junk Therapy 772 W. Lumsden Rd. Brandon,
Wednesday, November 20 | 5:00PM | (more info)

🔍 Scavenger Hunt Tampa
2902 N Shoreview Pl Tampa,
Tuesday, November 19 | 2pm EST | (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 with wildlife corridors and roaming animals.” 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

1930s: The cigar industry in Tampa faces challenges during the Great Depression.

During the 1930s, Tampa's iconic cigar industry, which had thrived for decades, faced immense challenges amidst the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. The cigar industry had long been a cornerstone of Tampa's economy and culture, with the city known as the ""Cigar Capital of the World."" However, the 1930s brought a series of hardships that tested the resilience of the industry and its workers.

The Great Depression led to a sharp decline in consumer spending, impacting the demand for cigars and luxury goods. As a result, many cigar factories in Tampa faced reduced production, layoffs, and even closures. Thousands of cigar workers, primarily Cuban and Spanish immigrants, grappled with unemployment and financial hardship, and the tight-knit Ybor City community felt the brunt of these challenges.

Despite the difficult times, the cigar industry in Tampa persevered. Some manufacturers adapted by introducing lower-cost cigar brands to cater to changing consumer preferences. The industry also received a boost during World War II, as cigars were included in soldiers' rations. While the Great Depression left an indelible mark on Tampa's cigar industry, its survival and adaptation showcased the resilience of both the industry and the diverse immigrant communities that had built it, ensuring that Tampa's cigar-making heritage continued to thrive in the years to come.

Famous People From Tampa

Stephen M. Sparkman (1849–1929): U.S. Congressman who contributed to Tampa's growth.

Early Life and Education (1849-1870)

Born in 1849 in Eufaula, Alabama, Stephen M. Sparkman moved to Florida with his family at a young age. He pursued his education with a focus on law, laying the groundwork for his future career. Sparkman's early years were characterized by a growing interest in legal and public matters.

Beginning of Legal Career (1871-1889)

After completing his legal studies, Sparkman began practicing law in Florida.He quickly established himself as a respected attorney, gaining prominence in his community.This period marked the start of his long-term commitment to public service and legal practice.

Entrance into Politics (1890-1894)

Sparkman's interest in politics led him to run for public office. He became actively involved in local politics, advocating for regional development and infrastructure improvements. His political involvement set the stage for his future role in Congress.

Election to U.S. Congress (1895-1904)

Sparkman was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing Florida. In Congress, he was known for his dedication to his constituents and his focus on regional development.His tenure in Congress during this period was marked by significant legislative contributions.

Involvement in Tampa's Development (1905-1914)

Sparkman played a pivotal role in Tampa's growth and development. He was instrumental in securing federal funding for local projects, including port development and transportation improvements.His efforts significantly contributed to transforming Tampa into a major commercial and shipping hub.

Continued Congressional Service (1915-1921)

Sparkman continued to serve in Congress, focusing on national and regional issues. He maintained his commitment to improving infrastructure and supporting economic growth in Florida. His legislative work during this time further solidified his impact on Florida's development.

Retirement and Later Life (1922-1929)

After retiring from Congress, Sparkman returned to his legal practice and remained active in public affairs. He spent his later years reflecting on his contributions to public service. Sparkman passed away in 1929, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to Florida and Tampa.

Connection to Tampa

Sparkman's deep connection to Tampa was evident throughout his career. He was instrumental in securing federal support for projects that were crucial to Tampa's growth. His contributions had a lasting impact on the city, particularly in terms of infrastructure and economic development.

Personal Life and Characteristics

Stephen M. Sparkman was known for his integrity, dedication, and pragmatic approach to politics. His personal life was marked by a strong commitment to his community and family. Sparkman's career was defined by his efforts to improve the lives of his constituents through tangible legislative achievements.

Key Achievements

• Elected multiple times to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Florida.

• Played a key role in Tampa's development, particularly in port and transportation projects.

• Known for his effective and pragmatic approach to politics and legislation.

• Left a lasting legacy in infrastructure development and economic growth in Florida.

Stephen M. Sparkman's life and career were marked by a steadfast commitment to the growth and development of Florida, particularly Tampa. His efforts in Congress, especially in securing federal funding for key infrastructure projects, were instrumental in shaping Tampa's evolution into a major commercial and shipping center. Sparkman's legacy as a pragmatic and dedicated public servant remains a significant part of Florida's political and developmental history.

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.

-Yannick Lyons

Poll