Sponsored by:

Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• AI art of the week

• Vinik sells ownership shares of Tampa Bay Lightning.

• A deep dive into the life of Robert W. Saunders Sr

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Life’s lessons take a lifetime to learn, that’s just how it is in life’s classroom. But as we learn, we teach others. We are all teachers in the school of life.”

—Olive Steele

Sponsored

BofA says +80% of young, wealthy investors want this asset—now it can be yours.

A 2024 Bank of America survey revealed something incredible: 83% of HNW respondents 43 and younger say they currently own art, or would like to.

Why? After weathering multiple recessions, newer generations say they want to diversify beyond just stocks and bonds. Luckily, Masterworks’ art investing platform is already catering to 60,000+ investors of every generation, making it easy to diversify with an asset that’s overall outpaced the S&P 500 in price appreciation (1995-2023), even despite a recent dip.

To date, each of Masterworks’ 23 sales has individually returned a profit to investors, and with 3 illustrative sales, Masterworks investors have realized net annualized returns of +17.6%, +17.8%, and +21.5%

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 historic Tampa theater, opened in 1926, is known for its Mediterranean Revival architectural style?

A) The Tampa Theatre

B) The Straz Center

C) The Ritz Ybor

D) The Orpheum

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The famous Tampa event celebrating the city's Latino heritage is A) Fiesta Day

News

💼Business

Vinik sells ownership shares of Tampa Bay Lightning.(link)

Tampa sweet shops reflect on two hurricanes.(link)

🏒Sports

MLB wants Tampa Bay Rays to stay close to Tropicana Field. (link)

FanDuel Sports Network is new home for Lightning games and programming.(link)

🏦Finance

East Tampa nonprofit helps residents rebound from financial toll of back-to-back hurricanes.(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

🔫 1 On 1 Gunz Shooting Lessons
Shoot Straight Tampa 3909 U.S. 301 Tampa, FL
Saturday, November 2 · 12:30 - 1:30pm EDT | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Maverick City Music
Amalie Arena Tampa, FL
Thursday October 31 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Chase Matthew
The Dallas Bull Tampa, FL
Friday November 01 | 10:00 PM | (more info)

Family Friendly

🎃 Halloween Village & Trick or Treat Trail
Foundation for a Drug-Free World 41 North Fort Harrison Avenue Clearwater, FL
Thursday, October 31 · 5pm EDT | (more info)

🍫 Chocolate Mania
Creative Junk Therapy 772 W. Lumsden Rd. Brandon, FL
Saturday, November 2 · 11am 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 with architecture inspired by different planets.” 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

Robert W. Saunders Sr. (1921–1995): Civil rights leader.

Early Life and Education (1921-1940)

Robert W. Saunders Sr. was born in 1921, during a period of profound racial segregation in America. His early life in Florida was marked by the harsh realities of racial discrimination, shaping his future activism.Saunders pursued education with a focus on African-American studies, laying the groundwork for his civil rights career.

Military Service and Early Career (1941-1950)

Saunders served in the military during World War II, experiencing the racial inequalities within the armed forces. After his service, he began his career focused on addressing racial injustices.This period was crucial in developing his understanding of civil rights issues and strategies to combat them.

Joining the NAACP (1951-1960)

Saunders joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), becoming a key figure in the organization. He worked tirelessly to dismantle segregation and fight for the rights of African Americans.His efforts during this time were central to the civil rights movement in Florida and beyond.

Impact in Tampa (1961-1970)

Saunders' connection to Tampa was significant, as he led numerous civil rights initiatives in the city. He played a pivotal role in desegregating schools and public facilities in Tampa.His leadership in Tampa became a model for civil rights activism across the region.

Advocacy and Legal Battles (1971-1980)

During this decade, Saunders focused on advocacy and legal battles against racial discrimination. He was involved in landmark cases, fighting for equal rights in education, employment, and housing. His legal acumen and strategic approach were instrumental in advancing civil rights legislation.

Leadership in NAACP (1981-1990)

Saunders rose to prominent leadership positions within the NAACP. His tenure was marked by a strengthening of the organization's impact and outreach. He mentored a new generation of civil rights activists, ensuring the continuity of the movement.

Final Years and Reflections (1991-1995)

In his final years, Saunders reflected on the progress of the civil rights movement and the challenges ahead. He continued to advocate for racial equality and social justice until his death in 1995. Saunders' legacy was his enduring commitment to the cause of civil rights.

Personal Life and Influence

Saunders was known for his unwavering dedication, eloquence, and strategic thinking. His personal life was characterized by a deep commitment to family and community. Saunders' influence extended beyond his immediate surroundings, impacting the national civil rights movement.

Key Achievements

• Played a crucial role in the desegregation of schools and public facilities in Tampa.

• Held key leadership roles in the NAACP, significantly contributing to its effectiveness.

• Involved in landmark legal cases advancing civil rights in various sectors.

• Mentored a new generation of civil rights activists, ensuring the movement's continuity.

• Instrumental in fighting against racial discrimination in the military during and after World War II.

Robert W. Saunders Sr.'s life was a testament to his relentless fight for civil rights and racial equality. His impactful work in Tampa, particularly in desegregating public facilities and schools, marked him as a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement. Saunders' leadership within the NAACP and his involvement in significant legal battles played a crucial role in advancing the rights of African Americans, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire activists and leaders.

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