Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Merry Christmas🎅

• Florida gas prices hit 2-year low

• The Bolts are back in action for a 3-game homestand

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The essence of investment management is the management of risks, not the management of returns." - Raymond James Stowers (Founder of Raymond James Financial)

News

💼 Business

Florida Gas Prices Hit Two-Year Low:

In a significant development for motorists, Florida's gas prices have dropped to their lowest in two years. The state average reached $2.86 per gallon, marking the lowest daily average price since June 2021. This decline, amounting to a 31-cent drop over 17 days, offers some financial relief to Florida residents amid broader economic concerns. (link)

🏒 Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers remain atop the NFC South:

Tampa Bay came out on top against in-state opponent Jacksonville, beating the Jaguars in dominating fashion 30-12. (link)

The Lightning are red-hot:

Tampa knocked off the Washington Capitals 2-1 in a shootout to win their 3rd straight game, and kick off a 3 game homestand on Wednesday against the Florida Panthers. (link)

🏦 Finance

Tampa Manufacturer Acquires PGT Innovations for $3 Billion:

Masonite International, a Tampa-based manufacturer and distributor of interior and exterior doors, announced its plans to acquire PGT Innovations, a Venice-based designer and manufacturer of impact-resistant doors and windows. The deal, valued at $3 billion, will be paid in a combination of cash and Masonite shares. This merger represents a significant consolidation of two major publicly traded companies along the Gulf Coast (link)

City of Tampa Secures Two New Bonds and Receives High Ratings:

The City of Tampa has successfully secured two new financial bonds, leading to substantial taxpayer savings and the ability to advance important projects for the city's development. The bonds include a $27.29 million Non-Ad Valorem Refunding and Improvements Revenue Bond and a $97.675 million Non-Ad Valorem Improvement Revenue Bond, also known as "Sustainability Bonds." These bonds, supported by top ratings from Moody's, S&P, and Fitch, will enable the City of Tampa to fund various capital improvement and sustainability projects​​. (link)

📰 News

Tampa Police Recover Body of Missing Boat Captain: The Tampa Police Department announced the recovery of the body of missing boat captain Curtis Lee Cowling. Divers found and retrieved his body, bringing closure to a case that had concerned the local maritime community and Cowling's family and friends. (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 Events

🏒 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers - Wednesday, December 27

The Bolts are back in town this week as they take on their in-state rivals, the Florida Panthers. This game marks the first of three straight games at home!

🏒 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers - Saturday, December 30

This week may as well be dubbed “rivalry week”, with the New York Rangers coming to town Saturday night - should be another great game at Amalie Arena.

🏈 Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints - Sunday December 31

What better way to reign in the New Year than with a Bucs game? Against their rivals no less - the Saints come to town on New Year’s Eve in an NFC South showdown at Raymond James.

Music & Concerts

🎵 Marcello Hernandez at Funny Bone Comedy Club - Friday December 29

Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Marcello Hernandez at the Tampa Improv Comedy Theater. Known for his witty humor and engaging performances, Hernandez is sure to provide a night full of fun and entertainment!

🎤 James Hype at Gathering At Armature Works - Friday December 29

Electronic music fans can experience an energizing night with DJ James Hype at Gathering At Armature Works. Renowned for his unique mixes and beats, this event promises a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a Friday night out!

Family

Winter Village 2023 at Curtis Hixon Park - December 26-31, 2023

The Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park offers a festive and family-friendly experience with ice skating, holiday markets, and more. This event is a perfect way for families to enjoy the holiday spirit!

Also a great opportunity to go ice skating and get a good laugh… Someone is bound to wipe out on the ice!

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 is the name of the historic hotel in Tampa that was instrumental in the development of the city's cigar industry?

• A. The Vinoy Renaissance

• B. The Don CeSar

• C. The Floridan Palace Hotel

• D. The Tampa Bay Hotel

Last week’s answer:

Which Tampa native became a well-known professional wrestler?

Answer: Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan, whose real name is Terry Gene Bollea, was born in Augusta, Georgia, but grew up in Tampa, Florida.

AI Image of the Week

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

This week, the image is…

“Tampa at Christmas”

Tampa Historical Events

The Great Hurricane of 1848:

In late September 1848, a massive hurricane hit Tampa, causing catastrophic damage. Virtually every building in Tampa was either damaged or destroyed, including the majority of Fort Brooke.

The resilience of Tampa's residents shone through as they chose to stay and rebuild their city. Their determination even influenced the U.S. Army's decision to not abandon Fort Brooke, which was crucial for the city's defense and growth.

Famous People in Tampa History

Blanche Mae Armwood (1890–1939): A Pillar of Education and Activism

Introduction: Blanche Armwood - Educator, Activist, and Trailblazer Blanche Mae Armwood, born on January 23, 1890, in Tampa, Florida, and passing on October 16, 1939, was an outstanding African-American educator and activist. She was the first African-American woman in Florida to graduate from an accredited law school. Renowned for her role as the first Executive Secretary of the Tampa Urban League, Armwood made significant contributions to education and civil rights, particularly in establishing industrial arts schools for African-American women in various states​​.

Early Life: Foundation of a Future Leader (1890–1906) Blanche was born into a prominent middle-class family in Tampa. Her mother was a skilled dressmaker, and her father was Tampa's first black policeman and a county deputy sheriff. Despite her parents not completing their formal education, they ensured Blanche received quality education. She excelled in her studies at St. Peter Claver Catholic School, graduating with honors in 1902. At just 12, she passed the State Uniform Teacher's Examination and later attended Spelman Seminary, graduating summa cum laude in 1906​​.

Beginning of Teaching Career: Returning to Tampa (1906–1913) After her graduation, Armwood returned to Tampa and began teaching in Hillsborough County Public Schools, contributing significantly for seven years. Her passion for education and dedication to her community became evident early in her career​​.

Pioneering Educational Initiatives: The Tampa School of Household Arts (1914–1917) In 1914, Armwood's journey as an educator took a remarkable turn when she organized the Tampa School of Household Arts. This initiative, aimed at training black women in domestic sciences, was a major step in promoting vocational education and empowerment for African-American women in Tampa​​.

Expanding Her Reach: Activism and Authorship (1917–1920) Between 1917 and 1920, Armwood lived in New Orleans, where she gained acclaim for her work in training domestic workers. During this period, she also authored "Food Conservation in the Home," a popular cookbook, highlighting her commitment to community upliftment during World War I​​.

Leadership in the Urban League: Advocating for Community Development (1922–1926) Armwood's leadership skills flourished when she became the first Executive Secretary of the Tampa Urban League in 1922. Under her guidance, the organization established critical community services like playgrounds, day care centers, and kindergartens for black children, and played a significant role in housing development for the African-American community​​.

Revolutionizing Education: Supervisor of Negro Schools (1926–1934) As the first Supervisor of Negro Schools in Hillsborough County, Armwood was instrumental in improving educational infrastructure and opportunities for African-American students. She played a crucial role in establishing new school buildings, increasing teacher salaries, and extending the school year for black students​​.

National Impact: A Voice for Equality and Justice (1934–1939) Beyond Tampa, Armwood's influence extended nationwide. She held various positions in national organizations, spoke on voting rights and racial inequality, and actively participated in the suffrage and anti-lynching movements. Her work with figures like Mary McLeod Bethune underscored her commitment to racial justice and equality​​.

Legal Pioneer: Breaking Barriers in Law Education (1934–1938) Armwood's passion for civil rights led her to pursue a law degree. In 1938, she earned her Juris Doctor from Howard Law School, becoming the first African-American woman from Florida to graduate from an accredited law school—a monumental achievement for the time​​.

Passing and Legacy: Honoring a Visionary (1939 and Beyond) Armwood's untimely death in 1939 during a speaking tour in Massachusetts marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to education and civil rights. Her legacy continues, with schools and memorials named in her honor, reflecting the lasting impact of her work in Tampa and beyond​​.

Major Achievements:

• First African-American woman in Florida to graduate from an accredited law school.

• Organized the Tampa School of Household Arts, empowering many African-American women.

• First Executive Secretary of the Tampa Urban League, significantly contributing to community development.

• Instrumental in improving education for African-American students in Tampa as Supervisor of Negro Schools.

• Pioneered legal education for African-American women in Florida.

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